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Keep the world secure Essay
Introduction
How many people believe that guns are essential in defending themselves? Would they have the same feeling if they were aware of how often guns cause the death of innocent adults and children? This would definitely not be the case. The problem is that many magazines and other publications normally talk of the beauty and power of the guns in defending oneself without ever talking of the many individuals that are hurt, and in most instances killed using guns each day.
However, I am now beseeching you to play off the possession of guns by civilians owing to the actuality that a gun can be a weapon of violence. Guns cause the death of innocent people and children each day and make individuals blind to the reality that these persons are dying unnecessarily (Webster, Jon, and Michael 45-52). Now let me present a number of reasons for my allegation.
Keeping guns in the homestead generates the chance for deadly violence
Individuals with guns and that have unsound feelings or anger can bring about violent outcomes very simply.
Domestic dispute in Santa Monica
A good instance of the way individuals with guns and that have unsound feelings can bring about violent outcomes is the case of the killings on 7 th June 2013 in Santa Monica, California. This killing spree began with a domestic disagreement as well as consequent fire at home (Webster, Jon, and Michael 95-102).
This was followed by a sequence of shootings close to and at the grounds of Santa Monica College where six individuals were killed, encompassing the suspect (John Zawahri that was aged 23 years), and four individuals got injured in the occurrence.
Guns pose a significant risk especially in schools
Many students and school staff die because of gunshots every year
Virginia Tech massacre
This denotes a school shooting that happened in 2007 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, US. In this happening, Seung-Hui Cho shot thirty-two individuals, injured seventeen persons, and six persons were injured as they attempted to escape through classroom windows in the two incidences.
The second incident happened two hours after the first one; before Seung-Hui committed suicide. This represents the deadliest horrible gunfire occurrence by one gunman in the records of the US. These attacks attracted global media coverage as well as extensive criticism of the gun culture in the United States (Webster, Jon, and Michael 85-89).
Moreover, the attacks ignited acute debate concerning gun violence and gun laws among other concerns. These shootings forced the state of Virginia to shut legal loopholes that had earlier permitted Cho to buy guns devoid of detection by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and caused the establishment of the first key federal gun management appraise. President Bush endorsed a law reinforcing the National Instant Criminal Background Check System in 2008.
Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School
Before the close of 2012, Adam Lanza that was 20-years old killed 20 grade 1 children and seven adults: 4 teachers, the principal, the school psychologist and his mother, who was the first to be killed at their home in Newtown. It was after shooting his mother dead that Adam headed to the school. In this incident, two other individuals were injured. With the arrival of the police, Adam shot himself in the head and died instantly.
This occurrence was the second biggest deadly shooting by one gunman after Virginia Tech massacre. These shootings attracted renewed discussions concerning gun possession in the US, and a recommendation for new laws prohibiting the sale and ownership of guns having a high number of bullets (Webster, Jon, and Michael 75-80).
Guns generate fatal tragedies in the society
Deaths can occur very easily by unpleasant use of guns
Shootings at Sikh temple
On August 2012, Michael Page lethally shot 6 individuals and injured 4 people in a shooting incident at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Afterward, Michael shot himself in the head and died after a reacting policeman shot him in the stomach. Michael was an American white supremacist and a military veteran.
Every one of the individuals that were killed was a member of the Sikh faith (Webster, Jon, and Michael 66-72). This shooting incident attracted reactions from the US President Obama as well as Prime Minister Singh of India. Panjandrums took part in the candlelight vigils in nations like the United States and India with the US first lady, Michelle, paying a visit to the temple after the shooting occurrence.
Spree killing in Grand Rapids
In late 2011, a gunman shot 7 individuals dead and injured two others in a shooting at Grand Rapids, Michigan. These shooting incidences occurred in two different homes with two people getting minor gunshot wounds on the road. The gunman had led policemen on a chase, during which he shot the two bystanders prior to crashing his vehicle into a wall. The gunman then fled to a third home that had three occupants.
The suspect behind this incident was Rodrick Dantzler, who later committed suicide subsequent to a police response after holding the 3 individuals in the third home hostage for four hours (Webster, Jon, and Michael 54-58). The individuals killed in this occurrence encompass Rodrick’s ex-wife; their daughter aged 10 years, his ex-girlfriend and their family members. One of the bystanders that received minor gunshot wounds was also accustomed to Rodrick.
Conclusion
Better regulations require being put in place in a bid to help people; especially children, lead a happy and safe life. If the United States government could care for its residents and their security, then it could curb easy possession of guns in order to save lives (Webster, Jon, and Michael 33-37). If the congress were to ensure that the funds granted by the National Rifle Association have a maximum benefit, they could impose some regulations against easy purchase of guns by any civilian.
It is my hope that by 2020, there will be better regulations and a more concerned government that will succeed in making the United States a safe place without avoidable gun killings. Finally, the government and congress ought to make good use of their funding and power in safeguarding the lives of the residents, who look upon them for protection. My plea to you is that you join me in opposing gun possession in order to keep the world secure.
Works Cited
Webster, Daniel W., Jon S. Vernick, and Michael R. Bloomberg. Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis . Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013. Print.
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Concept of Bioregionalism in Environmental Ecosystems Essay
Table of Contents
1. The Philosophy
2. How does it work?
3. Is it feasible?
4. References
Bioregionalism is the phenomenon of understanding the process of environmental ecosystems in a way justifiable to the human cultures. It is a way of merging various human territories into what the universal territory holds in the form of global environment, which is only possible through human motivated effort towards environmental problem solving.
Environmental ecology has long before the Second World War has left reasons for us to manipulate the causes to study this subject. However, it occurred just after the anti-war peace movements of the post world war that the bioregional activists started realizing the hazards in the form of environmental crises caused by wars, human overpopulation, air and chemical pollution, and overconsumption.
The primary cause of our current environmental woes rests with the negation of bioregional process that we often do by not responding to the political and environment power relations of global economy. Bioregionalism requires a complete grasp of local and global integration of economic resources that in this era of capitalism should not have been ‘limited’.
By limited, I mean reserved talks that in this globalized era must not be encouraged. Unfortunately globalization does not go hand in hand with bioregionalism. Both are inversely proportional to each other’s needs and contribute to each other’s development respectively. For example, cheaper energy is not permitted by globalization and expensive energy is not allowed in bioregionalism.
So, we must remain open in our bioregional expressions to break the ice regarding what globalization has to offer us in context with policies and measures. What we are in our closed bioregions is not what today’s globalized era wants from us. In this manner we are isolated within what ecology does not want us to reckon. Isolated in terms of not integrating our ecological affiliations with that of our culture, or when we consider our ecosystem to be a separate entity, though it is not.
Our ecosystem is a part to be stemmed out of our larger landscape that means environmental activities like watershed, rainfalls, culture that makes us close to the nature, local community knowledge, environmental history, and climatic concerns. Environmental activities are not understood by us the way they are supposed to have been analyzed. This ignorant attitude has only left us in dark where habitat destruction is obvious in the longer run.
Thus, in order to preserve our environment and ecological stability, it is necessary to focus on the hazards that are caused by the “commercial, industrial and agricultural globalized developments, natural resource extraction, tourism and war, because all these initiate a new chain of ecological and cultural disruptions” (Mcginnis, 1999, p. 122).
In my opinion, the most significant aspect to analyze the threat of bioregionalism goes against the globalization phenomenon. If we talk about better health, we are not talking about the opportunities which in this case global health specialists are capitalizing on. Similarly, the more pollution factor, the least will be the cleanliness benefitting the global health trends. The more industrialization of the weapons of mass destruction, the more would be the production, the greater destruction caused by the warfare.
The concern arises why human warfare in this modernized age is a concern? Just because of the fact that we have chosen globalization over bioregionalism. We have put an end to all our communication modes along with the patience to bear aside. Since there is no communication understanding, we are more prompted to adopt the warring than to give in any room for peace.
Thus, weapons of mass destruction not only destroy humanity in the wake of warfare, but also disrupt our ecosystem. This is highlighted by many theories of globalization that asserts that our environmental problems possessing able solutions are not limited to overflow through national boundaries and borders.
Communication barrier with no understanding on either side is a common drawback that goes against bioregionalism. This applies to global climatic change, which is already unable to cooperate with our increased globalization trends, thus, leaving room for the water, air and environmental pollution.
The Philosophy
The main philosophy behind bioregional assumption is the geographical characteristic that asks explanation of physiographic ‘boundaries.’ Unlike humanly sketched political borders, it is difficult to define a hierarchical legitimacy in halting the spread of environmental causes and issues. For example, pollution is difficult to be dealt with as long as there is human existence. Globalization extension beyond borders has given rise to the economic and political relationships with that of technological cause.
This on one hand has produced tremendous capitalist results, while on the other it is making global world a future plight for us, where everything on earth will be materialized. What would be left with us will be the destruction in the wake of greenhouse effect, climatic severity in the form of increased volcanic disruptions, and tsunamis.
What the globalized trend has made us today is not the answer to the problems of bioregionalism. Instead, globalization itself has raised the concerns that make environmental NGOs to rake over the environmental crises. Thus, it is not wise to turn a blind eye to “the physical realities of environmental, resource, and biodiversity issues by not considering natural divisions within physiographic regions” (Thayer, 2003, p. 19).
Globalization has given rise to environmental awareness, leading to think about the consequences of the international trade and environmental conservation. The role of transportation in the environmental crises management has helped us in thinking about the policies that govern ports.
Similarly, port areas are considered to be the “functional organization of activities and operations that are designed specifically to attain high standards of environmental protection and the goal of sustainable development” (Pinder & Slack, 2004, p. 191).
Effective environmental management in this era of globalization requires high tech based evidences on which to base upon the key decisions governing ecosystems. Such decisions must rest upon some criteria marked by the key performance indicators so as to ensure the achievement is reliable and practical.
Globalization has become so much of our daily lives that we cannot deem to assess our performance without reckoning its significance. Therefore, environmental practice requires effective monitoring procedures that do not negate globalization or transportation weaknesses that come in the way of globalization.
Instead, it requires assessing “both the efficacy of management and the quality of the environment itself, the trend that most of the seaports within Europe have been developing towards this level of environmental practice” (Ibid, p. 191). These trends are policy based answers to the growing threat of environmental concerns and technology based.
Policies that are helpful to limit the globalized effect of the increased machinery based needs. Technology, of course cannot be set apart from what the machine generated environmental performance can be monitored with the environmental management systems.
How does it work?
Each traffic controller whether seaport or airport is geographically unique for it geographically possess a central position in providing and maintaining a significant source of data for the commercial analysis. Furthermore, it is governed by a set of principles that are limited by the considerations of political ownership and culture. It is this political uniqueness that makes up legislation.
This is a clear indication of how the environmental management tools along with auditing machines are utilized in detecting the sartorial nature of specific circumstances that take place on every port and harbor. In order to avoid the risk factor, maximum assurance is to be taken by shaping up legislation driven policies and user friendly solutions.
Similar to the traffic controller is the concept of bioregionalism that does not go after a materialistic market. It underlies no hidden physical or economic motives to opt human resourcefulness in order to “respond to impending shortages and existing problems with new expedients that, after an adjustment period, leave us better off than before the problem arose” (McConnell, 1999).
In order to see about the ecological destruction of the machine based civilization, it is necessary to first analyze the disadvantages of globalization that goes beyond creating weapons for wars. War, economic crunches, and capitalist competition are some of the menace that globalization has brought to us.
So, first of all, it is necessary to settle down the regional issues that lie inside the territories. This indicates that the first attempt in resolving the bioregional issue is to place bioregional deracination, the concept that envisions the humanity as one, no discrimination among habitat.
No discrimination among habitat is further accompanied by a homeland, where habitats are free to transform into commercial, industrial and agricultural developments, but without ecological disruption. It is through the disruption caused by the globalization era that today we face so many plights to humanity that are themselves a freefall call in a disaster.
Our ecological system, our earth that is protecting us is being torn apart through our deeds and actions. Thanks to the violence of corporate globalization that has torn apart our ecological eco system and has combined with the war on earth. No alternatives are being thought of to cooperate and live with universal brotherhood because every effort to maintain peace and order in this world would be an effort against war.
That would mean market non-sustainability. No weapon market would be flourished and social and economic upheaval would be a common imperative. “These alternatives need to combine our making peace with the planet and our making peace among people from diverse cultures” (Albritton, 2004, p. 53). The reason is that we are dependant upon each other and it is not possible to root out the real terrorism, violence and war if we need to sustain bioregionalism in the world.
Securing the environmental and ecological conditions is what matters to secure our people’s fate. “People’s security does not lie in larger military budgets, bigger bombs and stronger police states. It lies in ecological and economic, cultural and political security. Rebuilding these multiple securities can recreate peace, justice and sustainability” (Albritton, 2004, p. 53).
The threat of war to bioregionalism requires that various legislative policies should be renewed encompassing punishment and accusation, in which culprits are being taken care of by international powers. What fans globalization is the prevalence of mafia-style economies, boosted under the threat of economic and cultural warfare proposed by international interventions?
This situation sketches out a gruesome political economy dependant upon its capability to phase in various sorts of intra-state wars. This can be seen in United States where a complex economic crunch witnesses a multidimensional interplay between its local, regional and international forces, but also in between its regional territories.
This situation in which a super power deems war as a necessary weapon has two reasons to figure out its economy. First of all the growing era of unemployment that keeps on growing with every passing day, and secondly the consequence that people has to bear with the deceased economy, the brain drain, commonly take place in third world countries.
This many believe is the general school of thought that “the age of globalization is characterized by a gradual erosion of state authority, as in an industrialized world this development can be associated with the liberal substitution of military strife by economic competition, this idea does not apply to the social reality in large parts of the world” (Jung, 2003, p. 2).
One might ask the link between the proposed topic ‘Bioregionalism’ and the political histories that we envisage in the form of contemporary globalization. There is a link that defines “environmental degradation to be a product of localized and bounded political economies and histories that are often dependent on biology and geography” (Mcginnis, 1999, p. 101).
So, if we wish to call upon the root causes of ecological destruction, we must see our ecological states and phases in context with the political economies and histories that reveal that whenever war had been chosen to be the ultimate solution of ‘securing a territory’ it only has resulted in a political and economic chaos.
Political histories are the best medium for providing us an insight of how to build a legislative framework or a policy guide for addressing the dilemmas of our planet earth. The problems are further aggravated by the ‘globalized phenomenon’ backed by the emergence of creating latest weapons of mass destruction. The revenue produced by the global market, instead of spending on the donations, is utilized in warfare in the name of ‘foreign military assistance’, thereby acting as a catalyst in war economies.
Is it feasible?
When the Second World War was over, a common perception that emerged in the public was about the magnificent advantages of science and technology. People get convinced that science and technology has been advanced to the extent where any limitations could be placed on the warring strategies and thing is possible in the wake of war.
This perception not only influenced the general public who remained aloof from the technological transformations at a global level, but was also felt by the governmental actions and policies. Every developed nation experienced such stimulations which arise at a result of the ‘baby boom’.
This generation went less skillful and knowledgeable in terms of ecology and was more interested in the dramatic wartime successes. The developments of laser weapons, radars, communication modes, antibiotics, and atomic bombs gave a unique understanding to the naïve who believed that these advancements have been possible only through war like developments, and that it is good to secure the territories through nuclear strategies.
Soon the foundation of scientific understanding tumbled down when in every nook and cranny destructions of such weapons were witnessed. The final blow to the weapons was blown on the initiation of ‘war on terror’ where lessons were there to realize the economic and ecological devastation by the general public and government leaders.
Modern day ecological destruction is primarily due to increase in military weapons, arms, and ammunitions. Each year military budget keeps on increasing and comes up with scores of reasons to justify the significance of war.
This is not right to our ecosystems because war entrepreneurs in the context of present day ecological disturbances do not consider the notion that the zones of conflict are created by us. Regions do not consider that it is at the same local pace proliferating the national and global economic players who multiply their wealth by investing in the threat of peace at the cost of not only millions of lives, but at the cost of our earth’s disruption.
On the way to justify various excuses for promoting the military business, a new war ‘war against terror’ has been initiated. This on one hand eradicate the terrorists, on the other it creates theme at even greater speed. This illustrates the rate at which terrorists are alleviated, is doubled when they are investigated, thereby creating terrorists at a significant rate.
Thus, the analytical distinction between formal and informal economies is governed by all sorts of war and weaponry and the tools used in ‘war against terror’. This is further encouraged when anti-terror law enforcement gets the official internationalization stamp by various socio-political institutions, negating any bioregional strategies of their non-democratic allies.
A healthy community with least ecological threats is what is needed in the current society which has no room for any war. Thus, the ‘just war’ doctrine which suggests that “war must be controlled by a code forming a framework for evaluating decisions to kill for advantage and defence” (Klumpp, 2009) does not work any more. There is a need to think about emergence of the nation state which thinks about the ecological well being above all war and threatening states.
Environmentally, war is condemned and should be condemned at all levels. However, to many of socialists, negating war is a hopeless goal. I do not hold such opinion because we humans possess the ability to think about the hazards and destruction that the war causes. Instead of minimizing the environmental harm, we can think about the attempts to stop the root cause of war. That lies in open communication and coming straight to the problem.
Unlike “the military attempt to minimize civilian casualties and damage to the infrastructure (e.g. water supply, sewage treatment, power plants, hospitals, and other civil services) of the nation-state under attack” (Cairns, 2003) it is better to take necessary steps to put a halt on the global warfare phenomenon.
“The United Nations is processing more than US$70 billion in claims for environmental damage in the invasion of Kuwait through the Gulf War” (Cairns, 2003). That indicates the lesser destruction incur to ecology and our environment, the lower the cost for creating a wiped out economy.
Solution rests with the implementation of science in policy matters and policies in scientific matters. This can be illustrated through many examples of how it can be achieved to some extent. Environmental science should be analyzed and studies with the coalition of government policy.
“The creation of the Survey of the Coast in the early years of the nineteenth century stimulated the science and technology of geodesy; the resulting charting of the coastline and coastal waters led to the installation of aids to navigation and contributed to the growth of a profitable maritime industry” (Fleagle, 1999, p. 199).
A larger part of the process required the implementation of regulations that involved coastal shipping and the coordination of the working of the Coast Guard that went in hand in hand with the enforcement of legal jurisdictions.
Another illustration of the Signal Corps of 1870 reveal how public safety was considered as the priority in implementing the usage of telegraph system to transmit weather reports that later became National Weather Service. “Because these applications involve many national interests and the missions of several agencies, the Weather Service necessarily becomes engaged in policy issues requiring negotiations with other U.S. agencies and with international organizations and other countries” (Fleagle, 1999, p. 199).
This provides us a glimpse and explains how it could be possible if government policy discourage and support peace based reaching decisions, necessary to demote warfare. In order to promote ecological based scientific awareness, there is a need to ensure that policy decisions are based on institutional mechanisms. Following points should be considered to analyze the necessity of warfare, conducted by governmental support.
First, specification of national security missions; second, assessment of present ecological functions; third, assessment of impact of the war on ecology; fourth, the rate of ecological disruption between the expected and the unexpected; fifth, various modes of the resources likely to be involved in research; sixth, regulation controlling public and governmental concerns and the probability between negotiation and the rate of compromise.
So the policies must be devised in such a manner that prevents war at the utmost. Long term envisioning of future science policy is required which sees issues in the light of all possible advices and the lessons that have been learnt from the past, particularly from the war-torn societies.
Science and technology should be limited to produce only such machineries that are not a threat to human existence, not even at the cost of destroying in the name of national security. There is a need to ensure various advisory committees are being properly monitored with justification at every level.
Most significant is the need to understand the problems that are likely to appear when policies are implemented in the way to prevent war. This requires various measures such as introducing additional content in the syllabus of institute and universities to enable our youth see about the future global changes. This would enable them to have a broad spectrum of how we might encounter challenges in the next decades if effective measures were not implemented in the short span.
Thus, this is the time that we expect the same efficiency from our elected government to recognize the notion how much it is important to take action in putting halt to the coming global change. Institutional structure must be examined from top to bottom to sift out any defects and weaknesses it has in the course of implementing a renewed global change policy.
“Programs of environmental assessment should be established at universities and national laboratories with the support of the major environmental agencies and with coordination of the Science and Technology policy” (Fleagle, 1999, p. 218). This will make our youth understand how to cope up with the upcoming ecological challenges that are the consequences of science and technology.
References
Albritton Robert, Bell Shannon, Bell. R. John & Westra Richard. (2004). New Socialisms: Futures beyond Globalization : Routledge: New York.
Cairns Jr. John. (2003). War and Sustainability. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology . 10 (3), 185.
Fleagle G. Robert. (1999). Global Environmental Change: Interactions of Science, Policy, and Politics in the United States : Praeger Publishers: Westport, CT.
Jung Dietrich. (2003). Shadow Globalization, Ethnic Conflicts and New Wars: A Political Economy of Intra-State War : Routledge: London.
Klumpp. F, James. (2009). Argumentative Ecology. Argumentation and Advocacy . 45 (4), 183.
McConnell. R. A. (1999). Population, Environment Globalization and the Survival of Civilization. Mankind Quarterly , 40(2), 155.
Mcginnis, Michael Vincent. (1999). Bioregionalism : Routledge: London.
Pinder David & Slack Brian. (2004). Shipping and Ports in the Twenty-First Century: Globalization, Technological Change and the Environment : Routledge: New York.
Thayer, L. Robert. (2003). Lifeplace: Bioregional Thought and Practice : University of California Press: Berkeley, CA.
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Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory to Reach Every Student Essay
Published in 2010, the article Do They Really Get It? Using the Kolb LSI to Reach Every Student by Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk claims that Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) helps teachers design lesson plans capable of engaging students with different learning styles. The author explains Kolb’s learning cycle, describes four main learning preferences (GTP), and ultimately explains how this knowledge can be applied in classroom or studio teaching. Hurst-Wajszczuk tries to convince using her own experience that LSI is a great tool for teachers of singing, although it requires more thoughtful planning and more time. This article is published in the Journal of Singing, which shows that the author writes for her colleagues who understand the main concepts and language used.
II. According to Kolb and Fry, learning depends on how students process the learning experience and which preferences they developed. The author presents the main learning activities (processing and perceiving) and four learning processes developed by Kolb: abstract conceptualization, reflective observation, active experimentation, and concrete experience. Hurst-Wajszczuk negates Kolb’s notion that learners usually enter the process at either reflective observation (stage 2) or concrete experience (stage 1) and proceed to the next stages in a clockwise direction. Based on her own observations and experience in the studio, the author claims that students may step into the process at any point and follow in any order. Nevertheless, she agrees with theorists that all stages are essential for successful learning.
The ideal match of teacher’s learning preferences to students’ ones ensures the learning process’s success. Using the LSI and understanding four different learning approaches may help educators reach every student, not only those with similar styles. In this part of the article, Hurst-Wajszczuk elaborates on the qualities of every quadrant of the LSI test. For instance, Accommodator is usually a group leader who values specific experience and prefers to do something first before theorizing about it (Hurst-Wajszczuk, 2010). Reflectors are imaginative students who need a mentor’s support, feedback from peers, and reflective observation to understand things and find solutions to them. On the contrary, Activists do not stand group work, choosing to try it themselves in lab work making mistakes. Assimilators, also known as Theorists, are rational and organized learners that prefer doing research, reading, and analyzing information over talking or lab work. These specific characteristics and behaviors should be taken into consideration by teachers when they design the lesson plans.
Although every student may have a unique learning preference, the students’ groups organizing based on the LSI test helps to plan lessons capable of grabbing the attention of them all. For instance, the author usually encourages the Hearts by telling the applicable story, whereas the Equations are motivated by thorough syllabi availability, including timelines and a class calendar. The Questioners (Active Experimenters) should receive examples to try by themselves (Hurst-Wajszczuk, 2010). For the Products, trial and error are even more critical elements as they appreciate multiple examples with the ability to make mistakes and the absence of penalty. The author applied Kolb learning preferences in a studio setting in a specific weekly assignment. Every student should write a one-page entry, including reflections on the theoretical part (lessons) and further practice sessions, giving room for students with each learning preference. Although such course designing requires more effort and time, advantages outweigh any possible drawbacks. The author concludes that Kolb’s LSI helps to reach more students and consequently keep them in music, college, and continuously learning.
Reference
Hurst-Wajszczuk, K. (2010). Do they really get it? Using the Kolb LSI to reach every student. Journal of Singing , 66 (4), 421-427.
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New Governance in the European Union Problem Solution Essay
Abstract
Within the European Union, institutions can implement powers that have been bestowed upon them by the member states. As such, execution of fundamental rights is usually at the state level.
This paper investigations the perimeter of such a decentralised usage of the fundamental rights recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights as values which the Member States have in like manner, and it displays the open technique for coordination as an issue to move past these cut-off points without suggesting further transferrals of forces from the Member States to the Union.
A first piece of the article reviews the current understanding of the relationship between the security of fundamental rights inside the Union and the inquiry of abilities. Second, the paper proposes an option perspective of that relationship, taking into account the instinct that an endeavour by the Union to appreciation fundamental rights may suggest, in particular cases, a positive commitment to represent the satisfaction of fundamental rights.
In fields where the skills are imparted between the Member States and the Union, the open technique for coordination may be seen as an issue component to distinguish where an activity of the Union may be needed, because of the externalities, both constructive and adverse, which the activities of every Member State creates on the various States, with which they impart a typical zone of flexibility, security and justice– a range in which, specifically, the free development of persons and the free procurement of administrations are ensured and in which rivalry is to be free and undistorted.
Additionally, the open strategy for coordination could be a satisfactory method for better accommodating the prerequisites of business sector (monetary) opportunities constitutive of the inside business with crucial rights, particularly social rights, which the Member States are sure to ensure and actualise under their ward.
In conclusion, the open system for coordination could be seen as a consolation to common adapting, as the arrangements favoured in certain Member States may motivate the selection of comparative arrangements in other Member States, particularly where such replication maintains a strategic distance from the hazard that the usage of fundamental rights at the level of each one State reproduce deterrents inside the inner market or obstruct the collaboration between the Member States in the territory of flexibility, security and justice.
Introduction
The relationship between the open technique for coordination and the assurance of fundamental rights might right away be portrayed by the potential strain between two bearings in which the institutional advancements inside the Union have been diverted (Búrca 2003a).
One set of improvements could be described by the quest for a ‘high manifestation of constitutionalism’ prompting ‘the moulding of a compelling and obvious EU government’. An alternate, differentiating, set of improvements, could be portrayed by setting up of a thick and composite arrangement of administration close by the formal structures of government, best illustrated by the open system for coordination in the fields of work, social strategies, and the change of the benefits framework.
Under the in the first place, sacred, mode of government, fundamental rights work as an issue to the activity of the forces of the EU establishments and the Member States going about as decentralised European organisation. This compares to the capacity they have satisfied up to now in the arrangement of the Union, and which the reception of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in 2000 looked for just to affirm.
Considered from the perspective of the second mode of administration, major rights show up not just as points of confinement forced from the outside to the activity of the forces which exist inside this multilevel manifestation of administration, yet they could likewise satisfy a positive part.
In reality, they could serve to arrange the utilisation of these instruments the Member States and the establishments now have available to them – benchmarking, trades of data and the recognisable proof of great practices, assessment of encounters and the advancement of imaginative practices, and maybe defend growing the response to these new modes of administration to the execution of the Charter of Fundamental Rights as a rule.
This paper looks to recognise the handiness of the open system for coordination for the execution of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It proposes a path in which this may be imagined in practice, and accordingly it analyses the conditions under which such an expansion of the open strategy for coordination may be fruitful.
It relates this new and extended part for the open system for coordination to the inquiry of the division of forces between the Union and the part states, and to the thought of administrative rivalry between the states.
In substance, this exposition investigates the cut-off points of a decentralised execution of the fundamental rights recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights as qualities which the Member States have in like manner, and it displays the open technique for coordination as an issue to move past these points of confinement without intimating further transferrals of forces from the Member States to the Union.
Fundamental Rights and issue of proficiency
The guarding capacity that fundamental rights have satisfied in the arrangement of the Union is generally reported. Fundamental rights were transported in and created in the legitimate request of the Union to react to the anticipation that the transferral of forces from the Member States to the European Union would bring about reducing the level of assurance delighted in by the people under the national lawful frameworks.
This clarifies both the introductory advancement of fundamental rights as general standards of EC law by the European Court of Justice, and the translation by the Court of the optional enactment which tries to offer a negligible level of security of fundamental rights at the level of the Union or opposite the foundations of the Union (Coppel & O’Neill 1993).
Fundamental rights as external threshold
Fundamental rights are thought about in the structure of the Union as points of confinement, and not as an issue to satisfy. They make certain demarcations that cannot be undermined; they do not demonstrate the course in which to make headway.
This trademark has been most unmistakably communicated by the European Court of Justice in the Opinion 2/94 that was conveyed on the inquiry of the promotion of the European Community to the European Convention on Human Rights. It expressed that the Community foundations don’t have available to them a ‘general force to establish leads on human rights or to close global traditions in this field’, in spite of the fact that it didn’t address that appreciation for human rights constituted a ‘state of legality of Community acts’.
The centrality of these announcements has been tremendously wrangled in convention. Specifically, Ph. Alston and J.H.H. Weiler have underlined that the Court in that Opinion at no time proposed that ‘the security of human rights was not a target of the Community, nor did it say that the Community needed fitness to enact in the field of human rights’ (Alston & Weiler 1999).
The Convention in charge of the drafting of the Treaty securing a Constitution for Europe, on the other hand, appears to have received the inverse perspective, by considering that fundamental rights as a rule don’t constitute a destination of the Union, albeit a percentage of the qualities recorded in the Charter of Fundamental Rights have been raised to the level of targets of the Union.
This last view, in fact, appears to speak to the prevailing conclusion. Human rights are stipulations which the establishments of the Union need to consider in all their exercises. On a fundamental level, they are not targets to be satisfied by the foundations in the activity of their forces. According to that context, fundamental rights stay outer points of confinement forced on the Union.
The impartiality on distribution of expertise between the Union and the Member States
Second and all the more in a general sense, the instrumental mode through which major rights were transported in inside the established structure of the Union – all the more definitely: the way they were included to that structure – intimates a division between the rationale which managed the division of abilities between the Member States and the European Economic Community, and now the European Community and the Union, from one perspective, and the rationale of fundamental rights, then again.
Up to this point, these two inquiries have been dealt with as plainly different. How the forces ought to be imparted, or ascribed, has never been settled on the premise of the outcomes the diverse modalities would create on the security of crucial rights.
Rather, when the talk on fundamental rights rose in the connection of the EEC in the late 1960s, the security of fundamental rights through the general standards of Community law was introduced as important to utmost the dangers involved for the privileges of the single person by the confirmation of the supremacy of European Law on the national law of the Member States and the distinguishment of its coordinate impact inside the national legitimate requests.
The need to admiration fundamental rights, therefore, went hand in hand with the transferral of forces. Yet the association went just in that bearing: the transfer of powers to the Community and the Union, on a fundamental level, has not been advocated by the need to guarantee a viable assurance of major rights.
Fundamental rights – Different than basic market freedoms
In spite of the obvious hesitance of the European Court of Justice to peruse social rights into the Treaty of Rome past those which are expressly perceived, the Court did acknowledge that States may defend forcing certain obstructions with the free development of merchandise, the free procurement of administrations, or opportunity of rivalry, where these impedances were defended by the need to save certain social rights or to advance targets of a social nature.
Nevertheless, the point of concern is whether the objectives have been met or not (Barnard 1996; Davies 1993; Deakin 1996; Kenner 2003). This is obviously to be invited.
It highlights, on the other hand, a third outcome on the status of fundamental rights in the EU lawful request of their instrumental nature, i.e., of the way that fundamental rights were foreign made inside EU law keeping in mind the end goal to secure the Union from the allegation that the development of its powers would bring about bringing down the assurance of the rights which the people appreciated under the national legitimate frameworks.
Surely, in this connection, where a clash emerges between the supposed ‘crucial opportunities’ perceived by the EC Treaty and the insurance of fundamental rights, the European Court of Justice has a tendency to acknowledge that the last target may advocate that certain confinements be forced on the previous, yet just to the degree that forcing such an impediment is vital for a Member State to appreciation its commitment towards human rights.
The further a State wishes to go on the way of the dynamic acknowledgment of human rights, the more troublesome it might be for the State to legitimise such confinements. This relationship between financial flexibilities constitutive of the inside business and fundamental rights – especially social rights – is obviously an outcome of the diverse capacities these sureties satisfy in the protected structure of the Union.
As communicated by Nicholas Barnard, business rights have been conjured in a hostile mode against measures received by Member States vulnerable of frustrating the acknowledgment of the inner business (Bernard 2003). By method for complexity, social rights have essentially been conjured in an opposing, to secure national capability from Community law invasions prone to have a negative effect on national frameworks of social security.
The intermediate view
There exists, accordingly, the established perspective, which Article 51 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights looked to solidify; and there exist the building squares for an option view, which would profoundly stretch the extent of use of the fundamental rights perceived inside the lawful request of the Union, contribute the Union with an order to understand them, and make the assignment of skills between the Union and the Member States subordinate to the need to guarantee the successful assurance of fundamental rights, as opposed to have this insurance rely on upon the current portion of abilities.
A third view might likewise be safeguarded. This perspective does not keep itself to the established understanding of the capacity of fundamental rights inside the protected structure of the Union; not one or the other does it deliver the sweeping outcomes the option see recently exhibited may involve, which are dreaded by numerous and would absolutely change the European Union into an association committed to the advancement and assurance of human rights.
The point of contention is to understand the extent to which the Charter of Fundamental Rights could be considered to accomplish its principles (Búrca 2003b).
Forces to create fundamental rights strategy for the Union
The moderate perspective investigated here is this. With a specific end goal to encourage agreeability with the positive commitments got from the Charter, the Union ought to be perceived suggested forces to understand certain fundamental privileges of the Charter, when these harmonise with targets the Union needs to satisfy; despite the fact that the crucial rights arrangement of the Union ought not prompt the transferral of supplementary skills to the Union.
It might be focused around the requirement for the Union to practice the forces it imparts to the Member States, where the decentralised usage of fundamental rights produces imperfect results; at long last, a commitment to act to actualise the privileges of the Charter at the level of the Union may be forced, specifically, where separating methodologies to fundamental rights danger making an impediment to the key opportunities of development perceived by Union law – at present, by the EC Treaty.
In addition, as the Member States are bound by the Charter in the execution of Union law, they may be obliged not just to avoid abusing the privileges of the Charter when they execute Union law, additionally to take measures to guarantee that fundamental privileges of the Charter will be completely ensured in the concerned territories. Even though the implementation of fundamental rights does not have a reference in EU’s objectives, Opinion 2/94 has implications for the same (Weiler & Fries 1999).
Constructive commitments drawn from the Charter
It can’t be rejected from the earlier that the Charter may force such a commitment on the Union organisations (Alston & Weiler 1999). Article 51(1) of the Charter specifies that the organisations and bodies of the Union and the Member States, to which the Charter is tended to, are gratified to advance the implementation of the rights and standards contained in the Charter.
The detailing proposes in any event that the drafters of the Charter perceived that it may force commitments past the simply negative obligation to keep away from meddling without avocation with these rights and standards (Maduro 2003). This ought not to be seen as being in strain with the procurement as indicated by which the Charter does not secure any new power or assignment for the Community or the Union, or alter powers and undertakings characterised by the Treaties (Article 51(2)).
In reality, as obviously perceived for example by the Working Group II ‘Consolidation of the Charter/promotion to the ECHR’ comprised inside the European Convention, where similar inquiry emerged as the Group surveyed the effect that the increase of the Union to the ECHR would have on the division of forces between the Member States and the Union, the activity of existing powers with a specific end goal to adjust to fundamental rights does not sum to the transferral of new powers.
Given the solid connection which the drafters of the Charter have looked to keep up between that instrument and the European Convention on Human Rights, in addition, this thinking for every similarity appears to be consummately reasonable. It is in accordance with the thought that, as the Charter of Fundamental Rights constitutes an instrument for the security of human rights, it ought to be deciphered likewise, and thusly ought to be seen as fit for forcing positive commitments where this seems, by all accounts, to be needed for the powerful insurance of those rights.
Barnard (2000) and Wedderburn (1992) contend that in an attempt to minimise the level of safeguarding fundamental rights, member states have a tendency to enter competition with their counterparts as far as deregulation of economic activities is concerned.
The meaning of an abnormal state of insurance of fundamental rights under Union law
Obviously, the Member States are certain to admiration the Charter of Fundamental Rights when they actualise Union law. It is expressed, on the other hand, that Union law itself ought to specify the assurances got from the Charter, as opposed to abandon it to the Member States to distinguish such ensures when they perform in the extent of use of Union law, under the control of the European Court of Justice.
The Member States are under commitment to uphold fundamental rights when they perform in the area of utilisation of Union law. This is not a substitute for guaranteeing, in every particular circumstance, that these rights will without a doubt be completely regarded by the Member States in this system.
A positive commitment ought to be forced on the Union administrator to guarantee that where it intercedes, and accordingly develops the extent of use of EU law, it builds its intercession with respect to an abnormal state of insurance of fundamental rights.
In reality, where an EU instrument characterises rather a certain insignificant level of assurance of certain fundamental rights or makes for the profit of the Member States certain special cases, this may make the feeling that gave they agree that instrument or stay inside the limits set by that exemption, the Member States are acting in congruity with the necessities of fundamental rights – an impression which, albeit in specific cases mixed up, may be hard to disperse.
Also, a preventive methodology of the dangers of crucial rights being disregarded, over a methodology which satisfies itself with the presence of a post hoc legal control including an audit of whether the Member States follow fundamental rights when they act under Union law.
To be sure, this last approach brings about subordinating the level of insurance of fundamental rights to the extent of the forces of the European Court of Justice and the components through which these forces may be worked out. Three different contemplations may be advanced to defend this assertion on a preventive methodology, in light of the burden of a positive commitment on the Union legislator.
Conclusion
European Union nations are bound by the EU Charter; the Charter includes details of human rights that have been approved by the EU. European Union nations have an obligation towards implementing the EU law but at the same time, they have to ensure that the fundamental rights of their citizens are not compromised under any circumstances.
As such, the Charter has become an effective tool for the people. By virtue of their fundamental rights, they are authorised to question the EU and/or its member states if they fail to deliver according to the provisions of the Charter.
The Charter also assists policy makers to formulate policies and strategies that are in congruence with the human rights requirements. Member states are individually responsible for upholding the fundamental rights of their citizens. In order to assist them in this endeavour, various courts have been set up to give judgments pertaining to conflicts on fundamental rights.
The penalty for non compliance of EU law is an exemplar of the apprehensions that might arise due to a difference between the commitment to execute the concerned law and the obligations of fundamental rights (Snyder 1993; Fitzpatrick & Szyszczak 1994).
References
Alston, P & Weiler, J H H 1999, ‘An even closer Union in need of a human rights policy: the European Union and human rights’, in Ph Alston, M Bustelo & J Heenan (eds), The EU and human rights , Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 24-25.
Barnard, C 1996, ‘The economic objectives of Article 119’, in T Hervey & D O’Keeffe (eds), Sex Equality Law in the European Union , Wiley, Chichester.
Barnard, C 2000, ‘Social dumping and the race to the bottom: some lessons for the European Union from Delaware?’, European Law Review , vol. 25, no. 1, p. 57.
Bernard, N 2003, ‘A new governance approach to economic, social and cultural rights in the EU’, in T Hervey & J Kenner (eds), Economic and social rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. A legal perspective , Hart Publications, Oxford, p. 249.
Búrca, G 2003a, ‘The constitutional challenge of new governance in the European Union’, E.L.Rev. , vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 814-839.
Búrca, G 2003b, ‘Fundamental rights and citizenship’, in B de Witte (eds), Ten reflections on the Constitutional Treaty for Europe , Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies and Academy of European Law, European University Institute, p. 21.
Coppel, J & O’Neill, A 1993, ‘The European Court of Justice: taking rights seriously?’, Common Market L. Rev. , vol. 29, no. 1, p. 669.
Davies, P 1993, ‘The Emergence of European Labour Law’, in W McCarthy (eds), Legal intervention in industrial relations: gains and losses , Blackwell Publ., London, pp. 313-359.
Deakin, S 1996, ‘Labour law as market regulation: the economic foundations of European Social Policy’, in P Davies, A Lyon-Caen, S Sciarra & S Simitis (eds), European community labour law: principles and perspectives , Clarendon Press, Oxford, pp. 62-93.
Fitzpatrick, B & Szyszczak, E 1994, ‘Remedies and Effective Judicial Protection in Community Law’, Mod. L. Rev. , vol. 57, no. 1, p. 434.
Kenner, J 2003, EU Employment Law. From Rome to Amsterdam and beyond , Hart Publishing, Oxford and Portland, pp. 2-6.
Maduro, M P 2003, ‘The double constitutional life of the Charter of Fundamental Rights’, in E O Erikson, J E Fossum & A J Menendez (eds), The chartering of Europe. The Europe Charter of Fundamental Rights and its constitutional implications , Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Baden-Baden, p. 199.
Snyder, F 1993, ‘The Effectiveness of European Community Law: Institutions, Processes, Tools and Techniques’, Mod. L. Rev. , vol. 56, no. 1, p. 19.
Wedderburn, L 1992, Inderogability, Collective Agreements and Community Law’, Industrial Law Journal , vol. 21, no. 1, p. 245.
Weiler, J H H & Fries, S 1999, ‘A human rights policy for the European Community and Union: the question of competences’, in Ph Alston, M Bustelo & J Heenan (eds), The EU and Human Rights , Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 159-160.
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China’s Country Factor Analysis Report
Executive Summary
The purpose of this business report is to analyze and evaluate China’s current position in the global market from its past situation to the strategic changes that the country has taken to deal with the ever changing world business market. This will be done using several technical business models.
The analysis and evaluation explains whether an Australian automobile will be attractive in the Chinese market. This is done through conducting a professional investigation that reveals the external forces, such as, political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological that plays a major role in China’s global growth.
Through understanding this breakdown, the current strategic position and management can be explained and understood thoroughly. This helps a foreign investor to decide whether or not to invest in China. This analysis is done specifically to determine the economic attractiveness of automobile from Australia in the Chinese market. This is because automobile in Australia is only marketed domestically but with the increase in globalization, there is need to venture into other countries.
Austria concentrates in the production and marketing of agricultural products and mining which do not earn huge amounts of foreign income. To increase its GDP, Australia has to concentrate on the manufacturing sector especially the manufacturing of automobile since it has a lot of raw materials. China is one of the economically stable countries and should be the target country for the export of automobile from Australia.
Introduction
China is a Middle East country that has undergone rapid economic growth rate in the recent past. The economic growth is a major determinant for any investor in making a decision on whether to make an investment in the country or not. In the past decade the economy has been experiencing a positive economic growth rate estimated at 12%.
In conjunction with the economic growth rate, the government has decided to engage itself in numerous developmental activities, for instance, infrastructure building, development of the financial sector, and technological advancement. The rate of taxation in the county is as low as 25% corporation rate making it easy for many investors to invest in the country.
The rate of growth has so far been stable and it is expected to remain the same in the foreseeable future. With this rate of growth and economic situation, a foreign business is likely to experience positive effects both in the short and long term. This paper will analyze the external environment in China (PESTEL analysis) to investigate whether automobiles from Australian will be successful if marketed in China. It also gives some of the benefits and risks that come along with trading in China.
External Environment Analysis
P.E.S.T.E.L Analysis
P.E.S.T.E.L analysis is a management tool that assists organizations in making informed decision on how they are going to respond to the external environment. There is very little that a company can do to avoid the effect of the outside world. P.E.S.T.E.L is an acronym that stands for political, economical, social, legal, and environment.
Political
* Government regulation
* Taxation policies
* Regulation on excess capacity
China in its position as a world trade area has embarked on becoming a political neutral country and so far there is no country in the world that cannot trade with it on political grounds. During elections, democracy is highly adhered to and has a smooth power transition. The government policies are geared towards developing a good working environment in the entire country. The political situation of the country is thus favourable for business (Witzell & Lee, 1990).
Economic
* Economic growth rate
* Taxation
* Infrastructure
In the past decade the economy of china has been on a positive economic growth rate. According to Fan and Chan-Kang (2005), the average rate of growth has been 12%. Alongside the economic growth rate the government is engaging in numerous developmental processes, which include infrastructure building and technological advancement. The rate of taxation in the country is one of the lowest standing at 25% corporation rate (Wu, 2006).
The rate has so far been stable and it is expected to remain the same in the foreseeable future. With this rate of growth and economic situation the business is likely to enjoy in the short and long term. The economic crisis that hit the entire world in end of 2007 proved a lot about China, it has been described as the only country that was able to record a sensible economic growth rate this illustrate the stability of Chinese economy, a good feature in any business venture.
Social-Cultural
* Lifestyle trends and consumer preferences
* Demographic changes
* Leisure activities
* Increased spending
The attitude that the Chinese people have adopted is the attitude that embraces change and they have no ill heart for foreigners. They are willing to trade with anyone. There is an artificial social setting that is set by the numerous traders in the country. This has created an environment that all players are at the same level. There are no threats as far as the social environment is concerned (Randall, 2007).
Technological
* Innovation capacity
* Changes in technology
* Improved infrastructure
China is one of the technologically developed countries in the world. The technology is not stagnant and the country is willing to develop and adopt new and better technologies. With advancement in the level of technology, the cost of production has reduced and thus better profit margins.
The competitiveness of the new venture is enhanced due to the use of efficient technologies (Kilgrer, 2009). China is among the countries in the world that have the most advanced technology. This is through innovations that the Chinese people have embraced as well as importation of technology from other countries.
In today’s world, many products, ranging from electronics to domestics are imported from China. High technology assist in efficiency and reduction in the cost of production; this means that a business in China is more likely to produce quality and quantity at a very low price compared to other places in the world (Denis-Fred, 2003). China has also embarked on improving the technologies of other countries to suit its system. This will be an advantage for Australian automobile.
Environmental
The country values its environment and the world environment in general. It has policies that are targeted to compel companies to respect nature. On the positive note, since the country policy makers realize that no production can be made without emission of waste, it has embarked on waste recycling technologies as well as adopting environmental friendly technologies.
With this, a foreign company will not be let down by the regulation but will adopt the available remedies. It will also consider environmental conservation as its social corporate responsibility in order to fit in Chinese market.
SWOT analysis for Australian products
Strengths
1. Strong economic situation Weaknesses
2. Strong market position 1. Disappointing financial returns– asset, investment & equity returns
3. High turnover growth 2. Debt to Equity financing– future risks of high borrowing & cumulative interest
4. Effective distribution channels that reduces costs & improves cash flows. 3. Inconsistent growth & income revenue- cyclical results
5. Marketing power & growth- strong brand creation through cross-promotion 4. Inflexibility
6. Tax advantage in different countries- lower corporate taxes
Opportunities Threats
1. International business expansion 1. Global competition
2. Market development 2. Intense rivalry
3. Increasing technological advancements. 3. Political problems
4. Emerging markets 4. Price competition
Benefits of Investing in China
African countries have diverted their trading to China and killing the predominant markets of the west. This has been through the creation of a partnership kind of trading where we find contractors in Africa from china. These contracts are made through the creation of a long lasting relationship. Also, the western countries have a share in the Chinese market. Among the strategies that China has employed to attain this world economic command is the incentives they give to the sector players in the country.
According to Gsene (2002),”The outside world has an impact for change in China.” (p34). This statement emphasizes the move that china has taken to improve the economic situation of the country. It has realized that, to be successful it involves doing something extra and China has done it. Getting a visa and business permit to china is one of the simplest ways; no restrictions and thus trade is highly advantaged.
Infrastructure
China has highly modern developed infrastructures. The systems are advanced so well that asses to the country from any corner of the world is highly enhanced, the airports, the sea port, and internal transport are well managed and assessable. The communication network within and without is of high-technology (Fan & Chan-kang, 2005). This is an asset to the business since it reduces the cost of doing business. On the other hand, the international market is enhanced at all lengths.
The sectors have seen the private and public participation, this boosts the efficiency of the systems and thus one can trade with approximate assumptions. There is what the government refers to as private public partnership that is aimed at maintaining the infrastructures. This means that the continuity of the countries good systems have been taken care of. Hutrerd (2004) notes that, “China has an integrated infrastructure for moving goods in the digital age.” (p31).
Financial Sectors
China has a well developed financial sector with the privatized and government participation. The banks are stable enough to sustain the growing economy. Micro finance institutions have emerged in the country giving support to the small scale traders who are distributed all over the country (Zheng, 2009). Insurance companies are also the backbone of investment sector of an economy and China is not left behind. The insurance companies are stable enough and can handle big losses without going under.
At the same time, there are reinvestment insurance companies in the country, which help in maintaining stability even further. The banking sector has enabled firms to get loans at favourable rates. The insurance and the banking sectors thus have both direct and indirect effects. An example of a direct effect is the improvement on efficiency of these institutions and from an indirect effect empowerment of other sectors that trickle down to any business venture.
Risks
It is a growing perception, of late, that the quality of Chinese goods is questionable. This may be true because some companies are not maintaining the quality so required. This may be because the industries are so many that the government is not able to keep the quality at all times. This is likely to have a negative effect not only to the economy of China but also to the countries that are trading with it or those that that are considering trading with China (Reuvid & Li, 2005).
To ensure that this does not have a negative impact on the Australian automobile, a quality policy should be thought of before starting up the business. It is easy to keep in business always if the brand name is attractive and it is protected. Due to the high population there are social evils in the country that can influence the decision negatively. However, the government has continued to assure that security is checked. It has invested in modern security systems to boost the security systems.
Recommendation & Conclusion
The external forces described above can help in the determination of the Chinese market growth (or decline) and the implication of its strategic business unit.
If an economic recession occurs, the economic forces may have a considerable bearing on the future market strategies through ripple effects on the political and socio-cultural factors. Political factors put a restriction on the development of the industry by putting tough taxes and regulation requirements. However, through the above analysis, it is clear that China is a viable country for any investor to consider venturing into it.
It has a strong economic position and also the political situation is stable. China is slowly portraying itself as the world economic driver; this means that each and every country, individuals and companies are considering China as the trade partner, a thing that has boosted the economy of the country. The fact that each country is willing to trade with it has set the country in a good pace, now heading to be a political neutral country.
As nations get more confident in the country, the more they will be willing to trade with China and thus the market stands to gain. This has a positive effect on the business since Australian automobile will not be depending on local market alone but the entire world. China has come up as a bargaining market where traders interact in an open market. As the world come to fetch for varieties, Australian automobile industry will be one of these variety providers.
Reference List
Denis-Fred, S. (2003). Technological Innovation in China: The Case of Shanghai’s Electronics Industry . New York: Detlef Rehn.
Fan, S., and Chan-kang, C. (2005). Road Development, Economic Growth, and Poverty Reduction in China Intel Food Policy . New York: Rest institute.
Gsene, M. (2002). China in the World Market . Cambridge: Cambridge university press.
Hutrerd, R. (2004). Moving People, Goods and Information: The Cutting-Edge Infrastructures of Networked Cities . New York: Taylor & Francis Inc.
Kilgrer, J. (2009). Walking Dragon . New York: Times Press.
Randall, P. (2007). China Modernizes: Threat To The West, Or Model For The Rest? New York: Oxford University Press
Reuvid, J. and Li, Y. (2005). Doing Business with China . London: GMB Publishing Ltd.
Witzell, W., and Lee. S. (1990). Closing the Gap: Computer Development in the People’s Republic of China Technology and Culture . London: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Wu, Y. (2006). Economic Growth, Transition, and Globalization in China, Volume 2005 . New York: Edward Elgar publishing.
Zheng, Y. (2009). China Opening Society . London: Routledge.
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Park Therapeutic Recreation Programs Essay
Table of Contents
1. Contextual environment
2. Assessing of individual care needs of the client
3. Program implementation
4. Evaluation
5. References
Contextual environment
This is an analysis of Berala on the Park therapeutic recreation programs. Berala Park is twenty-four hours nursing care that offers high quality services and care to clients of all ages. Additionally, Berala Park offers leisure and recreational activities. Berala Park services are categorized into three groups, which include health, lifestyle and activities (Berala on the Park, 2012).
Berala on the Park mission is to provide “optimum quality resident care delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, professionalism and individual pride.” At the same time, the Berala on the Park is dedicated to providing excellence and compassionate care services to the aging members of the society.
The premise has established itself as a place where caring begins, and life continues. The main goal of Berala on the Park is to deliver a sustainable, healthy, and comfortable living environment for the aging. At the same time, Berala aims at providing a conducive environment that encompasses freedom, peace, and individuality. It is aimed at gaining new knowledge and insight into aged care so as to ensure high quality care services are delivered (Berala on the Park, 2012).
Berala offers low, high, dementia, and low and high respite care accommodation services to the elderly. Low care accommodation allows the client to enjoy the freedom and independence while being cared. It provides independent choices for the client and ensures that home setting environment that is warm, friendly and sociable.
High level care guarantees Gold standard level of care to the elderly by delivering quality service facilities, and comfort. This ensures the same environment is provided to the client family at the same time. High level care is designed to ensure that residents enjoy relaxing and pure comfort of peace. Low and high respite care are a flexible service that is designed for short-term stays. It gives the exact quality services as enjoyed by other permanent residents.
Various researches show that active treatment of delirium, depression and cognitive deficits caused by dementia are best treated through a supportive environment (Poole, 2000). It is on this basis that Berala on the Park introduced dementia care. Berala dementia care caters for emotional care of its residents by providing necessary care assistance. They encourage the participation of the elderly in the activities as well as providing a cheerful and friendly environment for the residents.
The primary focus of Berala on the Park is to make sure that the needs for the ageing individual are catered. At the same time, it gives the client and his or her family with peace of mind in a more professional way. Rooms at the facility are designed to ensure that paramount comfort is guaranteed. Air conditioning, flat screen televisions, fridge, telephones, broadband connectivity, and most modern en-suit are provided in all rooms. The facility has a 9A Grade hospital building that is in compliance with hospital grade standards.
Berala on the Park has highly qualified and experienced staffs that ensure that the needs of all clients are adequately met. The dedication of nurses to the service of the clients makes your stay at the facility a very nice experience for yourself and your family. The residence offers amazing and stimulating activities to the residents at all times.
Extensive activities program ensures that residents have fun and enjoy themselves with various activities such as bingo, bowls, concerts, karaoke, among other activities that are offered. Divisional Therapist creates full time activities that suit every choice. These therapeutic activities are to encourage social interaction and cultivate a sense of belonging to the residents.
Parole has well structured lifestyle that encourages residents to participate in leisure and therapeutic activities. Social and leisure assessment activities encourage individual residents’ input in the development of their own lifestyle care plans. These programs are maintained by divisional therapist officers.
Daily Physio aide exercise programs in the residence, live entertainment, morning music, gentle exercise activities, reminiscence or reflection sessions such as nostalgia mornings and memory boxes, aromatherapy and art are other therapeutic activities that the majority of resident finds very important (Astin, 1999).
Berala has improved technology for instance; televisions sets at the home interact with the call bell system, communication infrastructure such as phone systems such as call mobile and STD numbers, and new DECT phone. Berala staff also participates in activities with the residents. That such activities are all inclusive of the staff are exercises, music, and games. Other activities offered include art and craft, dancing, reading, scrabble, outings, and tai chi.
Berala has a stack to this philosophy by continuously pursuing improvement their building and making rooms more specious (Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Limited, 2009). All the workers have the skills of performing tasks. This ensures that education that is provided by the staff to the residents meets their needs. The company has a stack on its philosophy to offer quality care by intensively proper training and education of the staff.
Education relating to accreditation standards is regularly provided to the staffs which usually include quality management, aged care, administration and mentoring. Additionally, Berala in its philosophy is committed to maximizing residents privacy and dignity at all times. The staffs are adequately trained to manage the resident’s privacy by always requesting permission from the residents to access their rooms.
In support of its ageing care services, the company ensures that excellent meals are prepared for the residents. The home has chefs that that develop and prepare menus that provide fresh food for the resident. Above all, meals are very nutritious and delicious with seasonal ingredients that guarantee excellent satisfaction. The dishes provided are homemade and meet certain dietary needs of different residents.
At this point, it’s important to reemphasize the special attachment that Berala has for the aged individuals in the society. Residential aged care homes play a very important role in providing accommodation and support for elderly people in society who are unable to live independently at home. It is for the realization of these that Berala has endeavored to provide beautiful and friendly environment for resident through quality care, activities, meals, and accommodation.
Assessing of individual care needs of the client
The client I worked with in my program is called Betty. Betty is 80 years old retiree. Betty has not received any advanced aged care since she left Berala on the Park home in the last five years. Bettie experiences pain on a regular basis that has had a significant effect her individual quality of life for the last twenty years.
The pain has decreased her ability to function effectively thereby limiting her mobility, social interaction, appetite, and rest patterns. More so, the pain seems to have changed her psychological well-being for some time now. This has left her more anxious and depressed. Betty is on pharmacological pain management strategies on a daily basis of low and high respite care of Berala home.
Betty is an eloquent speaker with jovial character when a person gets used to her. What fascinates me about her is her composure and love of music and dancing. She particularly enjoys dancing to pop and jazz music and watching cartoon network. At the same time, she is a great fan of topic comic and reality shows.
Since pain assessment and diagnosis is carried out for residents with dementia or severe cognitive impairment, Betty gets the much needed assistance from the Berala home. She receives a high level of care and assistance that encourage her to participate in activities as well as stimulating mentally by creating social friends. This leaves her more cheerful than before.
Program implementation
Since Betty loves music, dancing, and watching top comic and reality shows, the intended program for her is leisure and recreation. The activity for the client should capture her likings so as a combination her current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment can be successful. The illness caused her to be more anxious and depressed, therefore, the program is aimed at letting her recognize her that she only but her early stage dementia.
Letting her being engaged in listening to music or using imagery techniques like big screen top comic shows is inevitable in her program. This distraction will help her during painful episodes. It is good to realize that music episodes are important in reducing disrupting behavior of aggression by dementia residents. At the same time, this program requires someone who is cheerful so that my client stay active all the time.
Additionally, aerobic exercises, strengthening stretching, dancing will be fundamental in pain management so as to improve her conditions as well as improving her mood and pain intensity. At the same time, the program cognitive-behavioral therapy will be vital in reducing her anxiety and depression (The Australian Pain Society, 2005).
Evaluation
This program is not unique when compared to other pain and dementia programs in many residential aged care homes, in Australia. This is a positive score for the entire program that my client is to undertake. Well trained, educated and experienced personnel in pain management are required in such programs due to the fact that quality services are required for this program to be successful (Warden & Volicer, 2003).
These professional will be required in the program because of the attention required to avoid moving few step backs in the treatment process. This program might call for multidisciplinary collaboration of the family, nurses, physiotherapists or health professional as well as care workers.
The major aim of the program will be decreasing the pain of my client to a bearable level, and that is the essence of involvement of all these professional groups at one stage of the stages within the program. Education programs of the scope of the program activities will be made available on a regular basis to the staff as update of improving the pain management program (Parsons & Preece, 2010).
The severity of the pain will be regularly be monitored for effective treatment. Pain assessment scales can be used in the evaluation of the pain dimension during the program. The scales are used on a daily basis so as to check the changes in severity, of the pain and check whether the treatment activities are effective and how they can be improved (art et al., 2008). It is important to note that the client will also have a vital role in the program.
Betty’s individual goals are two established first and then become more honest about the treatment activities. Realistic goals of the therapy will be shared between the client and his family. Maintaining of top priority of the treatment goals will be core to the program (Steinhauser et al., 2000).
Post implementation audit is also critical is checking whether the resident pain treatment program has been completed within the required time. The program is expected to have a profound improvement in the condition being faced by my client. The major challenge of the program will be keeping the progress of the program on track so as to achieve the program goals as anticipated.
To ensure the success of the program and especially with regard to her favorite things she likes doing, I bought her favorite top comics and music and recommended the home on the best entertainment specification that are important in the entire process. From my interaction with her, she is a corporate woman willing to engage in activities that are likely to improve her conditions.
The success of this entire program depends on the staff who will be attending to her, her corporation, which is positive alongside other factor. This program promises good outcome due to the effectiveness of the treatment activities and, therefore, very important and highly recommended to other clients.
References
Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency limited. (2009). Decision to Accredit Berala on the Park. Web.
Astin, J.A. (1998). Why patients use alternative medicine: Results of a national study. British Medical Journal, 279 (19), 1548-1553.
Auret, K. A., Toye, C., Gluck, R., Kristjanson, L. J., Bruce, D., & Schug, S. (2008).
Development and testing of a modified version of the Brief Pain Inventory for use in residential aged care facilities. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , 56 (2), 301-306.
Berala on the Park. (2012). About us . Web.
Parsons, G., & Preece, W. (2010). Principles and practice of managing pain: A guide for nurses and allied health professionals . England: McGraw Hill Open University Press.
Poole, J. (2000). Nursing Management of Disturbed Behavior in Aged Care Facilities. Web.
Steinhauser, K.E., Christakis, N.A., Clipp, E.C., McNeilly, M., McIntyre, L., Tulsky, J.A.
(2000). Factors considered important at the end of life by patients, family, physicians and other care providers. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284, 2476-2482.
The Australian Pain Society. (2005). Pain in Residential Care Facilities: Management Strategies. North Sydney, NSW.
Warden, V. H. & Volicer L. (2003). Development and psychometric scale. Journal of American Medical Directors, 4 (1): 9-15.
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Policy Analysis: Rules for Growing Medical Marijuana Essay
Table of Contents
1. Description
2. Healthcare and Social Determinants of Health
3. Special Interest Groups and Fiscal Impact
4. Impact on Community
5. Justification and Concluding Points
The title of the bill is “SB 8A – Establishes Rules for Growing Medical Marijuana”. It was introduced on June 7, 2017, by Senator Bradley. The bill represents the state of Florida. Since companion bills have been passed, the policy will go into effect after the companion initiatives have been considered.
Description
The bill attempts to specify the conditions of growing marijuana for medical use. It outlines that the state’s sales tax should be exempted. In addition, it defines the medical conditions in which this treatment can be prescribed to patients. Initially, several chronic diseases such as increased spasmodic disorders, multiple sclerosis, and other illnesses have been included in the list of diseases allowing the consumption of this substance for medical purposes.
The current bill has expanded this list to include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, and other severe conditions. Apart from that, the initiative requires testing laboratories and research organizations to advance the existing body of knowledge in this field. Overall, the main goal of the document is to address the health needs of people requiring marijuana to relieve the manifestations of their illness as well as the implications of growing marijuana for medical purposes.
Healthcare and Social Determinants of Health
The bill has a potential to improve as well as to hurt healthcare. On the one hand, people requiring the use of marijuana to help them cope with the negative manifestations of their health status will receive quality care that corresponds to their needs. On the other hand, healthcare institutions will be subjected to reformations to be able to address the implications of SB 8A. In addition, growing medical marijuana can be associated with the recreational use of this substance, which can lead to false representations in people to whom marijuana has not been indicated.
Social determinants of health can also be affected by this bill. In particular, such negative manifestations as unemployment and poverty can determine the way people perceive the use of marijuana and the reasons for growing it. It can also lead to substance abuse. Therefore, the bill has a potential to change the social context for marijuana consumption.
Special Interest Groups and Fiscal Impact
The two special interest groups that will promote the legislation are Marijuana Policy Project and National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The parties that are likely to oppose the bill are police unions, alcohol companies, and pharmaceutical corporations. The latter two parties can oppose the bill because it will affect their revenues.
Importantly, no tax or fee issues will be present. The bill will influence both the private and the government sector, which is reasonable. In the first instance, institutions will have to experience increased licensing costs. In addition, laboratories will need to receive additional certification to be able to meet the new standards. In the second instance, governmental institutions may face increased expenditures related to the implementation of the new provisions. However, these costs can be compensated through licensure fees.
Impact on Community
The policy will have a negative, as well as a positive impact on the general community. If the bill is passed, the social norms of recreational and medical marijuana use are likely to be distorted. However, the individuals requiring this form of care will be able to receive it to achieve a positive health status. If the bill died, the perceived risk of use would be likely to increase. It can be assumed that the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration will review and enforce this legislation if it is accepted.
Justification and Concluding Points
It is difficult to state unequivocally whether the bill should pass or not. The consequences of it will be both positive and negative. Theoretically, it should be approved if growing medical marijuana does not result in its popularization and if the substance is used in the conditions specified by healthcare specialists. Overall, if the policy is accepted, a greater degree of responsibility will be placed on the healthcare industry and the population.
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The Quest for Arthur’s Britain Essay
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Main Text
3. Conclusion
4. References
Introduction
The story of King Arthur has captivated readers for a long time and stories of the great king, complete with the Wizard Merlin, Sword of Excalibur, Knights of the Round Table, have become a part of the folklore. However, there is much debate and scepticism whether King Arthur actually existed and if any of the stories have really happened. The paper would discuss if King Arthur was real, mythical, legendary or a mixture of all.
Main Text
Ashe (1985) comments that King Arthur first finds mention in the 1138 work of Geoffrey of Monmouth who wrote the book History of the Kings of Britain. In this work, King Arthur is reported to have fought the Saxons when they invaded Britain in the 5th century. The King engaged in a series of romantic battles and finally managed to drive away from the invasion. He also manages to conquer Denmark, Norway and Gaul. Experts have argued that argues that the work of Geoffrey was nothing but fiction that was based on old songs and fables that tended to glorify the King. According to the sceptics, there was nothing like Merlin the Wizard or the Excalibur sword. Ashe does not believe that King Arthur was a totally fictional character and argues that the story penned by Geoffrey was based on an actual king called Riotamus who ruled Britain in the 5th century. While he agrees that over the centuries, King Arthur has been glorified by fables and folklore and recently in operas and movies, there is some substance to the legend.
Barber (1986) comments that the medieval scribes were very much prone to fictionalising and inventing events and deeds of the historical characters. Literacy was very rare in those days, even many kings were illiterate, and what was worse, the kings excreted pressure on the hapless scribes under their service who were made to write historical facts as the kings wanted them to appear and not as the events had actually happened. The author argues that the notion of King Arthur as a romantic figure who threw out the invaders was very good and it served the Kings who used the legends to boost the morale of their armies. Many supernatural events that are described could not have conceivably happened and the story of the Excalibur sword and the Holy Grail was just a figment of imagination.
Coe (1995) however points out that there were a number of Celtic fables and folk songs that hailed Ambrosius Aurelianus as the brave warrior who held off the Romans and the Viking raiders. The songs are legends are often referenced with many actual facts and happenings that are part of documented history such as the Battle of Mount Badon where the Saxons were defeated. The author concludes that the legend of King Arthur grew from this warrior king who managed to save his people. Over the centuries, the name was anglicised to Arthur and this was the real king Arthur. The fifth century was a period of intense violence and wars with marauding enemies and mercenaries overrunning major parts of Europe. Britain was relatively protected since it was an island. Coe argues that in such conditions, the legend of King Arthur grew from old wives tales and gradually came into the popular folklore.
Conclusion
The paper thus concludes by saying that there is reasonable information to assume that a great King did live in the 5 th century who drove out the Saxons. He was called by many names and King Arthur is one of them. However, the legends attributed to him are not all true and much of these stories are fictionalised and romantic.
References
Ashe, Geoffrey. 1985. The Discovery of King Arthur. Garden City, NY: Anchor Press/Doubleday.
Barber, Richard. 1986. King Arthur: Hero and Legend. Woodbridge, UK: Boydell Press.
Coe, John B. 1995. The Celtic Sources for the Arthurian Legend. Felinfach, Lampeter: Llanerch.
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Gucci Perfume: Interior Design and Merchandising Report (Assessment)
Renowned for the excellent quality and luxurious style of the items sold, Gucci perfume stores are popular all over the world. Solid and innovative approach to the marketing and branding procedures preconditions high rate annual revenues of the company in the fragrance industry all over the world. In the following assessment paper, the current strategy and situation in Gucci perfume stores will be observed in detailed.
Current Gucci Perfume Stores Strategy
Gucci perfume stores philosophy is reflected in the following quotation, “quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten” (qtd. In Moorcroft 2004). In connection with the above-mentioned statement, Gucci perfume stores strategy is based on the idea that quality is crucial in giving a customer an idea of brand while price is not the most important variable. Thus, the company targets a category of financially secure and ambitious customers ready to invest in their image and knowing the price of luxury. Gucci targeted customer category is women between twenty and thirty belonging to the get set lifestyle or wishing to demonstrate their association with this category (Arrigo 2011).
Gucci perfume stores management bases the network strategy on the concept of distinctiveness and exclusivity among the target category of buyers. To promote company elitism, the leaders have designed an image of Gucci customer characterised by vibrant appearance, sexual appeal, and ambitious stance (Fig. 1). The image is widely represented in the media and shopping malls through massive advertising companies, innovative approach to marketing, and the whole experience of shopping with Gucci perfume stores. The aura of prestige communicated through the Gucci image gives added customer value to the products sold in Gucci perfume stores since consumers are ready to invest additional funds into associating themselves with the picture of success, sexuality, and exclusivity the brand is depicting (Arrigo 2011).
Fig. 1: Gucci Perfume Image Woman
Fig. 2: Gucci Store Interior Design
Fig. 3: Gucci Store Interior Design
Gucci perfume stores interior design ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3 ) is an essential attribute of Gucci image according to the company leaders (Arrigo 2011). For that reason, every single detail of store design is taken into account by the top management. The company strategy includes the following essential components of Gucci perfume stores decoration and operation worldwide: (1) location on expensive high streets or at the best shopping malls in a city; (2) provocative decoration of the window displays; (3) visually appealing interior with a free flow layout; and (4) comfortable consumer browsing of collection on exhibit. Apart from rich classic decor, the company concept includes standardised requirements to the store employees. All of them should meet the highest requirements to their appearance, they should be smartly dressed in clothing of dark colours, and their outfit is to feature high quality makeup. To conclude customer experience, distinctive packaging is utilized. All Gucci perfume stores are directly operated by the world headquarters in order to ensure strict control of the company image implementation.
Current Situation
Current business situation for Gucci perfume stores is favourable which can be seen from the following figures. According to Global Fragrances and Perfumes Industry (2013), Gucci perfume stores annual revenue in 2012 was $1552.6 million in the United States and internationally it exceeded $4464.4 million. In 2013, the U.S. market demonstrated 18% growth for the company and the international market maintained the rates of the previous year ( Global Fragrances and Perfumes Industry 2013). The increase at the American market is traditionally observed in the women’s sector. Nonetheless, the company was surprised to register the growth at the men’s sector that year ( Men’s fragrance sales soar in the UK and US 2013).
The key to success of Gucci perfume stores is exclusivity along with distinctiveness. The company works with the best designers, the most innovative developers, and the most ambitious and risky marketers. To illustrate, Gucci advertising company of ‘Opium’ perfume became one of the most controversial in Britain due to the use of a naked image of Sophie Dahl. Despite the uproar in society, the perfume company was a great success and won a number of prestigious awards in European advertising competitions (Arrigo 2011). Another example of Gucci advertising strategy is the advertisement in Vogue magazine with an image of a naked lady having the letter ‘G’ depicted on her private parts. The use of this audacious advertising solution helped Gucci boost customer awareness of the brand as well as ensure wide media coverage. Another winning strategy the company is utilizing is involvement of top stars from popular industry and designer community.
References
Arrigo, E. 2011, “Fashion, Luxury and Design: Store Brand Management and Global Cities Identity”, Symphonya , no. 1, pp. 55-67.
‘Global Fragrances and Perfumes Industry’, 2013, PR Newswire , viewed 02 May 2014, via ProQuest Central Academic Database.
‘Men’s fragrance sales soar in the UK and US’, 2013, Telegraph , viewed 02 May 2014, via ProQuest Central Academic Database.
Moorcroft, R. 2004, “Quality remembered when price forgotten”, The British Journal of Administrative Management , no. 1, pp. 4.
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Group Participation Dimensions and Effectiveness Report
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Verbal and nonverbal communication
3. Group development overtime
4. Roles – task roles, maintenance roles
5. Social interdependence and trust
6. References
Introduction
To get to know the effectiveness of a group we have to be concerned first about the group’s efficacy which could as well be termed as the average or the approximate ability of the group to perform a given task. For a given group to be effective there are many things to be considered. These could be things like how the group sets its goals, how they conduct all its planning, discussions involved, the amount of time dedicated towards the group, and the contribution of the group members.
The perception of group members usually determines the effect it has on the group’s goals. For the effectiveness of a group to manifest itself, there are different levels of users to be considered. All these levels are mostly to self-usefulness. First is what achievement one has made in the past. The successes and failures one has had in the past will surely have an impact on what the person will do next by either giving the person confidence or discouraging the person. Another thing that affects self-worth is if a person finds someone similar to him or her in one way or another in doing a given job successfully. This raises a person’s confidence and gives him hope that he can also do it. The third one is when one is convinced to do something with everyone showing some sense of trusting in the person. This usually does not give that much effect on the person but it usually keeps the person long enough in the group whereby some other thing can later come to give an influence on the same person. The final one is psychological arousal which can have a positive or negative effect on a given individual but this usually depends on one’s interpretation (Chang, 2005).
We are going to determine how the following dimensions of group participation contribute to group effectiveness:
* Verbal and nonverbal communication
* Group development over time
* Roles – task roles, maintenance roles
* Social interdependence and trust
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Group work is mainly done through discussion which is part of verbal communication. When doing a given type of group work that is before coming up with the final piece of work, research is usually done then it is followed by a discussion. The main reason why discussion is done is for the whole group to understand what everyone has done. Before a discussion is done the group members are mostly advised to do personal research or to read about what is to be discussed so that by the time of discussion everyone in the group is informed of what the discussion entails. When this is done, what happens is during the time of discussion everyone contributes towards the discussion, giving what they understand on a given topic and being able to argue for or against what they think can be wrong or right. The main importance of group discussion is to enable everyone in the group to understand. When a nonverbal approach is used the opposite of what is achieved when doing it through a discussion is achieved. When a given piece of group work is done nonverbally there is no chance of getting to critique what has been done. Therefore, one is not able to know what the other group member has done. Also contradicting ideas may not get the chance to be sorted out; giving something that is not satisfactory and might also be erroneous.
Group development overtime
During the start of a group work members sometimes tend to be shy or afraid to express themselves. Expressing personal opinion usually to a stranger is not very easy for many people as they are not sure of how rational the other person can be. Would they give an honest opinion about your suggestion or would they be biased? When group members start to spend more time together they tend to be more honest with each other. To reach this stage they ought to have spent a lot of time together and also gain the trust of one another. Here, the effectiveness of the group now improves same as their ability to do a presentable job. When a tight bond between group members has been achieved we find that the group members start to be open with one another. This makes discussions easier and lively as nearly everyone contributes equally towards it leaving no one out. In cases where one or more members of the group find that they cannot understand something, they open up to their fellow group members who then give them the assistance they need. If there occurs a chance that the group has been dissolved you will still find the former members of the group doing things together or when they encounter problems within their course of study they seek help from the former members of their group. The main reason for this is that the bond they had established earlier is not easily broken.
Roles – task roles, maintenance roles
In a group members usually have roles to play to make the group they are in effect. The main role is mostly that of the group leaders. The leader is responsible for making sure that the members are always available for group meetings, ensuring that they are serious in their part as group members, and also assigning work to the group members. Another role that can be available for the group members is that of the secretary of the group. For the group to work properly and to avoid unnecessary complaints; is to rotate the roles which are available for the group members. This ensures that no member of the group would say that a certain person has an advantage over them while playing a given role. Another important thing of why roles are to be rotated among the group members is to ensure that every member is responsible for what is done and also have the feeling of not being considered less inferior to another member of the group. When this is done everyone would have the feeling of being an important member of the group and that he or she has an important role to play as a member of that group (Turner, 2001).
Social interdependence and trust
Social interdependence is a major reason why a group is formed. The main objective of a group is to help one another in areas they find to be hard or those they completely cannot understand. For someone to go and ask for help from another person he has to have some trust that the person he is approaching will be willing to help whether he is able or not. This trust should be achieved since it’s the essential bit needed to convince a person of the importance of the group. The group members can be considered socially inter-dependable when they can interact with one another openly without thinking negatively about each other. They also have to consider that they are all equal and that the most important role of the group is mainly to assist each other. The group does not only have to depend on one another academically but also in their social lives as anything affecting a person socially can at the same time affect their academic work. When they open up to one another and share their problems some of these problems are solved and those which are not solved, the people concerned get the necessary advice on how to go about them. One thing about social interdependence is that a person cannot just tell you the problems one has if there is no bit of trust available between the two parties involved.
References
1. Chang, D.T. (2005). Determinants of group effectiveness: the effect of group learning and knowledge conversion on the relationship between group stewardship and group effectiveness . Florida: Nova Southeastern University
2. Turner, M.E. (2001). Groups at work: theory and research . New York: Routledge
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Microsoft AG: SWOT Analysis Essay
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
* Development of software products which have wide recognition among the users with user-friendly features.
* Multinational presence in more than countries minimize cultural difference to sustain the growth (Fill, 2002).
* Loyal and committed workforce motivated by good compensation and stock options enables the company to retain highly skilled individuals (Davenport, 1997)
* Relatively rapid technologically advanced new products and software applications.
* Wide global brand reputation and customer loyalty. Highly innovative nature and customer-focused (King, 2004)
Weaknesses
* During the development stage, the company failed to anticipate growth opportunity in Internet and lost major share to Google.
* Dependency on hardware manufacturers to pre-install Microsoft products in their personal computers and other hardware products
* Perceived by many as an unethical corporation involved in destroying the competitors’ market position by unethical means
* Lost reputation because of legal entanglements in anti-trust cases.
Opportunities
* Development in global information and communication technology has opened new avenues for product development
* Mobile phone applications and personal digital assistants represent possible growth opportunity
* Increase in use and demand for personal computers in American and other global markets provide continuously enlarging market for the company.
* Synergies from the core competencies of the firms acquired by the company following an aggressive acquisition strategy.
* Partnerships and alliances with PC manufacturers would enhance the growth potential
Threats
* Stiff competition from other market players like Apple Linux poses a real challenge to the growth.
* Hardware manufacturers like Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and IBM have found new collaborators for platform technologies reducing the importance of Microsoft products and applications.
* Issue of their own pre-bundled programs on their hardware by manufacturers like Oracle, IBM and Apple has affected the importance of Microsoft products significantly
* Absence of strong presence on mobile phones, hand-held computers and other wireless products for internet access is a serious threat to the growth of the business.
* Unauthorized or illegal trading in unlicensed products undermines the scope of expanding the business.
Changes in External Environment and Impact on Opportunities and Threats
The external factors that can have an impact on the growth potential of an industry are the changes in macroeconomic situations, technological changes, changes in legislative frameworks, socio-cultural changes and changes in the competitive position (Business Wire, 2007). The recent change in the global economic situation has in general affected the purchasing power of people. This has resulted in a decline in the market demand for the PCs and consequently has hit the sales potential of Microsoft products. Fiscal year 2009 has witnessed a 3.2% decline in sales which is caused by legal charges and severance claims from employees who have been laid off in addition to drop in overall PC and server sales (Miller, 2009). Technological changes in the area of operating system developed by Linux and Sun Microsystems has largely affected the potential of Microsoft to expand its sales in its core products (Miles, 2000). The greatest threat for the company is its dependence on Windows and a suite of desktop applications produced 14 years ago for 80% of its sales and 140% of profits despite the rapid development in the technology (Murphy, 2005). Changes in legal environment prompting European and US Justice Departments to file antitrust lawsuits have been one other threat to the company to sustain its growth. However the positive changes in the socio-cultural environment with more number of people using personal computers at homes and offices has enlarged the opportunity for the company to grow. Despite the criticisms and negative publicity the company could ensure its sales growth till fiscal 2008 and the global economic downturn caused a slight dip in sales during fiscal 2009. Stiffer competition from Linux in corporate environments has been acknowledged by Microsoft, even though Microsoft could withstand the competition from Linux in Desktop segment (Millard, 2004). IBM another serious competitor planned to invest $1 billion during 2004 to meet the competition from Microsoft (Linux online, 2004).
Conclusion
With its large volume of sales and massive employee strength, the company has developed bureaucracy at all levels. This has made the company miss several opportunities in Web-server platforms and search engine segments. While ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo!’ get 70% of the search engine queries, Microsoft’s MSN gets only 13%. It is for Microsoft to analyze the underlying reasons for the backwardness and introduce new concepts and selling points so that the company can build up its strength in this large segment. The company has to come out of its mid-life crisis with focused research and development in Web-server software and other Internet based applications rather than concentrating on refining and developing more of desk-top applications. Corporate network is another major area where the company can enter in to new inroads. With its huge cash reserves and talented employee pool the company can involve itself in more innovative products through continuous research and developments in the identified areas to increase its competitive strength.
Reference List
BusinessWire, 2007. Research and Markets: Microsoft Corporation’s Strengths and Weaknesses Examined Using SWOT . Web.
Davenport, T.H., 1997. Knowledge Management at Microsoft . Web.
Fill, C., 2002. Marketing Communications: Contexts, Strategies and Applications (3rd Ed) . UK: FT Prentice Hall.
King, D.R.K., 2004. Enhancing SWOT Analysis using TRIZ and BIPOLAR Conflict Graph: A
Case Study on the MICROSOFT Corporation . Web.
Linuxonline, 2004. IBM Will spend $ 1 Billion to challenge Microsoft .
Miles, S., 2000. Linux Closing in on Microsoft Market Share Study says .
Millard, E., 2004. Microsoft Battles Linux Threat . Web.
Miller, R., 2009. Microsoft sees First Annual Sales Decline in its history for fiscal 2009 .
Murphy, V., 2005. Microsoft’s Midlife Crisis . Web.
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Food Landscape in the Western Province, Kenya Essay
Western Province in Kenya was chosen as the focus of the study because of one’s familiarity with the area. Food from farms in this region is readily available to the population. The community practices subsistence farming and cash crop farming. The main crops grown are maize and sugarcane. This province has four sugar processing plants that produce cane (Maxon 299).
The Western Province is situated on the western section of Kenya and borders the eastern part of Uganda. It is among the smallest provinces in Kenya (about 8000 square kilometers) with a population of about 3 million people. Its headquarters is in Kakamega.
The province experiences specific tropical (hot, wet) climate characteristics of equatorial rainforests. Kakamega Forest is an outstanding example of rainforests found in the region. The African race is prominent in the Western Province with Luhya dominating the area (Mwakikagile 89).
The Luhya is a Bantu-speaking community that is the second-biggest tribal group in the country. However, a few Asians also live in the province. The community relies mainly on agriculture for getting income. Literacy level in the area is fairly high. In fact, Western Province hosts several public and private universities (90). The province has urban settings around its five main towns and rural settings away from the towns.
Maize is the region’s commonly cultivated food crop, and sugarcane is the main cash crop (Maxon 300). “Ugali” is the staple food in this region being the mixture of maize flour and water forming a solid mound. Therefore, the community consumes most of the maize harvest locally and does not depend on food from distant regions.
However, it sells a substantial quantity of the maize yield for income generating purposes. The community also grows other foods like beans and green grams, but imports wheat and rice from other parts of the country. People of Western Province also practice dairy farming on a small scale.
The community faces several obstacles in obtaining healthy food. Repetitive farming without fertilizers impoverishes the soils and leads to low yields. Extreme reliance on maize as a cash crop neglects other valuable products such as vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich cereals that are essential for a healthy balanced diet. Farmers do not have knowledge on proper farming procedures and use poor quality seeds (Ali-Olubandwa et al. 471).
The population consists mainly of middle-class income earners. Therefore, small grocery stores, markets, and roadside stands are common features in most towns. Several agricultural NGOs seek to improve the farm yields by educating farmers and providing loans to enable the farmers to buy fertilizer and other farm inputs. Schools in the region offer meals to students. However, parents have to pay for these meals as part of the school fees.
The local food system is sufficient to cater for the community’s needs. However, the government can intervene by educating farmers on superior cultivation methods to ensure better food quality. Financial institutions ought to lower interest rates on loans to make the loans accessible to most farmers.
Works Cited
Ali-Olubandwa, M. Adijah Kathuri, N. J., Odero-Owanga Dolphine, and Shivoga, A. William. “Challenges Facing Small Scale Maize Farmers in Western Province of Kenya in the Agricultural Reform Era.” American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 1.4(2011): 466-476. Sciencedomain International. Web.
Maxon, M. Robert. “Economic and Social change since 1963 .” Historical Studies and Social Change in Western Kenya: An essay in Memory of Professor Gideon S. Were. Ed. William Robert Ochieng. Nairobi: East African Publishers, 2002. 293-368. Print.
Mwakikagile, Godfrey. Kenya: Identity of a Nation . 1 st ed. 2007. Pretoria, South Africa: New Africa Press. Print.
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“Marry Me” through Google Glass Essay
The concept of postmodernism has critical impacts on advertisement. Before the era of advanced technologies and social media, advertisements were simple and direct, consisting of simple and direct words on newspapers, magazines, and billboards. However, by relying on new technologies and social media, advertisements have become ubiquitous in relation to consumers daily life by removing any existing barriers. It represents a form of postmodern marketing.
Thus, advertisements target consumers who are also the main subject of the advertisement. That is, the consumer is now a key component of advertising. This is the case of Google Glass. On February 13, 2014, Google posted a short one and a half minute video clip is known as Marry me [through Google Glass] (the video is available on YouTube ). The video was created through Google Glass, and it contains various scenes of marriage proposals.
This video has attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers because of the reaction it created on social media. Through this video, Google reinforces the attractiveness of Google Glass as an object that consumers can use to capture significant events in their lives. From the video, Google shows that the Glass is not about technology but rather about individuals who use it in everyday situations. This was one video from Google Project Explorer to capture special moments when using Google Glass. Google Glass is now omnipresent because of the new media in a postmodern advertisement.
The Google Glass video, Marry me [through Google Glass] reflects demystified culture, a new product, and marketing strategy supported with a small group of consumers, who rely on hypermedia to transcend physical barriers and limits of traditional media to experience the expandable and interconnected world of social media through the new media. It is a perfect example of a postmodern advertisement in the era of the new media.
The theoretical model chosen for this analysis is postmodernism, as depicted by various authors. Different authors, for instance, have shown the role of the new media in postmodernism advertisement. Their works have continued to evolve as they focus on emerging practices in advertisements brought about by changes in technologies and popular culture (O’Shaughnessy and Stadler 35).
O’Shaughnessy and Stadler (451) see postmodernism in relation to the new media and observable changes in society. Appignanesi and Garratt (174) provide an overview of postmodernism cyberspace experiences. For any technology to transcend its limits, there must be possibilities for commercial success. This explains why many large organizations have turned to new media and technologies for advertisement.
With new media, there are observable changes in meanings of terms and usage, which extend to commercial activities and advertisements. The postmodernism is marked with potential in business opportunities for companies that wish to exploit new media advertisement features. The dropping costs and abilities to reach the global consumer are breaking the physical barriers once witnessed in traditional media. In addition, consumers have embraced new media as everyday experiences and platforms for communication.
As a result, consumers are now exposed to various forms of commercial advertisements through new media than ever before, and they can virtually have these experiences anywhere. The postmodern era shows that information and communication can now occur without much effort.
The results are hypermedia systems that go beyond physical boundaries and overcome restrictions of the traditional media. It is an expandable and interconnected communication system that focuses on consumers and electronic systems to deliver the digital, interactive advertisement. In addition, the advertisement is user motivated, widely distributed, individualized, and runs across several new media platforms.
It is widely supported by file-sharing capabilities and clicks on social media platforms. Users, however, must navigate through information overload and ensure effective management of fragmented scenes, and Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright (307) help readers to understand the visual culture in new media.
The new media offer just-in-time knowledge and reality on how users can experience new products (Palmer 78), particularly technology-driven ones. It creates a new culture for niche products and targets a given class of consumers with specific identities.
In this case study, the focus is on the use of new media during the postmodernism era for advertisement. One fundamental issue for Google is to get millions of consumers to spend their dollars for a new device that they hardly understand, know how to use or wear on their faces to create ‘a near-awkward look.’ This was a major issue for Google as it prepared to launch its Project Glass. Google Glass is a high-tech Glass with the ability to take photographs, decode phrases, and provide directions to use.
It can accomplish all these tasks through a narrow glass built on the frame next to the users’ right eye. The Glass looks like a pair of spectacles but actually is a wearable computer device with an optical piece inserted for display. It is a product of Google’s Project Glass project. Before the release, the company had to make the early version of the Glass available for consumers, but only to a restricted group of consumers. Google introduced a twist by ensuring that this group of consumers had to answer the question, ‘If I had Glass’ before selection.
A major characteristic of a postmodern era is the strong presence of new media (Durham and Kellner 445). Companies have often focused on how they can exploit their platforms to reach users. Google, for instance, embarked on an extraordinary project of developing the Glass and creating a new way of utilizing the capabilities of the new media, including social media.
The company has overcome all the technical issues involved in the development of wearable Glass. It now faced the difficult assignment of convincing consumers to purchase and wear the Glass. The company must make this unique wearable device look normal for ordinary consumers.
In an attempt to ensure that the Glass assumes a status symbol rather than a scientific experiment object, the company has increased the number of early adopters to include everyday consumers.
These consumers are not within the technology sphere, and they would assist in familiarizing other consumers with the Glass. This approach is a strategic marketing strategy that can only be explained through postmodernism theory. It shows how and why consumers should purchase and use the Glass, and it gives assurance that they would still look fine with it.
It remains unclear what message Google intended to communicate by creating a wearable device. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that early adopters would be a part of the team that will create the intended image. This explains the importance of early adopters in marketing.
Right now, for instance, consumers would commend Google as a proficient firm from a technical perspective, but the message from the Glass is not clear. The Glass is worn notably on the forehead, and it provides a remarkable style of the screen, and therefore, it is noticeable. However, its ability to impact the mainstream market can only originate if Google manages to make the Glass look normal. Thus, Glass should change social, custom, and style practices. Google has managed to achieve this shift.
The company has ensured that the Glass is omnipresent in everyday life, including social events. For instance, today, there are many videos on YouTube and other social media platforms of men proposing marriage through Glass.
In addition, the Glass has found its way into wedding events. Marsha Collier, for example, was the first bride to wear Google Glass for a wedding. In addition, several other guests also had the Glass. Marsha Collier was a part of the Explorer team.
For members of the audience, the Glass is meant to invoke a sense of everyday use and normalcy. It should give a similar experience to the wearer in real-time. In this manner, the Glass creates a strong popular culture and new media image that has significantly dominated contemporary reality, and the way modern consumers define themselves and their world, including social circles and events (Strinati 229).
By considering a postmodern point of view, media messages present even a diverse social reality in which users are constantly using, adopting, and experiencing new media. While viewers may remain passive recipients and feel like a part of the bride and groom, they nevertheless have opportunities to participate by sharing files and posting comments.
Thus far, critics have termed the Google Glass as nerdy, awkward, and ridiculous. In order to define the image of the Glass beyond tech-savvy early adopters, Google has embarked on a promotion that targets the public and makes the Glass a normal everyday use device.
Thus, the Glass Explorer Program focused on recruiting bold, creative people. This description targeted an exclusive social group. While the Program targeted a creative social group, it had to maintain hipster-types in advertisements noted in Silicon Valley and driven by new media in postmodern practices. In the video, youthful couples, men, and women of different lifestyles have the Glass.
Through the video, Google is also directly targeting everyday consumers, including patents, business class, and consumers who prefer outdoor activities. Thus, Google is eager to deliver the wearable device to various classes of users beyond tech-savvy consumers who understand the technical aspects of the Glass.
In this manner, Google can use the new media to create opportunities for demos, including picture snapping and video chatting, among other memorable roles. New media are important in establishing diversity for the product. Google understands that various age groups attend weddings, and by promoting the Glass at public places through the video, the company is creating a diverse base of consumers who will embrace the Glass and take it out for experiences beyond normal office or conference rooms.
Google has been able to seize chances for establishing the market for the Glass from the rich, successful, and famous consumers. While the Glass may be popular among these consumers, the video seems to suggest that Google has other consumers in mind. In fact, the high-end market could be limiting the potential of the Glass.
The video shows that Google wants possible consumers of the Glass to see it in public places, social events, and hear about it from neighbors, families, and friends. Through postmodernism and new media, the video has been able to achieve this intended marketing approach.
Early adopters have shown that the Glass is wearable and practical and thus offers inspiration for the public. The new media have demonstrated that normal people can also wear the device and still manage to look ‘cool’ even in wedding ceremonies. The postmodern advertisement of Google Glass aims to show that ordinary people can control the device and look and feel ‘cool’ in it.
Thus, couples in the video depict that Google Glass would become a normal device for different types of functions and situations. In addition, consumers want to highlight that the Glass is less obtrusive relative to cameras and mobile phones, specifically when snapping photos and recording videos. New media in a postmodern era have allowed users to manage fragmented aspects of consumer interaction with products.
In conclusion, video advertisement creates an experience with new media in a postmodernism era because it finally inspires normal consumers to embrace Google Glass. The video manages to drive the popular culture noted in postmodern advertisement, and thus, it becomes difficult to distinguish between popular culture and consumerism. Consequently, the popular culture created by the Glass advertisement is most likely to influence purchasing habits.
The video was created by the same product it advertised, and this depicts the role of the new media in enhancing interaction with potential customers and advertisement of the product simultaneously. Ordinary people who watch the video will develop a positive view of the Glass, purchase it, and ensure that it remains present in everyday events and situations.
Works Cited
Appignanesi, Richard and Chris Garratt. Introducing Postmodernism . London: Icon Books, 2007. Print.
Durham, Meenakshi Gigi and Douglas M. Kellner. Media and Cultural Studies: KeyWorks . London: Blackwell, 2001. Print.
O’Shaughnessy, Michael and Jane Stadler. Media and Society . 5th ed. 2012. Oxford: Oxford UP. Print.
Palmer, Dan. Structuralism and Poststructuralism for Beginners . London: For Beginners, 2007. Print.
Strinati, Domimic. Culture and Society: An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture . New York: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Sturken, Marita and Lisa Cartwright. Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. Print.
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The Political Economy of Germany Report
Overview of the political economy of Germany
According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany is one of the strongest economies among the countries that form the European Union (16). During the last quarter of the year 2011, the real gross domestic product of Germany stood at $ 3.479 trillion (Global Finance 1).
This denotes positive economic development. The country was affected by the global financial crisis (Janning 1), which resulted in a fall of GDP growth of the country by 5.1%. The fall in the GDP of Germany during the crisis was attributed to the position that it occupied in EU trade.
Being an exporter of numerous technological goods and machineries across the European Union, the country had a low return from trade. The trading environment in Europe shrank because of the decreased financial sector in most of the European countries. The economic strength of Germany has been enhanced by the reunification of East and West Germany. Germany has an active political landscape (Lange 2).
The political landscape of Germany is marked by rational politics. The country has a federal government which is led by a Chancellor. The country is subdivided into different regions. The current head of the federal government is Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany is headed by a coalition government which is composed of three parties; they include the Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union and the Free Democratic Party (Schwarzer 3).
Economic policy areas of Germany in relation to the European Union
Germany is amongst the strongest supporters of the European Union. The country has exhibited support for economic integration of Europe through the European Union. To that effect, the country has pursued many policies in regard to its incorporation into the European Union. Germany highly advocates for economic integration of the European Union because of the benefits that accrue to the functioning of the union.
The economy of Germany is highly supported by exports. A third of the national output of Germany emanates from exports. The EU presents many export opportunities to Germany. Current policies of Germany on European Union integration began in the early years of the 1990s. This is the time when the country began seeking for real economic identity in Europe. The European Union was uncovered as the main tool that would help Germany to keep pursuing its economic goals (Janning 2).
The fiscal policy in relation to the global economic crisis
The current government of Germany is pursuing numerous economic policies. The fist economic policy that is being pursued concerns the elimination the budgetary deficit in the coming years. Deficits in the budget of a country are argued to have been aggravated by the financial problems in the European Union (Schettkat and Langkau 10).
The government has focused on bringing together all the public finances so as to raise enough capital to bail the country from the crisis in order to improve the trading environment in the country, and the attainment of favorable figures in the balance of payments. The balance of payments is often depended on the rate at which a country participates and gains from exportation of products. As the country focuses on raising revenue generation, it must also assess the performance of the European Union.
The reason for this is that the EU forms the immediate foreign market that comes with many economic benefits to Germany. The benefits accrue to the level of integration that has been attained in the EU. Internal economic policies in highly economically integrated regions are often affected by forces from the Union (Schwarzer 2).
The common agriculture policy of the European Union – impacts on the economy of Germany
The European Union has what is known as a Common Agricultural Policy. The policy seeks to protect farmers in all countries forming the union. Farmers in Germany and other European Union countries are efficient. However, there are a number of factors that limit the farmers. They hinder them from competing effectively in the international market.
These factors include input, land and cost of fuel. Through CAP, extra funds are provided to farmers in order to help them subsidize the high costs of production. Tariffs and quotas are imposed on agriculture products that are imported into the union. According to the policy, Germany and other EU countries are barred from offering any other support to their agricultural sectors. Being a beneficiary of the CAP, the responsibility of the Germany government is to ensure that funds that offered by CAP are managed effectively.
Germany is one of the strong advocates of the policy. It was among the first signatories of the treaty that officiated this policy. With improvements in the framework on which CAP is administered, Germany and other EU counterparts are deemed to remain competitive in the international market (European Commission 1).
Positive and negative aspects of EU membership on Germany
Belonging to a regional economic body has both positive and negative effects to countries. Germany has derived a lot of economic benefits from its membership in the European Union. Germany is an active exporter of different commodities.
Its presence and membership in the European Union has enhanced its exportation capacity. A lot of cross border trade barriers have been eliminated from the EU giving Germany the opportunity to thrive in the EU market (Schwarzer 2). On the other hand, participation in regional trading blocs results in negative effects for participant countries.
Inasmuch as the country benefits from the reduced trade restrictions, it also faces increased importations from other countries. As a strong economy, Germany has managed to use its economic power to export more, thence, offsetting the deficit that is brought about by imports.
Foreign investment in Germany by countries which do not belong to the EU
Germany has a large economy. The economy of Germany is argued to be decentralized in the sense that internal economic policies are pursued regionally (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 16). The country possesses a favorable investment climate for foreign investors.
The country has a stable political environment which has been witnessed since the reunification that took place in the last decade of the 20th century. Germany has a stable government which oversees economic development. It has cultivated a strong economic environment that is supportive of continued investment. As of today, there are a substantive number of foreign firms that control their production in Germany.
The high rate of economic development of Germany is backed by investment in technological development. According to Legler, Licht, and Spielkamp (5), technological development backs industry in the country hence encouraging productivity. Nearly all industries in Germany utilize high technological production methods helping in positioning the country not only in Europe, but also in the entire world.
All these factors denote the presence of an active economic base in Germany. The wider economy and a relatively high population denote the present of a market and labor force for foreign investors (Adekola and Sergi 258). Foreign investors need to assess the role and benefits of Germany in the European Union. This presents an indirect but beneficial aspect. By investing in Germany, non- EU countries can get an opportunity to market their products in Europe without incurring excessive expenses.
Political stability in Germany is a positive factor of influence on economic development. Any foreign investor in the country would find a conflict free zone in which to establish a business. Good governance is also a positive feature in Germany (Lange 3). It Presents a favorable business climate by eliminating business vices like corruption. Investors are required to go through the stipulated procedures. The complexity of the procedures is reduced by the favorable business landscape.
The other supportive factor, which is an advantage to foreign investment, is the presence of numerous foreign companies in the country, some of which come from outside the European Union. Foreign investors can adopt to business entry practices that have been used by benchmark foreign firms operating in Germany.
Viitala (38) observed that the main disadvantage of foreign investment in Germany is the presence of a highly competitive economic environment. The competitive pressure resonates from goods and services from other EU countries that trade with Germany. The EU countries have a competitive edge over other countries or firms from other countries.
The advantage comes from the fact that EU based firms are exempted from numerous trade procedures and costs. The argument here is that irrespective of the presence of internal incentives for investment in Germany, firms originating from outside the EU are often disadvantaged. The disadvantage is seen in cases of access to the EU market.
Works Cited
Adekola, Abel and Bruno S. Sergi. Global Business Management: A Cross-Cultural Perspective . Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2007. Print.
European Commission. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) . 2012. Web.
Global Finance. Germany Country Report: GDP data and GDP forecasts; economic, financial and trade information; the best banks in Germany; country and population overview . 2012. Web.
Janning, Josef. Europe: Germany’s Dilemma . European Policy Center. 2011. Web.
Lange, Thomas. The Political Economy of German Unification . Providence u.a.: Berghahn Books, 1998. Print.
Legler, Harald, Georg Licht, and Alfred Spielkamp. Germany’s Technological Performance: A Study on Behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research; with 28 Tables . Heidelberg: Physica-Verl, 2000. Print.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Oecd Economic Surveys: Germany . Paris: OECD, 2012 . Print.
Schettkat, Ronald and Jochem Langkau. Economic Policy Proposals for Germany and Europe . New York: Routledge, 2012. Print.
Schwarzer, Daniela. The Political Economy of Germany in the Sovereign Debt Crisis . Bruegel: Petterson Institute for International Economics. 2011. Web.
Viitala, Tomi. Taxation of Investment Funds in the European Union . Amsterdam: International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation, 2005. Print.
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Communication Plan for Beleza Spa Report
Introduction
Firms have diverse communication techniques and tools at their exposure, which they can use either individually or in combination in their pursuit to create sufficient market awareness (Lamb, Hair, & McDaniel 2012). Transformations within the contemporary market environment, for example, increased competition, high rate of technological innovation, and change in consumer behavior call for firms to acknowledge the importance of a high level of professionalism in their marketing communication processes (McDonald 2011). It is imperative for marketing managers to adopt a well-devised communication mix. The two main communication categories available to marketing managers include personal and impersonal communications.
Irrespective of the marketing communication method adopted, marketing managers should ensure that three main marketing communication elements, which include media, tools, and media are considered in the process. The target consumer constitutes one of the major factors that should be taken into account when deciding on the marketing communication plan as communication targets potential buyers. Sexton and Trump (2010) posit, “The target market influences the choice of communication media used” (p.174). Therefore, be it outdoor, broadcast, print media, public relations, promotions or the Internet, the marketing communication has to be directed at the target customers (Mullin 2002).
Traditionally, word of mouth has been a major public relations method (Heath 2010). However, the marketing communication developments such as the emergence of new channels of communication have resulted in public relations being taken to another level. Consumers are increasingly receiving numerous messages (Kotler 2000). The technological innovations with specific reference to Information Communication Technology (ICT) have motivated consumers to shift from traditional sources of information to emerging sources such as the Internet. The Internet has led to the emergence of an ‘information age’, which has greatly influenced consumers in their information search in order to make optimal purchasing decisions, which has led to the emergence of online communities.
This report seeks to propose an applicable communication plan in promoting Beleza Spa. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely objectives will be applicable. The report will focus on appraising contemporary public relations planning and demonstrate the application of traditional and non-traditional public relations and communication tools. Some of the PR tools that will be considered include online marketing tools, use of the word of mouth and designing flyers.
Proposal
Traditional public relations tools
Public relations have become an important marketing communication tool in recent years (Ultramod 2011). Public relations extend beyond creating product information for the target market. As a marketing communication tool, PR aims at establishing, maintaining, and influencing public attitudes towards a particular product or service (Kotler 2000). Firms can consider a number of traditional public relations tools.
Word-of–mouth ranks as one of the most powerful marketing communication tools. The word of mouth can be either official or unofficial. In a bid to benefit from word-of-mouth in its effort to create market awareness, it is vital for Beleza Spa to ensure that the customers derive a high level of satisfaction upon consuming the product (Ultramod 2011). On average, it is estimated that individuals share their experiences with approximately five people. The findings of previous studies conducted reveal that people hear about experiences from their relatives, friends, and co-workers. Friends, co-workers, and relatives are likely to share similar values, interests, and opinions (Phillip & Young 2009). Therefore, the probability of influencing these parties in their decision-making process is high because they consider it to be unbiased. In a bid to promote the creation of product awareness through word-of-mouth, the firm should ensure that the message is designed in a manner that appeals to the target customer. Beleza Spa should consider seeking the take of opinion leaders within the industry. Industry opinion leaders are likely to influence the consumers’ perception positively, hence improving the extent of potential customers engaging in the exchange of information using word of mouth.
Hosting special events is another public relations method that Beleza Spa should consider. One aspect of the special event that the firm should consider entails organizing beauty contests. Prior to holding the beauty contest, Beleza Spa should consider issuing media alerts or advisories. The alert should inform the media regarding the intended special event. The contests will provide the firm with an opportunity to interact with potential customers. Additionally, the firm should consider offering participants of the beauty contest some of its services. Beleza Spa’s management team should perceive the beauty contest as an opportunity to impress potential customers. Such an event might result in the firm increased the size of its customer base hence its sales revenue (Pearl & Golueke 2005).
In a bid to communicate to the entire market, Beleza Spa should consider using press releases. Gerber (2008) defines press releases to include announcements issued by organizations whose objective is to create awareness regarding their products or services. Beleza Spa should incorporate diverse mediums in issuing press releases. Examples of such mediums include print media [newspapers], radio, and television. The press releases should be effectively designed by making it interesting and reviewing the content to ensure that it is newsworthy. The press release should be written journalistically because its objective is to inform and influence the public and not to create a sale (Lea-Greenwood 2009).
The firm should also consider incorporating other publications such as brochures, annual reports, articles, and magazines in order to communicate to its target market. The firm will design attractive flyers to be issued to students who are the target customers. The flyers will be printed in the Asian language because Asians constitute the largest proportion of target customers. The flyers will also be posted in public places within the institution such as the bulletin boards. Currently, organizations are extensively relying on publications in their effort to access and influence their respective target markets (Kotler 2000).
In a bid to influence consumers psychologically, Beleza Spa should consider integrating feature stories in its PR efforts. For example, the firm should develop a strong feature story on how spas improve one’s beauty and the health benefits associated with visiting spas. Feature stories have a long shelf life and can be very effective in influencing customers. The Spa should post its feature story on renowned beauty magazines in the country, which will enable the firm to tell its compelling story to a large number of potential customers. Kotler (2000) asserts that feature stories are more effective compared to advertisements. Their ability to appeal to the public emanates from three main distinctive qualities, which include a high level of credibility and the ability to influence buyers positively.
Non-traditional public relations
Consumers have incorporated the Internet as one of the main sources of information in their purchasing behavior. Its reliance has been possible due to its ability to create effective and efficient interaction, which has led to the emergence of an online community that shares information regarding products and services (Moss & DeSanto 2011). Kitchen (1999) asserts that technology is increasingly becoming useful in PR in an effort to attain effectiveness and efficiency. The Internet has transformed marketing communication through the attainment of speed in communication, interactivity, delivery, personalization, and customization. Incorporating online marketing increases the probability of the firm increasing its competitive advantage significantly due to the high rate of interactivity amongst potential customers (Smith & Taylor 2004). Thus, the probability of influencing the consumers in their decision-making process is increased significantly.
Designing special media websites
Beleza Spa should consider designing a special website such as newsroom.beleza.com. The website should offer diverse information regarding the spa and the various treatments provided. Provision of product information will increase the level of awareness amongst potential customers and specifically the online community with regard to beauty, which will increase the probability of influencing the consumers in the decision making (Shimp 2010). In addition to product and service information, the website should also provide information regarding the firm. The main categories of information that the firm should consider posting on the website include company history, governance, structure, awards, financial results and contact information. Posting customers’ stories, clippings, and biographies, perspectives, and views of key company personnel are also important in its effort to influence the customers. Incorporation of diverse multimedia content such as pictures and company logos is also an important consideration for the firm. Logos aids in creating a visual identity for the firm to amongst consumers (Kotler 2000).
Tapping into social networking service sites
The growth in social networking technology presents a unique opportunity for the firm to boost its public relations campaign. Some of the globally recognized social networking sites include Facebook.com, MySpace.com, and Bebo.com (Solis & Breakenridge 2009). Beleza Spa should consider using Facebook.com in its public relations campaign. The website will provide an opportunity for the firm to interact and exchange diverse content with its customers. One of the main benefits of the social networking site is that designing the site does not present a challenge compared to developing websites and blogs (Brown 2009). Moreover, social networking sites have become very popular amongst consumers. Different audiences visit the sites daily (Phillips & Young 2009).
Web blogs
One of the Internet technologies that Beleza Spa should consider entails designing web blogs, which includes online publications using web technology. The blogs will provide the online community with an opportunity to read and post a comment regarding the Spa. On the other hand, Beleza Spa will be able to offer information regarding its products, provide a link to comments, and respond to different questions raised by the online community. The unique aspect of using web blogs is that the firm will be in a position to undertake continuous improvement by reviewing the ideas raised by customers on the blog. Therefore, web blogs will provide a collaborative marketing communication space.
Facebook
Beleza Spa should consider developing its Facebook Fan page by incorporating a number of aspects. Firstly, a well-developed message should be incorporated, which is attainable by incorporating the benefits that customers will acquire by seeking Beleza Spa services. For example, the firm should post information on the expected skin results after visiting the spa on its Facebook page as illustrated by appendix 1.
In a bid to influence the consumers’ decision-making process, the firm should post photos and videos of customers who have visited the Spa for certain services such as massage and the outcome of the process. Posting such photos will greatly influence potential customers to consider visiting the Spa for such services. The probability of such information being shared amongst friends and in general the online community is high if it is posted on Facebook. This aspect will significantly improve awareness of the firm’s products and services amongst potential customers. Currently, Facebook is an important viral marketing tool because it provides an opportunity for information about a firm’s product to be shared by the online community (Evans 2010). Approximately, Facebook has a total of over 33 million followers and fans. The followers and fans spend a considerable duration on the site. Consequently, it presents a unique opportunity to undertake public relations (Theaker 2004).
The effectiveness with which the Beleza Spa Facebook Fan Page is designed will greatly enhance the success of its viral marketing. Thus, the firm should ensure that it appeals to the consumers’ decision-making process. One of the aspects the firm should consider is their emotions. Emotions play an important role in the consumers’ decision-making process (Srivastava 2008, p.118). The Facebook Fan Page should be designed in a manner that generates traffic, which is attainable by continuously updating the page by posting photos and new information. In the process of designing its Facebook page, Beleza Spa should ensure that it is easy to navigate.
RSS Feed technology
In addition to the above non-traditional PR tools, Beleza Spa should also consider adopting the RSS [Really Simple Syndication] feed technology. The technology entails a sort description of the content that provides a link to the full version. Previous studies conducted reveal that the size of the Internet doubles every eleven months thus leading to information saturation and overload. Public relations practitioners emerge from the need to update their company’s web content continuously. However, this aspect is not sufficient. RSS technology provides firms with an opportunity to communicate to the public through their emails without influencing their emails. Beleza Spa should ensure that its RSS feed is attractive in order to attract customers to continuously subscribe. In a bid to utilize the RSS feed technology effectively, Beleza Spa should make the RSS technology be customized by incorporating the eXtensible Public Relations Language [XPRL]. This move will enhance the firm’s ability to transfer information electronically.
Conclusion
Developing a high competitive advantage relative to competitors is one of the most important issues that firms’ management teams should consider in their effort to ensure that their respective institutions survive in the future. Effective marketing communication is one of the major components in a firm’s effort to develop a competitive advantage. Apart from ensuring a constructive relationship with suppliers, dealers and customers, it is imperative for organizations to relate to the interested public. The public constitutes a major factor in firms’ quest to attain their objectives.
Public relations provide a unique opportunity for firms to promote their corporate and product image to the public. There are numerous public relations methods and tools available for marketing managers to select. The management team of Beleza Spa should consider integrating both traditional and non-traditional public relations tools. Some of the traditional PR marketing communication tools that should be incorporated include word of mouth, publications, events, news, and public-service activities. The publications that the firm should take into account include annual reports, brochures, magazines, articles, and newsletters. The firm should also consider drawing public attention regarding its products and services by organizing special events. Considering the fact that Beleza Spa is in the beauty industry, the firm should consider organizing beauty contests. This aspect will provide the firm with the timely chance to interact directly with customers. Press releases and feature stories should also be integrated as an alternative public relations tool. Alternatively, the firm should also consider participating in charity work. This aspect will lead to the development of a positive attitude amongst the firm’s operation in society.
Technological development with specific reference to the Internet presents an opportunity for the firm to enhance the effectiveness of its public relations campaign. Developments in ICT have significantly transformed public relations by making it more effective and efficient. Some of the emerging public relations tools that Beleza Spa should include social networking tools such as Facebook, blogs, and MySpace. Alternatively, the firm should also consider the probability of designing special websites on which diverse company information should be designed to suit all clients’ needs. RSS feed technology also presents another PR tool that the firm should consider utilizing. In the process of utilizing the above tools, Beleza Spa should ensure that an effective and appealing message and content are incorporated in a bid to attract more clients.
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Sexton, D & Trump, D 2010, Trump university marketing 101: How to use the most powerful ideas in marketing to get more customers and keep them, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken.
Solis, B & Breakenridge, D 2009, Putting the public in public relations: How social media is reinventing the aging business of PR, FT Press, New Jersey.
Shimp, T 2010, Advertising, promotion, and other aspects of integrated marketing communications, Cengage Learning, Mason.
Smith, P & Taylor, J 2004, Marketing communications: an integrated approach, Kogan Page, London.
Srivastava, M 2008, Developing emotional appeals in Internet advertising: A study of contributing factors in provoking emotional appeals, GRIN Verlag, Munchen.
Theaker, 2004, The public relations handbook , Routledge, New York.
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Franchisee Owner and Treat Team Member Jobs Essay
It should be noted that the Undercover Boss episode of Rita’s Ice showcases the interaction of the company CEO, Linda L. Chadwick, with several of her franchisees. The selected job positions for the analysis are franchisee owner and treat team member. The first job position is franchisee owner based on the example of Hezrron, and the second one is a treat team member position based on the example of Pastiche.
The analysis shows that the first job position requires a wide range of entrepreneurial skills and abilities since the franchise owner is practically a business owner who needs to adhere to the corporate standards. The second position is solely focused on cashier responsibilities, which puts an emphasis on human interactions as well as the ability to conduct financial transactions. The similarity of the two positions is manifested in the fact that financial competence and communication skills are critical in both cases. However, the first position also requires additional operational and organizational management capabilities. The data collection for each job position analysis utilizes one-on-one interviews on-site, which means that both practical observations and additional questioning can be done. The key challenges and issues can also be derived on site since the interview is being conducted while the job positions are being performed.
Job Description 1
Job title: Franchise owner
Location: Toms River, New Jersey
Terms: Full time
About us: Rita’s Ice is a restaurant chain based in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1984. Our products include specialty creations, frozen custard, and Italian ice. We serve in 540 different locations all across the United States.
About the role: As a franchise owner, you are responsible for managing, leading, and supervising one of Rita’s Ice restaurants.
Responsibilities:
* Ensure profitable operation of a restaurant
* Adhere to the corporate standards of operations
* Manage inventory, and prepare the product on site
* Implement the core business elements with the use of the company’s resources
* Hire and assemble the team of employees
Candidate requirements:
* Be able to work from 12 pm to 9 pm
* Communication skills, financial management skills, operational management skills
Job Description 2
Job title: Treat team member
Location: Orlando, Florida
Terms: Full time
About us: Rita’s Ice is a restaurant chain based in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1984. Our products include specialty creations, frozen custard, and Italian ice. We serve in 540 different locations all across the United States.
About the role: As a treat team member, you are responsible for greeting and communicating with customers and conducting payment transactions.
Responsibilities:
* Ensure accurate payment transactions
* Work with cash register
* Hand the customers’ products to the customers
Candidate requirements:
* Be able to work from 12 pm to 9 pm
* Communication skills, ability to work with cash register
In conclusion, the job description and analyses comply with state and federal regulations because they adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission standards, and state employment laws. The work hours are provided in accordance with The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (U.S. Department of Labor par. 4). The requirements and specifications do not discriminate in accordance with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission standards (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission par. 3). The positions do not discriminate against people with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (U.S. Department of Justice par. 2). Therefore, the job descriptions are based on the information collected from the on-site interactions and interviews, and the jobs descriptions do not violate federal or state laws.
Works Cited
U.S. Department of Justice. The Current ADA Regulations . Civil Rights Division, 2022. Web.
U.S. Department of Labor. Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act . Wage and Hour Division, 2022. Web.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Laws & Guidance . EEOC Headquarters, 2022. Web.
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Fraud Analysis: Enron Corporation Report
Introduction
Enron Corporation is an American Energy Company whose main offices are in Houston Texas. The company was formed in 1985 following the merger of Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth. Enron expanded rapidly in the United States and around the globe to become one of the worlds’ largest corporations. With a short period between 1995 and 2000, the company’s revenues rose from $9 billion to 100 billion to the level of making it one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. 1 However, in 2001, it was revealed that the company had misreported its financial status and balance sheets through a systematic, institutionalized, and creatively planned accounting fraud. Following the revelation, the company’s shares dropped from a high of $90 per share to less than $1 per share by the end of 2001. The result was more than $11 billion losses of shareholder investment. When the company revised its financial statements for the previous five years, losses amounting to $586 million were revealed. Consequently, the company filed for bankruptcy on December 2, 2001 (Li 37). 2 At the time, Enron scandal, as it came to be known, was the largest fraud case in the US history. The key individuals and organizations involved in the scandal were the former CEO Jeffrey Skilling, Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Fastow among other executives and its Auditors, and Arthur Andersen.
Fraud Risk Factors in Enron Scandal
The process of sustaining profitability and ensuring high returns to investors is a major goal for all organizations. The pressure is even higher for publicly traded companies that must strive to ensure that they have a good public standing and reputation in terms of the returns that they can generate to their investors. In the case of Enron, many factors indicate incentive to commit fraud.
Incentives or Pressure to Commit Fraud
Under the leadership of Jeffrey Skilling, the company adopted a tough corporate and performance-based management approach where employees were put under immense pressure to perform. Those who did not perform as expected were fired at the end of the year. In this case, employees had no option but to do whatever was possible in their capacity to bring deals to the company or to attain the performance that would ensure that they received their bonuses and/or were retained in the organization. At the same time, the company was involved in PR activities and programs that aimed at creating an image of a prosperous company that was not collapsible (Matoussi and Jardak 3). 3 Indeed, Skilling often promised investors 10-15% returns on their investments. This corporate culture opened the doors to fraud, which would take the organization down.
Another major incentive to commit fraud was the desire of the executives to protect their reputations as the leaders of the most successful corporation in the United States. To achieve this goal, the executives were prepared to ensure that Enron remained or appeared profitable to its investors around the world. The executives introduced the ‘mark to market’ accounting strategy for reporting its financials. Under this approach, the price or value of a security is determined on a daily basis to project profits and losses (Li 39). 4 In this case, Enron was able to count the projected earnings from its long-term investments and projects as current earnings. The inclusion of such projected earnings meant that the company had to ensure that it had ‘profitable’ future projects since the previously projected earnings could not be included in the financial statement once they had been received. Such a practice provided an incentive for Enron to continue including long-term projects as profitable. Hence, any future failures or losses in the previously projected profitable ventures would not appear on the financial statement. The method among other techniques allowed Enron to inflate revenue by manipulating projections for future revenues.
Opportunities to Commit Fraud
The case of Enron highlights many factors and weaknesses that provided an opportunity to commit Fraud. Initially, the regulations that governed the management of organizations had some gaps that needed to be addressed. They could be manipulated easily. For instance, the composition of the Board of Directors (BoDs) of publicly traded companies was not well defined. In this case, many BoDs were composed of administrators who had an interest in the company. In this case, even today, any company whose directors are shareholders in the same business is bound to witness conflicts of interest where the stakeholders are in a position to undertake many ethical, unethical, as well as legal or illegal activities to ensure that they have the highest returns on their investments. In the case of Enron, the majority of the directors were also major shareholders in the company. Hence, this situation opened an opportunity for fraudulent activities.
Another important opportunity to commit fraud resulted from the poor regulatory framework that guided the accounting methods that publicly traded companies would use in reporting their financial positions. For instance, Enron Corporation was the first non-brokerage and trading company in the United States to be allowed to use the ‘mark to market’ accounting technique to report its financials. Despite the fact that the method had known shortcomings, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the method in 1992. During the following close to ten years, the company continued to use the method. SEC never raised any concerns or repealed its wrong decision of allowing the method for a publicly traded company.
The company’s risk management approaches also proved a major weakness that led to opportunities for fraud. Due to the sensitive nature of the industry in which the business operates, it was important for the company to put in place risk management strategies to cushion investors from fluctuations in energy prices that characterized the sector. In this case, the company established long-term fixed commitments that were hedged by its derivatives and special-purpose entities.
Attitudes and Rationalization of Individuals involved in the Scandal
One of the unique characteristics of the Enron scandal is the fact that the collapse of the organization was because of deliberate actions of the executives and its other partners who were involved in one way or another in covering its fraudulent activities.
Firstly, following the investigation that led to the collapse of the company, it was revealed that the board of directors was aware of the accounting malpractices. The deliberate push for the ‘mark to market’ approach was a deliberate move by the executive management to use projections instead of its actual financial position to hoodwink investors and shareholders into believing that the company was on a positive balance sheet.
Secondly, the company’s auditor, Arthur Andersen, was involved in covering up the company’s poor performance. The main reason for this move was a conflict of interest on the part of the auditors who were more interested in the audit fees that they were receiving from Enron. For instance, in 2000, the audit firm received $27 million in consultancy fees and $25 million in audit charges from Enron. The figures represented approximately 30% of the revenues of the audit firm in its Houston Office (Nelson, Price, and Rountree 285). 5 In this case, the company allowed itself to be manipulated by Enron to misreport the latter company’s financial position. When the scandal emerged, Arthur Andersen deleted more than 30,000 emails and shred thousands of documents in a deliberate move to cover up its mistakes and involvement in the scandal (Li 41).
Thirdly, the use of special-purpose entities (SPEs) by Enron to hide its debt was a deliberate effort by the executive to commit fraud. The company had created hundreds of SPEs to hide its debts and poor performances of specific projects in dubious arrangements. Through the entities, the company managed to circumvent accounting rules. Consequently, it understated its liabilities while overstating its equity and earnings.
Conclusion
Poor financial recording is a vice that can ruin the success of an organization. The analysis of the risk factors has revealed why Enron faced the scandal that led to its collapse. In terms of the pressure to commit fraud, the risk was very high since the organization was keen on maintaining a positive outlook for its investors. Secondly, on the opportunities to commit fraud, the risk was moderate and was dependent on the other risk factors as identified previously (Matoussi and Jardak 33). 6 Lastly, the attitude and rationalization of individual involvement the management of the organization were a major driving force in the adoption of fraudulent activities. As the main decision makers, the management of the organization took deliberate measures to cover fraudulent activities that eventually led to the collapse of the organization.
Audit Procedures that Would have Detected the Fraud
The reason the fraud that Enron committed went for long is not that it was not detected early but that the audit firm in charge of undertaking audits was part of the scandal. In this case, the use of the single audit firm over the years meant that although the fraud was a known matter in the organization, it was never revealed to regulators or investors of the company. The only way the scandal would have been revealed was via undertaking a public inquiry into the company’s financial records. Further, another approach would have been the use of an independent auditor who would not have a conflict of interest on Enron. Another important process that would have allowed the detection of the fraud was a close monitoring by the SEC, which would have allowed the detection of the continuous rising of the value of the shares on the stock exchange. Overall, the Enron scandal reveals that deliberate efforts on the part of the management and its partners led to one of the largest fraud cases in the United States. However, the aftermath of the scandal led to new regulations and laws that govern the management of public organizations in the United States. It is also evident that without a good regulatory framework, the management of an institution can be a major perpetrator of large-scale frauds in organizations.
References
Li, Yuhao. “The case analysis of the scandal of Enron.” International Journal of Business and Management 5.10(2010): 37-43. Print.
Matoussi, Hamadi, and Maha Jardak. “International corporate governance and finance: Legal, cultural and political explanations.” The International Journal of Accounting 47.1(2012): 1-43. Print.
Nelson, Karen, Richard Price, and Brian Rountree. “The market reaction to Arthur Andersen’s role in the Enron scandal: Loss of reputation or confounding effects?” Journal of Accounting and Economics 46.2(2008): 279-293. Print.
Footnotes
1. See also Nelson, Price, and Rountree 281 for details on how Andersen manipulated the company’s reputation
2. See Li 37-39 for more information on the root of Enron’s bankruptcy
3. The last paragraph of page 3 reveals how such an image attracted doubts from investors
4. See also Li 40, especially the third paragraph, for more details on the meaning of ‘mark to market’
5. Revisit Nelson, Price, and Rountree 282, especially the section on ‘abnormal returns’
6. You can revisit Matoussi and Jardak 5-8 for more information on these risk factors
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“Nelson Mandela, Autobiography” Book Synthesis Essay
Introduction
The book titled ‘Mandela: The Authorized bibliography’ was written by Sampson Anthony. The book was published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing group and was copyrighted in 2012, and the exclusive copyright belongs to the writer of the book who is Sampson Anthony.
In his book, the writer talks about Nelson Mandela early childhood life, and the struggle he underwent through until he became the president of the republic of South Africa.
He talks about Mandela’s prison life, education and the fight for independence and freedom in South Africa. He also talks about his release from the prison, and how he led various South Africans to attain independence.
Discussion
In his book, the writer portrays Nelson Mandela as having various leadership characteristics and attributes.
The writer discusses several leadership skills and techniques that Mandela applied in order to obtain freedom in South Africa. The leadership styles discussed in the book include the following leadership skills:
Courage is not the absence of fear
Mandela states that most leaders have faced down fear, but it is during times of stress that the mettle of leadership is tested; this means maintaining the momentum in tough times, or, as Mandela explains, sometimes you must “put up a front” (Sampson, 2012).
A leader is that person who takes the initiative and is courageous enough to confront hard situations (Sampson, 2012).
Lead from the front
Mandela was always objective about his goals and used all the techniques that could help him achieve the objective it. In all his undertakings, he ensured that he did not leave his base behind. Richard Stengel describes Nelson Mandela as a historical man.
Mandela life in prison shaped his view about the leadership concept, where he viewed leaders as people who should lead by example. Mandela was a fore thinker who projected his thoughts in the future, he focused on the long term objectives and not short term objectives.
Lead from the back
The concept of leading from the back is contradictory from the concept of leading from the front. Mandela states that there come times when a leader has to lead from the back.
Suck an analogy is underpinned by the fact that the same way cattle are led from behind, individuals can also be led from behind too.
Know your enemy
Mandela states that the best way to lead is to know your enemy and identify their strongest and weakest points. Mandela states that understanding your opponent weakest and strongest point will assist an individual to come to a common ground in times of a conflict.
Mandela also points out that communication is also an important aspect in a leader. A leader should communicate effectively and efficiently in order to ensure that leadership is transparent and accountable.
Keep your friends close
Mandela states that another good leadership principle is to put your friends closer, and put your enemies even closer.
Mandela states that, in order for an individual to lead well, there should a distinct boundary for friendship ties. Friendship ties should not in one way or the other influence the decisions a leader makes.
Appearances matter
Mandela states that the appearance of a leader really matters. How a leader present themselves both physically and the verbal approach is important. Leaders should be smart, and should a sense of public opinion that is beyond reproach.
Mandela states that the little things we do greatly define our public image. For example, how we treat other people, how we greet other people are some of the things that define our leadership skills in the public domain.
Nothing is black or white
According to Sampson (2012), Mandela states that, at one point in time, leaders are always presented with two options to choose from. Mandela states that, as a leader, an individual should consider the outcomes of the circumstance and not the tactics to be used in addressing the issue.
To quit is to lead
Mandela states that leaders should always back from poor performing projects. Mandela notes that not all the decisions made by leaders will be successful, and the best way to lead such situations is to take a step backwards (Sampson, 2012).
Mandela notes that, in order to win in some cases, and then leaders must concede to win. The fastest way to win is by taking a step backwards and coming out more energized and goal oriented.
The above leadership qualities and characteristics had nelson Mandela to be one of the greatest leader the world has ever experienced. Mandela was determined and focussed towards achieving a goal, which was that of liberating the South Africans from Apartheid.
He led with wisdom, and always embraced dialogue in time of conflicts. The above leadership skills and techniques also ensured that, Nelson Mandela led by example while, at the same time, ensuring that others follow in the same path as he did.
The above leadership skills to large extent helped the former South African leader to economically steer the country through the peaceful co-existence of people belonging to different races. For example, during his release from prison, Mandela gave a press conference regarding his release.
People expected that he would hate the whites who had imprisoned him, but Mandela did not express any hate sentiments towards the whites.
Instead, he embraced dialogue and concession with his enemies. This is evident in the manner the leader made some negotiations with the white to form the South African government.
Major Crisis
The major crisis that Nelson Mandela encountered is the problem of solving the crisis that was being experienced in Nigeria. The crisis was caused by the annulment of the Nigeria election in June 1993.
After the annulment of the election, the General Sani Abacha of Nigeria arrested various political leaders and commanded for their execution. Abacha later executed nine political opponents from the ogoni community including the prolific writer, Ken saro-wiwa.
Leadership approach
Mandela sought to use the quiet diplomacy method of leadership and solving conflicts.
Mandela sent Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the deputy president Thabo Mbeki to go to Nigeria and lobby for the release of Obasanjo, and several other people who had been detained by the General Sani Abacha (Sampson, 2012).
The methodology failed, and Mandela was left with the option of lobbying for support from the Commonwealth of Nations.
As a leader, the situation could have been handled by lobbying for the international criminal court to arrest and issue a warranty of arrest for the General Sani Abacha for political crimes and human rights abuses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the above leadership skills, techniques and methods are good and will always make individuals to be good leaders. However, in order to effectively be a good leader, an individual should use the appropriate leadership technique in the appropriate environment.
Reference List
Sampson, A. (2012). Mandela: The authorized Biography . New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
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Syrian Migration: Facts, Reasons, Consequences Essay
The Reasons for Migration
The current global refugee situation is being described with the help of the word “crisis,” and the Syrian migrants contribute to this phenomenon greatly (Sengupta par. 1). The reasons for their migration can be described with the help of the push-and-pull migration theory, a “gravity model,” according to which the negative factors that exist in the country “push” migrants out of it while the positive, attractive factors of another land “pull” them (Molho 538-550).
The Syrian people started seeking refuge in 2011 when the conflict “between the government of Bashar al-Assad and various other forces” became a continuous cause of internal and external migration (Ostrand 255). As of 2013, there were more than “1.5 million [Syrian] refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt and North Africa” with 34% dwelling in Lebanon and two-thirds of them being younger than 18 years old (El-Khatib et al. 18).
Indeed, the people who flee are mostly the vulnerable part of the population: women with children, the men who do not want to take part in the conflicts (Yardley and Pianigiani par. 1-5). Primarily they have been “pushed” away by the insecurity of a political turmoil; the economic hardships that follow are another important reason (Yazgan, Utku, and Sirkeci 184-186). They seek peace, which their government cannot offer; therefore, the political and economic crisis in Syria “pushes” them out.
The “pull” of the other countries may include different aspects. By 2013, Syrian migrants had sought and found asylum in “44 industrialized countries in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region,” while most of them chose to stay in the neighboring countries (Ostrand 257). When choosing a country to flee to, not every refugee appears to consider the options carefully as they are often guided by rumors and blind hope (Yardley and Pianigiani par. 22-24).
It can be implied that the “industrialization” of some of the destinations might “pull” the refugees, but it is obvious that the primary advantage of host countries is the absence of the unrest of the civil war. The people who are leaving Syria are desperate for safety, and their majority is definitely not opportunistic.
In 2015, the general number of Syrian refugees was estimated to amount to four million people (Sengupta par. 1). In 2015, the number of refugees only in Turkey reached 1.7 million (Bahcekapili and Cetin 1). Given the fact that the situation in Syria is not expected to change, the number of refugees would be expected to grow in the future, and the international community attempts to deal with this problem (Yazgan, Utku, and Sirkeci 184).
The Impact of Migration
For migrants, the necessity to migrate is, obviously, a stressful situation. They start a tedious journey to an unknown world, and they have all the chances of not fitting in, of being caught in red tape and poverty (Yardley and Pianigiani par. 6-9). They need healthcare, education, jobs; they need to be supported to become integrated into the new society (Yazgan, Utku, and Sirkeci 187).
For example, the problem of healthcare services is described by El-Khatib et al. They demonstrate that the refugees experience financial troubles, and, as a result, it is difficult for them to access healthcare even in the countries where the service is well-developed. The free healthcare that is provided by various organizations prioritizes urgent care, which is financially reasonable but unfortunate for many refugees.
According to El-Khatib et al., the governments of host countries attempt to tend to the situation, which puts them under additional financial strain and is not always sufficient. The authors conclude that both the host governments might need international support to tend to the needs of the refugees (El-Khatib et al. 18-23).
Indeed, the impact of migration on host countries is also becoming an increasingly attractive topic for modern researchers (Ostrand 255-256). For instance, Bahcekapili and Cetin discuss the economic impact of migration, using the example of Syria refugees in Turkey. The authors demonstrate that trade indicators improve in refugee regions, which is a positive effect of migration (Bahcekapili and Cetin 14). It owes to the fact that refugees do represent an influx of workforce.
The same factor causes an increase in unemployment, which tends to decrease with time as people find jobs, but leads to another problem, the problem of competition. Indeed, the fact that refugees have to compete with the natives for labor opportunities has the potential for causing conflicts and increases the rates of internal migration (Molho 551).
Finally, the sudden increase of population affects the GDP per capita index, and the authors conclude that despite the positive effects on the trade, refugees do not contribute to the growth of the economy (at least, not in Turkey). Similarly, Ostrand studies the host countries of Europe and the US, finds that the governments of the countries are committed to alleviating the hardships of the Syrian conflicts, and claims that even these well-developed countries suffer from the economic strain.
While the studies focus on particular countries, they demonstrate the general characteristics of a host country position. Refugees are a vulnerable part of the population that requires support, which is typically reflected in financial strain, especially given the numbers of Syrian refugees. For example, in 2013, Syrian refugees accounted for 7% of the population of Lebanon (El-Khatib et al. 18).
The international community acknowledges the necessity of helping the people who are forced to leave their homes, but it also recognizes the strain that is caused by the host countries, and a balance between the interests of the refugees and the natives is being sought (Ostrand 256). For example, it is reflected in the 2015 plan for the fair distribution of migrants, which sets a quota of migrants for every EU country depending on its economic development and capabilities.
This plan is supposed to alleviate the strain of weaker economies and encourage the stronger ones to assist within reasonable limits (Aisch and Almukhtar par. 1-2). So far, for example, a number of European countries (especially Sweden and Germany) have welcomed an unreasonably large number of refugees (Aisch and Almukhtar par. 6-9).
While their decision is most honorable, it is hoped that the governments of these countries assess their capacities in a reasonable way and do not neglect the interests of their nations. In the meantime, the US government intends to raise the refugee quota as well (Sengupta par. 23).
The readiness of other countries to accept the refugees could be another “pull” factor for migration. Still, it is apparent that the key reason for Syrian migration is the “push” factor, that is, the terrors of Syrian conflicts, which people would try to escape in any case. That is why the management of the refugee crisis is a necessary set of activities that are being carried out on the international level.
Works Cited
Aisch, Gregor, and Sarah Almukhtar. “ Seeking a Fair Distribution of Migrants in Europe .” The New York Times, 2015. Web.
Bahcekapili, Cengiz, and Buket Cetin. “The Impacts Of Forced Migration On Regional Economies: The Case Of Syrian Refugees In Turkey.” International Business Research 8.9 (2015): 1-16. ProQuest. Web.
El-Khatib, Ziad, David Scales, Jo Vearey, and Birger Forsberg. “Syrian Refugees, Between Rocky Crisis In Syria And Hard Inaccessibility To Healthcare Services In Lebanon And Jordan.” Conflict and Health 7.1 (2013): 18-22. ProQuest. Web.
Molho, Ian. “Theories of Migration: A Review.” Scottish Journal of Political Economy 60.5 (2013): 526-556. Business Source Complete . Web.
Ostrand, Nicole. “The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Comparison Of Responses By Germany, Sweden, The United Kingdom, And The United States.” Journal on Migration and Human Security 3.3 (2015): 255-279. ProQuest. Web.
Sengupta, Somini. “ Refugee Crisis in Europe Prompts Western Engagement in Syria .” The New York Times, 2015. Web.
Yardley, Jim, and Gaia Pianigiani. “Out of Syria, Into a European Maze.” The New York Times, 2013. Web.
Yazgan, Pinar, Deniz Eroglu Utku, and Ibrahim Sirkeci. “Syrian Crisis and Migration.” Migration Letters 12.3 (2015): 181-192. ProQuest. Web.
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