Monday, September 30, 2019

Pest Analysis of Russian Retail Market

PEST Analysis The PEST analysis is used in this report to evaluate the political, economic, social and technological aspects of the macroeconomic environment in the targeted market, Russia. This study helps to frame the basis for the decision-making about a possible market entry. Thus, it is of vital importance to scrutinize the macroeconomic environment as part of the market research. Political and Legal Aspects According to the Russian 1993 Constitution, Russia is a democratic federative state with a republican form of government grounded in the rule of law (pwc, 2012).After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has gradually opened up and after a seven-year transitional period with numerous market reforms, political stability was achieved under Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev. Moreover, since 1999 when Putin became president for the first time, Russia’s political system has shown continuity in its policies. The Russian judicial system is based on statutor y law, but has been ineffective and weak since the fall of the Soviet Union. However, the introduction of many reforms is expected to eventually bring about improvements.Russia has also entered various legal assistance programs with countries across the world, as unfair competition practices are hindering FDI inflows into the country (Datamonitor, 2011; pwc, 2012). However, corruption and crime are still major challenges for doing business in Russia. Russia has been ranked 143rd in Transparency International’s corruption perception index of 2011 concerning perceived public sector corruption. In addition, the high degree of bureaucracy within the country makes doing business slow and complicated.The business environment is further negatively affected by the high number of corrupt state officials (Datamonitor, 2011). Terrorist activity is one of the major concerns in Russia as bomb explosions and suicide attacks (such as those in the Moscow-St. Petersburg express train in 2009 or in the Moscow metro in 2010) have killed dozens of people over the last years (Datamonitor, 2011). Russia is member in many different international, regional, economic and financial agreements such as G8, G20, and International Monetary Fund just to name a few of them. pwc, 2012) The country further integrated within the world economy by entering the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2012 (Datamonitor, 2011). Economic Aspects Russia of 2011 is characterized by a per capita GDP (PPP) of $16. 750, GDP and FDI growth of 4. 3% and 33% respectively. Furthermore, the ease of doing business in the country improved by 4 ranks between 2011 and 2012 and hence Russia is ranked 112th in 2012 (Datamonitor, 2011; pwc, 2012). Historically successful economic reforms during the 1990s led to liberalization of the Russian economy and to high growth rates.Yet, the global economic downturn beginning in 2008 led to a negative growth of 7. 7% in 2009. However, the country’s economy managed to q uickly recover, achieving a 3. 9% GDP growth in 2010, mainly due to the high oil prices (Datamonitor, 2011). Improved competitiveness and higher oil prices facilitated a turnaround in the current account, from a deficit in 1998 to a surplus of 12% of GDP in 1999. Since 2000, Russia has maintained a current account surplus, which dropped from around $102bn in 2008 to around $47bn in 2009 (Datamonitor, 2011; pwc, 2012).Current challenges in Russia’s economic landscape include a high budget deficit and a banking system being under continuous stress. Moreover, the unemployment rate of 6. 6% is another negative side of Russia’s economic landscape (Datamonitor, 2011). Social Aspects The main ethnic group within Russia is Russians with 79. 8%, while other ethnic groups include Tatar 3. 8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1. 2%, Chuvash 1. 1%, other or unspecified ones with 12. 1% (2002 census) (CIA The World Factbook, 2012).Concerning religion, estimates from 2006 suggest that 15-20% o f the population are Russian Orthodox, 10-15% are Muslim, and 2% – other Christian, yet large parts of the population are non-believers, a likely legacy from the Soviet era (CIA The World Factbook, 2012). The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ranks Russia 66th with regards to overall human development, making Russia part of the high human development quartile. However, one major challenge within Russia is the huge gender gap concerning life expectancy.Average life expectancy is 66. 2 years, yet it is only 59. 8 years for men, while boosting 73. 1 for women (United Nations Development Program (UNDP), 2011; Datamonitor, 2011). Russia is estimated to be one of the fastest-growing countries concerning proportion of population to be considered middle class. (Financial Times – Chart of the week: tracking the rising EM middle classes, 2012). The related increase in disposable income can be illustrated by the tripling in middle class spending between 2000 and 2010.Howe ver, the widening income inequality may pose a challenge for long-term success (Datamonitor, 2011). In general, Russia’s current strengths concerning social development are the high level of social governmental spending and the well-educated population. However, the country still struggles with a high mortality rate and a widening income inequality gap (Datamonitor, 2011). Technological Aspects Russia has signed the TRIPS (Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property) agreement, but nevertheless faces Intellectual Property Rights issues regularly.Moreover, the country still lacks adequate telecommunications infrastructure (Datamonitor, 2011). PEST Implications for the Retail Industry Russia’s political and legal framework suggests that foreign retail operations in Russia, although not restricted, may be inefficient because of bureaucracy and corruption. In addition, the usage of the ruble exposes foreign investors to exchange rate risks. The economic characteristics of the Russian market, however, paint a much more attractive picture of the industry, which represents 15. % of the country’s GDP. The Russian retail and wholesale sector has attracted 17. 1% of the country’s FDI in 2011. The country also has the lowest retailer penetration rates in Europe (pwc, 2012), suggesting it is a market in its growth stage with significant opportunity for new entrants. Yet, a recent study conducted by the management consulting group, AT Kearney, shows that Russia has fallen behind BRIC and other emerging market nations in terms of the countries’ attractiveness for investments in the retail sector.In fact, it ranks 26th out of 30 emerging market nations with regard to the attractiveness of the retail sector. As some experts argue such a ranking may reflect the strong foothold of local retailers, with such rivalry making the Russian retailer market a developed rather than an emerging one (Financial Times – Russia retail: loosing app eal, 2012) The pending commercialization of the cloud-dispersal aircraft technology may also have a positive trickledown effect on the retail industry.The technology may solve the problem of drought-prone areas, representing 6% of arable land within Russia, possibly improving domestic food production, and supplier reliability (Datamonitor, 2011; CIA The World Factbook, 2012). Overall, the country environment suggests that despite some institutional voids, the economic environment is conductive to a booming retailer segment with a growth that can be exploited by foreign retailers. The decrease in FDI attractiveness, however, points to the likely presence of established competitors that may prevent such an entry, which will be analyzed in greater detailed in the industry analysis.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Style Analysis Essay

Plot:â€Å"Pretty soon he†¦ it was Miss Watson’s Jim! I bet I was glad to see him. I says: ‘Hello, Jim! ’ and skipped out. † (Twain 40) â€Å"Who do you reckon ‘t is? † â€Å"I hain’t no idea. Who is it? † â€Å"It’s Tom Sawyer! † (Twain 203) Point of View: â€Å"It didn’t take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn’t no kings nor dukes, at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds. † (Twain 115) â€Å"Well, I couldn’t see no advantage in going where she was going, so I made up my mind I wouldn’t try for it. † (Twain 6-7) Micro: Figurative Language: â€Å"I never see such an old ostrich for wanting to gobble everything– and I a trusting you all the time, like you was my own father. † (Twain 189) â€Å"BOOM! † I see the white smoke squirt out of the ferry-boat’s side. † (Twain 36) Allusion:â€Å"ONe was â€Å"Pilgrim’s Progress,† about a man that left his family it didn’t say why. † (Twain 93) â€Å"Why, hain’t you ever read any books at all? † – Baron Trenck, nor Casanova, nor Benvenuto Chel -getting a prisoner loose in such an old- maidy way as that? No;† (Twain 216) Imagery:â€Å"There was a clock in the middle of the mantel-piece, with a picture of a town painted on the bottom half of the glass front, and a round place in the middle of it for the sun, and you could see the pendulum swing behind it. It was beautiful to hear that clock tick. † (Twain 93) â€Å"†¦ and a streak of butter come a trickling down my forehead, and Aunt Sally she see it, and turns white as a sheet. † (Twain 245) Themes: In Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry FInn finding the truth yourself is wiser than believing what others tell you. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain he portrays how differences bring people closer together and make peace. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Style Analysis Essay Macro: Plot:â€Å"Pretty soon he†¦ it was Miss Watson’s Jim! I bet I was glad to see him. I says: ‘Hello, Jim!’ and skipped out.† (Twain 40) â€Å"Who do you reckon ‘t is?† â€Å"I hain’t no idea. Who is it?† â€Å"It’s Tom Sawyer!† (Twain 203) Point of View: â€Å"It didn’t take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn’t no kings nor dukes, at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds.† (Twain 115) â€Å"Well, I couldn’t see no advantage in going where she was going, so I made up my mind I wouldn’t try for it.† (Twain 6-7) Micro: Figurative Language: â€Å"I never see such an old ostrich for wanting to gobble everything– and I a trusting you all the time, like you was my own father.† (Twain 189) â€Å"BOOM!† I see the white smoke squirt out of the ferry-boat’s side.† (Twain 36) Allusion:â€Å"ONe was â€Å"Pilgrim’s Progress,† about a man that left his family it didn’t say why.† (Twain 93) â€Å"Why, hain’t you ever read any books at all?† – Baron Trenck, nor Casanova, nor Benvenuto Chel -getting a prisoner loose in such an old- maidy way as that? No;† (Twain 216) Imagery:â€Å"There was a clock in the middle of the mantel-piece, with a picture of a town painted on the bottom half of the glass front, and a round place in the middle of it for the sun, and you could see the pendulum swing behind it. It was beautiful to hear that clock tick.† (Twain 93) â€Å"†¦and a streak of butter come a trickling down my forehead, and Aunt Sally she see it, and turns white as a sheet.† (Twain 245) Themes: In Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry FInn finding the truth yourself is wiser than believing what others tell you. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain he portrays how differences bring people closer together and make peace.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Rotational Viscometer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Rotational Viscometer - Essay Example On the other side, the importance of fluids having different properties will be looked at from the angle of engineering by relating the viscosity of different fluids to the ability to work. The project covers in detail the properties of selected fluids, how their viscosity is affected by the properties and any other effect of viscosity on other factors. At last, after knowing the importance of fluid properties in relation to engineering, various equipment different in design and workability are discussed, followed by the positive thought on the engineering and the properties of fluids (Partington, 1952). A fluid can be either a liquid or a gas and understanding its properties enables the understanding of their expected behavior under different environmental conditions. A fluid flows or deforms under a given shear force and in most cases tend to occupy and take the shape of the container in which they are put. In every field of engineering, aspects of deep thinking and calculations are evident aimed at ascertaining the real conditions under which the different fluids can work to determine the right fluid to be used in a given section of equipment. Fluid mechanics study how fluids react to a different force. For example, the environmental engineers use it to study forest fires, pollution dispersion, weather patterns that aid in weather forecasting, oceanography and volcano behavior. By understanding the properties of fluids, they are able to draw conclusions on the expected damage or amount of effect to be caused, and the relative appropriate method to be used in combating natural cal amities with the efficiency of the fluids to be used as shields (Reid & Sherwood, 1958). Engineers design equipment that use fluids, transport or operate in fluid environments such as pacemakers and engines. Understanding the behavior and properties of fluids enables them to selectively use a fluid that is suited to the machine, harmless and with high working

Friday, September 27, 2019

Form post Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Form post - Essay Example Felix awakens from his naà ¯ve reverie to a complete grasp of his harsh reality. Nandi serves as a metaphor for the painful but necessary process of remembrance (Vimeo 2:43). Butler differentiates gender from sex, which nowadays many do not agree with. Nandi take her position to survey the bloody land after the brutal massacre and destruction. She makes Felix who is a man in a foreign country aware of what is happening in his homeland. She thinks here as a man though a woman. Butler state that individuals build their culture upon people they meet, education and living condition experienced. Nandi works alone in the harsh environment and takes the part of men culturally not to let the memories fade away. On contrary, Staurt describes cultural study as relationship between different culture and politics theoretically. Kentrige studies the South African past political events. He starts from the brutal killings and mass destruction to when there is first election. This displays transformation though the memories were still there for remembrance. Nandi a woman used as the surveyor to help cover all visible evidence of the past, portrays

Thursday, September 26, 2019

MPM IP3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MPM IP3 - Essay Example This paper tries to explain the roles and importance of WBS to any project tasks in the organization as well as identifying the purpose of the roles, the responsibilities of the roles, the reporting relationship of the roles, skills, qualifications, and experiences required (Haugan, 2002). Project teams are groups of people who are responsible for a proper planning and execution of the project. Project teams consist of the project manager, and a number of members of the project team, they are brought to deliver the tasks assigned for them in considerate to the scheduled project. The project manager is one who is responsible in making sure that the projects or tasks allocated are completed by the project team. He develops a project plan with teams and manages team’s performance of the project tasks. The key responsibility of a project manager is to secure an acceptance plus the approvals of the deliverables from the project sponsor as well as stakeholders. The project manager is also responsible for status reporting, for communication and risk management, and makes sure that projects are delivered at the correct time. There are some larger projects, which require project team members who may act as Team leads. Team leads provides tasks, and other technical leadership they sometimes maintains apportion of a project plan. The other project team member is the executive sponsor who is a manager and demonstrates the interest in out coming of the project; he is also responsible for securing as well as resources for project. Actually, an executive sponsor is the highest-ranking manager in project plan. The executive sponsor has the responsibility of providing support to the project, and has gotten the final approval of the scope changes as well as, signing off the approvals of succeeding the project phase. He may also elect delegates, which are above the responsibility to project Director. Other project

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate - Essay Example Nike has changed its course of action in recent years from one of sheer denial and arguments to one of policy and change. The fact that the company responded only to global media pressure and the fact that standards only changed in Indonesia because of workers strikes and consumer pressure leave something to be desired about the ethical standards of Nike. However, it is important to recognize that Nike did change, though the implementation of the 1997 policies, almost ten years later, are not fully in effect. Nike should be held ethically responsible for the working conditions in foreign factories of subcontractors. In a business decision, regardless of the international boundaries, it is important to follow a certain level of ethical standards. While it is impossible to judge if Nike absolutely knew of the sub-standard conditions, it is logical to assume that Nike could not have ignored the possibility, regardless of the information from Mr. Young, who said that the conditions were adequate in the factories. Yet, in countries where minimum age and working condition laws are not contusive to an appropriate and healthy lifestyle, Nike, by simple association, should maintain a level of dignity for their products. However, the legalities of the situation become more intricate for Nike, being an American based business, subcontracts to (mainly) Asian factories. In 1992, Nike implemented a Memorandum that "required its subcontractors to comply with local laws regulating wages and working cond itions and mandated that documentation of compliance with the Memorandum be maintained for Nike's inspection," and "required subcontractors to adhere to environmentally safe practices and to certify that they did not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation," yet by 1997 the subcontractors in question were obviously ignoring the Memorandum (Shaw p 6 1999). The fact that Nike created this Memo shows that in early years, the company was knowledgeable of the situation-otherwise, there would not have been a reason to respond (via the Memorandum) to negative media attention. The fact that Nike shows a response based on findings and media attention furthers the idea that they should be held legally, on an international basis, for their business practices-even those that fall under the laws of other countries. 2. What labor standards regarding safety, working conditions, overtime, and the like should Nike hold foreign factories to: those prevailing in that country, or those prevailing in the United States In 1997, the ILO (International Labor Organizations 268th Session Geneva 1997) at a Geneva Convention outlined the need for international labor laws to prevent the mistreatment of workers and, especially of children: (a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; (b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; (c) the effective abolition of child labour; and (d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. On that note, the shoes Nike sells from eighty to one-hundred and fifty dollars costs anywhere from twelve cents to five dollars to

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Give your reaction to the story, your impression of the story, how it Essay - 1

Give your reaction to the story, your impression of the story, how it relates to your life, compare it to another story, or anything--as long as it involves an assigned story you read - Essay Example â€Å"The Rime† and â€Å"Ode† use vibrant imagery, where for â€Å"The Rime,† it contributes to the effectiveness of the plot in depicting scintillating events and characters, while for â€Å"Ode,† it underscores the â€Å"natural† essence of insight. When Coleridge says: â€Å"As idle as a painted ship/Upon a painted ocean,† this image is quite fitting to the situation of the sailors, not just as an effective â€Å"picture† of what is occurring, but as a representation of their hopelessness. â€Å"Ode† employs numerous elemental imagery, such as sun, moon, mountains, and flowers. They are natural and seem simple at first, but they are also viewed as â€Å"grand† examples of nature that implicate the religious theme of â€Å"remembering† the natural nature of â€Å"remembering† and they are connected to the raw and natural dispositions of children, whom Wordsworth attests as the bosom of meaning and a sourc e of true insight. Irony is one of the most interesting figures of speech in literature and Coleridge and Wordsworths apt use of it has made their works more intellectually stimulating. These lines demonstrate the irony of being surrounded by water and yet suffering from thirst in â€Å"The Rime†: â€Å"Water, water, every where,/ Nor any drop to drink† (Coleridge). It is similar to being surrounded by food, but not being able to eat them because they are poisoned. Situational irony is also present in how the mariner lives on, when he is the main reason that his co-crew members died. Nevertheless, â€Å"The Rime† shows that life is not better than death if it is cursed to be filled with guilt. â€Å"Ode† applies irony when it says that celestial knowledge is only held during childhood, instead of being learned throughout adulthood. â€Å"Heavens† (Wordsworth 67) knowledge submerges into a process of â€Å"forgetting† (Wordsworth 59) and it is only through â₠¬Å"remembering† (Wordsworth 59) that people can regain true insight about life. These poem share religious

Monday, September 23, 2019

Investment in single company shares and gilts Coursework

Investment in single company shares and gilts - Coursework Example From the point of view of economics, the act of investment is related to saving or deferring consumption today for the purpose of a better or higher return tomorrow. Interest is the price paid to the investor for waiting or deferring consumption. As consumers, we may invest for a number of reasons. We may invest in a house because we want the comfort of a shelter and a place to hold our belongings, a car to drive us to work, or a beach house to spend the holidays. Investments are also made in financial instruments that have value such as shares, bonds and pension plans. The idea is that the investment should bring us a better level of return in the future. Investments may also be made by corporations of monies kept for the purpose of buying future assets or replacement of machinery etc. The investment made in different types of financial instruments will yield a rate of interest and may increase or decrease in value due to demand and supply or various other factors. Thus investment w ill give one more than one types of return- interest earned and capital gains. The Investment Climate in the UK The UK has a very active financial environment, as London has been one of the most important financial centers of the world for some time now. The main reasons for this are the availability of infrastructure in the shape of the equity and bond markets and money market for local and foreign currencies. The main offices of the Bank of England, the UK’s central bank and many other local and international banks are housed here too, much like Wall Street in New York, USA (Kindleberger, 17). There are thousands of trades done daily on the floors of these banks and exchanges. These trades are directly or indirectly related to trade and commerce and the flow of goods, services and money from one bank or country to another (Ross, 12). The activities in the equity and bond markets may be of primary or secondary nature. Primary activity means the issue of new shares or bonds, and secondary activity means the trading or reinvestment of previously issued shares or bonds. Under the corporate form of ownership, a company can raise capital from the general public by issuing a Prospectus in the newspaper stating the nature of its intended business, and viability and profitability of the same. It is left up to the general public to judge and decide for themselves whether or not to invest in the shares or ownership rights of the business. This is called an Initial Public Offering or IPO if the company is inviting the public to purchase its shares for the very first time. The same activity may be carried out in the bond market which is the market for the issue and trading of debt securities. Bonds signify the debt of a company, and the owners of bonds are called the creditors of the company. Previously issue bonds can also be re-bought or resold at the rates prevailing in the market. Bond and equity markets always travel in the opposite directions. If the equity market is up, the bond market would be down and vice versa (Thau, 3). While the owners of bonds, debentures or debt securities are assured an interest payment at a defined rate of interest, and the price of the market value of their bonds at any time they decide to liquidate their holdings, the owners of equity shares will get a dividend payment based upon the number and value of shares they hold at that point in time. This is usually declared by the Board of Directors based upon the profits made by the company in a particular year. They are under no obligation to declare a dividend and may alternatively decide to plough back the profits into the company, to reinvest in

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Choosing between the Trans-Siberian, Bhutan or the South Pacific Essay Example for Free

Choosing between the Trans-Siberian, Bhutan or the South Pacific Essay Section One: I have always wanted to travel. In fact, if I had unlimited money and a lot free time, the thing I would like to do more than anything is see the world. Not just the tourist spots, but the real world – the places where real people live and work and have lives. My journey would largely ignore the main hotel chains and tourists spots. Instead, I would search out those places that are not well known to the average tourist. I would try to find places worth seeing because they have not been commercialized and because what they offer is a part of the real lives of the people who live there everyday. The kinds of places I am thinking about are the ones that tourists would not usually find unless they went â€Å"off the beaten path† and tried to experience the real essence and spirit of the location as a local person does. In general, there are already a number of places I would be interested in finding out more about. The Trans-Siberian railway route from Moscow to the east interests me. So does Bhutan. I am also interested in learning more about travel in the South Pacific Islands. For the purposes of this paper, my goal would be to research about these places and narrow down to one so that I could plan a trip that would take place in a year or two. The Trans-Siberian railway fascinates me. Starting from Moscow, it covers an incredibly large area of land and the cultures of the people who live along its route vary immensely. This trip would no doubt be one that would open my eyes. Nevertheless, I have heard many people say that it can be a dangerous journey for foreigners and I would want to know that I am not putting myself at risk by doing it. Bhutan is interesting because it is a part of the world that is largely closed off from the rest of civilization. I have heard that the government places restrictions on the number of tourists each year in order to control the effect of outside cultures on the local traditions. I do not know if this is true or not, but I would like to know more. The South Pacific is also fascinating. Aside from the stereotypical notion of palm trees and coconuts, this area is also largely unknown to the average person. A place of natural wonder, it also is a part of the word that has seen a fair amount of strife and turmoil. I don’t know very much about this region of the world at all and would like to find out more. In narrowing down the possibilities, I will research a number of things in each area. First, I will look at a general history of each area as well as overview the current social, economic and political situations. I will also gather as much information as possible about the tourist restrictions, rules and regulations for each area. Next, I will follow internet forums where people share information about their journeys to gather as much information about other people’s experiences in these areas. I would want to know both the positive things as well as the negative in order to prepare for any eventuality. I will also identify three people – one for each area- that have been to these places to do an email interview about their experiences, thoughts and suggestions. In doing this research, I am hoping that it will become clear to me which of these areas would my best choice as a destination. I am, nevertheless, aware that I may also conclude that I would like to visit all three or none at all. In this case, I hope to at least narrow down and identify my own person criteria for a successful personal journey.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Impact of Public Debt on the Economic Growth Essay Example for Free

Impact of Public Debt on the Economic Growth Essay Government debt is also known as public debt. It is the debt owed by a federal government to the internal or external sources. It is required when the stocks of government securities are insufficient to cover previous budget deficits. Budget deficits occur when the level of government expenditures exceeds its revenues. Based on macroeconomic theory, the level of government expenditure must be positive with the economic growth. The higher the expenditure, the higher will be the economic growth. Government expenditure can be divided into productive and unproductive expenditure. Productive expenditure will be contributed to the economic growth in a few years’ time. Meanwhile, the unproductive expenditure will lead to the decline in the economic growth. Productive expenditure comprise of education and health. Besides, the unproductive expenditure consists of expenditure like pension and subsidies. Meanwhile, high budget deficit will reduce the level of economic growth. In order to finance additional expenditures, the government will borrow money from internal sources. Since the demand of the loanable funds is also derived from the private sector, additional demand from the government will boost the interest rate. Consequently, high interest rate will distort the level of investment. Finally, the lower level of investment will lead to lower economic growth for the country. In addition, high public debt will also result to a financial crisis. If a country is experiencing a trend of an increasing public debt, the investors may be worried about the capabilities of that country to pay its debt. Apart from that, they will ask for higher interest rate as a safety and profitable measures for them to keep financing the deficits. An increase in interest rate can distort the level of economic growth and would create financial crisis. Besides, it is also acts as an obstacle to the development because it will weakens the government’s ability to achieve macroeconomic stability. It comprises the stability of inflation, interest rate and exchange rate target. It will also create adverse incentives associated with future taxes. High debt also will stop the social and developmental progress. Malaysian economy may not be able to achieve high and sustainable economic growth in the long-run if the federal government keeps borrowing money from the domestic sources in order to finance the budget deficit. However, there is no such evidence to conclude that the external debt can distort the economic growth in the long-run.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Analysis Of Small Enterprise: Jones Electrical Distribution

Analysis Of Small Enterprise: Jones Electrical Distribution Mr. Jones is having business in a large, fragmented and highly competitive environment. Profitability of his business depends heavily on sales volumes and costs. The sales are growing at around 18% per annum. However, the profit margin is not maintained at a constant level in terms of sales growth. Exhibit I shows that even though the sales growth was achieved in FY 2005-2006, the firm could not have higher operating profits. The sales revenue was nullified by huge rise in operating expenses. A close look at the profit and loss account reveals that the operating expenses are mainly consists of salaries and wages. It seems that in order to keep the fixed costs in control, the compensation of sales executives is quite high because of link to sales volumes. The sales growth has helped the employees to earn more than to the organization. Secondly, Mr. Jones is working with more than 100 suppliers. For such a small volume of business, 100 suppliers are in excess. This huge number of suppliers may create problems in tracking on accounts payable. The company is also having average days payable at 22.8 days in FY 2006, as compared to 9.8 days in FY 2005. During the last two years, Mr. Jones has not been able to take advantage of trade discounts. Mr. Jones is also making payments of $ 2000 per month to Mr. Verden, along with interest payment of 8% per annum. The face amount ($250000) can be considered as a long term loan for Mr. Jones. However, it is not evident from the P L account, that the interest paid on the loan taken from Mr. Verden is accounted for income statement. Mr. Jones is also building up fixed assets over a period of time; however, these assets were financed through his short term financing. It can be assumed that the short term finance was available readily for the operations, has been diverted to create long term assets and liquidating long term debts. These facts and assumptions imply the Mr. Jones is having a relatively aggressive approach in working capital financing of the firm. Main issue for Mr. Jones is to find a financing option for the firm. As the market is very dynamic and there is economy downturn, he is not able to forecast demand for his products for more than one year. Although, the following year looks quite promising and a good sale is forecasted, Mr. Jones is facing issue of liquidity. Mr. Jones is of opinion that the liquidity problem is causing the irregular cash flows and hence he need to borrow more money for daily operations. However the forecasted cash flow (Exhibit III) can show that there is no severe cash flow problem. A focused approach to accounts payable and accounts receivables will help Mr. Jones to overcome the liquidity problems. Around the main issue of arranging finance for the business, Mr. Jones has the additional issues of growing sales, reducing tension between the firm and suppliers, moderating salary for the sales staff and creating a strong relationship with the bankers. Looking at the financial statements (Exhibit I, II, III) we can say that the financial condition of Jones Electrical Distribution are satisfactory. The company is having steady growth in sales. The operating margins are also kept at optimal levels. However the company is facing problems managing their cash operations. A feel of cash crunch is guiding the firm to store more inventories, and as a result of that, the inventory levels have increased. The firm is also investing in fixed assets on regular basis. The firm is able to maintain the cost of goods sold to an optimal level since last few years. This has been the result of maintaining cordial relations with the suppliers. The firm is maintaining healthy liquidity ratios and growth ratios. However, the increase in days payable and inventory turnover is a bit of concern. Even if the cash conversion cycle is reducing, we can observe that days payable has exceeded the limit of 30 days. It means that if the relationship between the firm and supplier is not maintained, the firm can face the interest expenses for not managing their current assets. The firm is working on very thin operating margin. The increase in TIE (Times interest earned) over the years measurers that the operation income is declining and soon the firm will not be able to meet their annual interest costs. suggest of increasing sales volume on immediate basis to maintain profitability. The firm is also able to maintain retention rate of 100% after providing for the proprietorà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s salary. This made sure that the firm will take minimal finances from outside sources. The major problem for Jones Electric Distribution Company is to manage cash for the new financial year 2007. And this problem looks like a temporary problem. The firm is having stored huge inventories in expectation of sales growth for the New Year. The forecasted analysis shows that a onetime credit enhancement from bank will help the firm to manage their finances better. A higher credit will help the firm procure inventory and use them in business. With improved collections and cash at hand, the firm can now manage for trade discounts and save money. Secondly, the firm will be able to retain a huge sum of $201,000 at the end of FY 2007. These funds can be used to retire their personal loan with Mr. Varden. Retirement of this loan will help the firm to improve on its profitability and the bank finance will be easier. It is also observed that additional finance from bank is helping the firm to avail trade discounts. The nominal cost of not taking the discount when credit terms are 2/10, net 30 is 37.24 % [( 2/98)*(365/30-10)], which is much higher than the 8% interest charged by the bank. Hence, it is advisable for Mr. Jones to go for a bank finance and use the money for availing trade discounts. Even if Mr. Jones adopt a slow growth strategy (to grow at the rate of 8-10%), and can manage with the existing facility of USD 250000/-, he can avail trade discounts and increase his earnings. However, one time use of bank finance will make sure that in coming years, Mr. Jones can be debt free and his firmà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s financial performance will improve. Looking at the market growth and the risk appetite for Mr. Jones, we can advice him for taking an aggressive route and avail higher finances from Southern Bank and Trust. The financial projections are given below for various options. Following are the options available to Mr. Jones. Take Trade Discount and avail USD 350000/- Take Trade Discount and avail USD 250000/- Forgo Trade Discount and avail USD 350000/- Forgo Trade Discount and No Additional Financing We already seen that forgoing trade discount is a costly affair for the firm and hence cannot be used. So first two options are available for making a profitable decision. As Mr. Jones is forecasting the market as growing, he can use this opportunity to avail bank finance at USD 350000/-. This facility can be availed in two parts, Long Term and Short Term. Long term funds of USD 100000/- can be used with the cash received from business to retire the personal loan. Remaining USD 250000/- can be used for normal business transactions and avail trade discounts. These operations will make sure that Mr. Jones is having stable business operations in under one year. While going for financial restructuring, Mr. Jones can also look forward to change the salary structure of Sales Personnel. FRICTO Analysis. Flexibility : An additional finance of US $ 100000/- will help Mr. Jones to manage his future cash flows. Mr. Jones is already maintaining a healthy RR of 100%. This helps the firm to keep the Debt/Equity ratio in control. The continuous operations will make sure that Mr. Jones can avail more finance as and when required. Risk : Mr. Jones required reducing his number of suppliers and focusing on few major ones. With reduction of suppliers, it will be easier for him to manage accounts payable and he can demand better credit terms. Income : Cost reduction will be the focus area for Mr. Jones, in an attempt to increase profits for the firm. As the firm is working on very thin margins, any excess spending will hamper the profitability of the firm. Mr. Jones needs to give closer look on operating expenses, which are increasing ahead of sales growth. Control : Mr. Jones can decide on which option to choose for the betterment of the firm in long term. Timing : As the business is in growing stage, Mr. Jones is able to take risks, depending on his relations with supplier and buyers. It is also beneficial to avail additional finance when business is growing. Others : The risk appetite of Mr. Jones, his relation with the suppliers and an in depth knowledge of the industry is the key success factor for the firm. The success of the firm depends heavily on Mr. Jonesà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ insights. Exhibit I Exhibit II Exhibit III Exhibit IV

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Autonomy versus Responsibility: A critique of Nuremberg Essay examples

Autonomy versus Responsibility: A critique of Nuremberg "This case is unusual in that the defendants are charged with crimes committed in the name of the law†¦." ( United States 31) So began Brigadier General Taylor in his opening statement against a selection of German jurists after the Second World War. This trial, United States of America against Josef Altstoetter et al., commonly referred to as the "Justice Case" because all of the defendants were somehow attached to the Nazi judicial system, was unusual, for as Taylor continued: These men, together with their deceased or fugitive colleagues, were the embodiment of justice in the Third Reich. Most of the defendants have served, at various times, as judges, as state prosecutors, and as officials and as officials in the Reich Ministry of Justice. All but one are professional jurists; they are all well accustomed to courts and courtrooms., though their present role may be new to them. But a court is far more than a courtroom; it is a process and a spirit. It is a house of law. This the defendants know, or must have known in times past. I doubt that they ever forgot it. Indeed the root of the accusation here is that those men, leaders of the German judicial consciously and deliberately surpressed the lawengaged in a brutish tyranny disguised as justice, and conveted the German judicial system to an engine of despotism, conquest, pillage and slaughter. The methods by which these crimes were committed may be novel in some respects, but the crimes themselves are not. They are as old as mankind, and their names are murder, torture, plunder and others equally familiar. The victims of these crimes are countless, and they include nationals of practically eve... ... is analyzed: that judges are responsible for the laws they enforce, and therefore must act with complete autonomy while they sit on the bench, recognizing not only written law, but also the unwritten moral law of man. Secondly, no nation is autonomous, they are all bound to accept responsibility before mankind as a whole. Finally, even the law itself is responsible to a higher, moral law that is universal. With this one case, America forever stepped away from the philosophical tenets of autonomous isolationism. Works Cited: - Bosh, William J. Judgment on Nuremberg. Chapel Hill NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1970 - United States. Nuernberg Military Tribunals. Trial of War Criminals Before the Nuerenberg Military Tribunals Under Control Council Law No. 10 Nuerenberg October 1946-April 1949 Volume III. Washington: GPO, 1951

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Race and Class Affecting Education Essay -- Education

The decision of Brown vs. Board affected education nationally in 1954 by dismantling racism in schools. For this reason, segregation did not produce affirmative results for implementing equal opportunity in society. Citizens of the United States should receive a suitable education regardless of an individual’s race or class. Unfortunately, society is continuing separation because of the injustice of race and the location of poverty stricken individuals by not upholding a certain stature. â€Å"Compounding and reinforcing this educational inequality is the startling socioeconomic inequality and residential segregation in the United States† (Rist 4). Isolation of African American, Hispanic, and other minorities are affected because of their lack of prosperity, and it continues to influence society negatively by reducing the equality and opportunity to succeed. Race and class are the main issues of concern affecting education’s infrastructure; to change th is misfortune, people will have to stand to fight for proper education within the United States and not depend on the government. Education is being affected by the lack of proper parenting skills, scarce economic resources in school systems, and society’s misinterpretation of individual’s environment affecting learning capabilities. One of the primary causes of a failing education system is the insufficient amount of support from parents to improve education. For instance, majority of parents who send their children to impoverished schools are not playing an active role in their children’s education. Consequently, there are many factors that keep parents away from supporting their children’s educational needs. Parents may be working more than one job to maintain a roof... ...advantage of the opportunities provided to them. â€Å"In the last 40 years the United States has more than doubled its spending on K-12 education and now outspends almost every other country in the world—devoting 4 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to K-12 education compared with, for example, Japan’s 2.6 percent† (Goodwin 2). Nevertheless, citizens of the United States must put education first to grant children the opportunities to receive proper education, regardless of race or class. Works Cited Glenn, David. "Scholars Question New Book's Gloom on Education." Chronicle of Higher Education 57.24 (2011): a1-a11. Abstract. Print. Heckman, James J. "The Economics of Inequality." Education Digest Dec. 2011: 4-11. Print. Rist, Ray C. "Color, Class, and the Realities of Inequality." Society Mar.-Apr. 1996: 32-36. Print.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Discounting And Environmental Valuation In Cba Environmental Sciences Essay

This REMT undertaking supported by GEF grants chiefly consists of two constituents ; Renewable Energy Power Generation – set uping the policy and regulative models and beef uping the institutional capacity for renewable energy development, 2 ) Commercial Solar Water Heating ( CSWH ) – supplying proficient aid and edifice industrial capableness for CSWH systems and services [ 1 ] . The undertaking appraisal study examined its feasibleness by non merely incremental cost analysis of the undertaking but besides the economic and fiscal analysis of possible renewable energy undertakings which the REMT undertaking would promote to implement. I have focussed on cost benefit analysis of the undertaking and looked at whether or non the estimated price reduction rate and rating of nonmarket merchandises and services are decently determined during the undertaking assessment. Particularly, I have reviewed the assorted methods of environmental rating and different consequences on economic value of CO2 emanation decrease, which is considered as a major benefit of the REMT undertaking.Background to the UndertakingIn general, South Africa has a well-developed power sector, with a entire 42GW installed capacity and 244,607 GWh electricity production accounting for about 45 % of sum produced power in Africa in 2004. As a consequence of heavy dependance on coal for energy ingestion, South Africa remains the top 10 manufacturers of GHG emanations in the universe. As such, the Government published its White Paper on Renewable Energy taking for renewable energy development and set a mark of 10,000GWh of renewable energy part by 2013 [ 1 , 2 ] . The REMT undertaking aims to take the barriers of renewable energy engineerings development by back uping the Government in set uping the policy and regulative models. In add-on, the undertaking provides proficient aid and capacity edifice for renewable energy development. The GEF besides finances some portion of advisers ‘ services and goods for CSWH systems installing under the public presentation grants. Ultimately the undertaking is expected to excite important private sector investing in renewable energy sector and to assist accomplishing the Government ‘s mark [ 1, 3 ] . Furthermore, it contributes to extenuate nursery gas emanation in the line with the GEF ‘s planetary environmental nonsubjective [ 4 ] by replacing the conventional power works with renewable energy.Analysis for Project AppraisalIncremental Cost AnalysisThe intent of the GEF is to supply supportive support for incremental costs to increase the planetary environmental benefits. As such the incremental cost and the planetary environment benefit demand to be explicitly analysed during the undertaking assessment. The undertaking appraisal study defined value of CO2 emanation avoided by CSWH systems as a Global Environment Benefits of the undertaking. The table-1 below summarises incremental cost analysis in this study. [ 1 ] Table 1: Summary of Incremental Cost Analysis for REMT undertaking Baseline Alternate Incremental Domestic Benefit Job Creation, Private Net income Job Creation, Private Net income None Global Environment Benefits Slow advancement towards overall renewable energy mark ; 15 old ages cumulative value of CO2 emanations avoided by CSWH systems ( 0.15 M metric tons ) Accelerated advancement towards overall renewable energy mark ; 15 old ages cumulative value of CO2 emanation avoided by CSWH systems ( 1.15 M metric tons ) Cost ( US $ ) 2.3 M ( Government ) 2.5 M ( Private Sector ) 8.3 M ( Government, GEF ) 9.0 M ( Private Sector ) 6.0 M ( GEF ) 6.5 M ( Private Sector )Economic and Financial AnalysisGiven catalytic map of the proficient aid, out economic and fiscal analysis was carried out non merely for CSWH undertaking but besides a sample of possible undertakings which this TA undertaking could promote the private sector to put in [ 1 ] . The societal and economic impact classs, measurement indicant and other values which were used for the analysis are outlined below [ 2 ] . Table 2: Summary of Economic and Financial Analysis for REMT undertaking Undertaking Component Renewable Energy Power Generation CSWH Cost Capital Cost Market monetary value ( 2004 ) estimated by proficient expert Capital Cost Market monetary value ( 2004 ) estimated by proficient expert O & A ; M Cost O & A ; M Cost Benefit Avoided Coevals Cost Long run fringy cost ( LRMC ) Cost avoided by exchanging ( Saved Electricity ) Eskom ‘s Duty Avoided nursery gas emanation Carbon emanation decreases ( CERs ) monetary value Avoided nursery gas emanation Carbon emanation decreases ( CERs ) monetary value Discount Rate 10 % 10 %Evaluation of the Project Appraisal DocumentDiscount RateThe price reduction rate was non explicitly stated in the appraisal study, but harmonizing to its economic and fiscal analysis due diligence study [ 2 ] , it is found that the price reduction rate of 10 % was applied for the economic analysis for the possible undertakings ( renewable energy power coevals ) . The studies justified the determination of the price reduction rate of 10 % saying the same price reduction rate was used for recent electricity sector surveies from National Electricity Regulator ( NER ) . On the other manus, in the economic analysis of CSWH system shown in Annex 9, it revealed that the price reduction rate of 0 % was applied without any justification. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine how to find the price reduction rate on the REMT undertaking which has the long term planetary environmental benefit from CO2 emanation decrease. In general, the pick of appropriate societal price reduction rate in the cost benefit analysis is a cardinal issue for finding the present value of any long footings societal impacts that occur in the hereafter [ 5 ] . The ADB economic and research section working paper provinces that: â€Å" Puting the societal price reduction rate excessively high could prevent many socially desirable public undertakings from being undertaken, while puting it excessively low hazards doing a batch of economically inefficient investings. Further, a comparatively high societal price reduction rateaˆÂ ¦favours undertakings with benefits happening at earlier day of the months ; while a comparatively low societal price reduction rate favors undertakings with benefits happening at subsequently day of the month. † [ 6 ] In peculiar utilizing high price reduction rate on undertakings refering the environmental issues such as clime alterations and planetary heating has been criticized. There are a assortment of statements on finding the proper price reduction rate. Some has argued that the price reduction rate demands to be lowered in general to stress future environment effects. The usage of a lower price reduction rate individually on certain environmental impact and worsening price reduction rates has been besides suggested [ 7 ] . Sing a fanciful price reduction rate ( 10-12 % ) for the World Bank funded undertakings [ 8 ] , the price reduction rate of 10 % used in the REMT undertaking seems proper. However, as the REMT is the planetary clime alteration related undertaking which has intergenerational environmental benefits and costs, it seems more sensible to use the lower rate. Even though legion reviews on the Stern Review exist, it is found that the societal rate of clip penchant of 1.4 % was applied for dismissing planetary clime alteration impact [ 6 ] , which is significantly lower than the price reduction rate for the REMT undertaking. In add-on, harmonizing to the manual for ciphering GHG benefit of GEF undertaking, the larger uncertainnesss for GEF undertaking compared to CDM undertaking compromises the quality of a GHG impact appraisal for undertaking assessment by using no price reduction rate on future GHG emanation decreases [ 9 ] . This could be another ground why the lower price reduction rate should be considered for the REMT undertaking.Environmental Valuation ( CO2 Emission Reduction )One of the advantages to utilize cost benefit analysis is that a policy or undertaking can be assessed by quantifying the value of all societal and economic effect in pecuniary footings. It besides means predicting and monetising all impacts are significantly of import for the accurate analysis. However, in pattern valuing in pecuniary footings is hard and combative particularly for environmental impacts. [ 10 ] The REMT undertaking identified one of the benefits as the value of avoided nursery gas emanation from conventional coevals displaced by renewable coevals. In the economic analysis, the value was calculated by the market value of gas emanation decrease ( CERs, $ 3.75/tonne CO2 ) mentioning to the old Prototype Carbon Fund Durban Landfill Gas Project [ 1 ] . Of class, there are the big scopes of the estimated economic value of emanation decrease depending on different premise by each survey [ 12 ] . However, it seems hard to state that a simple market monetary value of CERs to the full reflects the environmental and societal value of reduced gas emanation for the analysis. Furthermore, the estimated value of CO2 emanation decrease seems undervalued being considered as the planetary benefit of the REMT undertaking. Duong has categorised the monetary value of C as five definitions ; ‘the expected extenuation of climate-change harm ‘ , ‘the cost of cut downing CO2 emanations ‘ , ‘the societal cost of C ‘ , ‘the politically negotiated value ‘ and ‘CO2 market monetary values ‘ . And it stated that the monetary value of different definition well varies. [ 12 ] Among the above definitions, in order to monetise the entire societal and environmental benefits from reduced emanation accurately, it could be more sensible to utilize the societal cost of C, an estimated pecuniary value to society of environmental CO2 emanation impact [ 13 ] , alternatively of the market monetary value. In general, chief attacks for environmental rating are known as ‘stated penchant methods ‘ , ‘revealed penchant methods ‘ and ‘benefits transfer ‘ [ 14 ] . In add-on, Koomey introduced two rating methods particularly for emanation decrease. ‘Direct harm appraisal ‘ monetise the amendss such as human wellness and environmental effects definitively related to emanation of a pollutant. This method is highly complicated and hard. On the other manus, ‘cost of suspension ‘ uses the cost of pollution controls imposed by regulative determinations as a placeholder of the outwardness costs. But rapid society ‘s penchants may ensue in misrepresentative suspension cost computations. [ 15 ] In malice of recent progress in environmental rating methods, ‘Benefits Transfer ‘ deducing the values from old surveies has been progressively popular for policy assessment in footings of environmental rating, since it can be carried out faster and more cheaply than primary rating surveies [ 14 ] . There are several different attack of benefits transfer method, which have been introduced ; the first attack is reassigning original unit value from a ‘study site ‘ to ‘policy site ‘ and the 2nd attack is reassigning full WTP maps. Another method is a meta-analysis of bing rating surveies to find sensible value for a policy site [ 16 ] . While the research on the societal cost of C has been conducted, Tol examined 211 estimations of the societal cost of C through the meta-analysis and concluded that a average value were $ 120/ton of Carbon ( $ 33/tonne CO2 ) for surveies between 1996 and 2001 and $ 88/tonne of Carbon ( $ 24/tonne Cos ) for surveies since 2001. [ 17 ] Even though the average value of Tol ‘s analysis ( $ 29/tonne CO2 ) has been criticized, it seems clear that the value of $ 3.75/tonne CO2 estimated in the REMT undertaking is non plenty to reflect the economic and societal impacts of CO2 emanation decrease.DecisionThis essay has reviewed the societal price reduction rate and environmental rating used for the economic analysis of the REMT undertaking. These two factors are significantly critical to analyze and gauge net present value of the cost and benefit of the undertaking, which is considered as the chief standard to be applied in determination. By reexamining the surveies on an appropriate price reduction rate and CO2 emanation rating, despite ongoing arguments, it seems a more wise attack to use the lower price reduction rate and higher economic value of CO2 emanation decrease for the REMT undertaking. This attack leads to the addition of economic and societal benefits of the undertaking and shows the determination to continue with the REMT undertaking was sensible overall. However, in footings of choice of subproject, different determination could be made based on this attack. The undertaking appraisal study has clarified the ground for singling out CSWH among the possible options such as biomass, air current, small-scale hydro and landfill gas. But if the lower price reduction rate and higher economic value of decreased emanation was used, so during the undertaking planing stage, the REMT undertaking might displace other specific options which may hold more economic and societal benefits compared to CSWH.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Locked in the Cabinet Essay

Democracy is a form of government where people have a right enabling them to have a say in everything that affects their lives. However, our government is not a direct democracy, and as such, individuals are not empowered or able to have a say in the inner-workings of their government. Their beliefs are not heard as often as they would like, and they are given little to no opportunities to decide what the government will do. The average citizen has little access to political power, and as a result little influence in the government. But if one individual chooses to change the government, and places that as their goal, then they have a chance of altering the system that governs their lives. If one such as Robert Reich works hard towards their goal, then they can possibly change the government to some degree. Robert Reich was an average man who had strong beliefs, and among those beliefs was the belief that to help people was just. His career in law began as a law clerk to a judge, and he eventually worked his way to the position of Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. All of the time that Reich spent in Clinton’s cabinet was dedicated towards attempting to make his idea’s bear fruit. Although in the book Reich is the Secretary of Labor, he did not start out in this position. He worked his way up from the position of a law clerk, as I have previously stated, to a job that came with some measure of power. Reich attained this place in the government through his own efforts, and by showing that he had ideas suitable to fill in the role of Secretary of Labor. Reich is just one example of an ordinary person with true passion for their beliefs who was able to make a difference in the government. In Reich’s book, he talks about how an average person named Steve Wandner had an idea to reduce unemployment. Reich explains that Steve’s idea was when unemployed people claimed that they were unemployed, that they had to be screened to find out whether or not they were permanently laid off so that they could find new jobs faster. Steve worked hard in order for his idea to be heard, and after being ignored several times, Reich gave him the attention his idea deserved. Later, Wandner’s idea became an official law. Anyone can make a difference in the government if they work hard to reach a position where it is possible. During Robert Reich’s stay a part of President Clinton’s cabinet, he followed a strong belief in â€Å"putting the people first†. He cared deeply about helping the unemployed obtain new jobs and to retrain them in order to have better working skills, and in that same vein, better jobs further down the road. Reich also wanted to raise the minimum wage, show people the inequality of income in America, and much more. Reich’s ideas were not in any way offensive or unfair, he simply wanted to help people first rather than putting full attention on government issues such as reducing the deficit. Because of this, many of his ideas were igored and rejected by the members of Clinton’s moderate administration. For example, during one of his meeting with Bill Ford, chairman of the House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee, Reich tried to explain to him the idea of retraining American workers. Reich ended up being yelled at and his idea rejected. Although many of Reich’s ideas were disregarded by other members of government he continued to pursue his goal of helping the working class of America. Reich was rather successful in performing his duties as Secretary of Labor. One of his successes was helping pass the Family and Medical Leave Act. It allowed working class families to have more time off from work if they were injured or had a child. He was also successful in convincing President Bill Clinton in aiding the people rather than the government. In doing so Clinton decided to pass a law in raising the minimum wage 90 cents. This pleased many of the working class of America. Finally, Reich was also able to set up several reforms in order to help provide more jobs for the unemployed. For example, Reich gave 3 million dollars to a job center helping people trying to get employment. Even though he want able to pass a law to retrain workers, he still managed to work hard and complete some of his goals. Reich was ignored by many government officials during his term as Secretary of Labor, and this greatly hindered his chances of getting his goals finished. But while this may be true, this was not the center of his experiences as the Secretary of Labor. Reich was aiming towards retraining Americans, and he is not the only one who has seen this as a valuable idea. Freddie Ray Marshall was the Secretary of Labor for Jimmy Carter, and he shared many similar ideas with Reich. Both men were working to provide jobs for others, and they both were trying to get workers to be retrained. (F. Ray Marshall) If workers could get more training, they can possibly get better jobs. He also is a teacher, like Reich. However, unlike Reich, Marshall was able to pass many programs and to help reduce unemployment. I would say that some of Reich’s experiences were unique to his time as the Secretary of Labor, and that others were not. In conclusion, Reich was a man who fought all alone for his beliefs, and was more successful in some areas than in others. To call him a failure is a little harsh, and to call him a success depends on your political views. All in all, Reich did what he felt would be best for the people who have little say in the government. Reich can be seen as a prime example of one who worked hard to have their voice heard, and as one who made a difference, even if it wasn’t as big a difference as he would’ve liked. Reich really seemed like he was a kind individual (but then again, he wrote the book) and even if he did not succeed in all his plans, he still changed some things for the better.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Competition Between Companies

For years many companies have struggled to be and to remain the best. To do this they had to go through advertising their products; televisions, radio, internet and sports. This is called competition; the main purpose for this is mainly to attract customers. These procedures can benefit but also be harmful towards the company. Thus brings the main concern of this essay which shall discus both sides of this situation opposing and supporting it. Firstly, brand quality of products sometimes does not matter to consumers; just as long as it is affordable.For instance there are many varieties of brands such as Nike, Adidas, Coca cola and so forth. Yet commercials show all these products and companies do not realize that the price of the product gets higher as the cost of advertising contributes to the products cost thus making it expensive. This leads consumers shopping elsewhere for instance, MARANELLO – Manufacturers of super sports cars have just announced a host of new models, b ut many of them may not reach the showrooms, as the global financial crisis hits a customer segment previously immune to economic downturns. Haupt, 2009: 1) This statement proves that consumers prefer cheaper products than fancy cars as it is too expensive. Furthermore on flexibility; Flexibility means the company’s â€Å"ability to respond to changes† (Stevenson, 2007: 38). These can be seasonal changes; winter, summer or maybe economical changes. Nevertheless they also contribute to the company’s competitiveness thus leads sometimes to price wars. Take for example; Adverse weather conditions could reduce the demand for our products.The sales of our products are influenced to some extent by weather conditions in the markets in which we operate Unusually cold or rainy weather during the summer months may have a temporary effect on the demand for our Products and contribute to lower sales, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for such p eriods. (Coca cola company, 2009: 6) This explains that during competition companies are very flexible thus should be alert and find ways to be the best thus sometimes lowering the products cost by forty percent as to keep up with the market.This incident shows that companies such as coca cola are overdoing it thus facing a major lose. Moreover on location, during competition companies look for a marketable location. From here they start of by looking at the customer’s convenience; like closest to shop thus less travel expense for consumer. However they don’t look at the side as when location of company is way crowded other customers will shop elsewhere due to less space to park cars and so forth. Furthermore other companies go to famous foreign countries or new location as their products are in demand over there.Yet as foreign companies they must find ways to introduce their production thus using advertisement again. In the end either companies, will lose a lot of pro fit. This same case happened to Toyota according in his writing of Ford outsells GM, Toyota in February sales, J. Ewing (2010: 1) claims that while Toyota and Honda where busy competing in America, another company called Ford which is originally an American car business took over by most recently, during the summer last year 2009. Thus, leaving Toyota to report a record annual net loss of 4. billion, this misfortune of Toyota’s occurred as it did not realize that it was consuming too many expenses hence; contributing to another disadvantage for companies when they compete. However these are true yet if considering another side to this argument, these may show the disadvantages of competition, but the advantages outweighs it as competition actually promotes the brand quality, flexibility and locations. In addition to Brand quality, consumers always buy the best as they believe it is worth the expense as it last for a very long time.Yet how do the consumer know which brand is t he best; simply as companies compete they broadcast the latest shoes, bikes, food and so forth. From here consumers try and differentiate one company after another due to the quality of its product. Take for example Article base (2007) states that Honda and Toyota knows America wants fuel-efficient vehicles. This case made the two companies work hard thus producing a vehicle that gets more and more mile per gallon. It is very expensive but a lot of people are waiting in line to get this product.This example shows that consumers go for the best brand quality no matter what. Another point is Flexibility; companies know that season changes thus consumer’s demands also changes. Therefore Coca cola and Pepsi two competing companies produce besides soft drinks, water, ice tea etc. This was to resolve the problem they faced during seasonal change that their soft drinks coca cola or Pepsi sales decreased; from this solution they remarkably still continued selling and earning profit a s they produced other products which will be essential during that particular season.This is also the advantage of flexibility and competition to a company. Finally is the location, Companies compete for the best location as it ensures the flow of profits, by one; marketable areas such as America are good places to locate business Thus most famous companies are located there for instance Toyota number one and holding fifteen percent of Americans sales. Honda, Nike and Adidas all these companies also go to a marketable location thus becoming the most famous companies in the world.Therefore the competition expenses for good spots to place business is worth it, as it will eventually repay the companies ten times the amount of money it has spent, just like Honda and Toyota which are now leading the world car manufacturing business. In conclusion the advantages of competition between companies when marketing products seems to be much favourable than the disadvantages hence, the practice should continue or be more creative with their competition strategies as the more competitive they are the more flow of profits there will be.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Nursing Shortage And Nursing Turnover

Nursing shortage is a phenomenon that is affecting nurses and the provision of adequate patient care in today’s health care industry. Nursing shortage is said to occur when the demand for employment of nurses is far greater than the number of nurses willing to be employed at that time (Huber, 2010). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (A. A. C. N. ), â€Å"the nursing shortage is expected to increase as baby boomers age, and the need for health care increases† (A. A. C. N. , 2013, Para 1). In the United States, Registered Nurses (R. N.) make up the largest recorded working population of the health care profession, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 2. 7 percent of the workforce comprises of nurses compared to 3. 6 percent in the last 6 years (A. A. C. N. , 2013). This decrease is attributed to the current shortage and high turnover of nurses. This current trend in the nursing profession has a great effect on the provision of healt h care because it has reduced the quality of care of patients, increased accidents amongst patients, absenteeism rates and staffing among others.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes of nurse turnover and shortage, find out ways nurse leaders and managers may resolve this problem, and also to discuss the writer’s own personal and professional philosophy of nursing regarding this issue. Nursing shortage is also evident by the reduction in the availability of new nurses, inadequate staffing to meet the high demanding in patients’ needs, to mention but a few. Healthcare organizations need regular, dependable, highly efficient and fully involved staff to provide excellent patient care at all levels.Therefore nursing leaders and managers are highly depended upon in changing this current trend of shortage and turnover of nurses affecting the healthcare profession (Hunt, 2009). Nurses’ turnover on the other hand is described as the loss of a nursing employ ee as a result of transfer, termination, or resignation (Huber, 2010. Pg. 598). It is also estimated that healthcare organizations lose about $300,000 every year as result of turnover of nurses (Hunt, 2009).The major causes of nursing turnover include increased work load on the unit, poor leadership style, lack of role clarity, non-recognition for good performances, contributions and capabilities, poor communication on the side of leaders and managers concerning critical issues that affects working in the units, lack of career opportunity and advancement, lack of team work, tight work schedule and inflexibility that does not match job needs, job that is too physically demanding, to mention but a few (Hunts, 2009).Nurse turnovers have been noted to increase when there are nursing shortages, and they have both economic and non-economic impacts. However there are solutions that when applied may reduce such impacts such as increasing educational and community outreach programs to increa se awareness of nursing as a possible profession, providing educational re-imbursement to help existing employees obtain nursing degrees, increasing compensation and benefits, supporting flexible scheduling, and job sharing (Hunts, 2009). The behaviors of the nurse managers / leaders play a major role in the retention of nurses in a healthcare organization.They are responsible for hiring applicants and maintaining staff retention. These behaviors include encouraging staff to lifelong learning; inspiring staff education efforts like the tuition reimbursement, make sure staff has access to education and training opportunities, enabling high quality of staff recruitment and selection, and mentoring professional development amongst employees (Huber, 2010). The role of the nurse leader is to influence people to achieve goals. In case of nurse shortage and nurse turnover, the activity of the leader becomes more important.The leader creates and communicates a sense of purpose, discovers ne w ways to hire and retain nurses. The nurse manager on the other hand integrates and coordinates resources by developing staff friendly schedules, ensure that there are adequate staff on the floors at all times, make decisions that benefit the team, and delegate tasks (Hunts, 2009). The leader motivates the nursing staff, builds trust and sustains commitment; helps develop leaders while the manager makes sure that the workload is not too heavy as this increases the stress level of staff, and result in staff turnover (Huber, 2010).Furthermore the nurse managers need to be physically present in the unit at all times to provide support and assistance in times of need, and effort should also be made in hiring adequate and appropriate mix of RNs and assistive personnel (Huber, 2010). Leadership at all levels must come together to combat these problems, while offering long lasting solutions to attract people into nursing. The profession must be communicated as a positive, satisfying, and inspiring career. â€Å"Nursing must provide for a balanced work life, offer leadership opportunities in which nurses may hone their management skills, and createan environment in which young nurses may plan to move toward higher pay and better hours† (Huber, 2010, p587). The writer’s own personal and professional philosophy in approaching nurses’ shortage and turnover is provision of enough working staff on the units, and this can only be achieved by hiring nurses to fill up the vacant position. Careful attention should also be paid to workload, because this is one of the main reasons for nurse turnover. Nursing leaders and managers should be more empathic towards the plight of their staff; this shows the staff that someone cares.The work environment should be transformed by providing capable, top-level nursing leadership and understanding nursing supervision all through the organization; involving nurses in decisions that are related to patient care ; re-desig ning nurses work spaces to be more ergonomic and less physically demanding. â€Å"A culture of safety should be created; limiting nurses work hours; promote safe staffing levels; offering flexible work schedules and employment opportunities such as job sharing; and improving nurses wages† (Jones & Gates, 2007).When the leadership, management and staff works together, a lot of goals can be achieved. In conclusion, nurses play a major role in improving the financial capability in a healthcare organization. Therefore health care organizations should work together with nurse managers and leaders, in utilizing the solutions to resolve this growing trend of nurses’ turnover and shortage that is plaguing the nation’s health system, and impeding the ability of nurses to provide adequate care of their patients.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Challenges Faced by Managers in the Public Sector

Challenges Faced by Managers in the Public Sector There are different levels of management in the three different sectors of the economy. There are non-managerial employees, first-line managers, middle managers and the top managers. Robbins et al ;( 2009). This essay will critically evaluate the challenges faced by managers in the public sector organisations. The essay will assess the roles of the manager in this sector and the difficulties managers encounter whilst carrying out their duties. The challenges posed by organisational structure and design with an example from the Northampton Borough Council, the issues due to the organisational culture, privatisation of some of the public sector services, the strategic management of the public sector and the complexities due to the constant changing environment in which these organisations operate, and the challenges to managers of the most recent comprehensive budget cuts, will be evaluated in this essay. The typical roles of a manager in any organisation is to organise, lead, plan an d control the activities of the people and other resources within it towards achieving the objectives of that organisation; Naylor (2004). The role a manager plays is dependent on the level of management position although each level has its challenges. At the senior level, the manager’s role is much broader and in depth and it requires creativity and innovativeness; Robbins et al (2009). The senior manager is involved in decision making, strategic management planning and control, the manager, at this level of management is expected to have an understanding of all areas of the organisation to enable sensible handling of any given situation Hanagan;(2008). The role of the manager did not change in the 21st century rather the method of carrying out the above mentioned roles are different, for instance the manager has to organise work differently, communication is more sophisticated such as, the use of internet, mobile telephones and e-mail. In recent times, the management of cha nge is considered as the most important skill of management due to the pace of change in the 21st century Hanagan, (2008).The rapid changes in technology, enormous improvements in communication, the increase in focus on global economy, and the environment are issues to the modern day manager. In addition to the above, the role of the manager in the public sector is challenged by the constant changes in legislation and political policies subject to government in power Hanagan (2008). An organisation is an arrangement which has been set up for a particular purpose. Robbins et al (2009). Different organisations belong to different sectors of the economy. There are three sectors; the public, the private and the third sector such as social enterprises. This three sectors have some common characteristics which are: they all have distinct purpose, each organisation is made up of people, and all create a structure within which the people could carry out their duties Robbins et al(2009). Org anisations are grouped as public sector depending on certain factors such as; how much the organisation competes with similar organisations, goods and services are charged indirectly and how much it allows itself to be influenced by demand and supply of goods and services. The less such organisations are influenced by the above factors the more the organisations are considered as public sector organisations Hanagan (2008). Instances of these organisations are; Local Government council, Libraries, the National Police Force, the Defence Ministry, Colleges and Universities. The common features of these organisations are; they are set up to fulfil specific purposes, they are service motivated, they are accountable to many stakeholders and the public, they carry out their duties for the good of the people and they are funded through the use of taxpayers’ money. Avery important challenge to a manager whether in the public sector or in the private sector is to be aware of their rele vant stakeholders and operate the organisation in ways which will yield maximum returns to each stakeholder group Bloisi et al (2007).

Chapter 9 Euro Disney Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chapter 9 Euro Disney - Case Study Example There are significant cultural differences between Americans and Europeans, and between the Japanese. Culture affects everything from language to spending habits and attitudes towards money in general. A better reading of the cultural differences between the French and Americans could have been attained if a consumer survey was commissioned at that time which will indicate a huge gap in behavioral patterns, especially with regards to discretionary spending. Senior Disney executives could hardly be faulted for believing that the Disney brand is a surefire success since it is a great global brand but their fault was in their execution plans. They overlooked something as obvious as opening a major themed park in the very middle of a recession when people would naturally be reluctant to spend on entertainment which is very discretionary in nature. They had also put blinders on their own eyes by engaging in hubris; it was stated in the case they were even afraid of being too successful (Hartley, 2010, p. 140). It was an instance of believing in their own publicity, much like the mistake committed by most entrepreneurs who think the world will beat a path to his door because of a better mousetrap. Disney executives did not take into account the lessons from three earlier French failures. The French people is one of those rare instances in which they are bi-lingual; many of them can speak and understand English very well. The Americans, on the other hand, do not know a lot about the French language and culture. So there is clearly a cultural gap which is a cause of many misunderstandings on the part of the American executives. Tokyo Disneyland is a great success because the Japanese are obsessed and preoccupied with anything that is of American origin (ibid. p. 143). This can be contrasted with the attitudes of the French people who are fanatically proud of their culture; they do not want even

Thursday, September 12, 2019

PR Functions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

PR Functions - Case Study Example PR performs both organizational and societal functions influencing internal workers and wife target audience. Organizational detention involves workers and investors, management policies and the Board of Directors, etc. At this level, PR bridges information gaps in distribution channels, help coordinate the total marketing system, and adjust products and services to customer needs. Press releases and investors information are integral components of the communications mix (Apple Home Page 2008). Self-image is a function of societal norms. Group membership and group belonging relate directly to self-esteem and favorable self-image; acceptance and the grant of status by various organizations embellish the phenomenal self. The ability of groups to foster the development of more favorable self-images encourages belonging; the ability of products, symbols, services, communications, and other aspects of the marketing program to enhance the self-image encourages consumption behavior. One of the bases for understanding consumer behavior in its psychological and sociological dimensions, the self-image concept adds an important perspective to economic theories of consumption and is directly related to motivation (Gillin, 2007). At the societal level, Apple addresses all stakeholders including society and potential customers, IT professionals and economists, etc. At this level, the value of information about product characteristics varies directly with buyers' costs of search. When transactions and search costs are sufficiently small, buyers search more intensively and the additional advantage of intensive specialized search diminishes. The opposite is true for those with high search costs. Indeed, if search costs are sufficiently high it may not even pay to enter the differentiated products market at all (Gillin, 2007). The value of attribute information also depends on the difference between each consumer's preferences and market availabilities. If individual consumers exhibit little dispersion in their preferences and search costs, the gross value of advertising product characteristics is small and its net social value may be even negative, for the same reason it was in some of the examples in the sectio n above on advertising and perceptions. Since advance knowledge of attributes allows customers to specialize search activities in the most preferred varieties, the value of catering to particular groups is correspondingly greater when there is greater dispersion in tastes among buyers (Apple Home Page 2008). The aim of PR is to maintain relations with stakeholders and create a unique image of the company. The value and importance of PR is that a buyer cannot afford to investigate all of the alternative qualities of the products in the market. If Apple can increase profit and sales by offering a genuinely superior design and price in comparison with the existing configuration, there remains a possibility of accomplishing a similar result by changing buyers' perceptions of an existing good. So far as individual firms are concerned, these activities have the same initial effects on sales and profit as were examined in the preceding section. But the nature of market equilibrium and the social consequences of such actions are markedly different (Apple Home Page

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Regent Park Mosque Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Regent Park Mosque - Coursework Example The Muslim community in the United Kingdom was officially presented with the Masjid as a gift from the government of Britain. This was aimed at enabling Muslims in London to create a centre for Islamic culture and build a mosque with an aim of providing an opportunity to carry out affairs related to their Islamic faith (Hodges, 2009, p. 57). This gift was greatly accepted by a mosque committee which comprised distinguished Islamic diplomats and Islamic residents living in the United Kingdom. This gift was presented to the Muslim community with the intent of paying tribute to thousands of Indian Islamic soldiers who had passed on while fighting for the British Empire. The British Empire at this time had more Muslims than Christians. In 1947, the London Central Mosque was registered by the mosque committee as a trust corporation named London Central Mosque Trust Limited. To date, the board members of the trust committee comprise Muslim countries’ diplomatic representatives whom the Court of St. James’s has accredited. The main objectives of the mosque committee included: first, to build a mosque on the provided site and secondly, to establish a cultural and religious centre for Muslims who resided in the United Kingdom at that time, and future generations. ... The cost of building the mosque was partly covered by Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal’s contribution of â‚ ¬2 million. In 1977, the mosque was finally completed with a total cost of â‚ ¬ 6.5 million. According to Hodges (2009), Regent’s Park Mosque is the United Kingdom’s centre for Islamic focus for Muslims and Islam. Apart from the mosque being a place where Muslims offer daily prayers, it also provides several services that include offering education to children located in central London and its environs. It provides conference facilities and serves as a convention centre. The centre also offers counseling and wedding halls for hire as well as fairs among other services. Regent’s Park Mosque symbolizes the presence of Islam and Muslims in London and the United Kingdom as a whole. The mosque is distinct from other buildings in London due its golden dome shape and the minaret (Hodges, 2009, p. 62). The prayer hall is designed in such a way that it is facing Mecca. It also has a distinguishing red carpet feature with a vast mosaic decorated dome as well as a huge chandelier located at the centre. In one prayer session, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate up to 1400 worshippers. The mosque can be extended to accommodate additional 4,000 worshippers during festivals and even more when the worshippers overcrowd in the main court yard (Hodges, 2009, p. 79). The London Central Mosque receives up to fifty thousand Muslim visitors during the two main Islamic festivals. During these periods, the mosque is overflown with Islamic worshippers from within London and outside. The central mosque of London is an active place receiving visitors and worshippers on a daily basis (Hodges, 2009, p. 79). The

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Atlas Copco Group's Corporate Strategic Audit Essay

Atlas Copco Group's Corporate Strategic Audit - Essay Example Over the past years, Atlas Copco has focused all it recourses in strengthening its position in key market areas like India, China and Brazil. This determination of the company to hold strong of its market region has been the drive to its good performance. A flexible business model, as strong market position and the companies focus in innovation provides a perfect environment for the company to outperform its peers and capturing business opportunities. The stable cash flow of the company has enabled it to be in a position to distribute significant capital to its shareholders while at the same time simultaneously retaining the flexibility to act in its growth strategy. This information was not mentioned in the interview but additional research has been done to support the information. This information that follows was not mentioned in the interview but additional research has been done to support the information. Atlas Copco corporate strategy is to establish a strong business position in various industries and markets. The company also ensures the evaluation and monitoring of all business functional areas while making corporate strategy. The main strategy for Atlas Copco is to discover and expand in the new market. It is determined to capture markets that are unexploited over different demographics to enhance sale of the products. The company is focused in using both the vertical and horizontal integration. This is the reason why the cost of production is always low. Concentration strategy is also used by the company which is part of the growth strategy and all the two are directional strategy to improve the image of its brand. Atlas Copco’s is based on decentralized authority and responsibilities. The operation of Atlas Copco’s is comprised of 22 divisions and is structured in four business areas. Each operation unit is comprised of a business board which reflects the group operational structure. The company has put in

Monday, September 9, 2019

Employee Involvement, Employee Programs in Organization Performance Case Study

Employee Involvement, Employee Programs in Organization Performance - Case Study Example As such, Gual and Ricart point out that employee involvement should be a platform where employer and employee are anticipated play roles that are designed to improve the organization performance at all levels. In the study conducted by Podsakoff et al., the actual ideas in employee involvement revolves around getting individuals to contribute in most aspects of work decisions and planning since when involved, they feel emotionally attached to the organisation. As a result, when employee increases mental ownership and commitment, the employer is able to retain the handpicked performing employees and there is fostered environment where people prefer being motivated and contributing. Apparently, an investigation carried out by Dunlop and Lee illustrates the concept of employee involvement as one comprising of three sub concepts necessary in mending gaps that might exist between employee involvement and organization performance. These aspects comprise of employee commitment, employment satisfaction, and organizational citizen behavior. Firstly, it is worth noting that employment satisfaction is mostly influenced by what people expect from their work places such as pay, prestige, security and performance. In this regard, it is the employer’s mandate to guarantee that the employee receives both intrinsic and extrinsic employment satisfaction. Secondly, there should be employee commitment particularly in the work they have been assigned.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Antiwar Movement in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Antiwar Movement in America - Essay Example One of the main reasons behind the failure of America in the war lied at the ground level- where troops were, right there in Vietnam. The American soldiers slowly saw the futility of what they were doing. It was also heart rendering to see the middle class in Vietnam coming forward against the war. And, of course Americans underestimated the strength of soviet backed Vietnam army named as National Liberation Front. Back home, the anti war movements were more hype than substance when analyzed from the perspective of actually stopping the war. There was lack of unity between whites and blacks. Blacks weren't given equal rights at home and they in patches found it illogical to be fighting for the cause of a nation which hadn't been fair to them. One of the many confirmations of this fact came from an SNCC worker who said that "black people don't understand the warit's very far away and the trouble they see is right there in the courthouse."1 Infact, most blacks considered opting out of the anti war movements as they saw an ally in Lyndon Johnson as a support for their civil right movement. The whole scenario can be simplified like this- of those who were informed about the war, most people hated it, but for some reason or the other they couldn't afford to completely go against Johnson. There was often an ugly mix up between the issue of civil war and the protests against Vietnam. Organizations like NAACP tried to make the distinction but it wasn't always possible. In fact that very organization was accused to be too friendly to the administration time to time. American society itself was dealing with issues of internal conflict, thereby not giving full attention to something that was apparently outside their control- the war. Though powerful leadership given by likes of Martin Luther King played a big role but there were always problems with regards to unity between the black and white protestors. The movement was never pan American at any point of time. There were times to really low turn outs at places making the whole show a big embarrassment. Moreover, the media which play such a major role in portraying the image of everything wasn't always kind to the anti war protestors especially labeling the radical protestors as freaks.2 The conscious approach of using the method of approaching multiple issues back fired as it meant that any organization lacked direction and they just ended up getting entangled in other affairs, as a result, going no where. What the protests did succeed in doing was to create an atmosphere of anti-imperialism which may have played in role in Americans not interfering in issues of Angola a few years following the end of the war. In many ways the American response to Vietnam was a result of an exaggerated reaction against the spread of communism, fuelled mainly by fear and insecurity felt only by those in power. In a way, it wasn't considered a bad thing to be feeling that ways because it would mean that one tends to hold an important position, no matter how irrational this sounds. The people on the other hand tended to be more logical in their thinking. But there was an

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Perspectives on Adult Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Perspectives on Adult Learning - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  race and ethnicity were largely ignored in most of the literature despite its increasing significance during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. On the contrary the racial and ethnic minorities continued to be largely ignored through laws that essentially aimed at desecration of public schools as well as other public institutions that offered adult education. Historically education in the North American and European states have focused on offering education and developing learning modules with key emphasis on the majority adult learners that comprised of white population, while ignoring the other races. Such blatant discrimination and colorblind attitude toward adult education and learning has been deeply embedded in the social structure of the Western world.This discussion declares that  the adult learning modules began incorporating crucial issues aimed at the growing multicultural population thus indicating its acceptance and ackno wledgment of the growing diversity and the need for inclusive education. Since the concept of multiculturalism entailed and presupposed the domination of one particular race, in case of the Western world - the majority White population; the key aim of the post globalization adult education system was to include the beliefs, perspectives and cultural context of the racial minorities and ethnically diverse population.