Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Human Management Practices At Japan, China, And South Korea

Every country has different management practices. They all have unique approaches that have been found to be the most adequate or efficient way in accomplishing specific objectives. We have heard the English terms culture, management terms, and business culture, which are commonly used business terms in America. Nonetheless, we don’t have much knowledge about international business terms. International business terms such as â€Å"wa†, â€Å"quanxi†, and â€Å" inhwa†, which are essential management terms in Japan, China, and South Korea. In this paper I will be analyzing my findings on the words culture, management terms, business culture, â€Å"wa†, â€Å"quanxi†, â€Å"inhwa†, what would be similar terms to describe American management practices, and if these terms sufficiently capture American management practices. Culture is a very broad word with multiple definitions. It can be defined as the knowledge, experience, beliefs, attitude and values passed from one generation to another. Culture can also be interpreted as a certain way of thinking and behavior that prevail in a place or organization. On the other hand, management is the act of controlling and most important making business decisions. Whereas term, is an expression used to indicate a concept in a specific kind of language or branch of study. If we combine the two words, management and terms, from the definition provided, the term refers to certain terminology used in the administration process of an organization/ entity. According to theShow MoreRelatedThe Competitive Worlds Growth Of A Business1456 Words   |  6 Pagesgreat extent. In case of few countries, namely Japan and South Korea, that initially functioned as Protectionist, looking after the domestic market, open their markets after WWII and adapted export driven attitude, since being endogenous can’t work well in small populated countries. South Korea proved to have a good model of how a low income country became high income country. When countries around the world where looking for Import Substitutes Korea took up the opportunity and created attractiveRead MoreSouth Korea4993 Words   |  20 Pagesreport South Korea – Electronic Yu Ming Lin Country Profile In February 1945 the end of World War II, Korean Peninsula divided into North and South Korea. South Korea also name Republic of Korea, 99,392 sq. km, has a population of almost 50 million, and has its capital at Seoul, the largest city in Korea. The second largest city is Busan, which is the country’s main port, has wonderful nature harbor beside the delta of Nakdong River. The major industrial prior 1948 was agriculture in Korea peninsulaRead MoreThe World s Second Largest World Economy1289 Words   |  6 PagesQuestion Two: China has risen from the Third World status in 1979 to become the second largest world economy behind only the United States. 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Specifically, China has large amount of human resources due to its largest population while both New Zealand and Australia has powerful farming industry. From economic perspective, China and Japan belong to top-ranking countries with larges economic volume. Meanwhile, HongRead MoreSocio-Cultural Analysis Of North Korea. 13F Alc Class 003-17.1565 Words   |  7 Pages SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS of NORTH KOREA 13F ALC CLASS 003-17 SSG CORNISH, SCOTT A. â€Æ' Table of Contents The meaning of culture 3 Five major characteristics that define the culture 3 The common cultural characteristics of a region of the world 4 Overview of the physical geography 5 Complex Terrain 5 Urban/Sub Urban Terrain 5 Key Infrastructure 6 Lines of Communication 6 Significant past military conflicts and their impact on the society 6 Weather analysis 7 Civil considerations 7 â€Æ' The meaning ofRead MoreFactors Responsible for the Change in Coca Cola Company1348 Words   |  6 PagesChange Management in Coca-Cola Corporation Change is significant, prolonged and disruptive In this attribute, change in an organization includes venturing into new areas of business, such as entering new products in the new market, facing an unexpected event such as economic crisis and redirection of the company. Change is a continuous process of alignment According to (), an aligned organisation must have a continuous synchronization of the important management leversRead MoreTerm Paper-Lowes Bd 10-Year3567 Words   |  15 PagesIntroduction As Lowe’s seeks new international markets to expand its highly successful home improvement model, the opportunities in the Asia market provide a unique untapped region. In Korea, recent political changes have opened its economy to foreign investors and businesses. Korea’s strong economic growth provides Lowe’s with the ideal situation of opening up stores before their competitors. Based on research I conducted, this assessment considers the potential of expanding Lowe’s into the KoreanRead MoreThe Impact Of Lundbeck As A Global Pharmaceutical Company1751 Words   |  8 Pagesin new , well-equipped laboratories . In each project team , we integrate our clinical practice and therapy in the development of advanced subject knowledge and the need for expertise, (FActs and Background, 2016). Global presence Our R D is an international organization comprised of more than 1300 professional R D personnel . The research institute is located in Copenhagen, Denmark , and in Shanghai , China . Headquartered in clinical research and development around the world regulators in Copenhagen

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Breast Cancer Invasive And Non Invasive - 2609 Words

Task 2 Breast Cancer Invasive/Non-invasive Most breast cancers are diagnosed when a tumour has grown from within a duct or lobule into the surrounding breast tissue. Some people are diagnosed when the cancerous cells are still within a duct or lobule. These are called carcinoma in situ, as no cancer cells have grown out from their original site. By looking at a sample of breast cancer tissue under a microscope the cancer can be graded: †¢Grade 1 - cancer cells are slow-growing and less aggressive. †¢Grade 2 †¢Grade 3 - cancer cells are fast-growing and more aggressive. Some breast cancer cells have receptors which allow certain types of hormones or proteins to attach to the cancer cell: †¢Hormones - testing on a sample of breast†¦show more content†¦The treatments used depend on: †¢The cancer itself - size, stage, grade, and whether it is hormone responsive or contains HER2 receptors †¢The patient - age, if they have been through menopause, general health and personal preferences for treatment. Surgery The types of operation which may be considered are: †¢Breast-conserving surgery - a lumpectomy is one type of operation where just the tumour and some surrounding breast tissue are removed. This aims to kill any cancer cells which may have been left in the breast tissue. It is common to have radiotherapy following this operation. †¢Removal of the affected breast (mastectomy) - this may be necessary if there is a large tumour or a tumour in the middle of the breast. †¢A sentinel lymph node biopsy - this is a way of assessing if the main lymph nodes draining the breast contain cancer. This helps to stage the disease accurately and to guide the specialist as to what treatment to advise following surgery. Radiotherapy Radiotherapy is a treatment which uses high-energy beams of radiation which are focused on cancerous tissue. This kills cancer cells, or stops cancer cells from multiplying. The types available are: †¢breast radiotherapy – after breast-conserving surgery, radiation is applied to the whole of the remaining breast tissue. †¢chest wall radiotherapy – after a mastectomy, radiotherapy is applied to the chest wall. †¢breast boost – some women may be offered a boost of

Saturday, December 14, 2019

The EU Trade policy aims to develop both multilateral liberalization.. Free Essays

string(40) " EU industries to confront competition\." Introduction It is frequently said that the European Union ( E.U. ) is â€Å" an economic giant but a political midget † . We will write a custom essay sample on The EU Trade policy aims to develop both multilateral liberalization.. or any similar topic only for you Order Now If the 2nd statement seems controversial, the first 1 is verified. Indeed, the E.U. is a major trading power as it is the universe ‘s largest exporter ( 16.2 % of planetary exports[ 1 ]) and importer of goods and services, accounting for a fifth of universe trade[ 2 ]. The European Union has been developing its internal market since 1993 and the â€Å" Individual Market Program † . Following the rules of the GATT/WTO[ 3 ], which is â€Å" an organisation for liberalising trade †[ 4 ]as it is written on the web site, the E.U. has borrowed a broad rhetoric based on the aim of liberalisation. Associated with the neoclassical economic theory, the European liberalisation could be defined as an â€Å" unfastened market with free competition † ( art. 119 Lisbon Treaty ) , without obstructions or barriers to merchandise. Article 206 of the Lisbon Treaty underlines the importance of the part of the EU to the â€Å" development of universe trade † and to â€Å" the progressive abolishment of limitations on international trade † . The EU Trade policy, as a tool of entree to the liberalisation, is pursued by the Common Commercial Policy ( CCP ) , which has been a portion of the community competencies since the Treaty of Rome. The implicit in thought is that liberalisation of trade has brought and will convey economic benefits and growing[ 5 ], which is the first measure to a public assistance system and a peaceable society. The EU Trade policy aims to develop both many-sided liberalisation and regional integrating. The OECD defines the EU trade policy as: â€Å" Partially by necessity, partially by design, the EU ‘s trade policy has been ‘walking on two legs ‘ since its early yearss: many-sided liberalization and regional integrating. †[ 6 ]The Lisbon Treaty considered that the CCP â€Å" shall be conducted in the context of the rules and aims of the Union ‘s external action † . Therefore, the external dimension of the EU trade has effects on the SM as the internal policy interplays with advancement in the SM. Presents, the E.U has become an attractive economic pole of about 500 million consumers, developing intra-EU and extra-EU exchanges. However, this attraction, this â€Å" magnet † consequence ( S. McGuire ) , has provoked a defensive reaction from the Member States ( MS ) , fueling the demand to protect the SM from external competition.[ 7 ]The analogue of openness seems to be the containment of external menaces which can destabilise the SM and the whole European economic system. Many physical or administrative barriers still remain and the EU has even created new barriers as proficient 1s, linked to the alleged European values. If the EU is non a complete â€Å" fortress † , these obstructions are harmful and lead to circumvent universe trade understandings. In such a instance, the dealingss between Trade Policy and the liberalisation of the SM are neither systematic nor drone. Sensitive goods: Would all sectors be wholly liberalized? Duties and non-tariffs barriers to merchandise. The EU remains stigmatized for utilizing protectionist mechanisms for sectors such as agricultural merchandises and fabric and vesture. The EU is a chief user of subsidies, anti-dumping steps and voluntary export restraints ( VER ) in order to protect the alleged â€Å" sensitive sectors † which still remain a beginning of tenseness between WTO members. Indeed, the external dimension of the EU Trade policy convergences with the internal Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) . The CAP has been created in order to protect the internal European agricultural market, curtailing the market entree to EU trade spouses and lessening exports[ 8 ]. This policy was applied in the model defined by the Uruguay Round which created specific regulations for agricultural-food merchandises and textiles-clothing, leting high duties on some merchandises. Even if these regulations have been weakened by farther WTO statute law, the EU still applies a assortment of techniques. Price support and export subsidies Export subsidies have became the chief instrument of domestic monetary value support in Europe. The sugar sector is one of the most conclusive illustration, being a major receiver of subsidies. To call a few, Tereos Group ( France ) , Azucarera Ebro ( Spain ) , Krajowa Spolka Cukrowa ( Poland ) received severally about a‚ ¬178 million, a‚ ¬119.4 and a‚ ¬135 million in aid in 2009[ 9 ]. 1.5 billion per twelvemonth is spent on subsidizing sugar sector, as a monetary value of 632 euros per metric ton can be guaranteed to manufacturers[ 10 ]. It makes two times the universe monetary value. The EU is one of the important universe ‘s exporter of sugar Beta vulgaris ( EU was the first exporter before CAP reform[ 11 ]) even though its production cost is higher than in Brazil or Thailand. Besides, tariff barriers are still imposed on cane-sugar exporters. Harmonizing to this trade policy, 3rd states have a really restrictive entree to the EU market entree. Brazil , Thailand and Australia succeeded in conveying the instance to the WTO difference colony. WTO assessed that EU sugar exports were â€Å" up to four times more subsidies each twelvemonth than allowed under WTO understandings †[ 12 ], conflicting with the WTO agreemement on subsidies and offseting step ( SCM ) . To this extent, EU trade policy was regarded as protectionist, safeguarding the internal market from third-countries exportations. From the external dimension of the individual market, the chief end of liberalisation was non reached. On the other manus, internal integrating suffered trade recreation. These types of ordinances have created biaised competition and have merely permitted to large manufacturers who are capable of run intoing high criterions to come in the market, ensuing in a really restricted liberalisation[ 13 ]. Voluntary export limitations ( VER ) Export subsidies can be associated with voluntary export limitations. VER have been outlawed harmonizing to WTO regulations. However, it remains a tool of EU trade policy, utilizing as a barrier against the flow of Chinese fabric imports for illustration. VER are quantitative limitation as the celebrated illustration is the understanding for restriction of Chinese fabrics measure authorised on the EU market. China â€Å" voluntary † accepted to curtail its imports assisting EU industries to confront competition. You read "The EU Trade policy aims to develop both multilateral liberalization.." in category "Essay examples" Even if import quotas ended in December 2008 with the Multiple Fibre Arrangement ( MFA ) taking to farther liberalisation, VER are still used protectionist tools. Anti-dumping steps Harmonizing to the WTO web site, dumping â€Å" occurs when goods are exported at a monetary value less than their normal value, by and large intending they are exported for less than they are sold in the domestic market or third-country markets, or at less than production cost †[ 14 ]. Article 6 of GATT/WTO allows state to develop anti-dumping responsibilities ( ADD ) if unjust competition consequences from. But the EU circumvents the WTO model, utilizing arbitraly just trade regulations. The European Union uses the â€Å" Community involvement † to warrant the infliction of ADD which can last up to five old ages[ 15 ]. However, voices have risen against a protection maltreatment of these policies. The EU initiated 287 anti-dumping instances in ten old ages, between 1998 and 2008[ 16 ]. Harmonizing to L. Davis, â€Å" 59 % of instances have involved Asiatic exports, 22 % from China entirely † , particularly because of the higher competition in chemical and metal sector increasing with the development of Asiatic economic systems[ 17 ]. China is now the biggest manufacturer of washers and bolts and this led to enforce anti-dumping on its imports: for case, duties for steel and Fe fasteners are risen from 26.5 % to 85 % , as we can see on the pie chart below[ 18 ]. The developpment of anti-dumping instances underlines the â€Å" subsitution consequence † from duties to non-tarrifs barriers[ 19 ]. The rhetoric of liberalisation fells an implicit in protectionism. Beginning: L.Davis, â€Å" Ten old ages of anti-dumping in the EU: economic and political targeting † , Ecipe working paper, No. 02/2009. The policies applied to these sensitive sectors exemplifie what Professor M. Monti called â€Å" the ambivalent feeling ( of the EU ) about the external dimension of its individual market †[ 20 ]. Surely, harmonizing to B.-T. Hanson, it can be possible to liberalise the internal market associated with external protectionism. However, the chief end of EU trade policy is defined as liberalisation of the universe ‘s market. This contradiction between theory and facts is underlined by the indispensable controversial nature of the nexus between liberalising external trade policy and making a individual market for 27 states[ 21 ]. If what is frequently called â€Å" the Fortress Europe † does non be, inclinations to protectionism are still important in specifying EU trade policy. The statement of Pearce, Sutton and Batchelor in 1985 remains relevant: â€Å" Even if the European economic systems revive, and there is no rush in protectionism elsewhere in the universe, de ficiency of international fight will go on to bring forth force per unit area to protect some sectors in some or all member provinces. The disposition if authoritiess to give to these force per unit areas will likely non alter much †[ 22 ]. Then, if a weak nexus between EU trade policy and individual market liberalisation can be found, the part of EU trade policy to the liberalisation of the SM is non obvious and even seems an obstruction to farther external liberalisation. Discriminatory Trade Agreement The Union supports trade liberalisation through many-sided dialogues within the GATT/WTO, which are based on rule of non-discrimination. Beyond WTO model, the EU has signed legion bilateral understandings with states and regional organisations based on article 24 GATT. For illustration, the EU is presently negociating a Free Trade Area ( FTA ) understanding with ASEAN. EU creates its ain pyramid of penchants that divide its â€Å" trading spouses into friends, lesser friends and enemies †[ 23 ]. These understandings create different degrees of trade liberalisation. It can be deep integrating as it is established in Europe ( EEC ) or free trade understandings as with Mediterranean states. The EU has besides signed partnership understandings with many African, Caribbean and Pacific ( ACP ) states or has established Generalized System of duty Preferences for the poorest countries. â€Å"[ 24 ] In general they are called Preferential Trade Agreements ( PTA ) and can be defined as â€Å" a assortment of agreements that favour member parties over non-members by widening duty and other non-tariff penchants † .[ 25 ]Being of such discriminatory intervention can menace the liberalisation of planetary trade by doing trade recreation. Trade recreation exists because states within trading axis will instead merchandise between them even if the states outside the axis would hold a natural comparative advantage.[ 26 ]The most known instance of favoring the regional penchants was the Banana instance when the ACP states have enjoyed discriminatory entree to the EU market even if the manufacturers from Latin America were the cheapest. This caused a excess loss in economic footings. The SM undergoes external factors that limited complete liberalisation. However, the complex system of discriminatory trade policy does non ever have the lone position of trade liberalisation. As for illustration, under economic grounds are frequently concealed political 1s: protections of human rights or labor criterions travel beyond the pure trade issues[ 27 ]. These understandings are frequently asymmetric, between powerful EU and the development states, which is in a weaker economic and political place and can non truly enforce its demands. Trade policy can be seen as a tool of advancing development and assistance to hapless states as in the instance of ACP-EU Partnership understanding: â€Å" Everything but Arms † plan. The last 1 is a good illustration of understanding which in the name of â€Å" trade penchants is allowing zero-tariff entree to EU ‘s market for all merchandises from these states, except weaponries and weaponries, but in world the most competitory goods from these states as bananas or sugar are excluded from the trad e. †[ 28 ]The understandings of this type do non advance the benefits of farther liberalization to developing states, but are protecting their ain involvements.[ 29 ] The last controversial points about application of common commercial policy are non-trade values used by EU to protect internal market. EU values such as wellness, labor criterions, environment, rural development or cultural diverseness are grounds of curtailing the imports from other states.[ 30 ]We can mention to the prohibition on importing of meat from USA that is known to be treated with endocrines. EU argues that there are possible wellness hazards linked to immune system harm in kids.[ 31 ]Refering this issue we need to emphasize the importance of precautional rule which is defined by the Commission as â€Å" the precautional rule applies where scientific grounds is deficient, inconclusive or unsure and preliminary scientific rating indicates that there are sensible evidences for concern that the potentially unsafe effects on the environment, homo, animate being or works wellness may be inconsistent with the high degree of protection chosen by the EU † .[ 32 ]By utilizi ng this rule EU can curtail the importing of goods from its trading spouses on the footing of protection of consumers. Labour criterions and environmental protection are frequently used to condition the decision of bilateral or regional understandings. A «A The EU is steadfastly committed to advancing core labour criterions and nice work for all in its trade policy, and routinely includes cooperation enterprises and inducements to better working conditions in the trade understandings it negotiates.[ 33 ]A A » Servicess Servicess became a topic of international dialogues merely on the Uruguay Round ( 1986-1994 ) and resulted in the sign language of General Agreement on Trade in Services ( GATS ) . Members committed themselves to avoid any favoritism in the application of its criterions or standards for the mandate, licensing or enfranchisement of services providers and to non curtail trade in services[ 34 ]. Despite this declaration, â€Å" the liberalisation of services is still in its babyhood †[ 35 ]. Covering more than 70 % of EU ‘s GDP[ 36 ], services are instead secondary in its trade forms. Merely 20 % of services, produced in 27 Member States, are provided abroad ( including intra-trade )[ 37 ]. Szymon Bielecki, Sylvie Gori. EU27 international trade in services declined in 2009 following the oncoming of the planetary fiscal crisis. Eurostat Statistics in focal point. 37/2010, p. 4. Service liberalisation is non achieved even on the internal degree of the EU. Monopolies still exist in European states. For illustration, each national railroad company tends to continue dominant place on domestic market. It leads to tensenesss and competitory disadvantages for other possible providers, e.g. such a instance has late occurred between SNCF and DB for the entree to the Gallic web[ 38 ]. Regardless the acceptance of â€Å" Service Directive †[ 39 ], which aimed to advance the freedom to set up a concern in another MS and the freedom to supply services in other MS, the state of affairs with liberalisation of EU Trade in services did non alter significantly. This directive does non merely have considerable spreads in ordinance of legion services, but besides does non concern 3rd states[ 40 ]. The EU for good feels the deficiency of the cohesive trade policy in services. A divided service market is damaging for an economic system largely knowledge-based and service oriented. We should besides take into history the mutuality of services and thenceforth the negative knock-on consequence of barriers[ 41 ]. Technical barriers EU Trade Policy is closely related with other policies, which besides contribute to farther limitations. For case, the protection of the Intellectual Property Rights implies that both trading parties respect and protect rational rights. It resulted in the toughening of EU Customs ordinances[ 42 ]and in a creative activity of a list of precedence states in which state of affairs with IPR protection seems â€Å" the most damaging to EU fight †[ 43 ]. Other barriers are tax-related. The EU has a extremely disconnected revenue enhancement landscape that creates the loopholes for the dual revenue enhancement or revenue enhancement favoritism of consumers and companies. Another instance is the cross-border e-commerce, limited due to the differences in consumer protection regulations, regulations on VAT, recycling fees and levies[ 44 ]. The most dearly-won and hard to get the better of are administrative limitations. Harmonizing to EU jurisprudence a service â€Å" supplier † should hold its registered office, cardinal disposal or chief topographic point of concern within the Community[ 45 ], which about automatically extinguish any foreign provider from the domestic market. It prevents states or companies from â€Å" spread outing their end products in sectors where they have a comparative advantage †[ 46 ]. SMEs ( â€Å" the anchor of the European economic system †[ 47 ]) find themselves in even worse state of affairs than the large companies. The proportion between the antecedently mentioned costs and their size is so immense, that they can non every bit compete with domestic providers and will likely decline to supply cross-border services. â€Å" Now merely 8 % of SMEs are engaged in cross-border trade and merely 5 % have set up subordinates or joint ventures abroad †[ 48 ]. Harmoniz ing to the study, the most of import barriers for SMEs met in exporting are, to call a few, the establishing of a commercial presence abroad ( 16 % of all respondents ) , the deficiency of international criterions for services ( 14 % ) , revenue enhancement issues ( 10 % )[ 49 ]. These limitations have multiple negative effects. They cut down competition between domestic and foreign providers that cause higher monetary values and lower pick for consumers. There are still â€Å" losing links † or â€Å" constrictions † in the Single Market, which exists in theory, but, in world, it is constrained by multiple barriers and regulative obstructions[ 50 ]. Decision Despite the declared EU Single Market ends for the hereafter, such as â€Å" openness to planetary trade and investing † , â€Å" rejection of protectionism † , â€Å" the remotion of behind-the-border obstructions † and â€Å" greater attending to the international dimension †[ 51 ]in fixing the new ordinances, in pattern EU states resemble the half-open doors. By and large they have a free entryway, but the breadth of the transition varies well depending on the EU ‘s â€Å" pyramid of penchants † . the EU is frequently accused of holding an ambivalent attitude towards the GATT/WTO. Simultaneously it actively supports trade liberalisation via Rounds and the edifice up of a universe trade jurisprudence, but refuse to thoroughly implement it. Homes bias + province ‘s different policies. 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Friday, December 6, 2019

Comparative Study of Fuzzy Evidential

Question: Discuss about the Comparative Study of Fuzzy Evidential. Answer: Introduction: In every contract between two or more parties, the procurement section is one of the most sensitive parts in the contract that companies have to be keener and dedicated to. The strategy that is to be applied in the procurement section should be highly considered before implementation to ensure that it will in the best interest of the client party. Alliance procurement strategy would best work for the project. It is a strategy that gives the contractor to involve in the project earlier enough. Alliancing is applied in the cases where there is the management and procurement of major capital assets. The strategy appears to be the best for the complex projects that are associated with high risks and in the cases where the alternative strategies for the risk allocation are to be in effective. In the process of selecting the sub-contractors for a project, the main themes are to reduce the associated risks in the project while maximizing the quality and at the same time maintaining the rela tionship between the partners in the project. On normal cases, the associated problems in the selection and assessment as well as the alternative solutions appear to be limited. In the process when projects are to move through the phases in the management of the capital works, the knowledge of the project phases increases. In this case, alliance procurement strategy would best work for the project. It is a strategy that gives the contractor to involve in the project earlier enough. Alliancing is applied in the cases where there is the management and procurement of major capital assets. In the contracts using the alliance as their methods of procurement, it is seen that the state agency is working in collaboration with the private sector bodies so as to deliver the project (Aghaarabi et al 2014). The alliance is to be formed between the participants of the key project including the principal and the contractors. All the partners in the alliance are to bear a collective responsibility when it comes to the aspects of the delivery of the project. In the strategy, the partnership is structured in a way that the commercial risks and the rewards are shared in betwe en the alliance partners. The strategy appears to be the best for the complex projects that are associated with high risks and in the cases where the alternative strategies for the risk allocation are to be in effective. Among the reasons that leads to the selection of the alliance procurement strategy is due to the fact that the strategy the one used among the major large and more complex projects (Giri Nejadhashemi, 2014). The strategy is mainly applicable in the cases where there is an existence of large amounts of uncertainty and the issue of not being sure that is likely to result in the beneficial advantages in the arising cases of emergency situations. The size and the duration of the project, just as in this case, have to be in a position to justify the investment in the setting up of the project in both commercial and cultural settings (Molenaar, Anderson Schexnayder, 2010). The strategy is characterized by the number of the main features that are known to generally require the involved organs working together comfortably and conducive manner making the best out of the decisions made regarding the project. The risks associated with the projects under the alliance procurement strategy are believed to be jointly managed by the parties even though the financial effects are mainly left to the state. The main advantage associated with the alliance procurement strategy is that the project starts earl y before the risks can be identified where the client of the project is set to face the commercial risks associated in the process (Hajeeh Al-Othman, 2005). In the process of selecting the sub-contractors for a project, the main themes are to reduce the associated risks in the project while maximizing the quality and at the same time maintaining the relationship between the partners in the project. Some of the project owners are considering he costs as being the most important criteria to base their selection process although research recommends, and also to be used in this case, the multi-criteria selection process. Most of the sub-contractors and the project owners are never interested on the parties with low bid. Other criteria to be considered also exist and that includes the history of the reasonable bid price submissions. The section criterion indicates the specialization and the quality of the workmanship in a certain construction skill. The multi-criterion decision making is a tendering process that involves the making of decisions in the process of many and in most cases conflicting criteria. The problems involved in the process are always experienced in everyday life. The problems are seen to be complicated and huge. Although it is a selection process that is known and widespread in many contracts, it is a discipline that is more closely related to the rapid advancing in the computing and technology. Similarly, the advanced in technology and computing services has made it possible to solve and analyze the complex multiple criteria decision making problems. These technological advances have as well resulted in the bulk information making the process more significant and useful in the support offered to the decisions made in the business. There are two known types of problems associated with the MCDM that is as a result of the problem setting. One type is known as the finite number of solutions and the other one is the infinite number of solutions. On normal cases, the associated problems in the selection and assessment as well as the alternative solutions appear to be limited. In relation to the problems connected to the designs, the attributes are expected to take any values to the range. in any case the latter is the situation, the problem may them be termed as the objective optimization problems rather than the multiple attribute decisions problems (Hajkowicz Collins, 2007). In the process of managing a contract plan, one may choose to incorporate the key performance indicators that are to define the factors that the contract have to benchmark and monitor closely. The assessment methods are known to be offering mechanisms that are to be used in the measuring and the assessment of the factors that are defined in the process of the evaluation or the impact. The key performance indicators are known to specifying the things that are being measured as well as the assessment techniques that gives details on how and when the measurement would be conducted. The indicators are measures that are used to define and evaluate the manner organizations are successful. They incorporate the information on the sources, calculations and the definitions for all the measures setting out the timetable for the submissions of data. The performance indicators are known to be beneficial to organizations as they assist in defining and also measuring the progress towards the goals and objectives of an organization. Immediately the company has been taken through the analysis, the mission and goals there needs to be a measure of the progress towards the goals (Herath, 2004). The key performance indicators are used to measure a project and acknowledge that it is on track and that it is working in the right direction aimed at attaining the advantageous result. In most cases, the key performance indicators are normally used in measuring the service delivery. There exist many ways in which performance indicators can be made. They are quantifiable measurements that are seen reflecting on the success elements of the business. The performance indicators are only a single way of measuring and evaluating the initiatives of the project. The indicators are seen to be focused on the monitoring the activities of the project for the progress in the desired direction (Calvin 2011). They are not acting as substitutes for the other measurement and evaluation activities. The monitoring process that is done within the performance elements is able to provide certain important inputs to the impacts of the evaluation. It is unless the activities of the project are having a di rect and quantitative output and they do not in their own give the sufficient data evaluation. The normal and specific risks that are associated with the key performance indicators are that they might be giving illusion of the project. They monitor the activities and the quantifiable outputs they can as well be good at giving reports of the efforts by the project in tangible ways by using numbers and also trend lines although that are never substitute for the evaluation of the performances in relation t the positive acts of the company (Kamodkar Regulwar, 2014). Contract Management Contract management should be among the key principles a contracting party considers before issuing tenders. Outsourcing and offshore outsourcing has been known to be associated with many negative outcomes as observed in most projects and contracts. In this case, the sub-contractor ought to have been trained effectively and their efficiency and experiences be considered in the tendering process. A project is expected to run with the same discipline and planning as well as the system that is well run and implemented. The agreement should have been struck in the presence of lawyers to both parties or in the presence of legal authorities. With this the two companies would have an agreement on whom to bear the associated risks that may be caused by the late deliveries. Outsourcing and offshore outsourcing has been known to be associated with many negative outcomes as observed in most projects and contracts. The outsourcing of the contract for WNSL has had effects on the project. The strategies employed have to be proven effective although it is expected to be associated with significant risks that have to be recognized and managed with immediate and urgent actions. One of the cases that have to be looked at in the project is on the part of the on-time delivery performance and the satisfaction levels of the customer. The risks that could be associated because of the late delivery of services may cause severe risks on the products and services outsourced. The delays are caused by factors that may be out the control of the servicing company (De Jaln et al 2014). The other thing that was poor in the contract was the quality of the services issued. This is a key area that may cause negative effects on the customers in any contracts and should be conside red equally important rather than just focusing on finishing the contract on time. The latter is known to always need transition periods and parallel production and also effective cross training between companies. In this case, the sub-contractor ought to have been trained effectively and their efficiency and experiences be considered in the tendering process. These are the aspects that are often neglected because of the cost saving efforts and may cause serious risk challenges to the client part. Also the scheduling of the budget was poorly done in the contract and it might have been due to the insufficient planning or even limited resources. A project is expected to run with the same discipline and planning as well as the system that is well run and implemented. The suppliers also seemed to be having challenges in their financial viability that exposed their supplies through interruption risk. The company was at a risk of supply interruption because of the financial viability chal lenges faced by the sub-contractors (Pelletier, 2000). To ensure that the project runs smoothly and reaches a completion at the satisfaction of both the involved parties, there must be an agreement that will cater for the areas mentioned above to ensure effective contract delivery. One, considering the issue of the on time delivery, the companies would have had an agreement on the time the contract should have lasted. The agreement should have been struck in the presence of lawyers to both parties or in the presence of legal authorities. With this the two companies would have an agreement on whom to bear the associated risks that may be caused by the late deliveries. The contracting party would not bear or suffer the risks that are caused by the sub-contractor who chooses to delay in the delivery. The agreement should have the sub-contractor work to the best of their delivery to ensure that everything is completed within the agreed timeline (Gamini, 2004). Considering the issue of the quality of the services issued, the selection process should be keen to give the tender to companies that are well experiences and would not need to be reminded about the quality of work they offer to their clients. Before the tender is given to a company, the selection process should focus on the profiles to ensure that the company that is given the contract is good enough to offer these services. There should be a look at the reviews offered by other companies that have worked with the team before they are given any works to do. Another issue arises in the transition phase of the outsourcing session. It should be ensured that the transition is done within the budgeted limits to avoid interruption the contracts because of the cases of insufficient planning (Christos 2014). There should be a system that ensures that the outsourced services are running as scheduled and in the same discipline from the time of the implementation to the time of project comple tion. The production of the company as well as the service functions are expected to be having direct bearing on the companys ability to meet their commitment to the customers and the shareholders. Also, before allocating the company to work on any project, there must be a review on their financial status to ensure that they are financially viable and that they are I a position to offer their services in a comfortable manner without exposing the client to a supply interruption risk (Dwivedi Bhadauria, 2014). Conclusion In every contracts, there must be certain things to be considered that will make the contract efficient and effective. The strategy that is to be applied in the procurement section should be highly considered before implementation to ensure that it will in the best interest of the client party. Alliance procurement strategy would best work for the project. It is a strategy that gives the contractor to involve in the project earlier enough. In the process when projects are to move through the phases in the management of the capital works, the knowledge of the project phases increases. Among the reasons that leads to the selection of the alliance procurement strategy is due to the fact that the strategy the one used among the major large and more complex projects Contract management should be among the key principles a contracting party considers before issuing tenders. A project is expected to run with the same discipline and planning as well as the system that is well run and implemented. The strategies employed have to be proven effective although it is expected to be associated with significant risks that have to be recognized and managed with immediate and urgent actions. The production of the company as well as the service functions are expected to be having direct bearing on the companys ability to meet their commitment to the customers and the shareholders. References Aghaarabi E et al (2014) Comparative study of fuzzy evidential reasoning and fuzzy rule-based approaches: an illustration for water quality assessment in distribution networks. Stoch Env Res Risk Assess 28(3):655679 Calvin (2011) Fuzzy logic decision making. https://www.calvin.edu/*pribeiro/othrlnks/Fuzzy/ fuzzydecisions.htm Christos M (2014) Thinking platforms for smarter urban water systems: fusing technical and socioeconomic models and tools. Geol Soc London Spec Publ 408:SP408-4 46 2 Multi Criteria Decision Making De Jaln SG et al (2014) Building resilience to water scarcity in southern Spain: a case study of rice farming in Doana protected wetlands. Reg Environ Change 14(3):12291242 Dwivedi A, Bhadauria S (2014) Composite sustainable management index for rural water supply systems using the analytical hierarchy process. J Perform Constr Facil 28(3):608617 Gamini H (2004) Incorporating community objectives in improved wetland management: the use of the analytic hierarchy process. J Environ Manage 70(3):263273 Giri S, Nejadhashemi AP (2014) Application of analytical hierarchy process for effective selection of agricultural best management practices. J Environ Manage 132:165177 Hajeeh M, Al-Othman A (2005) Application of the analytical hierarchy process in the selection of desalination plants. Desalination 174(1):97108 Hajkowicz S, Collins K (2007) A review of multiple criteria analysis for water resource planning and management. Water Resour Manage 21(9):15531566 Herath G (2004) Incorporating community objectives in improved wetland management: the use of the analytic hierarchy process. J Environ Manage 70(3):263273 Kamodkar RU, Regulwar DG (2014) Optimal multiobjective reservoir operation with fuzzy decision variables and resources: a compromise approach. J Hydro Environ Res 8:428440 Pelletier FJ (2000) Review of metamathematics of fuzzy logics in the bulletin of symbolic logic. JSTOR 421060 6(3):342346 Molenaar, K. R., Anderson, S. D., Schexnayder, C. J. (2010).Guidebook on risk analysis tools and management practices to control transportation project costs. Washington, D.C., Transportation Research Board.

Friday, November 29, 2019

September 6, 2017 Essays - Education, Assumption,

September 6, 2017 Quiz "Three Gates of Gold Analyze elements of memoir (Apply to Hughes) " Gover " your grammer mini test with Bar Chart For Friday Read "My Alter" memoir on Blackboard- Course content quiz. Look for an email, probably in A3011 Three Gates of Gold Is it true? Is it needful ? Is it kind? Title- Salvation 2 nd sentence fragment Make decision about time You have to have background Use symbols ( Simile , Metaphors, Personification) One line paragraph can be very effective Must have dialogue and people in your story Have a significant point 700-800 words max Memoir comes from the word memory Where and Setting Who? Dialogue What led up? Background and age For when? Climax ( Climax is when conflict has been resolved) Why? Why are we telling story, what is the significance of this story Do not give away point until very end What emotion do we want in reader, they need to feel our emotion Adverb modifies everything

Monday, November 25, 2019

Author Citation in Botany and Zoology (aka Species Citation)

Author Citation in Botany and Zoology (aka Species Citation) Author Citation in Botany and Zoology (aka Species Citation) Referencing is tricky at the best of times. But it can be especially confusing in subjects such as botany and zoology, where you may have to cite plant and animal species’ names. This is known as author citation, or sometimes â€Å"species citation,† and it works like this†¦ What Is Author Citation? Author citation is used when discussing the taxonomy of different plants and animals. So if you name a species in your writing, you may need to cite its scientific name (i.e. Latin name) and the person who named it. This ensures clarity when two species or subspecies have a similar name. However, the format to use will depend on whether you’re citing a plant or an animal. Author Citation in Botany The full rules for author citations in botany are set out in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The basic format, however, includes the scientific name of the species and an abbreviated name of the person who named it. If a subspecies has a separate discoverer, moreover, the original discoverer should be identified in brackets. For example, we could cite bulb-bearing water hemlock as follows: Cicuta bulbifera (L.) Spreng. is known for its toxicity. Here, we have three distinct elements for the citation: The scientific name of the species (Cicuta bulbifera) The original discoverer (â€Å"L.,† which stands for â€Å"Linnaeus†) And the discoverer of the subspecies (â€Å"Spreng.†) The â€Å"Spreng.† here is short for â€Å"Kurt Polycarp Joachim Sprengel,† who named the subspecies. Many plants will simply require you to cite â€Å"L.,† but you can find abbreviations of other names via the International Plant Index. Author Citation in Zoology The full rules for citing animal species are contained in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The basic citation format uses the scientific name of the species, the surname of its discoverer, and the year it was discovered. For instance: Few would describe Psychrolutes marcidus (McCulloch, 1926) as beautiful. I consider myself an exception. Here, we’ve cited the undeniably gorgeous blobfish using the following: Its scientific name (Psychrolutes marcidus) The surname of its discoverer (i.e., Allan Riverstone McCulloch) The year that the scientific name was first published This allows us to clarify the species in question and credit its discoverer. Youd look this annoyed if someone had caught you in a fishing net, too. Summary: Author Citation in Botany and Zoology Author citation allows scientists and taxonomists to cite the scientific names and discoverers of different plant and animal species. The exact rules depend on the subject area: In botany, cite the scientific name of the species and an abbreviated name of the person who named it (e.g., â€Å"Cicuta bulbifera (L.) Spreng.†). In zoology, cite the scientific name of the species, the surname of its discoverer, and the year it was discovered (e.g., â€Å"Psychrolutes marcidus, McCulloch, 1926†). And if you’d like help checking the references in your work, just let us know.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The future of natural medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The future of natural medicine - Essay Example The future of helth cre nd medicine cn not be predicted, but it will certinly be developing into n Informtion ge, evolving in itself. Prticulrly, the medicl services will be delivered through the Internet nd other innovtive mens of communiction providing qulity nd cre whenever nd wherever needed. E-medicine refers to the use of telecommuniction tht provides medicl informtion nd services. It my be s simple s two helth professionls discussing cse over the telephone, or s sophisticted s using stellite technology to brodcst consulttion between providers t two distnt loctions, using videoconferencing equipment." (Gustke et l., 20000) The simplest definition of E-Medicine is tht it uses multimedi technology (voice, video nd dt) to deliver medicl services. The lower cost of bnd- width nd improvement in video nd dt compression stndrds hve incresed the number nd types of medicl services tht cn be delivered from distnce to include virtully every specilty. E-Medicine is n ppliction nd not technology. It uses hybrid technology incorporting elements of television, telecommuniction, computers, engineering nd medicine. Services cn be delivered on combintion of technologies with vriety of equipment. The objective of E-medicine "is not n evolutionry concept but revolutionry concept nd t the hert of every revolution, there is the need for sudden mssive chnge, t the core of which is the humn mind." (Merrell, 2004). E-medicine in the future will bring mny benefits to helth cre system, will fcilitte the work of helth cre employees nd improve the response time for ptients. Prticulrly, the benefits of e-medicine include: higher qulity helthcre vilble to trditionlly under privileged popultion. For lrge rurl bsed popultion seprted by lrge distnces the ccess to regulr qulity medicl cre is needed nd cn be provided by e-medicine. E-medicine cn enhnce citizen's equlity in the vilbility of vrious medicl services nd clinicl helth cre, despite these economic nd geogrphic brriers. E-medicine will sve the time wsted by both providers nd ptients in trveling from one geogrphic loction to nother to vil services on time. The ptient who requires immedite specilist consultncy, nd there is no specilist vilble to cter to him, could be utilized for effective helthcre delivery. E-medicine will reduce costs of medicl cre since the rising cost of helthcre is becoming prime concern. The costs relted to ptient cre, i.e. the cost ssocited with fctors other thn the ctul medil cre such s trvel, ccommodtion for reltives, food etc lso contribute substntilly to the overll cost of tretment. In country where helth insurnce is yet to ctch up, ll these re borne by ptients, in mny cses by selling property nd livestock. If hospitls cn reduce these costs ssocited with tretment, it would go long wy in reducing the burden of cre on the ptient. E-medicine seems to be the nswer. dvntges of E-medicine Providing helthcre services vi Internet nd other telecommuniction services gives mny dvntges. It cn mke specilty cre more ccessible to underserved rurl nd urbn popultions. Video consulttions from rurl clinic to specilist cn llevite prohibitive trvel nd ssocited costs for

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

ZipCar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ZipCar - Essay Example Based on the case and financial projections, it is clear that main value drivers of ZipCar include its resources (cars), targeting the right customer segments and operating costs. The following analysis has helped in arriving at some key findings, which can be of great help to not only improve the business but also can add weight to the concept to attract investment. The revised financial projections for ZipCar has incorporated changes with respect to subscription fees according to customers’ needs and has increased the per mile charge in comparison with competitors. Considering the business potential and huge investment that is required for ZipCar to function as expected and to expand, it is also important that it minimizes costs wherever possible. One key area that incurs huge costs is obtaining cars on lease. As per the present projections, ZipCar would require $4,400/year to lease one car and would require an average of 50 cars per year and is expecting to increase the num ber of serviceable cars on a yearly basis. This would mean increase in leasing costs. Moreover, there is also an apprehension that car companies might not find this business promising if they have to lease too many cars to one company. The projections reveal between 10% to 25% growth on a yearly basis. The NPV is calculated using three discount rate assumptions (10%, 15%, 20%) based on the projections (see Exhibit i). The growth of the business as shown in revised financial plan does not indicate any uniformity; however the minimum growth rate is at 14%; hence, calculation of NPV with discount rates assumptions below, above and at that point seemed logical in this case. With similar notion, the terminal value of business has been calculated (Exhibit i). These figures indicate that for an investment of $1.3 million to fetch a growth of at least 15% returns, it becomes necessary that the business maintains a steady growth rate at 10% over next 5 years. In order to achieve this, it is also necessary that profitability is increased for which the below described recommendation might of some help. Besides business expansion, profitability can also be increased by minimizing costs. One possible and implementable solution is to minimize costs incurred by leasing out cars, which attracts much of the investment. This can be done by leasing cars from individuals only a monthly basis (rent) rather than yearly basis. Considering risk factor, it would be better that ZipCar takes 30% of its cars from individuals that do not use their cars too often in exchange of money on a monthly basis. While ZipCar can own the responsibility of these cars in case of damage, it can avoid maintenance of 30% of its cars as it already pays rent to the individuals. The fuel expenses will be borne by the customers. By doing so, ZipCar can save costs incurred towards leasing, maintenance, and insurance of 30% of the cars. Changes in financial projection if such model is adopted has been shown in Exhibits ii and iii; the NPV and TV of the firm after incorporating this recommendation is included in Exhibit i. Exhibit i NPV= Net present value DR = Discount Rate TV= Terminal value of investment Exhibit ii. Recommended model: Exhibit iii: Comparison between original, revised and recommended

Monday, November 18, 2019

Communities of Practice and Social Learning Systems Essay

Communities of Practice and Social Learning Systems - Essay Example The paper tells that communities of practice define competence by fusing three elements. First, members of a community pursue their collectively developed understanding and share a sense of joint enterprise. Members of a community build their enterprise (community) through mutual engagement as they interact with each other in establishing norms and relationships of mutuality that reflect the social engagements.   Thirdly, the communities of practice yield a shared repertoire of communal resources encompassing aspects such as language, artifacts, and tools. The constitutive elements of the systems include communities of practice, boundary processes, and identities shaped by participation in the systems. The author outlines two aspects of a conceptual framework for comprehending social learning systems; a social definition of learning detailing social competence and personal experience comprising of engagement, imagination, and alignment. The distinction between the modes of belongin g is critical since each mode contributes to a distinct facet of the development of social learning systems and individual identities. Engagement, imagination, and alignment mainly coexist, and each social learning system involves each to some extent and in some combination, although each component requires distinct combinations. The author achieved his purpose in writing the article and demystifying social learning by individuals and organizations. The author’s assertions are highly supported by facts. The notion of the community of practice has significantly influenced theory and practice in a broad range of fields such as availing a platform for peer-to-peer learning within organizations, professional development, and development of learning partnerships that are not captive to professional silos. As demonstrated, communities of practice are central to enhancing performance.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Do You Believe Blaines Current Capital Structure Finance Essay

Do You Believe Blaines Current Capital Structure Finance Essay Do you believe Blaines current capital structure and payout policies are appropriate? Why or why not? Blaines capital structure and dividend policy are not entirely appropriate from the point of view of a shareholder of the firm. The reasons for that can be summed up as follows: No leverage: The optimum mix of debt and equity in the capital structure will maximize shareholders return. Company should take on debt to acquire new firms and expand its operations. Low ROE : Attributed to Low leverage 2006 ROE data clearly shows up that ROE of all the comparable firms are much higher than that of Blaine. Increasing Dividend payout ratio As calculated in Question no.3, the cost of equity of the firm is close to 9% whereas ROE is 11%. This is a good proposition for shareholders. This can be enhanced by acquiring other companies using cash balance that the company has. Decreasing EPS Even when EPS is constantly decreasing over the last three years, the policy of giving more or less same amount in dividend may cost company in future. Way of financing of new acquisitions Blaine Inc. should rather raise capital in debt rather than issuing new stocks to raise capital. This will ensure EPS constant and will be good for shareholders. Should Dubinski recommend a large share repurchase to Blaines board? What are the primary advantages and disadvantages of such a move? No, Dubinski should not recommend a large share repurchase to the board. The reason for that is although the firm is public listed, still a large percentage of share is owned by family itself. Therefore, buying back the shares is as good as unlisting the company. Secondly, there are growth avenues wherein the company may require cash. The company should, like last two years, go for acquisition. This will bring value to shareholders. Else, during the times of new acquisitions, company would have to raise capital from the market and due to flotation cost; the cost of equity will be much higher. Consider the following share repurchase proposal: Blaine will use $209 million of cash from its balance sheet and $50 million in new debt-bearing interest at the rate of 6.75% to repurchase 14.0 million shares at a price of $18.50 per share. How would such a buyback affect Blaine? Consider the impact on, among other things, BKIs earnings per share and ROE, its interest coverage and debt ratios, the familys ownership interest, and the companys cost of capital. Effect of Share Buyback Particulars Value Remarks Equity Capital_Pre Buyback ($) 488,363,000 2006, Exhibit 2 Equity Capital_Post ($) 279,363,000 No. of Shares outstanding before buyback 59,052,000 No. of shares bought back 14,000,000 Total outstanding Shares 45,052,000 EPS_Old($) 0.91 EPS_New ($) 1.19 Percent change in EPS 31.08% P/E ratio 17.86 Market Price (S) 21.30 Percent change in Share price 19.28% Debt_equity Book Value 17.90% Debt_equity Market Value 5.21% Debt interest rate 6.75% Interest to be paid ($) 3375000 Interest coverage ratio 0.05 ROE 0.11 ROE_new 0.19 Change in ROE 74.52% Cost of Equity 9.01% Cost of Debt 6.25% Effective Tax rate 40.00% Expected future tax rate D/V 4.95% WACC 8.75% WACC_Old 9.01% Change in WACC -2.89% Equity beta Calculation for the Firm Market Cap Equity beta (Net)D/E Net Debt Cash Securities Total Debt D/E (1) (2) (3) (4)=(1)x(3) (5) (6)=(4)+(5) (7)=(6)/(1) Home and Hearth Design 776,427 1.03 45.18% 350,790 21,495 372,285 47.95% AutoTech Appliances 13,978,375 1.24 31.74% 4,436,736 536,099 4,972,835 35.58% XQL Corp. 5,290,145 0.96 17.97% 950,639 21,425 972,064 18.37% Bunkerhill Inc. 3,962,780 0.92 6.01% 238,163 153,680 391,843 9.89% Easyliving Systems 418,749 0.67 -15.47% -64,780 242,102 177,322 42.35% Blaine Kitchenware 959,596 0.56 -24.06% -230,879 230,866 -13 0.00% Average 25,386,072 0.90 10.23% 25.69% Unlevered Beta 0.78 Beta_Blaine 0.80 Ownership Scenario: For last 3 years and post share buyback 2004 2005 2006 2007 Outstanding Shares 41,309,000 48,790,000 59,052,000 45,052,000 Ownership of Founders descendants 62% 52% 43% 57% Assumptions Used Effective Tax rate has been taken equal to 40%, same as for Blaine. As a member of Blaines controlling family, would you be in favor of this proposal? Would you be in favor of it as a non-family shareholder? As a family member of Blaine, the news of buyback has to be evaluated in both the ways. The Pros are: Consolidating Control- This will increase the shareholding close to 57%. Return of Cash Surplus to Shareholders-As of now in April, 2007, there are no any plans of buybacks. Therefore, keeping cash intact leads to opportunity cost of shareholders. This will add value for shareholders. An effective defense against takeover- as the market is consolidating, it will be a wise decision to protect the company from hostile takeovers. The cons are: Effect on expansionary plans- As cash will be used to buy back shares and the company wont be able to raise money from markets in the near future, opportunities of acquisitions will be marred. Even if, company will raise capital from equity market, flotation cost will be high and so cost of equity will be comparatively high. Use of Leverage- the Company has been against the policy of taking debt. Taking debt of $50 million for share buyback will not go in line with the companys policy.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

the simpsons :: essays research papers fc

When Matt Groening and James L. Brooks created The Simpsons, a cartoon, family, they had no idea that it would become as big as it has now. There are many reasons the show has become very popular with the American public. Dumb and simple humor makes in enjoyable for people on all levels, and for the more sophisticated audience, there is some political satire in the show. It all started 1987, when Groening and Brooks created short cartoons for the Tracey Ullman show. If you were to compare these shorts to today’s show, there is a major difference in the quality of the show and the plots. This is due to better technology, more money, and a change in the things that can be said on television. (Groening) The show features five main characters. As stated by the show’s title, they are the Simpson family. The father, Homer, has had a very eventful life. Even though he is not very smart, he has led a life that is envied by many in Springfield. His job is the Nuclear Safety Inspector at the Springfield Power Plant. He has met presidents Gerry Ford, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, been an astronaut, and met bands such as the Who, the Smashing Pumpkins, U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and REM, been a professional baseball mascot and numerous other jobs. His wife Marge has not led as an exciting life as Homer. She spends most of her time taking care of their three children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, and playing second fiddle in many of Homer’s adventures. Bart has become a 1990’s version of Dennis the Menace. He carries a slingshot in his back pocket and likes to cause havoc for his teachers and his father. Lisa is the brightest of the children. She has straight A’s i n the second grade, plays first chair saxophone, but is more like her mother, not getting involved in many adventures. Maggie is the baby and is mostly there to complete the family. (Holtz) The first full length episode was on December 17, 1989. This was the Christmas special entitled â€Å"Simpsons’ Roasting on an Open Fire.† The plot of this episode is that Bart gets a tattoo and Marge has to spend the family’s Christmas money getting it removed. She planned on having Homer’s Christmas bonus to buy presents with but he finds out that bonuses won’t be given out that year.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Milton Friedman

Milton Friedman, recipient of the 1976 Nobel Memorial Prize for economic science, was born on July 31, 1912 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the forth and last child of Sarah Ethel and Jeno Saul Friedman. Friedman was known as an American economist and as a public intellectual who made major contributions throughout his lifetime to the fields that were related to macroeconomics, microeconomics, economic history as well as its statistics.Friedman’s family was a typical working class family of Jewish immigrants from Austria-Hungary. They lived in the United States and his family’s income was small and highly uncertain since it drastically varied from time to time. There was always a financial crisis at stake and change was a constant companion for them. However, there was always enough love, warmth, and food to feed the whole family.Along with his sister, he attended a public elementary and secondary school where he graduated from Rahway High School in 1928 before his 16th b irthday. Unfortunately his mother and two older sisters were in charge of supporting the family when Friedman’s father passed away during his senior year in high school. Friedman knew very well that his future was up to himself and he had to put double the effort to be able to finance everything himself.When he attended the Rutgers University, he was awarded with a competitive scholarship which helped him along the way allowing him to grate in 1932. Friedman personally states that he was, â€Å"†¦financing the rest of his college expenses by the usual mixture of waiting on tables, clerking in a retail store, occasional entrepreneurial ventures, and summer earnings.†[1] At first when the attended the university, he was specializing in mathematics with the sole purpose of becoming an actuary, but after failing several examinations, he started becoming more interested and intrigued in economics and eventually, he ended up majoring in both fields.It was later on in 19 46 when the Columbia University awarded him a Ph.D, allowing him to serve as a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago one year later. He contributed in building a helpful intellectual community that produced a number of Nobel Prize winners that were later known as the Chicago School of Economics. Friedman also developed the Theory of the Consumption Function and along with the assistance of Simon Kuznets, they joined together to public Incomes from Independent Professional Practice. This book served as his doctoral dissertation at Colombia University, but they were not allowed to publish it 1940 and they had to wait after the war because the book created controversy since it introduced the concepts of permanent and transitory incomes.Like mentioned before, Friedman won the Nobel Prize in Economics for, â€Å"his achievements in the fields of consumption analysis, monetary history and theory and for his demonstration of the complexity analysis, monetary history and theo ry and for his demonstration of the complexity of stabilization policy.†[2] He was married to Rose Director in 1938 and she was the co-author of many of his books. They also had two children named Janet and David. David is now a philosopher and an economist just like his father. Milton Friedman died on November 16, 2006, at the age of 94 in San Francisco, California because of a severe heart failure.Nowadays, he is known as one of two most influential economists of the 20th century. In 1962, he published another book titled Capitalism and Freedom, where he demonstrated his support for minimizing the role of government in a free market promoting political as well as social freedom. Friedman has explained how the free market works revealing and explaining to others that this system, as opposed to any other, has been able to solve both social and political problems that have been adequately addressed. His book was published worldwide reaching to the hands of people that lived in a communist country.Friedman’s strong passion for freedom and liberty has influenced a lot of people, more than what he could have even imagined. His writings along with his ideas and speeches have reached the ears and minds of many US presidents, leaders around the world, entrepreneurs, students, and citizens of many countries.He was a member of the Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board and with his theory of monetarism; he showed everyone his moral vision of life. He clarified to everyone that nation should be composed of free men and women, with freedom of choice, where the government is not necessarily authorized to override citizens decisions. Despite the fact that Friedman knew that his theories was attacked by many traditional economists, he still showed that he strongly favored a policy of steady and moderate growth in the money supply of the economy. He also opposed wage and price controls and criticized the FED for trying so hard to tune the economy.Through out Milton Friedman’s lifetime, he was written many famous books and among some of them were: Price Theory (1962), Capitalism and Freedom (1962), An Economist’s Protest (1972), There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch (1975), and Free to Choose (1979). He also won many aware such as the John Bate Clark Medal in 1951, the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1976, the National Medal of Science in 1988, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom the same year. It can be seen that Friedman was an outspoken economist that influenced the lives of many others by defending and promoting his true beliefs in what and how a successful economy should really look like.Work CitedMilton Friedman: Autobiography. The Nobel Foundation 1976 2006.Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-Winning Economist, Dies at 94. The New York Times. November 16, 2006.[1] Milton Friedman: Autobiography. The Nobel Foundation 1976. 2006

Friday, November 8, 2019

The Legacy of the Qin Dynasty

The Legacy of the Qin Dynasty The Qin Dynasty, pronounced like chin, emerged in 221 BCE. Qin Shihuang, the king of the Qin state at the time, conquered the many feudal territories vying for influence during the bloody Warring States period. He then united them all under one rule, thus putting an end to the notoriously violent chapter in Chinese history that lasted for 200 years. Qin Shihuang was only 38 years old when he came into power. He created the title Emperor (  Ã§Å¡â€¡Ã¥ ¸ ,  Ã‚  hungdà ¬) for himself, and thus is known as  the first emperor of China. While his dynasty only lasted 15 years, the shortest dynastic rule in Chinese history, the impact of the Qin Emperor on China cannot be understated. Although highly controversial, Qin Dynasty policies were very influential in uniting China and maintaining power. The Qin Emperor was famously obsessed with immortality and even spent years trying to find an elixir to eternal life. Though he ultimately died, it would seem that Qin’s quest to live forever was ultimately granted – his practices and policies were carried into the subsequent Han Dynasty and continue to flourish in present-day China.   Here are just a few remnants of Qin’s legacy.   Central Rule The dynasty adhered to Legalist principles, which is a Chinese philosophy that followed strict compliance with  the rule of law. This belief allowed Qin to rule the population from a centralized power structure and proved to be a very effective way to govern. Such a policy, however, did not allow for dissent. Anyone who protested Qins power was quickly and brutally silenced or killed off.   Written Script   Qin instituted a uniform written language. Before then, different regions in China had different languages, dialects, and writing systems. Imposing a universal written language allowed for better communication and implementation of policies. For example, a singular script allowed scholars to share information with a greater number of people. It also led to the sharing of culture that was previously only experienced by a few. Additionally, a single language allowed later dynasties to communicate with nomadic tribes and pass along information on how to negotiate or fight with them. Roads The construction of roads allowed for greater connections between provinces and major cities. The dynasty also standardized the length of axles in carts so that they could all ride on the newly-built roads. Weights and Measures The dynasty standardized all weights and measures, which led to more efficient commerce. This conversion also allowed subsequent dynasties to develop a taxation system. Coinage In another effort to unify the empire, the Qin Dynasty standardized the Chinese currency. Doing so led to greater commerce across more regions.   The Great Wall The Qin Dynasty was responsible for the construction of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall marked national boundaries and acted as a defensive infrastructure to protect against invading nomadic tribes from the north. However, later dynasties were more expansionist and built beyond Qin’s original wall. Today, the Great Wall of China is easily one of Chinas most iconic pieces of architecture. Terracotta Warriors   Another architectural feat that draws tourists to China is the enormous tomb in present-day Xian filled with terracotta warriors. This is also a part of Qin Shihuangs legacy. When Qin Shihuang died, he was buried in a tomb accompanied by an army of hundreds of thousands of terracotta soldiers that were supposed to protect him in his afterlife. The tomb was uncovered by farmers  digging for a well in 1974.   Strong Personality One other lasting impact of the Qin Dynasty is the influence of a leader’s personality in China. Qin Shihuang’s relied on his top-down method of ruling, and, on the whole, people conformed to his rule because of the power of his personality. Many subjects followed Qin because he showed them something larger than their local kingdomsa visionary idea of a cohesive nation-state. While this is a very effective way to rule, once the leader dies, so can his dynasty. After Qin Shihuang’s death in 210 BCE, his son, and later his grandson, took power, but both were short-lived. The Qin Dynasty came to a close in 206 BCE, just four years after Qin Shihuang’s death. Almost immediately following his death, the same warring states that he unified sprang up again and China was again under numerous leaders until it was unified under the  Han Dynasty. The Han would last over 400 years, but much of its practices were started in the Qin Dynasty. Similarities in charismatic cult personalities can be seen in subsequent leaders in Chinese history, such as Chairman Mao Zedong. In fact, Mao actually likened himself to Emperor Qin.   Representation in Pop Culture Qin was  popularized in Eastern and Western media in Chinese Director Zhang Yimou’s 2002 film Hero. While some criticized the movie for advocating totalitarianism, movie-goers went to see it in droves. A hit in China and Hong Kong, when it opened to North American audiences in 2004, it was the number one movie and grossed $18 million in its opening weekend – a rarity for a foreign film.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

The Commercialism Of Television Essays - Television Advertisement

The Commercialism Of Television Essays - Television Advertisement The Commercialism Of Television The Commercialism of Television To look into the mind of a television addict, we must look at the big picture First we recognize the voluntary slavery that makes up the majority of modern life. A I see it, people get up early, put on work clothes, and work like machines for the rest of the day getting no satisfaction from their repetitive day-jobs. Then come home around seven oclock to their families who have already had dinner, and the kids already getting in bed. By that time there is almost no room left for quality family time or anything else to pursue thats worthwhile. Thus the person turns to the television for that instant dose of friendship and gratification that could not be found anywhere else during his or her day. Once the person gets comfy on the lazy-boy, he becomes quickly stimulated and amazed by the intense sound and picture of thirty frames per second, and suddenly forgets thinking about the real world. Notice how some people become extremely annoyed when you talk to them or distract them when they are watching a program, or even a commercial. And might even yell at you for walking in front of the TV. As the hours of straight zombie-like watching go by, the person slips further into the fantasy world of television, and with you breaking that link between them and the tube comes as a shock to them. Someone can be so engulfed that it becomes a regular part of his/her daily routine. As a result of a lot of watching TV, studies have shown that the heart rate, and blink rate have slowed down dramatically and muscular function decreased down to the snap of a finger on the remote or the lift of a drink. The stimulation of the picture and sound shift so rapidly that they must become completely relaxed to soak it all up. Television is like an addiction, and like any addictive substance a moral message lies behind it The advertising and the programs are only theyre to keep the viewer coming back for more. But there are even deeper morals to the story. The televisions main purpose is to distract from what you really want to be doing. Than around the second line of commercials you realize that you could be doing far better things than this, but before that thought gets to you, another flashy commercial pops up that literally says damnit stay in your seat, weve got more products to sell you. And giving the viewer the sense that he/she cannot live without it. And this is w here depression can kick in. In these messages there is the potential power to brainwash the viewer into thinking that television is the one and only answer to all the worlds problems, and soon the person will not want to accept the harsh reality of the real world. This becomes a mindset for many people who watch TV. Some will do their best to fight it, like turn the volume down or mute, but hell, never would they turn it off. Even the manufacturers cleverly hide the mute button on your remote. To the broadcasters and corporations, its all a damn game to them, to see whom can get more zombies to stick with their channel. After becoming over-fatigued from stimulation, theyll switch it off. And when they are face to face with real life, they dont understand it, and shrivel back into their corner to the TV, to the world that is so easily accepted. There is a huge difference between the world that we live in, and the fake propped world of television. On a person note; my father roommates with Andre, a forty-five year old minority who is extremely depressed, and has attempted suicide. Visiting my dad every week or so I notice that Andre always had the TV on, and continued sitting in his chair staring at every comedy channel for six hours, but I noticed he never laughed. I believe Andre has fallen deep into the TV world, and uses it as a tool to ignore and/or forget his problems in the real world. Odds have it that television only creates a mirage

Monday, November 4, 2019

Public Health Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Health Issues - Essay Example The CDC has recently announced that scheduled flu vaccines for the 2012 to 2013 season already include protection for three influenza virus strains: influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus (CDC, 2012). Significance to Public Health The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified that influenza could actually afflict all people from various age groups. However, those segments of the population who were identified to be at risk of complications are as follows: â€Å"children younger than age two, adults age 65 or older, and people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or weakened immune systems† (WHO, 2009, par. 5). Also, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has emphasized the need for health care personnel (HCP) to be vaccinated on a compulsory level. As noted, â€Å"health care personnel can spread the highly contagious influenza virus to patients in their care. In fact, unvaccinated workers can be a key cause of outbreaks in health care settings† (NFID, 2008, p. 2). In an article written by Sawyer, et al. (2012), it was disclosed that the public health advisory on the need for increased influenza immunization has been succesful in enjoining employers to promote the need for vaccination. However, the results of the study revealed that â€Å"population-based surveys of HCPs did not show significant increases in influenza vaccination. Overall, this study suggests that public health leadership, intensive employer promotion activities, and state-required declinations alone were not sufficient to significantly increase HCP influenza vaccination. Policymakers and employers should consider mandates to achieve optimal influenza vaccination among HCPs† (Sawyer, Peddecord, Wang, Deguire, Miskewitch-Dzulynsky, & Vuong: Abstract, 2012, par. 4). The relevance, therefore, of the issue to public hea lth is paramount in terms of manifesting conformity to the call to action of these high risk populations to be immunized against influenza and therefore contribute to the prevention and spread of this illness. Past, Current, Future Statistics The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in conjunction with other national health agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the CDC, and the National Immunization Survey (NIS) have monitored and surveyed the influenza vaccination coverage levels of various population groups. Among which, Table 3 of the report written by Fiore, et al. entitled â€Å"Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines† provides past and current statistics (Fiore & al., 2010). As emphasized, â€Å"in the 2009--2010 vaccination season, 33% of seasonal influenza vaccinations occurred in health departments, pharmacies or drug stores, workplaces, schools, or other nonmedical locations (CDC, unpublished data, 2009). The proportion o f 2009 H1N1 vaccine administered in these settings was 45% (CDC, unpublished data, 2010)† (Fiore, et al.: Other Settings, 2010, par. 1). Future directions indicate that â€Å"most severe morbidity and mortality during typical influenza seasons occurs among persons aged ?65 years of those who have chronic medical conditions. More immunogenic influenza vaccines are needed for persons at

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Comparison of Barack Obama's and John Mccain's Policies on Poverty and Essay

Comparison of Barack Obama's and John Mccain's Policies on Poverty and Welfare in the US - Essay Example Though there are a number of policies on which both the sides have differing views, an effort has been made in this paper to compare the policies of both candidates on 'poverty and welfare in the US'. McCain's stand: John McCain has expressed his support for direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based or other non-profit organizations. He says1, "Welfare and anti-poverty assistance is a shared responsibility among federal, state and local government; the private sector; community and faith-based organizations. Welfare policy must provide a strong safety net, while promoting work, responsibility, self sufficiency and dignity." In addition McCain has come out maintained the following principled position on some of the issues concerning poverty and welfare2: Even when a parent works full-time earning minimum wage and EITC and food stamps are factored into their income, families are still $1,550 below the federal poverty line because of the flat-lined minimum wage. Obama and Biden also realize that ex-offenders are a very critical community, which needs to be taken care of well, in order not to let them feel isolated. For this category they plan to work to ensure that ex-offenders have access to job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and employment opportunities. It is worthwhile here to ment... The team of Barak Obama has come out with a detailed plan of action to take care of the poverty and welfare issues. Salient features of their plan include; Helping Americans in Grabbing and Holding on in order to Climb the Job Ladder Creating a Green Jobs Corps in order to strengthen the energy efficiency programs and strengthen the communities. Bring out improvement in Transportation Access to Jobs Obama and Biden also realize that ex-offenders are a very critical community, which needs to be taken care of well, in order not to let them feel isolated. For this category they plan to work to ensure that ex-offenders have access to job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and employment opportunities. Raising the Minimum Wage to $9.50 an Hour by 2011 Providing all low and middle-income workers a tax relief of about $500 to offset the payroll tax being paid by those low paid workers. Expanding the Nurse-Family Partnership to all 570,000 low-income, first-time mothers each year. Increasing the number of sick days for low-paid workers Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing for the poor sections of the society. Increase the levels of investments in rural areas Creating secure borders and strengthening the immigration policies. 2. For each policy, evaluate how it might impact the state of poverty in the U.S. It is worthwhile here to mention that on the one hand John McCain is supposed to tread a cautious line while spelling out the agenda points for bringing out a 'change', because he has to maintain that the legacy is not disturbed too much. On the other hand, Barak Obama is not bound any such legacy. So, on the one hand he criticizes the existing policies of Bush

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Occupational Safety and Health Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Occupational Safety and Health Act - Essay Example The concerns that had prompted passage of this landmark law were hardly unfamiliar or new ("Act of Congress: Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970"). Accidents in America's factories and mines had ruined thousand of worker's lives. Federal statistics compiled since 1911 had also documented a growing epidemic of work-related illness and diseases. The first federal statute passed by Congress that required safety equipment in the workplace was the Safety Appliance Act which was applied only to railroad equipment. In 1910, the Congress established the federal Bureau of Mines to conduct research into the mine safety in response to a series of highly-publicized and deadly mine explosions and collapses. The broadest early federal reform measures - legislation establishing the Department of Labor in 1913 and banning exploitive child labor in 1938 - intentionally left most regulatory power over industrial working conditions with the states. The Esch Act of 1912 effectively outlawed the p roduction of white phosphorus matches, and the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act banned federal contract work done under hazardous conditions. These laws, as well as the growing number of labor unions and public anger toward poor workplace safety, led to the significant reductions in worker accidents for a time. State regulations of workplace began as part of the Progressive response to the industrial revolution during the 19th century. Early in the twentieth century, the increasing labor movement lobbied successfully for further regulation. Eventually, the federal government became involved in workplace safety during the Franklin's Roosevelt presidency. (US History Encyclopedia: Occupational Safety and Health Act). Industrial production increased significantly in the United States during World War II, and industrial accidents soared. Winning the war took precedence over safety, and most labor unions were more concerned with maintaining wages in the face of severe inflation than with workplace health and safety. After the war ended, however, workplace accident rates remained high and began to rise. In the two years preceding OSHA's enactment, 14,000 workers died each year from workplace hazards, and another 2 million were disabled or harmed. Additionally, the "chemical revolution" introduced a vast array of new chemical compounds to the manufacturing environment. The health effects of these chemicals were poorly understood, and workers received few protections against prolonged or high levels of exposure. While a few states, such as California and New York, had enacted workplace safety as well as workplace health legislation, most states had not changed their workplace protection laws since the turn of the century. Workplace Conditions Before the Passage of the OSHA In the mid - 1960's, growing awareness of the environmental impact of many chemicals, and the changes in America industry, exposed the ineffectiveness of existing state and federal laws. In 1965, the Public Health Service published an influential report that outlined some of the recently discovered technological dangers, including chemicals linked to cancer. The report called for a major national occupational health effort, criticizing existing federal law as too limited and state programs as uncoordinated and insufficient. The AFL-CIO and other labor organizations urged President Lyndon Johnson to support the report's recommendations. The Passage of

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

China and Europe during the Middle Ages Essay Example for Free

China and Europe during the Middle Ages Essay Globalisation is not new, though. For thousands of years, people and, later, corporations have been buying from and selling to each other in lands at great distances, such as through the famed Silk Road across Central Asia that connected China and Europe during the Middle Ages. Likewise, for centuries, People and corporations have invested in enterprises in other countries. In fact, many of the features of the current wave of globalisation are similar to those prevailing before the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. But policy and technological developments of the past few decades have spurred increases in cross-border trade, investment, and migration so large that many observers believe the world has entered a qualitatively new phase in its economic development. Since 1950, for example, the volume of world trade has increased by twenty times, and from just 1997 to 1999 flows of foreign investment nearly doubled, from $468 billion to $827 billion. Distinguishing this current wave of globalisation from earlier ones, author Thomas Friedman has said that today globalisation is further, faster, cheaper, and deeper. The current wave of globalisation has been driven by policies that have opened economies domestically and internationally. In the years since the Second World War, and especially during the past two decades, many governments have adopted free-market economic systems, vastly increasing their own productive potential and creating myriad new opportunities for international trade and investment. Governments have also negotiated dramatic reductions in barriers to commerce and have established international agreements to promote trade in goods, services, and investment. Taking advantage of new opportunities in foreign markets, corporations have built foreign factories and established production and marketing arrangements with foreign partners. A defining feature of globalisation, therefore, is an international industrial and financial business structure. Technology has been the other principal driver of globalisation. Advances in information technology, in particular, have dramatically transformed economic life. Information technologies have given all sorts of individual economic actors consumers, investors, businesses valuable new tools for identifying and pursuing economic opportunities, including faster and more informed analysis of economic trends around the world, easy transfers of assets, and collaboration with far-flung partners. Globalisation is deeply controversial, however. Proponents of globalisation argue that it allows poor countries and their citizens to develop economically and raise their standards of living; while opponents of globalisation claim that the creation of an unfettered international free market has benefited multinational corporations in the Western world at the expense of local enterprises, local cultures, and common people. Resistance to globalisation has therefore taken shape both at a popular and at a governmental level as people and governments try to manage the flow of capital, labour, goods, and ideas that constitute the current wave of globalisation. COCULSION: In sum, most distinctive conception sees globalisation as a fundamental transformation of human geography on the eve of the twenty-first century; world affairs have acquired a rapidly growing global dimension alongside the territorial framework of old. Of course and this point cannot be stressed too much it is not that territorial space has become wholly irrelevant in contemporary history. We live in a globalising rather than a completely globalised condition. Global spaces of the kind formed through telecommunications, transworld finance, and the like interrelate with territorial spaces, where locality, distance and borders still matter very much. Thus, for example, people have not while acquiring a global imagination discarded their affinities for particular territorial places. Similarly, global marketers have found on countless occasions that they need to tailor their products and promotions to local sensibilities. Globalisation is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and the governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well being in societies around the world. BIBLIOGRAPHY: www.globalisationguide.org

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Issues In Intercultural Marriage

Issues In Intercultural Marriage An intercultural marriage is a union of two people involving numerous cultures and backgrounds. When two various cultures combine together, there may be significant challenges they have to face. A culture may differ from one to another due socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. Culture is a system of shared beliefs and values and is constantly evolving and changing around the world. The presence of intercultural marriages and intimacy is clear and expanding in societies throughout the Culture may consist of shared language, religion, or ethnicity. America is the one of the greatest multicultural and multiracial societies in the world at the moment. Nevertheless, this may come across as a shock to most people but as lately as 1966, 17 states in United States actually had laws against the interracial marriage and all of the states regulated marriage between whites and other races in the country. Despite of the significant number of intercultural marriages in the U.S today, mere empirical research has been done to determine the nature of these marriages (Ngye Snyder, 2000) Communication style and interpersonal relationships are fundamental aspects of culture and can vary dramatically from one culture to another. It is note worthy to remember that everyone on this earth has culture, not just those clusters that are considered civilized. The majority of culture is unseen, below the surface. For example, when a Russian man marries an Italian it is not only the differences in native language (Russian vs. Italian) and religion (Eastern Orthodox vs. Roman Catholic) but also a host of cultural differences associated with such factors as expression of emotion, conflict expression and management, the role of the f family of origin in raising children (Sullivan Cottone, 2007)The beliefs and values that lie beneath the surface can be the most difficult to change when it is necessary.(Progressive Scholar, 2010) interracial marriages are not always intercultural marriages, as in some countries, for example United States, people of different races can share the sam e cultural background. (Source Wikipedia, Last access 17th August) it is easy to comprehend why it is difficult to let go of a tradition or expectation. It isnt easy to deal with the legacy that weve all grown up with in our ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Though it seems to be a very romantic love story in the beginning but the truth is,it can be very challenging and frustrating in real life. And it is simply not about being racist, marriage has a deeper meaning to it, which dwells in understanding it, is possible to have extremely strong and natural negative feelings surrounding an interracial relationship or a marriage even though youre not consider as racist. Legal or not illegal the question is should interracial marriages been encouraged? The union between two different cultures altogether will give space to different experiences and opportunities in life, but mostly difficulties in the marriage life where it is concerned. Adoptions to a different culture altogether maybe not turn out to be an easy task. Individually ethnic and cultural variances put pressure on the marriage itself. With two diverse cultures, a family often has struggle understanding the differences between the families. Most of the time, such differences are not even recognized and unexplained. At this position an even larger problem with intercultural marriages. It is easy to look at why it is difficult to let go of a tradition or expectation.It isnt easy to deal with the legacy that weve all grown up with in our ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Numerous cultures will consume of different marriage laws, customs and also parental disagreements which will lead into disputes. There will be lower material satisfaction, higher divorce rates due to logistics. Language barriers, different traditions and societys disapproval these factors will lead into higher failure of the marriage. Hence, a union between two cultures should not be encouraged due to the factors mentioned above. The report will consist of three major factors which are mainly focused on miss- contribution towards an inter-cultural marriage. Initially how the marriage is affected by the cultural shock, diverse of marriage laws which can lead in to disagreements plus adaptation to a various cultures and environment factors. Secondly, the societys points of view, Spouse facing discrimination due to colour and differences, if he/she is beyond the racial divide. Last point will conclude of dissipation of culture. The report contains information based on various countries and issues with diverse cultures marriages. BODY OF CONTENT ADAPTATION TO A DIFFERENT CULTURE The main intention of getting marriage is to emotionally, spiritually and physically unite a men and women together, as husband and wife, it is a commitment made in the presence of God, and is valid until death.Intercultural marriages are often influenced by external factors that can create confrontation, and disagreement in relationships. Different cultures endure vastly diverse moral, ethical and value foundations that influence their perceptions of individual, family and societal lifestyle. When these fundamentals are operating alongside the foundation of different cultural roots, as in intercultural marriages, problems and disagreement often times occur. It takes effort to combine two cultures successfully, and a willing attitude to learn from both partners. The first argument against intercultural marriages is the cultural shock (adaptation to a new culture). When considering an intercultural marriage either one of the partners have to get introduced to a new culture. Ideally both have to get use to each others cultures and laws to survive the marriage and this will create a lot of problems in the process. For an example A non Muslim marrying a Muslim will have to obey to certain laws in Islam; Islam forbids marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men. Therefore, any partner will have to convert and obey Islamic rules (sound vision, 2010). In the case of Muslim men marrying Jewish and Christian women, the situation is different. While Islam does allow this, Muslim men marrying Jews and Christians need to remember that living in the West, if they end up divorcing, the children will almost automatically be given to the mother. The converting process from one religion to another and adapting to new laws will create massive problems that will even end the marriage. Additional wrinkle in U.S. Muslim family law practices stems from the structure of authority in Islamic jurisprudence since there has never been an official church certifying individuals to speak on behalf of the religion, the field is open for any dedicated Muslim to seek to act as imam and lead a community (Quarishi Syed- Miller, 2001) therefore, non-Muslims have a very rare chance of wining and surviving in the marriage due to different laws in different cultural laws. Moving on,Intercultural marriages have contrasting differences between traditions and cultures. Although a few studies have looked into this aspect, cultural differences also stimulate marital conflicts particularly in intercultural marriages. In fact, the quantitative study of Takano (2002), pointed out that 19% of the marital discords in interethnic couples involved in his study are attributed to cultural differences. Couples that enter a cross-cultural marriage bring into their relationship vastly diverse assumptions and expectations about marriage and family life. Many of these assumptions flow out of the values, unspoken rules and belief systems that permeate their primary cultures. These unspoken values have become so much a part of their lives that they are almost hidden from view. For an example the way of celebrating Christmas is different in Germany rather than America (J). In fact, many of these cultural differences do not surface until after the couple is married.However, New experiences and new culture altogether may interest a adventurous spouse as its a unique onec ina life time experience and the difficulties greatly depend on how religious and culturally bond the families are. Not all think out of the box, New strange land, parents and language may cause distress in the beginning of the marriage life. One spouse will live in the country of origin and the other will be a stranger in a strange land the pleasantness mayb fall apart after sometime when trying to fit into a different family ,cuture. Marriage and customs differ from one country and to another culture .For example, Indian marriage customs are varying from marriage customs of Chinese traditions. In Japan the Japanese bride to be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods. There are two choices of headgear exist. One which is, the watabÃ…Â shi, is a white hood, the other is called the tsunokakushi, serves to hide the brides horns of jealousy. It also symbolizes the brides intention to become a gentle and obedient wife. During the period of the traditional wedding days, there would be a tilak ceremony (where the groom is anointed on his forehead), a cer emony for adorning the brides hand then cover the feet with henna (called mehendi) accompanied by Ladies Sangeet (music and dance) and many other pre-wedding ceremonies. Hence, marriage traditions, customs and beliefs may clash due to above points mentioned so far. Religion runs deeper since they practice their faith and it is a part of their cultural identity that they want to hang on to. The accurate, customs and special days associated with the religion remain significant to them. The regarding worship of the children will matter some religions deny the validity of all others and insist on conversions or demand that the children should be brought up in that religion. A couple might face difficulty in deciding on this above point and the spouse form the other religion may feel inferior and down. For example Orthodox Judaism teaches that the family must repudiate (sit shivah for) a child who marries a non-Jew: Islam demands obedience to gods law only as revealed by Muhammad, and also requires that a Muslim marry a fellow Muslim. The catholic churches until recent years insisted that a non-Catholic partner sign a prenuptial agreement to raise any catholic children. Particular Christian sects preach that all outsiders are damned to eternal fire and prohibit any marriage to people of different faith. At this specific point the problem may occur with the faith plays a major role in decision making this is if the partner is intensely religious. As they approach on each others separate territory, there is a new language, new customs and a new standard of normal to be learned. While culture a certain behavior might be accepted, here it might cause native offense. This sought of marriage is similar to a foreign alliance, with two separate people coming together and discovering the heritage and history of the other. Bibliography Ballard., (2006), The International YWAMer magazine, 6th of January 2006, issue June 2006. Berry, F (1992). Langston huges, before and beyong harlem. USA: Carol PuB.Co.Group. P56-75 Donovan, S Corbin, J (2007), Intermarriages, 5th October 2007, viewed on 16th of July 2010, http://www.jstor.org Gorilgirl, (2009), Broken Traditions? Intercultural Marriage and Cultural Continuity, 13th of july 2009, Available: http://gorigirl.com/broken-traditions-intercultural-marriage-and-cultural-continuity. Last accessed on 16th of july 2010 Romano, D (2006), Intercultural marriage, prmoses and pitfalls, 8th January 2006, Available: accessed on 26th of July 2010.