Monday, September 30, 2019
Multinational Perspective Essay
Multinational corporations originated from the need for substantial capital and limited risks for large industrial or commercial consortiums for overseas trade. The modern concept of multinational corporations came into being during the 17th and 18th centuries and a good example of such a venture is the British East India Company in South Asia and the Dutch East India Company in South East Asia’s Indo-Chinese Peninsula. With the current communications and management technologies available, more companies are able to make the most out of international trade liberalization.  Today, multinational corporations are expanding themselves to increase their markets, increase brand presence and image and benefit from inexpensive raw materials and labor (Chang, 2003). Scenario for Multinational Corporations Currently, there is an estimated 40,000 multinational corporation’s world wide in and approximately 250,000 overseas collaborations running cross-continental operations. Most multinational corporations are from the United States, Western Europe, and Japan. By 1995, the top 200 multinational corporations alone had collective revenues reaching of $7.1 Trillion which is equivalent to 28.3 percent of the gross domestic product globally (Bernal, Kaukab, and Yu, 2005). The operations of multinational corporations are governed by the policies of The World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. Though the traditional view of multinational corporations is that of big manufacturers, current trends and developments in technology have also given rise to â€Å"micro-multinationals†[1] as well business process outsourcing (BPO) ventures (Ewing, 2005). Among the countries being targeted for multination expansion, China and India are the current top favorites of multinational companies (McKinsey Global Institute [MGI], 2004). Globalization has allowed access to markets via technology and has reduced distribution, lower internal coordination costs. It has also allowed for networking of specialized services and products in support of corporate functions through BPO’s whether within the companies internal operations or its external activities (Ewing, 2005). Entry to Developing Markets            Though the scenario of multinational expansion has changed, the methods of entry remain traditional in most developing countries (Hoos, 2000; Tubbs and Schulz, 2006). Strategies to enter new markets for multinational corporations are by mergers or direct acquisition, sequential market entry and through joint ventures Mergers            Merger or direct acquisition of existing companies is the forthright entry to a market. This is the strategy usually employed by large multinational corporations. It maximizes the economies of scale advantage to overcome barriers to entry (Ewing, 2005; Multinational Corporations, 2006). Considered as foreign direct investments (FDI), they are subject to not only commercial regulation but are also direct affected by fiscal and investment policies by the host country, and related international trade policies (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], 2005). Beginning in 2004, it has been identified as a critical in developing countries and studies have been commissioned to quantify their impact of the economies of developing countries (UNCTAD, 2004). The first ranked for FDI is India and was followed closely by China (Kearney, 2004). Though India has been able to outrank China and Mexico, China actually acquires more FDI significantly either country since 2002 (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, 2005; MGI, 2004). Sequential Market Entry Sequential market entry involves foreign direct investment and getting hold of a sector if the market related to the parent’s companies core line of business, usually its key product or competency. It is different from a merger that it that the parent company does not bring in all of products, services or operations into a host country (Multinational Corporations, 2006). This method is the preferred by smaller companies and conservative business to begin their multinational operations (Kearney, 2004). Sony, in its initial expansion to the United States first limited its operations to manufacturing televisions but eventually expanded its operations to the production of magnetic tape and eventually to the production of audio in the 1970’s. Today, Sony’s operations in the United States include semiconductors and personal communications. Sony’s United States operation used its expertise and leadership in manufacturing television to establish itself in the industry and its local competition and then used this it as leverage to expand its products in the United States (Multinational Corporations, 2006). Another development in multinational operations is that outsourcing of operations or services to other countries. According to both UNCTAD 2004 and 2005 reports, BPO is one of fastest growing industries globally. Joint Ventures            Joint ventures are operational or service partnerships with companies already existing or operating in the host country. This method of entry is limits is not as liberal as mergers or sequential market entry but is effective when entering heavily regulated markets. The method has been in particular use in entering the markets of China, the Soviet Union and that of Eastern Europe (Multinational Corporations, 2006). The issue of limited control for parent companies is the usually critique of this method and has raised issues regarding liberalization issues (Bernal, Kaukab, and Yu, 2005). Host countries and venture partners significantly benefit from the transfer of technology and management while parent companies are able to enter otherwise restrictive market. The concern for multinational companies however is the development of conflicts with joint venture partners who can become competitors (Multinational Corporations, 2006). Another concern for most multinational corporations regarding entering into joint ventures is that local policies, which their joint venture partners are subject to, are easily changeable. The creation of stable industry policies that may affect joint ventures and similar partnerships is one of the major focuses of developing countries trying to attract more investments (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, 2005). This move has been supported by the current agenda of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the United Nations (UNCTAD, 2004). Multinational Corporations in Developing Countries            Entering into s developing market requires the recognition and creation of strategies to deal with poor economic conditions, low educational levels, technological barriers or lack of existing channels and infrastructures for the distribution of the product and service (UNCTAD, 2005). Globalization and Trade Liberalization            A major reason for multinational expansion is accessing a wider market. This coincides with the international agenda of globalization and trade liberalization. The Asian Financial Crisis may still be a haunting scenario for many investors (Bernal, Kaukab, and Yu, 2005), but the current trends in Asia, particularly China and India, is creating renewed interest in expanding to developing countries (MGI, 2004).            The efforts of developing countries to liberalize trade and industries have also been encouraging. Recent trends have allowed the return of Coca-Cola to India (Nayak, 2006), the ranking of Asia as the most attractive FDI region (Kearney, 2006) and the growing success on BPO’s in India and the Philippines (UNCTAD, 2005).            The operations of multinational corporations have been constructive in the development of markets, the introduction of new products and the development of industries as a whole. Investments of these companies have helped stressed local economies space and opportunity to expand. The technology and management knowledge that multinational companies bring in has helped local research and development to improve standard practices and policies.            Multinational companies have been able to benefit from reduced labor, materials or overall operation costs. A significant benefit of going global is establishing brand and product presence. Many companies have also benefited from the variated market that globalization has provided them increasing product efficiency and marketability. Global Trend and Scenario            Though multinational corporations significantly contribute to international trade and development have not enjoyed acclaim. Their presence and nature if operations is said to be more detrimental to local economies than beneficial (Baitu, 2006; Tubbs and Schulz, 2006, Chang, 2003). Studies have also shown the negative effects of the operation of multinational corporations prompted some governments to take a protectionist approach which ahs deterred not only these corporations but trade liberalization in general (Wysocki, 2006).            According to the UNCTAD report regarding multinational corporations in least developed countries (UNCTAD, 2002), the â€Å"highly centralized nature of these corporations†is the main apprehension against them. Though multinational corporations contribute significantly to local economies in the form of investment, technology and commerce, there is very little barrier to exit from the local industry in case of a national economic downturn (Hoos, 2000). They have been said to have contributed to the aggravation of labor conditions, environmental degradation, and degeneration of social conditions, declined local industries and livelihood, and raised inflation levels (Tubbs and Schulz, 2006).            Furthermore, the mobility of multinational corporations leaves host countries with less bargaining power and allows them significant leverage over countries that are highly disadvantaged and needy of the jobs and investment they provide (UNCTAD, 2002). Current Issues and Concerns for Multinational Operations            In an international environment, a company’s concerns will have to consider more external factors. International trade laws, liberalization and globalization are the obvious concerns that emerging multinational have to face. More importantly, companies have to orient themselves to local markets, governments and policies that may they may not be familiar with (Wysocki, 2006). Exploring international markets also increases competition not just with traditional competitors but also for new business developments such as micro-multinationals (Ewing, 2005). The risks and challenges of becoming a multinational company need strategies that consider the company’s goals, international market scenarios and effective local marketing approaches. Recommendations In general, there should be further quantitative and qualitative studies on multinational corporations’ actual impact to host countries from individual to industry levels especially for the least developed countries that host them (UNCTAD, 2002). Multinational companies nowadays are not just commercial ventures; they also serve as highways of liberalization. Some multinational companies have greater assets than the poorest of developing countries leaving these nations with limited bargaining power. The need to attract investments by multinational companies must not undermine the focus on welfare, health and social life (Baitu, 2006). The following considerations are framed UNDTAD’s World Investment Report for 2004 and 2005, the 2002 Report Multinational Corporations in Least Developed Countries; and Bernal, Kaukab and Yu’s The World Development Report 2005 for the WTO:            Host countries must focus on creating industry competencies that do not just cater to the current needs of multinational companies operating in the country. Developing countries must not become dependent on multinational companies and focus on boosting domestic growth.            Developing countries should be liberally cautious in accepting FDI to the country so as to ensure the survival of its local industries. It should not take a protectionist approach creating false security in its local industries but only to alleviate the pressures of advantage that multinationals have by reasons of economies of scale.            Closer coordination with trade associations and international liberalization agencies will allows for developing countries support and knowledge in dealing with multinational corporations. At the same time, multinational corporations can benefit form the standardization of commerce and industry, decreasing speculation and uncertainty for their ventures.            Consideration of social issues can help multinational companies have a better local feel for the host country’s markets. Pubic relations in smaller countries become crucial in building brand and product awareness, purchase and loyalty. It also allows for the feasibility of introducing product extensions and even non-related ventures.            Involving multinational corporations in the host country’s environment, community, research and development can establish a more meaningful relationship. Multinational corporations can benefit form having greater involvement in factors that affect its operations. Fears of multinational corporations being insensitive to local concerns can also be alleviated. Conclusion            Multinational expansion is but one of the key indications of globalization. Liberalization signifies a country’s acceptance of globalization. Together, multinational corporations and liberalization act as vehicles for development and cooperation.            As in all relationships, work must be put in to make it work. Multinationals grow when local economies grow through the development of labor, resources and market expansion. Host countries benefit from the investment, technology transfer and the development of its emerging industries. New multinational companies in particular could prosper and establish themselves well in developing economies where competition may not as stiff and industries not as crowded as they would be in developed countries.            The key is in finding a balance between multinational investment and local industry growth and in creating  a relationship between multinational corporations and host countries that are based on mutual development.    References Baitu, J. (2006) Globalisation for the Common Good and Social Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa [Online]. Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Bergsten, C. F. (2000) The Global Trading System and the Developing Countries in 2000 [Online]. Working Paper 99-6 Institute for International Economics. Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Bernal, L. E., Kaukab, R. S., and Yu, V. P. B. III (2005).The World Development Report 2005: An Unbalanced Message on Investment Liberalization. WTO Institutional Governance and Dispute Settlement, of the Trade and Development Programme: Geneva, Switzerland. Brown, A. G. and Stern, R. M. (2005) Concepts of Fairness in the Global Trading System. Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, The University of Michigan: Michigan, USA. Chang, H. (2003) Foreign Investment Regulation in Historical Perspective: Lessons for the Proposed WTO Investment Agreement [Online]. Available from: [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (2005) Foreign Direct Investment-Policy & Procedures. New Delhi: Government of India. Available from: [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Ewing, R. (2005) The New Multinational: Lilliputian, Not Leviathan [Online]. Speaking Freely – Asia Times Online. Available from: [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Hoos, J. (2000) Globalization, Multinational Corporations and Economics. Kiado: Budapest. Kearney, A.T. (2004) China and India Jockey for the Top Most Attractive Foreign Direct Investment Destination Globally While the U.S. Is Challenged by These Rapidly Evolving Economies: Global executives see the best business environment since 2000, yet a return to positive global FDI flows could be complicated by a new mix of operational risksâ€Å". A.T. Kearney: London, United Kingdom. Nayak , A. K. J. R. (2006) Globalization of Foreign Direct Investment in India: 1900s–2000 [online]. Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. McKinsey Global Institute (2004). China and India: The Race to Growth [Online]. McKinsey Quarterly . Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Multinational Corporations (2006) Encyclopedia of Management, Volume Mar-No. Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. Tubbs, S. L. and Schulz, E. (2006) Exploring a Taxonomy of Global Leadership Competencies and Meta-competencies. The Journal of American Academy of Business, Volume 8, Number 2, March 2006, Dissertation Paper presented at the Eastern Michigan University. Eastern Michigan University: Michigan. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2002) Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Least Developed Countries (LDC’s). United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2004) World Investment Report 2004. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2005) World Investment Report 2005. Wysocki, B. Jr.(2006) Symbol Over Substance [Online]. Original Article printed in The Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2000. Available from [Accessed 12 September 2006]. [1] Micro-multinational are companies who have small manpower and overall scale unlike the traditional multinational corporations. An example is Navin Communications who have engineering operations in Mumbai, India and headquarters in Mountain View, California (Multinational Corporations, 2006).
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Personal Ethic Statement Essay
VirtuePersonal Ethics Statement Personal ethics provides a foundation for an individuals’ moral scale. It reflects personal beliefs on values, morals, right, and wrong. Personal ethics is influenced by family, friends, community, religion, culture, and coworkers; and that can have a positive or negative impact. Personal ethics varies from person to person; some points may be similar whereas others will differ. Personal ethics drives actions, and to some point, emotions day by day. Depending, on the individual our personal ethics and where we stand will lead us on a path of failure or success. According to my Ethical Lens Inventory, my preferred ethical lens is Rights- Responsibility and Results Lens (Ethical Lens Inventory Games), meaning that I can think rationally and still be emotionally balanced while coming up with a solution for the greater good of the people. I value independence and individual rights while making sure everyone is treated fairly. I am optimistic and like to bring new ideas to the table that someone may not have seen before. My blind spot is â€Å"Belief that motives justify methods or your own good is good†(Ethical Lens Inventory Games). Sometimes I let people down who are depending on me. I can ignore other problems as long as mines are solved. My strengths are â€Å"Self Knowledge and Free will†(Ethical Lens Inventory Games) I believe in balancing responsibility and entrepreneurship. I believe everyone should be accountable and self-reliant because I am so I expect that from others. My weakness is once I have made up my mind about something that I can close the door on other interpretation. I also have to accept that I cannot do everything by myself and that if I do not take the time to reflect that I can fail and become exhausted. My values are Autonomy, Rationality, Sensibility, Temperance, and Prudence (Ethical Lens Inventory Games). As a result of my personal background and what I have learned, I have placed prominence on being independent but also accepting help from others. My course of action is taking and accepting responsibility for my own actions. I have high expectations and my actions will determine my level of success. I will take time out to reflect on who I am, who I want to become and how I am going to get there. I am going to do what is right and in my heart. I will not change who I am for others even if they dislike me. I will follow the golden rule and treat people how I want to be treated. I will be fair to others and avoid being biased. I will fulfill my duties for those counting on me, and be respectful and show dignity for myself and for others. I will never settle for less and try my hardest at everything that I do, and seek continued improvement. References Ethics Games. Ethical Lens Inventory Report. Retrieved from http://www. ethicsgames. com
Friday, September 27, 2019
The Ethics of International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
The Ethics of International Business - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the relationship of the managers, including the directors, with the stakeholders, is mainly fiduciary. They are after all paid for working for the primary stakeholder, the shareholder to create value and profit for him. It is incidental that for earning this profit, they have to be equally mindful of befitting the secondary stakeholders. Contrary to common belief, there are many stakeholders in the business apart from the shareholder or the stockholder. They are the employees, customers, suppliers, bankers and even the society at large who look for some benefit from the company, and in turn are also its well-wishers. The various audits and financial data only show that these are results of activities that have been checked for correctness but they do not reflect on what level of competence was exercised. The better and more comprehensive method is through Corporate Governance. The company is a legal entity and theref ore has to enter into commercial transactions all the time for carrying on its business activities. These transactions are concluded by the managers on behalf of the company since the legal entity is not a person and needs agents to carry out these duties for it. This ability of the managers to enter into legal contracts and agreements makes them the agent of the company with the liability resting with the company. This situation gives rise to irresponsible behavior on the part of managers who do not carry the burden of any wrongdoing on their part. It is to control this likely misuse of power that Corporate Governance assumes importance.
Western Art History Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Western Art History - Coursework Example There is also a hint of red pigment on the statue that leads us to believe that it is representative of childbirth.1 The women of this culture were, most likely, revered for their ability to have children. While the Two Worshippers, which were carved to represent the local citizens, were left inside the temple to keep continual prayer vigilance to the god Abu.2 In the end, whether the statue represents a fertility goddess or a person, religion has been prevalent in some form throughout time. Though the various cultures may change, as well as the religious beliefs and rituals, time shows us that religion will always be there. Khafra Enthroned and the Seated Scribe come from two different periods of time in Egyptian Art. Both Kafra and the scribe seem to be seated in different positions. King, or pharaoh, Khafra is wearing similar style clothing to the scribe however it seems that Khafra’s clothing is more elegant than the scribe’s clothing. Clothing is one way of social position. The higher class citizens and royalty wore finer more elegant garments while the other social classes wore clothing that was of much less refinement. Like the clothing upon the statues of King Menkaure and Queen and Ni-ka-re, his wife, and their daughter, Khafra Enthroned shows that kings reveled in power and luxury. All the Egyptian works of art showed great detail when it came to the human form. From the placement of the eyes on the head to the curves on a woman’s body, these sculptures show the importance of the craft taken by the Egyptian sculptors.3 The two works I chose for case studies are from the Hellenistic Greek era of art, Aphrodite from Melos and Battle of Issus (Alexander Mosaic). I chose these works since I like the Ancient Greek works of art. For the sculpture Aphrodite from Melos (More famously known as Venus of Milo), I used the online book
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Personal Profile Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Personal Profile Paper - Essay Example I am Joshua Leung and I come from Hong Kong. Personality wise, I am a positive person who has a tendency to look for the good in everyone. In addition, I tend to look for the positive in each situation. This can be demonstrated by my persistent in studying irrespective of the fact that I am not very talented on academic matters. However, I still set goals and struggle to achieve them. This has enabled me to achieve quite a lot academically. Moreover, being a positive person helps me deal with difficult situations without giving up since I always hope that things will eventually work out for the best. I always avoid taking offense easily. This has helped me deal with people of different kinds. Sometimes, my friends and people I come across tend to criticize me for being too ambitious. However, I appreciate constructive criticism and make use of it to improve. I consider every situation to be a learning experience and ensure that I learn from it. Additionally, being positive enables me not to be easily irritated since I do not take everything personally. On the assessment score, I scored highest on being a friendly and open person. This is true is true since I manage to cope with people from varying background. This has enabled me live peacefully in United States. I cope well with people in US irrespective of the great differences in culture. Additionally, I take responsibility and accept deal with problems that my action may create even when the situation is not comfortable. I consider myself an extrovert. since I tend to be stimulated by events as well as other people. I tend to show my feelings and love working with people in groups. Additionally, I am inclined to using my senses to interpret the word by making use of my senses and prefer practical exercises. I realized I prefer dealing with practical situations involving problem solving as opposed to theoretical issues. On the personal assessment, I had a score of 135 on the type A person. Being a type A person means that I am aggressive and struggle to achieve more in limited time. This is true because I tend to be quite impatient and often find myself striving to achieve more things in a short period. Ever since I was young, I have always considered time to be an important factor that should be spent wisely. This can be demonstrated by the little time I spend on lei sure activities. Although I spend considerable time with my friend, I always ensure that am participating in something constructive. Another thing about me is that I am very concerned about the political matters. This is because I understand that organizations are political systems. Since I hope to run my own company in the future, I believe this important. The self-assessment proved this since I scored 91 on how good I am in playing politics. Additionally, I tend to monitor myself and love possessing power. Although I consider and show concern on how other people view me, I have a strong positive self-concept. This makes me confident. However, being self-confident does not mean I consider myself better than I consider others. I have a good opinion about myself but I still have great regard for other people’s opinions. How Other People see me After discussing with my friends on what they think of me, most of them though I am creative. When faced by hard situations, my brother always asks for my help since he believes that I am good at coming up
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Case study (Implement a marketing solution) Assignment
Case study (Implement a marketing solution) - Assignment Example Answer: 1. Mail - The major advantage of the mail interview is that the respondent can respond to the questionnaire at his convenience. The major disadvantage is the low response rate. Only 20-40% of the respondents reply to mail interviews. 2. Telephone - The cost of conducting the interview is the major advantage in this type of research methods. The problem in these types of research is the response level is low even here. This is because only one call per six calls is picked up. 3. Face-to-Face - The advantage with this kind of research method is that, it is possible to know whether the responses are fake or really true. The drawback is there may be bias on the part of researchers as well as respondents. Answer: Break-even analysis is a graphical and algebraic representation of the relationships among volume of output, costs and revenues. The two types of costs are the variable and fixed costs. The sum of the fixed and variable costs at a specific volume of output becomes the total cost at that volume of output. Both the costs are compared with the sales revenue and the level of sales volume is determined. Also the analysis reveals the level of production or the value of sales where the business would make neither a profit nor a loss. Such a point at which there would be no profit or no loss is termed as the Break-even Point. Answer: This kind of strategy is believed to be a very smart strategy followed by marketers or business ow
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
How do religion, culture and ethnicity affect the success or failure Essay
How do religion, culture and ethnicity affect the success or failure of a global enterprise and what factors could impact upon the decision making of the global entrepreneur - Essay Example These factors can lead to either the success or failure of the business. Consequently, a proper analysis of these factors and their impact on the day-to-day operations of the business is very fundamental in making the right decision as to invest or not to invest in a given venture overseas. A global business battles with a number of issues that end up affecting their efficiency in operations, as well as, the team spirit and motivation of its workers. As such, before setting up a business in a foreign market, a manager has to consider some of the aspects of business operations that may affect the efficiency of the business operations, the relationships within the organizational structure, and the team or group working. Proper management of the aspects that affect or influence these conditions would lead to the effective performance of the business, hence assured profitability and wealth maximization. The biggest headache of business managers setting up subsidiaries of their multinational corporations on foreign lands is how to deal best with issues relating to diversity and equality within their host country (Otter & Wetherly 2014:318). A foreign investment company meets various cases of diversity and equality in every new country that they set up shop, which also makes it imperative for the business manager to have proper knowledge of such requirements. The aspect of diversity in Human Resource Management (HRM) recognizes that people have a number of things that are common to each other. However, this does not mean that they are the same. Each person is different in his or her own unique way, and as such, these differences should not be the basis for their discrimination. Every member of the organization has the right to equal access to employment opportunities. This further goes to stipulate that when such an individual lands a job
Monday, September 23, 2019
Importance of Leadership Style for the Success of John Lewis Coursework
Importance of Leadership Style for the Success of John Lewis - Coursework Example The researcher states that given the competitive nature of the business environment that the firm operates in, and the importance and magnitude of leadership positions, leadership, and leadership style is very important for John Lewis. This will determine how John Lewis is going to be successful in the future as it continues to be an even more important business in the economy. Leadership is the process of coordinating and organizing people, in such a way that they work together as a focused team to accomplish a common goal. Leadership style refers to the philosophy of a leader and how he or she implements his or her leadership. According to BBC online news, the leadership style that a leader chooses to use, either consciously or unconsciously, has a fundamental impact on his efficacy as well as success. In this article, the leadership style of John Lewis is placed evaluated to determine its efficacy and what John Lewis may need to improve to become a better leader. When it comes to leadership, there are significant differences between leaders and managers. One of the main differences between managers and leaders is that leaders have followers while managers manage employees. Unlike a leader who creates and implements change, managers react to change and sometimes it can be too late for them. Managers, unlike leaders, are also likely to be focused on taking credit when they achieve something even if they achieved it through their employees. A leader who focuses on leadership and not management, on the other hand, gives credit to his team and takes responsibility when things do not go as planned or in the desired way. A manager may be focused on developing his career while a leader is taking a group or shared focus where nobody, not even the least import person, in the team is left behind. Managers may be the source of good ideas, but a leader is the one who makes these ideas transform from just being ideas into actual real-life solutions that benefit everyone. In other words, leaders make things happen while managers are just conveyor belts.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Run on Sentence Essay Example for Free
Run on Sentence Essay Correct each run-on with either (1) a period and a capital letter or (2) a comma (if needed) and the joining word and, but, for, or so. Do not use the same method of correction for every sentence. Some of the run-ons are fused sentences (there is no punctuation between the two complete thoughts), and some are comma splices (there is only a comma between the two complete thoughts). One sentence is correct. 1. Slovakia, a country in eastern Europe, was once ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now an independent country. 2. The children in the next car were making faces at other drivers, when I made a face back, they giggled and sank out of sight. 3. Chuck finished reading Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn then he began to take notes for his report. 4. The branches of the tree were bare they made a dark feathery pattern against the orange-pink sunset. 5. Ernest Hemingway drove an ambulance in World War I, he based the novel A Farewell to Arms on that experience. 6. Our class wanted to do something for the earthquake victims, we sent a donation to the Red Cross. 7. My ex-husband hit me just once in our marriage, five minutes later I was packed and walking out the door. 8. Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in New York on May 20, 1927 thirty-three-and-a-half hours later, he landed in Paris, France, completing the first nonstop transatlantic flight. 9. The average American teenager spends thirty-eight hours a week on schoolwork. the average Japanese teenager spends about sixty. 10. We stocked our backpacks with high-calorie candy bars, and we also brought bags of dried apricots and peaches. 11. Locate and correct the run-ons in the passage that follows. My worst experience of the week was going home for lunch, rather than eating at work. My children didn’t know I was coming, they had used most of the bread. All I had to make a sandwich with were two thin, crumpled pieces of crust. I sat there eating my tattered sandwich and trying to relax, then the telephone rang. It was for my daughter, who was in the bathroom, she was crying over her break-up. When I finally got her to calm down, my twin boys started fighting over their Legos. I was so upset I told them to calm down or I would take their toys away for a month. I’ve learned my lesson, I’ll be eating lunch at work from now on.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Culture Influence proposal Essay Example for Free
Culture Influence proposal Essay Saudi Arabia has a well developed healthcare system incorporating private and private facilities. Largely, there are healthcare centers that offer universal healthcare services incorporating emergency, preventive as well as basic services to the culturally rich Saudi Arabian population (Marshall, 1999). Largely, the government is quite instrumental in the provision of healthcare to its citizens. The government has put in place a referral system that has over three hundred hospitals offering both general and specialized facilities. Thus, vetting and placement of the staff is undertaken by the government. The cultural influences are quite significant as they determine specific roles accorded to men and women medical professionals and practitioners (Mansour Al-Osaimi, 2003). This document presents an in depth study and research of the way the rich Saudi Arabian culture influences the human resource management as well as quality of service delivery of the healthcare facilities. Introduction to the problem The Saudi Arabian culture is based on the Islamic law and religious teachings, thus there is a disparity in the manner in which men and women are treated. Largely, women are discriminated against in regard to the employment opportunities a well as management of healthcare facilities. Saudi Arabia’s law is based upon such Islamic Shariah premises of equality, justice and consultation (Baldo, 1995). Nonetheless, women are not accorded similar equality as their male counterparts. Although, the cultural stipulations play a significant role in setting the gender roles and expectations, sometimes women prefer to work in segregated areas willingly. Through close guidance of the highlighted research questions, this study will explore the cultural influences that impact management styles and staff selection in the healthcare sector. Purpose of the study In any society, cultural practices are critical in determining and influencing personal thoughts, behaviors as well as emotions. More often than not, culture shapes the perceptions and socialization of individuals as both the sub cultural and socioeconomic differences determine the levels of interaction and the manner in which activities are carried out. Data and information obtained from this research will be used to explore the impact that culture has on the way human resources management as well as service delivery in the healthcare sector is undertaken. Literature review The Saudi Arabian Ministry of health is tasked with provision of comprehensive as well as integrative healthcare to its citizens which complies with the stipulated Islamic principles (Long, 2007). Largely, the government ensures that the health care sector is upgraded through provision of qualified employees who not only ensure health care awareness is achieved but also provide the best services to its citizens. The government boasts a wide range of healthcare facilities. According to Long, (2007) in such healthcare sectors as maternal healthcare and immunization, significant improvement in the quality and service delivery has been recorded. The government ensures that employees have appropriate training and good remuneration that ensures they are well motivated thereby able to undertake the specified tasks. Cultural and social complexities are quite prevalent in Saudi Arabia with extensive gender segregation being exhibited in the country. Women are expected to be fully veiled while in the presence of male counterparts and avoid any from of contact from unrelated males. According to Ali Mahmoud (2003), a complete veil popularly known as niqab and abaya is meant to ensure that women maintain moral behavior as well the honor of their family is upheld. Ambika, (1998) asserts that for convenience purposes it is common to have women working in separate offices so as to unveil their faces and hair without being subjected to any form of harassment. Women are not allowed to undertake outside assignment except while in the company of their male relatives popularly referred to as Maram (Littlewood Yousuf, 2001). Largely, women are employed in sectors where they will offer medical help to women clientele while male practitioners are restricted in areas where they will serve male clients. Nonetheless, in the even that a female patient requires specialized treatment which can only be effected by a male doctor, then the male doctor is allowed to offer the services under close watch of a female nurse. Research questions This research is intended to establish the correlation between cultural influences in Saudi Arabia and the management practices that are in existence. Primarily, the research question that this research will be pegged upon therefore is: †¢ Does Culture influence the gender roles and management practices of the Saudi Arabian health care system? In order to further widen the scope of this primary research question, other specific questions will also be incorporated. These specific questions are outlined below; †¢ What is the prevalence of male and female managers in public and private sector hospitals? †¢ Does culture have any influence on management roles of public hospitals in Saudi Arabia? †¢ Do religious beliefs have any impact on gender roles? †¢ Does personal behavior and legal procedures influence selection and placement of staff to manage of healthcare facilities? †¢ Has modernity had any influence on the management of healthcare facilities? Scope of the study This research will focus primarily on the public healthcare sector. The main reason why the study will be concentrated in the public sector is because in Saudi Arabia, most of the population relies on the public hospitals for provision of healthcare services. Largely treatment is provided free of charge in the public hospitals although patients maybe required to purchase prescribed drugs (Khoja Kabbash, 2007). In public healthcare facilities, Islamic rules and culture influences are adhered to strictly during staff placement process and are also the guiding principles in the daily running of the facilities (Khoja Kabbash, 2007). The public sector will essentially present an ideal backdrop upon which the research will be based. Research methodology This segment details the data collection modalities that will be used to analyze highlighted research questions. Largely, the research will incorporate live interviews and questionnaires to collect data which is not only reliable but also valid. Interviews are reliable as the interviewed medical professionals will provide original data obtained from their specific work stations. It will also put the researcher at a advantageous position as the researcher will not only collect the data but will also observe the respondents. Additionally, the questionnaire will be structured in such a way that the research questions will be met and will therefore make data interpretation process easy. Through the use of questionnaires, the researcher is assured of obtaining detailed data that is essentially useful in the analysis of the research questions. Interviews will essentially provide up to date data as the interviewed respondents are those currently operating in the public healthcare facilities. Additionally, interviews essentially enrich the data interpretation process especially because some respondents are likely to share in depth insights regarding the management of the healthcare facilities. Interviews will also work to collect conclusive data especially because questions that may be misinterpreted in the questionnaires can be easily addressed. Interview Schedule In order to have valid data collected on the research questions, it is essential that only reliable respondents are interviewed. Largely, the bulk of respondents will be the former and current public health care management officers as they are aware of the modalities that are put in place to ensure efficient management of the facilities (Marshall, 1999). In this regard, the interviewer has approached over twelve respondents namely; †¢ Two Saudi Arabia Ministry of health Human resources officers †¢ Two public hospitals Chief Executive officers. †¢ Four male Public health doctors †¢ Four female public health doctors Additionally, the researcher has developed a questionnaire with the specific research questions that the respondents will be expected to respond to. The targeted respondents have expressed outmost willingness to provide required data. Reflection on limitations The researcher is well aware of the limitations associated with collection of the required data. For instance, getting respondents who are willing to offer required information in the projected time span is a challenge. The targeted respondents are medical professionals who have tight and busy schedules and it’s possible that they will be handling patients. Nonetheless, in order to counter this setback, the researcher will incorporate technological advancements such as web teleconferencing thereby be able to undertake online interviews. Another challenge that maybe exhibited through the use of questionnaires is the misinterpretation of research questions. In this regard, the researcher will ensure that the research questions are terse and straightforward in order to avoid any irrelevant responses. Ethical concerns Any credible research must adhere to strict ethical standards. Thus, the researcher has put in place principles to ensure contemporary ethical standards are adhered to. Firstly, the researcher will ensure anonymity of all respondents through concealing all identities. Secondly, respondents will not be coerced to provide required data; rather they will provide all information willingly. Thirdly, respondents will be informed beforehand the data collection procedure as well as the risks associated with the research process. Lastly, respondents will have an opportunity to validate data collected as the researcher will avail copies of the research to the respondents. Conclusion This research will rely on primary data collection procedures namely interviews and questionnaires to collect valid data essential in making inferences regarding cultural influences in the management of healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. All the targeted respondents are involved in the management of the healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia; hence there is no doubt that collected data and research analysis will be valid. Upon receipt of feedback on this proposal, the researcher will formulate interview schedules that will help investigate the culture impact on human resource management as well as quality of service delivery in Saudi Arabia healthcare facilities. Time schedule This Grant schedule will guide the time durations essential for accomplishment of the total research.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Archaeology And Patterns Of Trade Iron Age Europe History Essay
Archaeology And Patterns Of Trade Iron Age Europe History Essay In the Iron Age most European communities would have been linked together to some degree and this can be seen as a continuation of contact established during the Bronze Age (Piggott 1965: 174). Peaceful trade between these communities, for goods that were either a basic necessity or possibly just desirable, would happen for a number of reasons, none of them mutually exclusive, such as exploitation, cross-cultural interchange or mutually beneficial exchange (Woolf 1993: 211). When considering what archaeology can tell us about this trade, according to Collis (1984: 15),there is a common assumption that it divides into the three spatial patterns of long distance, inter-regional and local trade However, this differentiation may only be a modern construct that would not have been recognised by Iron Age communities (Wells 2008: 356-8). This essay will use some of the material culture available from burials, hoards and settlements to examine each pattern in turn looking at the objects trad ed, how trade was organised, why and who was involved in an attempt to assess whether or not the archaeological evidence supports this largely economic model. Before any assessment can be undertaken it is important to define the terms Trade and Iron Age as they are used in this essay. Trade is used here to describe any transaction intended to acquire goods not available in the local environment, which are either required for basic physical needs or are desirable, through purchase, barter or exchange for other goods (Wells 2008: 357). The process of goods or gift exchange was also in operation at this time and this term is used to describe the distribution of goods as a social interaction between communities aimed at increasing wealth, prestige or status (Wells 2008: 356-7). From the available evidence it is not always possible to tell the difference between these two systems and in fact Iron Age communities may not have differentiated so the two interactions can be interpreted as forming a continuum with traded goods being passed out from centres of trade to the rural periphery via exchange (Wells 2008: 358). The Iron Age was widespread across Central Europe by the 7th century BC and lasted until the Roman conquest in the 1st century BC. Traditionally It is divided into two phases, the Early Iron Age from 750-450BC, which is also termed Hallstatt after the type site in Austria, and the Late Iron Age from 450-50BC also known as La Tene from the type site in Switzerland (Darvill 2008: 215). This essay will use Early or Late Iron Age when referring to time periods, Hallstatt or La Tene when referring to artefact styles. Long distance trade is the easiest to detect in the archaeological record through the identification of foreign or exotic goods (Collis 1984: 15-16). In the Early Iron Age trade was stimulated by the metal using state societies of the Mediterranean , principally Greece and Etruria , as they sought sources of the basic raw materials like tin, copper, iron and salt to fuel their growing economies (Collis 1984: 15). Apart from Baltic amber and Mediterranean coral Europe had a plentiful supply of these basic raw materials locally available so the main import was in manufactured goods like the Attic pottery, Greek amphorae and Etruscan bronze vessels found at the Vix grave on Mont Lassois in France and the Heuneburg in Germany. These demonstrate trade as opposed to a social bond but are also indicative of links between the elites of Western Europe and the Mediterranean for the supply of feasting equipment and wine (Wells 1995: 231). The presence of elaborate graves with rich assemblages o f local products found in context with imported objects such as those found at Durrnberg in Austria which contained glass vessels from Italy, sword handles from Africa and vessels from Slovenia or grave 6 at Hohmichele on the Heuneburg , which contained silk textile from the far east, are indicative of long distance trade in prestige or luxury goods rather than social interaction (Wells 2008: 363). Colonies, such as Marseille founded by the Phocaeans in 600BC, were established by the Mediterranean societies to open up new trading markets (Milisauskas 1978: 270) as can be evidenced by the trade in wine and luxury items up the Rhone valley to central Europe (Greene 1990: 116), although not all Mediterranean drinking gear found in central Europe came via this route. Items such as the beaker flagons found in the Vix grave may have come via alpine routes from the Etruscan controlled Po valley (Cunliffe 1999: 62). Correspondingly the Early Iron Age saw the rise of European towns like the Heuneburg and Mont Lassois, with large populations and high levels of production and trade, which acted as core centres in local areas importing foodstuffs and raw materials from rural periphery for inter-regional exchange and distributing finished goods locally (Wells 1980: 46-47). In the Late Iron Age these towns were replaced by oppida like Manching in Bavaria and Bibracte in France which fulfille d a similar role. These oppida were also used as ports of trade and may have been established to attract and increase trade rather than to restrict or control it (Woolf 1993: 211). Following the foundation of the colonies feasting and drinking artefacts from Greek and Etruscan workshops appear in graves of the European aristocracy indicating the presence of well established trading links between central Europe and the Mediterranean (Cunliffe 2010: 462). It could therefore be assumed that that this elite aristocracy were in control of trade however there is evidence at the Heuneburg and Narbo for the presence of a merchant class who bring wine and other Mediterranean goods to the native markets and exchange them for raw materials, slaves and, as their population grew, foodstuffs (Nash 1984: 92-94). This trend continues into the Late Iron Age, when following a hiatus after Greece turns eastwards for trade in the 5th Century BC, contact with the Mediterranean is renewed in 2nd century BC, and there is evidence from Magdalensberg near Salzburg for trade being in the hands of Italian merchants with no evidence for native traders (Collis 2002: 31). Not all long distance trade was in luxury or prestige goods. The potential for interchange of rituals, ideas, technologies or even specialists should not be ignored nor should the smaller, domestic or lifestyle products like brooches and pins. It may be that the European elite in the towns and oppida acted as a core for the redistribution of these commodities in their local area or inter-regionally as the distribution of artefacts made from a variety of raw materials and involving the use of many technologies can be taken as indicating a defined social hierarchy within a settled society (Phillips 1980: 266). Inter-regional trade, or rather at this level exchange, can be described as the movement of goods between communities that share cultural similarities (Collis 1984: 15-16). For example, in the Late Iron Age objects found in graves from France, Austria and Bohemia and ornamented in the La Tene style would seem to indicate a social link between regional elites who express their cultural similarity and identity through material culture (Wells 2008: 363). The objects exchanged may be similar in form to those produced in the local environment and this exchange is traditionally seen as a social rather than economic event. To this end there is no merchant class involved in the transaction as it is based on family and kin relationships (Collis 1984: 15-16). Occurring more in the Early rather than the Late Iron Age it is characterized by gift exchange between the powerful members of peer societies possibly representing not only trade but also tribute, ransom, dowry payments or even wedding gi fts (Wells 1995: 239). This may also represent the practice of reciprocity whereby goods were given as a social interaction between elite members of society, not in the expectation of immediate exchange, but rather as a long term investment whereby reciprocation was made by the provision of services, labour, goods or even trading treaties (Nash 1984: 93-4). Stretching Europe slightly to include south-west Britain will allow the trade between Alet in France and Hengistbury Head to be used as a case study. The discovery of an iron anchor and chain dating from the 1st century BC at Bulbury in Dorset can be interpreted as providing evidence for maritime trade between continental Europe and Britain (Cunliffe 2010: 480). Hengistbury Head was a designated port of trade used by the local elite to control the flow of goods both into and out of Britain whilst utilizing the foreign trade relationship to increase their advantage over their regional periphery (Nash 1984: 93). Goods such as iron from the Hengistbury area, non-ferrous metals from the Mendips and Kimmeridge shale were exchanged with Alet, via a short haul sea crossing to the Channel Islands and thence to the port of Reginca, for Mediterranean pottery, prestige finished goods and wine (Languet 1984: 73). This is evidenced by the presence of Dressel 1A amphorae, glass and fine ware potte ry from Northern Italy at Hengistbury Head and changes in the local manufacture of ceramics, bronze and iron artefacts that are indicative of inter-regional exchange of ideas and technologies (Cunliffe 1984: 8). Although this short range, cross-channel contact was probably based on a recurring requirement between the respective core communities it could also be interpreted as a core-periphery pattern of trade whereby Continental Europe is the core supplying finished goods and south-west Britain is the periphery providing raw materials in exchange (Nash 1984: 92). There is evidence from the vast amounts of Armorican pottery at Hengistbury Head that the Armoricans themselves may have lived there, at least for part of the year, and acted as continental agents liaising with the local communities for the exchange of goods (Cunliffe 2010: 479). The hoard from Llyn Fawr in Wales could provide evidence of this interaction as it contains Hallstatt C type artefacts ,such as iron swords and br onze discs for harness ornamentation, that are similar to types found in Belgium and southern Germany and could have been shipped via Alet to Hengistbury Head before being exchanged locally (Cunliffe 2010: 456). Thus a case can be made for regarding Hengistbury Head as the core for its immediate environment with the local rural communities as the periphery. Local trade is probably the least studied of all the patterns of trade as there is a traditional assumption that the mechanisms used are already well understood (Collis 1984: 15). The interaction between local communities was possibly based on reciprocity with the exchange of finished goods for services, labour or raw materials. The oppida of the late Iron Age, like Manching and Bibracte, and the towns of the Early Iron Age, like Mont Lassois and the Heuneburg, were not just trading centres but were also manufacturing and production sites creating their own finished goods which is evidenced by graves containing bronze objects, pottery and glass beads that reflect local patterns of trade. These manufactured goods may have formed part of a core-periphery trade with smaller local communities for food and forestry products (Wells 1995: 236). Increases in rural production, which created a local self sufficiency and provided a greater surplus for trade, engendered the conditions that allow ed for a large scale social organisation with elaborate hierarchies. The emergent elite in these hierarchies were able to engage in local trade for a wide range of goods which could also be used to foster a regular contact with other regional elites for exchange of commodities, technologies and ideas (James and Rigby 1997: 76-7). Although they are classified as elites it is possible that individuals acted as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"centresà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ for trade and the rich burials in which we find lavish prestige and luxury goods, such as the Etruscan beaked flagons found in the middle Rhine area of Europe and dated to the Late Iron Age (Cunliffe 1999: 63), indicate wealth but maybe not elite status (Collis 1984: 16). After all not all trade was in luxury or prestige goods and the presence of non-elite objects like decorative pins and brooches, such as the bronze fibulae found in the female grave at Vix (Wells 2008: 364), in a local area can be taken as representative of local trade o r exchange networks. These socio-economic systems also saw elite leaders give gifts of lesser value to those lower down the hierarchy in order to retain status and power (Cunliffe 2999: 61). The spread of items like the long slashing Grundelingen swords can be explained by simple local exchange mechanisms providing examples that are then copied (Cunliffe 2010: 449) and at Alb-Salem in WÃÆ' ¼rttemberg there have been found ceramics of a particular size and decoration distributed across an area that could be walked in a day (Wells 2008: 361). In the late Iron Age coin evidence appears to indicate that specialist workers, who mass produce goods and administer their own commercial aspects of trade, replace control by elites, initially in their local area but eventually along the whole commodity supply chain (Wells 1995: 240-1). This is further evidenced by the appearance of mass produced Roman wares in graves where they replace unique foreign imports and is paralleled by a diminution in the role played by elites and social networks as they are superseded by professional merchants in a globalised economic market (Wells 1995: 240-2). The available archaeological evidence is open to ambiguous interpretation however this essay has argued that it would seem to support the spatial model of long distance, inter-regional and local patterns of trade even though this is a modern economic construct. These patterns should not be seen as being mutually exclusive but rather as strands in a complex system of exchange mechanisms that reflect social interaction between communities, that have a symbolic as well as an economic dimension whilst moving commodities, as well as ideas and technologies, bi-directionally around Europe and the Mediterranean (Renfrew 1993: 214). It should also be borne in mind that intangibles such as slaves, foodstuffs, hides and hunting dogs will leave no trace in the archaeological record even though they were subject to the same trade and exchange systems (Cunliffe 1984: 4). However, without the benefit of written sources to enhance our understanding, what the evidence cannot prove is how the Iron Age communities themselves regarded trade. It is a possibility that they did not differentiate by region or distance but instead regarded all trade as local and based on simple exchange systems no matter what the commodity or how far it had travelled (Wells 2008: 358). As the Iron Age came to a close, with low value coinage being adopted and Rome becoming predominant in Europe and the Mediterranean, there was a move to a globalised, impersonal, commodity market that removed the need for a differentiation in trading patterns. The emergence of standardised weights, measures and prices rendered redundant the requirement for barter and exchange systems with a professional Italian merchant class controlling trade and replacing local elites who were subsumed into the Roman provincial government process (Collis 2002: 30).
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Americanization and Canadian Culture :: Canadian Culture Essays
Americanization and Canadian Culture Gaà «tan Tremblay is a professor at the University in Quebec in Montreal. As a concerned Quebecois, He wrote an article which discusses the Americanization of Canada, in particular Quebec. Tremblay seems to have a strong stand point about the future of Quebec. Using statistical and literary evidence, primary and secondary sources, he attempts to support his argument that Quebec is a victim of American cultural colonization. Tremblay fears that Canadian culture is going to disappear as a result of the Canadian-American Free Trade Agreement. Tremblay started his article with what broadcasting is considered to be in Canada which is â€Å"an instrument of production and diffusion that must contribute to the maintenance and development of Canadian culture and its various components†. By this approach and use of words, he planted the idea that broadcasting is a fundamental tool for Canadian culture in his readers’ minds. This is effective because it insures how his readers will perceive broadcasting while reading the rest of his article. He supported this with an extract from the Broadcasting Act which focused on that point. His article started off strong but then weakened with his excessive use of quotations from the Canadian Broadcasting Act and his minimum effort in evaluating the quotes themselves. After discussing the importance of culture to Canadians he went on to mention how culture is not as important to Americans with his statement â€Å"For Americans, in contrast, cultural products are commodities like any other..†. Although this may strengthen his argument, it is also a biased statement since he is not American himself and he stated it like it was a known fact. Following that accusation, he attempted to support his idea of America’s dissolving culture by an exert from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration report which focuseed on the deregulation of their radio broadcasting system. The exert does not directly imply that the United States cares less about its culture because they are considering deregulation of radio broadcasting. The American Culture may not be threatened by deregulation the same way as the Canadian culture. But since he started his essay by mentioning how broadcasting â€Å"must†contribute to the development of Canadian culture, he is implying that the American culture has the same concept. The American culture may not be severely effected by deregulation just as the Canadian culture, so Tremblay’s argument may not be valid. To some readers who did not notice the bias, this argument may be considered very strong and convincing.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
The Past, Present and Future of Social Security Essay -- Social Securi
Social Security A Historical View Social security, the federal retirement system, is one of the most popular government programs in United State?s history. Today, Social Security benefits are the backbone of the nation's retirement income system. The long road to the successful development of social security began in 1935. Before 1935, very few workers received job pensions. Those workers that were covered never received benefits because they were not guaranteed. Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original Social Security Act. It comprised of two services: a Social Security retirement benefit that applied only to workers, and a welfare program for the elderly called Old Age Assistance. Social Security benefits were not paid until 1942 to allow for a period of partial forward funding. The retirement benefit service was funded by a two percent tax on the first $3000 of payroll earnings, 1 percent form employers and 1 percent from workers. In 1939, Social Security was amended to include coverage to dependents of workers who died. The payroll tax income was also set aside in a separate trust fund. Social Security gained national commitment in 1950 when the Old Age Assistance program was phased out. Benefits were increased by 77 percent and the payroll tax rate was increased to 6.5 percent on a phased ? in basis. This increment was partly a response to an expansion in private pensions that were being won by unions in collective bargaining agreements. The pensions, usually, served as a supplement to social security benefits. Employers supported Social Security increases because they were considered more economical than private pensions. In order to increase Social Securit... ...bout higher deductibles, reduced benefits, or the probability of a government-run program that many not meet its commitment. The increase in the nation?s savings rate would not only benefit retirees, but would strengthen the economy. Savings would be invested privately, which would create new businesses and jobs. Bibliography Cambetas, Daniela. The Economic Reality of Social Security. Social Security. 25 Aug. 2007. Conover, Pat. ?A Concise History of Social Security.? 20 July 2001. 25 July 2007. http://www.ucc.org/justice/ss/history.htm. Social Security Online. 25 July 2007. . Social Security: The Perspectives in Detail. Public Agenda Online. 8 Aug. 2007. http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/debate_detail2.cfm?issue_type=ss. The Past, Present and Future of Social Security Essay -- Social Securi Social Security A Historical View Social security, the federal retirement system, is one of the most popular government programs in United State?s history. Today, Social Security benefits are the backbone of the nation's retirement income system. The long road to the successful development of social security began in 1935. Before 1935, very few workers received job pensions. Those workers that were covered never received benefits because they were not guaranteed. Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original Social Security Act. It comprised of two services: a Social Security retirement benefit that applied only to workers, and a welfare program for the elderly called Old Age Assistance. Social Security benefits were not paid until 1942 to allow for a period of partial forward funding. The retirement benefit service was funded by a two percent tax on the first $3000 of payroll earnings, 1 percent form employers and 1 percent from workers. In 1939, Social Security was amended to include coverage to dependents of workers who died. The payroll tax income was also set aside in a separate trust fund. Social Security gained national commitment in 1950 when the Old Age Assistance program was phased out. Benefits were increased by 77 percent and the payroll tax rate was increased to 6.5 percent on a phased ? in basis. This increment was partly a response to an expansion in private pensions that were being won by unions in collective bargaining agreements. The pensions, usually, served as a supplement to social security benefits. Employers supported Social Security increases because they were considered more economical than private pensions. In order to increase Social Securit... ...bout higher deductibles, reduced benefits, or the probability of a government-run program that many not meet its commitment. The increase in the nation?s savings rate would not only benefit retirees, but would strengthen the economy. Savings would be invested privately, which would create new businesses and jobs. Bibliography Cambetas, Daniela. The Economic Reality of Social Security. Social Security. 25 Aug. 2007. Conover, Pat. ?A Concise History of Social Security.? 20 July 2001. 25 July 2007. http://www.ucc.org/justice/ss/history.htm. Social Security Online. 25 July 2007. . Social Security: The Perspectives in Detail. Public Agenda Online. 8 Aug. 2007. http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/debate_detail2.cfm?issue_type=ss.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Money and Power Social Stratification Essay
Additionally, Max Weber expanded the idea of Mar's classic theory. He stated that people have free will, ability to make choices about something. People in effect can have an insight into what someone else is going through, the ability to relate to each other dimensions of power. The more you know, you have the power to insight. The people have power with access to skills, knowledge, and labor. William Domingo and C. Right Mills have gathered a contemporary theory, the power elite theory which is distributed power. Power elite theorist C. Right Mills stated that the rich people are all related.They control the economy, politics, government, media, criminal justice system laws, cultural capital, and etc. He summarized that they are a group of people who control everything. The wealthiest 1 percent own 33 percent of the Nation's wealth. Those who control have power and so they maintained that power by establishing methods of control. William Domingo theory explains that the power elite maintain their power by sharing a perfect set of coordinated interests. They are such things as vacationing at a similarly destinations, joining elite clubs, tending select schools, and socializing within the same group. Art 2: 2. ) social Class Scientific research analyzes that most people who are in the same class have the same access to the things that are valued in our society. Such valuable things are money, power, good neighborhood and schools. They also live in a similar way such as their lifestyles. People that work in a higher level tend to place themselves as middle class. Social class are break down into two groups: White collar and blue collar/pink collar. The white collar are required to have at least a bachelor degree and they are identified as the middle class.The blue or pink collar are the working class who are pay less than white collar. Their jobs required less education. Gender and race was also ranked in social class. As for gender, a male and for race, a white person would help to be in higher social class. More women were in poverty than men due to the fact that men were the head. There are four approaches to determining social class. The first one is objective method which is the use of a multidimensional numerical (statistical) measure. The second way is called self-placement, the individuals appraise their own class according to questioners categories.The third way is reputation method which individuals appraise others' class according to questioners categories. The fourth way is combined method, Coleman and Rainwater: People who have really made it, people who are doing really well, people who have achieved the middle-class dream, people who have a comfortable life, people who are just getting by, and people who are having a difficult time. Social Stratification still occurs today because it is useful for individuals and groups such as people who have power have the ability to control others who are powerless. 2. ) Social class (p. 126-127)
Monday, September 16, 2019
Introduction nokia Essay
The company that we choose from the list is Nokia. Over the past 150 years, Nokia has evolved from a riverside paper mill in southwestern Finland to a global telecommunications leader connecting over 1. 3 billion people. During that time, they’ve made rubber boots and car tires. They’ve generated electricity. They’ve even manufactured TVs. Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications and information technology corporation that is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. Its principal products are mobile telephones and portable IT devices. It also offers Internet services including applications, games, music, media and messaging, and free-of-charge digital map information and navigation services through its wholly owned subsidiary Navteq. Nokia owns a company named Nokia Solutions and Networks, which provides telecommunications network equipment and services. As of 2012, Nokia employs 101,982 people across 120 countries, conducts sales in more than 150 countries, and reports annual revenues of around â‚ ¬30 billion. By the fourth quarter of 2012, it was the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker in terms of unit sales (after Samsung), with a global market share of 18. 0%. Now, Nokia only has a 3% market share in smartphones. They lost 40% of their revenue in mobile phones in Q2 2013. Nokia is a public limited-liability company listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. It is the world’s 274th-largest company measured by 2013 revenues according to the Fortune Global 500. Nokia was the world’s largest vendor of mobile phones from 1998 to 2012. However, over the past five years its market share declined as a result of the growing use of touchscreen smartphones from other vendorsâ€â€principally the iPhone, by Apple, and devices running on Android, an operating system created by Google. The corporation’s share price fell from a high of US$40 in late 2007 to under US$2 in mid-2012. In a bid to recover, Nokia announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft in February 2011, leading to the replacement of Symbian with Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system in all Nokia smartphones. Following the replacement of the Symbian system, Nokia’s smartphone sales figures, which had previously increased, collapsed dramatically. From the beginning of 2011 until 2013, Nokia fell from its position as the world’s largest smartphone vendor to assume the status of tenth largest. On 2 September 2013, Microsoft announced its intent to purchase Nokia’s mobile phone business unit as part of an overall deal totaling â‚ ¬5. 44 billion (US$7. 17 billion). Stephen Elop, Nokia’s former CEO, and several other executives will join Microsoft as part of the deal.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
External and Internal Environmental Analysis Essay
â€Å"Environmental scanning is the internal communication of external information about issues that may potentially influence an organization’s decision-making process†(Albright, 2004, p. 34). For organizations like Fresenius Medical Care, a worldwide company, the awareness of external environmental factors is vital to maintain competitive on the dialysis industry. Even though there are multiple external factors to analyze, in recent years the government works as an element of change on the medical industry with the biggest health reform in United States history. The health reform will affect the way Fresenius makes business because the company needs to adapt the new payments-per-service coverage and sustain quality of service as well as profitability. External Environmental Scan Remote Environment â€Å"The remote environment comprises five factors that originate beyond, and usually irrespective of, any single firm’s operating situation: economic, social, political, technological, and ecological factors†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 87). The organization has no control or regulation over these factors. The remotes environmental factors influence the way Fresenius Medical Care offers dialysis services, especially the economic and political factors. The economic factor describes the organization awareness of the â€Å"general availability of credit, the level of disposable income, and the propensity of people to spend†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 87). Fresenius target market is end-stage-renal-disease patients with health care insurance. The economic factor will affect Fresenius target and the ability to pay for dialysis treatment and medications. The â€Å"political factors define the legal and regulatory parameters within which firms must operate†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 90). A good example of political factor is the Obama Care Law or Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The president Barak Obama signs the law in 2010 with the purpose of providing accessibility to affordable medical care to the Americans and to reduce the government expenses. For-profits entities like Fresenius Medical Care have to adapt the new regulations and create a strategic plan to avoid the potential reduction on profit. Industry Environment â€Å"Industry environment is the general conditions for competition that influence all businesses that provide similar products and services†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 97). There are five forces that Michael E. Porter, a Harvard University professor, uses to describe the industry competition (Pearce II & Robinson, 2012). These forces are entry barriers, supplier power, buyer power, substitute availability, and competitive rivalry (Pearce II & Robinson, 2012). Fresenius Medical Care major competitor in the United States is Davita Dialysis Center. Fresenius recognizes and study the competitor’s strategies to strength the organization. The Obama Care law affects the dialysis industry by changing the medication coverage. Fresenius competitor owns pharmaceuticals with capability to serve the dialysis patients as soon the law becomes active in 2016. Fresenius identifies the threat of substitute of the competitor and create a program that provides medications to the patients and increase the company profitability even before the law is effective. The goal for Fresenius is to enroll a 100% of patients with Medicare in Fresenius Rx program by the end of 2013. So far Fresenius is at 20% of the goal in California. Operating Environment The external operating environment seems to be closer to the firm than the remote and the industry environments. Operating environment includes the following factors: competitors, creditors, customers, labor, and supplier (Pearce II & Robinson, 2012). The proximity of these factors implies that the company may have more interaction and more awareness of the environmental changes. For example, Fresenius study the effect of the new health reform on the main competitor, Davita Dialysis, the patients, the employees, the pharmaceutical suppliers, and medication distributors. Fresenius uses this information to create new strategies and reform the internal environment. Internal Environmental Scan Strengths â€Å"A strength is a resource or capability controlled by or available to a firm that gives it an advantage relative to its competitors in meeting the needs of the customers it serves†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 151). Fresenius Medical Care is a German company with more than 70 years of experience in the dialysis industry. The company operates worldwide and has â€Å"more than 2,100 dialysis facilities in North America†(Fresenius Medical Care, n. d. , p. 1). In addition to the experience and knowledge, Fresenius is â€Å"the continent’s top producer of dialysis equipment, dialyzers and related disposable products and a major supplier of renal pharmaceuticals†(Fresenius Medical Care, n. d. , p. 1). Another important strength is the high quality standards on the services and products that the company provides. Weakness With the strength comes the weakness. â€Å"A weakness is a limitation or deficiency in one or more of a firm’s resources or capabilities relative to its competitors that create a disadvantage in effectively meeting customer needs†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 151). The weakness that the company confronts with the new health care reform is the pharmaceutical capability. The pharmacy should be ready to serve â€Å"hundreds of thousands of people throughout the United States†(Fresenius Medical Care, n. d. , p. 1) by 2016. Fresenius has two pharmacies that provide services to more than 2,000 facilities. The prescription delivery time fluctuates between two days and two weeks, which gives advantage to the competitors. Another weakness that Fresenius has is the pressure putting into the employees to meet the project deadlines. This pressure may cause work accidents, employees’ exhaustion or the reason for knowledgeable employees to move and work with the competitors. Competitive Position and Possibilities Competitive advantage is the â€Å"company’s unique skills and resources working to implement strategies that competitors cannot implement as effectively†(Olsen, 2013, p. 1) Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) has a competitive advantage position because the company keeps the vanguard on dialysis product innovation and quality of service. FMC is the major product provider of the competitors in United States as well. A strategic alliance between FMC and the competitors may help the industry to survive the new health care reform and the implications to dialysis treatment payments. This alliance may reduce the cost of the medications and improve customer service by delivering medications the same day of the prescription order. If an alliance is impossible, the knowledge, and experience in strategic planning that characterize Fresenius, will lead the company to a new plan to keep profitability while doing business. Other possibilities may be open more pharmacies around the United States, and diversify the medications inventory. In this way Fresenius will be able to fill any medication prescription to the patients as well as improve delivery time. Organizational Structure and Performance â€Å"Organizational structure refers to the formalized arrangements of interaction between and responsibility for the tasks, people, and resources in an organization†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 321). Fresenius Medical Care has a traditional matrix organizational structure â€Å"in which functional and staff personnel are assigned to both a basic functional area and to a project or product manager†(Pearce II & Robinson, 2012, p. 326). This type of structure helps large companies to concentrate in projects like the creation of strategic plan to meet the government health reform and meet the company’s goal. Conclusion The external and internal environmental analysis brings information to Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) that the company uses to strengthen the company and be aware of potential treats and opportunities. For example, the external remote environment factor that influences the company’s structure is the new government health care reform or the Obama Care Law by changing the amount of payment per dialysis treatment. The external industry and operating environments analysis provide information about the competitor’s strategies in relation to the new regulations. Davita Dialysis Center represents FMC biggest competitor. Fresenius strengths are experience, knowledge, innovation, biggest producer of dialysis materials, and high quality measures. Fresenius weaknesses are the pharmacy capability, deadlines, and pressure. Fresenius uses the strength to improve pharmacy services; decrease employees work pressure, and maintain competitive, and profitable in the dialysis industry. Fresenius organizational structure helps the company to meet the company’s goals, mission, and mission. The matrix structure permits functional employees to work in special projects, perform a functional work, and meet the company’s expectations. For example, Fresenius has the Registered Dietitians working on FMC Rx (Company’s pharmacy) enrollment project and performing regular dietitian job. The dietitian reports to the manager of operations as well as the Clinical Manager. References Albright, K. S. (2004, May/June). Environmental scanning: radar for success. Information Management, 38(3), 38. Retrieved from http://www. arma. org/ bookstore/files/Albright. pdf Fresenius medical care. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://jobs. fmcna. com/ Olsen, E. (2013). About. com. Retrieved from http://homebusiness. about. com/od/growing/a/comp_advantage. htm Pearce II, J. A. , & Robinson, R. B. (2012). Strategic Management (13th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Different Ways To Learn From Reading To Writing
It is frequently said that the western can talk many linguistic communications and frequently there is a phrase that states the myth of monolinguals in the West. The world is non needfully true as the category I am in is able to talk over 30 three linguistic communications. The Salverda article refersuser2010-10-21T21:55:00 Referee that London itself can talk over 300 different linguistic communications, which renders the position of monolinguals. A bilingual individual is a individual who can talk less than two or more linguistic communications and a individual who can talk more than two are called monolingual. I can talk English, Gujarati, Hindi and French. For this instance analyze English and Guajarati will be L1 and L2. Bing a individual who has the chance to larn more than two linguistic communications has taught me how I have learnt my linguistic communication and how good I look after them. For this instance survey I will explicate societal and political content bon linguistic communication acquisition and the instruction experiences that I had turning up. I will besides speak about theories and codification commixture and shift. Peoples get linguistic communications throughout different ways, some learn from schools, some from get marrieding into a different civilization or some through migrations. I was taught from my parents who migrated from India. The manner that I can remember is, L1 was taught at school and L2 was taught at place and Saturday school. Learning L1 was rather difficult compared to L2, as I believe that with L2 there was more focal point on me larning that much more rapidly as my Dendranthema grandifloruom could non talk L1 rather good. Using this I will be able to concentrate on certain theories that may be able to assist how the linguistic communication. During the period of 1960 ‘s there was a cardinal development on how kids get linguistic communication. It was done by Peal and Lambert. There survey showed that the survey clearly demonstrated the advantages that accrue to bilinguals in certain countries of cognitive ability. If it was non for Peal and Lambert 1960, as a discovery, theoreticians were able to understand that kids needed to be balanced in linguistic communications to assist them with their cognitive development. With this, people were able to understand how kids learnt linguistic communications and assist teacher to learn the kids. Because of the methods founded, I believe that it has assist me to understand that when I was larning at that place were different paths that instructors taught us to assist me understand linguistic communications and without cognizing some of this methods were taught at place every bit good. But what defined a balanced bilingual? This was a individual with equal proficiency, high or low in two linguistic communications. ‘Native like control of both linguistic communications ‘ ( Baker 2001 ) given the nature of linguistic communications it is non possible to be balanced for a period of clip. However, usage of two or more linguistic communications may be in balanced give the fortunes. The CUP ( Common Underlying Proficiency theoretical account ) which was developed by Cummins in 1980 was a great development for the apprehension for linguistic communication development. To summarize this method is that the both linguistic communications operate at the same clip, intending that when I was larning my linguistic communications, the development of L1 was weaker compared to L2. ( Baker 2001 p170 ) explains that one ground could be that if one or more linguistic communications are non working to the full knowledge and academic public presentation could be affected. In my instance, this was true, as I seem to hold more hard in larning English even though it was meant to be my first linguistic communication compared to my place linguistic communication which was L2. Another method that I remember larning was through sounds and ocular cues which really goes into the BICS. This is Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills ; ( Baker 2001 pp,174 ) defines this as the insouciant criterion for communicating, where its context is embed on the rudimentss of utilizing ocular cues and non- verbal agencies of communicating significance. To me this meant that, when larning L1 instructor were utilizing sounds, images or other methods of communicating, this was besides the same when larning L2, nevertheless, although both methods of acquisition was same. I had jobs larning L1 compared to L2. The deceptive nature of BICS can take to instructors doing errors where the instructors would overrate kids ‘s ability in literacy development. Where as in some instance it can be accurate and instructors would happen that they do non hold clip to assist or non adequate resources as there are 30 kids in a schoolroom and can non assist the all. In development to BICS, there was the content embedded and content reduced. Which was design by Cummins 1983, this method was design to assist kids with their cognitive thought. A context-embedded undertaking is one in which the pupil has entree to a scope of extra ocular and unwritten cues ; for illustration he can look at illustrations of what is being talked about or inquire inquiries to corroborate apprehension. A context-reduced undertaking is one such as listening to a talk or reading dense text, where there are no other beginnings of aid than the linguistic communication itself. The threshold theory was developed by Cummins et al 1979 explains that this theory is predicated on the premiss that bilingualism confers cognitive benefits. It ‘s suggested that the bilingual proficiency must be reasonably high before cognitive benefits accrue to the persons. This is partially related to me because it explains that if my L1 is less developed the L2 is besides affect. In my instance this was true. In larning both linguistic communications at the same clip, it was confounding me that I did non cognize which manner to travel and sometimes when it came to larning I found that my authorship accomplishment were weaker compared to my reading accomplishments. Which gave a disadvantage as it made me experience less intelligent compared to other kids around me. One ground why I could hold underachieved in developing could be that I may non hold could be the insufficiently developed in both of the linguistic communications, nevertheless, one ground could be that because I had to self Teach L1, as my parents L1 was their native linguistic communication and English was L2 to them so it was bit difficult for them to learn as they were larning themselves every bit good. Code commixture and Code Switching, are a good known factor in footings of a bilingual individual. Code -switching is the commixture of words, phrases and sentences from two distinguishable grammatical ( sub ) systems across sentence boundaries within the same address event, code-mixing is the embedding of assorted lingual units such as affixes ( bound morphemes ) , words ( unbound morphemes ) , phrases and clauses from a co-operative activity where the participants, in order to deduce what is intended, must accommodate what they hear with what they understand. It meant that when I was talking, I kept blending my linguistic communications together, for illustration I would get down to speak in L1 and complete in L2. At school if I knew person that could talk the same linguistic communication as me, it felt particular and felt like we were talking in codifications that me and my friends would cognize merely. In decision, I have notice that larning linguistic communications is a complex thing, if you do non look after it you can lose that ability and can even bury about it. To understand linguistic communications and how they help we have to travel back to its beginnings like roll and Lambert who were a great influence on linguistic communications. Because of them other theoretician such as Cummins ‘s happening aid to understand how to assist kids. But what needs to be considered is that there could be negative impact every bit good as there were jobs with some of the determination such as societal category or societal political were non considered, and most of the determination were centre through in-between category kids. Besides in schools teacher now understand that kids larning L1 is non to be treated as particular demands as it is a different categorization besides teachers must understand that in add-on to being bilingual, kids must non merely go on to develop their first lin guistic communication and non subtractive their L2 as it besides undermines their cognitive thought. At the start of the essay I have said that I can talk three or more linguistic communication, which it true but can merely talking Hindi, and understanding Urdu and Punjabi be classified as person being monolingual. What about my GCSE French, where I learnt how to read and compose and talk, but due to non utilizing that linguistic communication I have forgotten it, can I could that as a linguistic communication learnt. So being bilingual is non clearly defined as it could intend anything. Yet people have frequently said that if you can talk a linguistic communication means that you have learnt a linguistic communication. Peoples have frequently said that larning a linguistic communication is difficult and if you do non look after, you may lose that accomplishment, which in my instance was true, because I had non look after my linguistic communication I have forgotten most of the ling uistic communication. Referee hypertext transfer protocol: //esl.fis.edu/teachers/support/cummin.htm hypertext transfer protocol: //www.njas.helsinki.fi/pdf-files/vol15num1/ayeomoni.pdf
Friday, September 13, 2019
Age Discrimination Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Age Discrimination - Research Paper Example As our nation is multicultural in its democratic set up, the policy has both legal and ethical significance in HRM. From a social perspective, in order to maintain the socio-economic stability, we should allow people to work as long as they wish. It has been assumed that diverse workforce (ethnicity, culture, language, sex, and age) would avail potential individuals with a variety of talents who will also have experience and knowledge about wide rage of customers (Weightman, 2004, p.25). For example, we have hundreds of employees who are above the age of 65 still working zealously. Moreover, it helps us save time and money to test and train new recruits. In fact, the older workers are the proven asset which can help employers in the long run. Moreover, retaining older staff would be a reasonable solution to the growing labor shortage. Obviously there are certain situations when age discrimination policy would lead to organizational crisis. However, the issue depends on the effectiveness of the HR strategy. For instance, the company should have well defined vision on individual goals and role assignment. There are certain exceptional tasks in which youngsters can outsmart elders. Therefore, elders should not be assigned to services that require high physical and mental skills. In the UK, According to the Default Retirement Age Act of 2006, employers can force workers to retire exactly at their age of 65 without paying any redundancy (BBC News). Although 65 had been considered as the common age for retirement in the United States, mandatory retirement was completely abolished since 1986 (Kerley, 2001, p.208). As mentioned earlier, we therefore, neither discriminate nor force workers to retire at their old age; instead, workers are given the privilege to choose their retirement. It would be a fallacy if we assume that young labors would perform better than the older workers. On the other hand, new candidates may not be always
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Negotiation Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Negotiation Process - Essay Example According to the report the marked price on most items not always its fixed price. Therefore, he was ready to negotiate with the seller so that they could reduce the price. Moreover, the author knew that there would be a certain price that the seller would not go below if the item has to remain profitable. He also understood that for the negotiation process to be successful he had to be flexible, and he had to communicate effectively so that at the end the price agreed would be a win-win situation.From this discussion it is clear that upon entering the shop, the author was welcomed by the young white lady. She looked jovial, and she directed him to the counter selling PlayStation. The person in charge was a Chinese old man who looked very serious. He had a Chinese accent and struggled to speak English fluently. However, he was willing to explain the functionality of the PlayStation and the available different types. Due to his poor English, he did not understand all that he said. The author immediately asked for the price. He stated the price and they began negotiation. Due to his serious nature, he was not really interested in negotiating. His attitude put me off, and the author called the young white lady. She explained to me again, and he even realized that the PlayStation they were negotiating on was not exactly what he wanted. She showed him another machine, and they began discussing the price. She was very flexible and convincing. She maintained her positive attitude.Â
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