Business Enterprise and Cultural Enrichment Essay

Business Enterprise and Cultural Enrichment - Essay Example A number of impacts are realized when businesses participate in the championing of beneficial and beneficial cultural practices. Cultural enrichment influences positively on the growth of the business if the business offers its best with regard to the cultures of its surrounding. However, not all cultures practiced in the surrounding of business premises will create an enabling environment. Managers and other senior personnel should investigate and re-evaluate the implications of a single cultural practice before arriving at decisions of determining whether resources of the business are to be used in popularizing and sensitizing clients concerning the culture (Schumacher, 2011). Cultures that communicate information, which dissuades people from consuming certain brands constituting the business’ stock, should be avoided since their effects are counterproductive. If such cultures are popularized, the business will realize loses that may put the enterprises’ future in hig her risks that may lead to closure, relocation, or even retrenchment some of its workers (Schumacher, 2011). A business enterprise can input towards improving and retaining certain cultures in many ways. For instance, through carrying out campaigns geared towards instilling public awareness. This can be done by public address systems mounted on vehicles that go around imparting information into the people. On these vehicles, renowned cultural icons (traditional artists) must be given top priority to talk to the public about the business and the need for culture and its existence (Schumacher, 2011). Additionally, the business can contribute to cultural growth by selling of music enriched with the sounds from cultural, musical instruments. Businesses like those of fashioning designing should sell garments that do not discriminate the culture of the people. For example, a business selling clothing in a region where scarves make the order of the day should include this in their stock. P rojects geared towards improving and enriching the culture of the people should be investigated by the business so as to identify with the achievements brought to the people by such programs. The business should also contribute intensively to the planting of crops that are used to praise and adore the lord almighty for instance. The business can also come up with laws that do not discriminate workers. Such laws should be consistence with the people’s cultural practices, and they should also create a homely working environment by boosting performance and other merits in the duties and assignments to be accomplished (Schumacher, 2011). Performances of the employees are directly influenced by the kind of working environment created by their employers or organizations; hence it is the obligation of the business to meet employees’ needs. Besides other requirements, employees deserve rules that are friendly to their cultural practices in order for them to deliver accordingly . The approach towards work can be compromised if the employee has to sacrifice many of his cultural practices for the sake of work. Society has other ceremonies that call for the participation of every person who is part of it. On such days, the business is compelled to disobeying the demands of the community; otherwise, it might experience a reduction in sales (Schumacher, 2011). Some cultures determine or dictate how a business enterprise within them

Insurance and Hedging Processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Insurance and Hedging Processes - Essay Example The role of insurance management in regards to risk transfer is influentially great, and this is in regards to risk management in particular; risk management is basically considered as being defined as the executive decisions that surround the management of pure risks, and "As such, risk management is a much broader concept than insurance management because insurance is only one of several methods for dealing with risk. Risk management attempts to identify the pure risks faced by the firm or organization, and uses a wide variety of methods, including insurance, for handling these risks" (Goto, 1997). Insurance in incredibly important and in fact critical in regards to this particular situation, and it is a basically statistics-based type of pooling instrument which is used for risk management based on the law of that of especially large numbers; furthermore, it has a certain essence which, if used appropriately, seems to be rather similar to that of an option contract. Then there is hedging, which, in finance, is "an investment that is taken out specifically to reduce or cancel out the risk in another investment. Hedging is a strategy designed to minimize exposure to an unwanted business risk, while still allowing the business to profit from an investment activity" (Wikipedia, 2007). Hedging basically allows for the control of risk, as although risk is basically inherent to any type or form of business activity, much of this risk is unwanted and it cannot be avoided without hedging. "Someone who has a shop, for example, can take care of natural risks such as the risk of competition, of poor or unpopular products, and so on. The risk of the shopkeeper's inventory being destroyed by fire... Hedging basically allows for the control of risk, as although risk is basically inherent to any type or form of business activity, much of this risk is unwanted and it cannot be avoided without hedging. â€Å"Someone who has a shop, for example, can take care of natural risks such as the risk of competition, of poor or unpopular products, and so on. The risk of the shopkeeper’s inventory being destroyed by fire is unwanted, however, and can be hedged via a fire insurance contract† (Wikipedia, 2007). From this example we can quite clearly see the difference between wanted risk or risk that can be handled, and unwanted risk, and thus the importance for a process such as hedging. Catastrophic risks are very important to take into consideration here, and these types of losses in particular are considered as being in the upper layer, in that they occur rarely for the most part and yet they are the most devastating, and the severity overall is of such a scale that the viabili ty of the entire enterprise is actually threatened. â€Å"The reason why catastrophic risks are considered to be unavoidable insurable risks lies in their nature, which tends to make the pooling technique break down and become unworkable. Catastrophic risks, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, are classified as unknown risks and are characterized by a fundamentally non-linear phenomenon in which chaotic patters emerge easily, and it is also very easy to predict the probability of the expected loss† (Goto, 1997).

Types Of Peripheral Devices

Types Of Peripheral Devices What is Information Technology (IT)? Information Technology can be known as being the study, design, development, implementation support and management of any computer based information systems. This relates particularly to software applications and computer hardware. Information Technology deals with using electronic computers and software to convert, store, protect, process, retrieve with security or transmit any information. Everything from data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, software design, database design and management and administration of systems is included in the term of information technology. Information Technology is very important and useful in our daily life and many fields. In 21st century is known as Information Technology era, whereby computer is an important device in many fields. During the past, users are only using desktop which the size of the monitor is big, thick, and cannot carry everywhere but in 21st century computer are designed with more thinner and small size. Furthermore, laptop and notebook also being release with easy carrying and convenience to bring everywhere. Besides that, previously users are using diskette to store their document and data, which provide limited space for users to store their documents. However, nowadays many different types of storing devices are produced like external hard drives, thumb drive, rewritable CDs, and so on. These storing devices are able to allow users to store more of their document and data, even provide more space for users to store media file such as songs and videos. Define Question 1 What are peripheral devices? Peripheral devices are the devices that are connected to a computer internally such as CD-ROM or internal modem and external scanner, printer and Zip drive. They can be externally such as keyboard, mouse, printer, and external modem. Answer for Question 1 There are several types of peripheral devices such as monitor, mouse, keyboard, scanner, webcam, speakers and printer. One of the types of peripherals device is monitor. Monitor is a display device that is packaged as a separate peripheral. Some monitors have a tilt-and-swivel base that allows users to adjust the angle of the screen to minimize neck strain and reduce glare from overhead lightning. Monitor is the most important piece of equipment necessary for a user to operate the machine. The monitor displays the computers user interface and open programs, allowing the user to interact with the computer, typically using the keyboard and mouse. Monitor controls permit users to adjust the brightness, contrast, positioning, height, and width of images. Previously, the computer monitor was built using cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which made them rather heavy and caused them to take up a lot of desk space. Nowadays, monitor is built using LCD technology and is commonly referred to as flat screen displays, A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably. Generally, users use mouse to move the pointer on the screen to an object such as button, a menu, an icon, a link, or text. The mouse is the most widely used pointing device on desktop computers. With a mouse, users control the movement of the pointer, often called a mouse pointer in this case. A mouse connects to a computer in several ways. A newer type of mouse, called an air mouse, is a motion-sensing mouse that allows users to control slide shows, media players, and objects by moving mouse in predetermined directions through the air. Air mouse is similar like a remote control. Many types connect with a cable that attaches to a serial port, mouse port, or USB port on the system unit. A wireless mouse is a battery-powered device that transmits data using wireless technology, such as radio waves or infrared light waves. Some users prefer a wireless mouse because it frees up desk space and eliminates the clutter of a cord. A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer. Desktop computer keyboards typically have from 101 to 105 keys. All computer keyboards have a typing area that includes the letters of the alphabet, punctuation marks, numbers, and other basic keys. Keyboards for smaller computers such as notebook computers contain fewer keys. Many desktop computer keyboards also have a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard. Keyboards are also often have a WINDOWS key(s) and an application key. When pressed, the WINDOWS keys display the Windows Start menu, and the APPLICATION key display an items shortcut menu. Most of todays desktop computer keyboards are enhanced keyboards. An enhanced keyboard has twelve or more function keys; it also has a set of arrow, two ALT keys, and two CTRL keys. Function keys, which are labeled with the letter F followed by a number, are special keys programmed to issue command to a computer. The command associated with a function keys may vary, depending on the program with which users are interacting. Modern keyboards also come equipped with special buttons located outside the normal keys that control volume, email function, and the computers main media player. Keyboards are connected either through a hard wire or via a USB adapter. An optical scanner usually called a scanner. A scanner is a light-sensing input device that reads printed text and graphic and then translates the result into a form the computer can process. Scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar sources for computer editing and display. Scanner translates images of text, drawings, and photos into digital form. The images can then be processed by a computer, displayed on a monitor, stored on a storage device, or communicated to another computer. Scanner usually comes with software, such as Adobes Photoshop product, that lets users to resize and otherwise modify a captured image. There are four types of scanners which are flatbed, pen, sheet-fed, and drum. A Web cam, also called a PC video camera, is a type of digital video camera that enables a home or small business user to capture video and still images, send e-mail with attachments, add live images to instant messages. The term webcam is a combination of Web and video camera. Webcams have the ability to broadcast live images over the Internet, make video telephone calls, or chat rooms. During a video telephone call, both parties see each other as they communicate over the Internet. Webcams connect through a hard wire or through a wireless connection via a USB adapter. In some modern laptop and netbook computers, small webcams are built the top of the screen. Webcams can be also used for video chat sessions with other user. Instead of broadcasting the video on the Web, users can set up a video chat session with one or more friends and have a conversation with live audio and video. Examples of video conferencing software include CUworld, Live Meeting, and WebEx. The speaker receives audio input from a device such as computer or an audio receiver. Speakers are one of the most common output device used with computer systems. Speakers are transducers that convert electromagnetic waves into sound waves. This input may be either in analog or digital from. Analog speakers simply amplify the analog electromagnetic waves into sound waves. A speaker systems ability to accurately reproduce sound frequencies is a good indicator of flow clear the audio will be. The sound produced by speakers is defined by frequency and amplitude. Speakers typically come in pairs, which allow them to produce stereo sound. This means the left and right speakers transmit audio on two completely separate channels. By using two speakers, music sounds much more natural since our eras are used to hear sounds from the left and right at the same time. High-fidelity stereo sound is becoming more important as computer and communications technologies continue to merge. A printer is a device that converts computer output into printed images, accepted text and graphic output from a computer and transfer the information to paper. Personal computer printer can be distinguished as impact or non-impact printer. Early impact printer worked something like an automatic typewriter, with a key striking an inked impression on paper for each printed character. The best-known non-impact printer is the inkjet printer, of which several makes of low-cost color printers are an example, and the laser printer. The inkjet sprays ink from an ink cartridge at very close range to the paper as it rolls by. The dot-matrix printer was a popular low-cost personal computer printer. Its an impact printer that strikes the paper a line at a time. The laser printer use a laser beam reflected from a mirror to attract ink (called toner) to selected paper areas as a sheet rolls over a drum. Define Question 2 Storage device is a device which allows users to save and store their data and files permanently and can be delete if necessary. Every computer stores applications software and system software. A computer locates an operating system in storage, usually loads it into memory (RAM), and hard disk. When a user issues a command to start application software such as a Web browser or a word processing program, the operating system locates the program in storage, such as on a CD, loads it on memory, DVD, and hard disk. In addition to programs, users store a variety of information and data on mainframe computers, notebook computer, desktop computer, smart phones, and Tablet PCs. Answer for Question 2 There are several types of storing devices which are available such as primary storage, secondary storage, hard disks, external hard drives, USB flash drives, smart cards, compact disc re-writable (CD-RW), and online storage. Primary storage is also known as memory, main memory, internal memory, or RAM (for random access memory. It is working storage that holds data for processing, instructions (the program) for processing the data, and processed data (the information) that is waiting to be sent to an output. Primarys storage is in effect the computers short term capacity, determining the total size of the program and data files it can work on at any given moment. Primary storage, which is obtained on RAM chips, is also temporary. Once the power to the computer is turned off, all the data and programs within memory simply vanish. Secondary storage consists of devices that store data and programs permanently on disk or tape. Secondary storage is nonvolatile- that is, data and programs are permanent, or remain intact when the power is turned off. A storage medium, also called secondary storage, is the physical material on which a computer keeps information, instructions, and data. A hard disk is a storage device that contains one or more circular, inflexible platters that magnetically store information, instructions, and data. Home users used hard disks to store music, digital photos, videos, e-mail messages, presentations, web pages, databases, spreadsheets, and documents. Current personal computer hard disks have storage capacities from 160GB to 1 TB and more. The system unit on most notebook and desktop computer contains at least one hard disk. Hard disk is read and writes storage media. Users can write and read on hard disks any number of times. An external hard drives is separate free-standing hard disks. It connects with a FireWire port or USB port on the system unit. USB hard drives commonly use the USB 2.0 interface because it supports data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps. USB 1.1 only supports transfers of up to 12 Mbps, which would make the hard drive seem slow to even the most patient users. External hard drives are exactly like the hard drive on any computer, except they are outside of the computer. Fortunately, external hard drives can be daisy chained which means they can be connected one after the other and be used at the same time. This allows for virtually unlimited amounts storage. Firewire drives may use either Firewire 400 or Firewire 800, which support data transfer rates of up to 400 and 800 Mbps respectively. External hard drives are a great backup solution because they can store an exact copy of another hard drive and can be stored in a safe location. A USB flash drives also known as thumb drives or pen drive, is a flash memory storage device that plugs in a USB port on a mobile device or computer. With a USB flash drive, user easily transfers music, picture, document, and video from one computer to another. USB flash drive is the premiere way store data in a compact and portable fashion. Early flash drives could store only a few megabytes of data, but modern flash drives can store several gigabytes of information. Current USB flash drive has storage capacities ranging from 256 MB to 64 GB and data transfers rates of about 12 MBps. Since they are small in size but have large storage capacities, flash drives have replaced most previous portable data storage mediums such as removable hard disks like Zip disks and floppy disks. Because they have a built in USB connection, flash drive also do not require a special disk drive to be used. Instead, they can be used on any computer with a USB port, which nearly all modern computers have. A smart card is a card which is similar in size to an ATM card or credit card. When users insert the smart card in a specialized card reader, the information on the smart card in read and, if necessary, updated. Smart card stores data in a thin microprocessor embedded in the card. Uses of smart cards include storing vaccination data, medical records, identities information, and other health care information. Besides that, smart card even can storage a prepaid amount of money, like for student purchases on campus; tracking information such as customers purchases or employee attendance and authenticating users such as for building access or Internet purchases. CD-RW is stands for Compact Disc Rewritable. A CD-RW is an erasable multisession disc users can write on multiple times. CD-RW allows users to write and rewrite information, instructions, and data. Many personal computers today include a CD-RW drive as a standard feature so that users can burn their own discs. The process of writing on an optical disc is called burning. To write on a CD-RW disc, users must have CD-RW drive and CD-RW software. Furthermore, CD-RW disc can create audio CDs. Users can save and record their own music on a CD. Online storage is a service on the Web that provides hard disks storage to computer users, for free or for a minimal monthly fee. Online storage allows users to store large video, audio, and graphic files on an Internet hard disk instantaneously, instead of spending time downloading to a local hard disk. Moreover, users can view time-critical data and images immediately while away from main office or location; for an example, doctors can view x-ray images from another office, home, hospital, or while on vacation. Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, Storage holds information, instructions and data, which includes music, videos, pictures and documents for future use.

St. Louis Communities :: essays research papers

"Where do you live?" If you have ever met anyone in St. Louis, this is probably one of the first questions asked. Whether you are from the city, county, north, south, east or west, most people in St. Louis are convinced that they can identify you by what community you come from. The actual city of St. Louis is broken into three main parts; the North Side, South City and the Central West End. The three areas combined have approximately eighty established neighborhoods. If you decide to add the western part of St. Louis County, this number is most likely to double. Many areas of the city were originally established by separate ethnic groups while most others were developed by social groups. You don't have to be a genius to realize the area known as "Dutchtown" was established by German immigrants. However, it may not be so easy to identify areas such as "Dogtown" or "The Hill" as the Irish and Italian areas of town. The Central West End is historically a very liberal yet sophisticated part of the city. This area can be further subdivided into a middle class and a very wealthy area depending on which side of Kingshighway you live on. University City was started mainly by Washington University students and is still predominantly populated by area college kids. This portion of the city has also grown a subdivision known as "The Loop." The Loop is extremely liberal and thought of by most people as almost mysterious or bizarre. A new phenomenon happening in our city is the rebirth of many of our older and rundown areas. One of the best examples of this is the "Soulard" area of town, which now has an established nightlife as well as exquisite historical antique homes. Lafayette Square has also enjoyed the same type of success as Soulard. It is still in the middle of a high crime area, but is populated by upper-class people with beautiful homes with elaborate wrought iron fences and intricate security systems. This trend of fixing up old flats is spreading out from the areas of Soulard and Lafayette Square to neighboring communities at a rapid pace. The Compton Heights area is coming back with rebuilt old Victorian styled houses and private gated streets that contrast the French styled flats of Soulard. The Shaw and Tower Grove area are also following the lead of revitalization similar to these charming old neighborhoods.

Factors affecting intellectual development

Factors affecting intellectual development There are two factors that greatly affect intelligence: 1. heredity 2. environment -Whichever has a bigger influence remains a debate until now because some studies proved that heredity has a bigger influence on intelligence while some studies showed the opposite. The important point is that the interplay of both heredity and environment is essential for maximum development of the intellectual abilities of the individual. Other factors affecting Intelligence: 1. CultureDifferent cultures foster different patterns of ability. For instance, students from Sri Lanka showed higher score in verbal ability than the Americans. -This can be explained by the fact that in Sri Lanka, the philosophers and the poets were admired rather than the scientists or engineers. 2. Sex It is not true that males are more intelligent than females. However, studies show that boys excel girls in spatial ability, in problem solving, and numerical ability whereas girls e xcel boys in memory, reasoning, and fluency.The difference is not due to solve problems since they will be the heads of the families. Girls have been trained to do light work since they will be the homemakers, anyway. 3. Health Studies have shown that high IQ goes with healthy condition of the body. -In school; healthy children have better chances of learning, they can concentrate better in their studies and they are often active and enthusiastic about classroom activities. 4. Race No one race is endowed with better intelligence than others.Differences in achievement of races are due to better opportunities and facilities found in developed countries. 5. Socio-economic status Studies have shown that children from higher socio-economic scored higher in intelligence tests. -Again, greater opportunities and money account for this. The rich can send their children to better schools and can provide stimulating environment to their children. However, there are geniuses and idiots among th em as there are among the poor. By xhacura

Career Management And Professional Development Education Essay

Upon taking my university class I literally had no thought as to what I wanted to make. I knew I wanted to work in the Finance industry but that was about it. By taking Accountancy and Financial Management it meant that I could get down to larn all the accomplishments required for work in the Finance industry while non specializing myself so much that I would be limited by occupation chances at Graduation. While my chief fortes may still lie in either fiscal or direction accounting, Appendix 1[ 1 ]shows the many other possible paths that I could take. Many of the companies that fall under these classs will be based in London particularly those affecting investing markets, nevertheless there are plentifulness of possibilities to work non merely across the U.K but besides the remainder of the universe. Equally good as looking at Graduate occupations, one other measure frontward is to go a hired comptroller. Again from looking at Appendix 1 within the UK there are seven cardinal hired bureaus. However fall ining one of these will hold to happen after I have started my calling in order to cognize which one to fall in. For illustration if I wanted a calling in revenue enhancement I would take the CIOT over CIMA. After sourcing the occupations that my making leads me to make, it ‘s now a simple instance of combating the 300,000 other alumnuss each twelvemonth for precisely the same occupation. One manner to give me a contending opportunity at the occupation is by acquiring noticed and as a consequence I will necessitate to convey a whole scope of accomplishments and competences to the tabular array to demo why I should acquire the occupation. Like most people I am able to offer accomplishments such as Communication & A ; Literacy be it written, ocular or unwritten, an application of numeracy due to the fact that I am an comptroller and as a consequence have to utilize Numberss on a twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours footing, and an application of IT skills due to the fact that in this changing universe the demand to be able to utilize a computing machine is going more and more evident. The accomplishments that I need to pull people ‘s attending to are the 1s that ca n't be rather so good taught and have to be developed through experience in the workplace. These include Self Management such as the ability to demur duty for what I do, to be able to self motivate myself on my undertakings guaranting that they are completed by the needed deadline, and to be ready to accept unfavorable judgment and feedback on the work that I have done so as to better it to its best possible potency. Furthermore I need to be able to speak about teamwork, non merely â€Å" we did a undertaking one time at university in a group † but to be able to demo existent squad participant accomplishments. At a basic degree these would include a regard for fellow co-workers, to accept their determinations but besides offer a degree of negation and persuading, every bit good as doing certain that I contribute to treatments and meetings, but so at a more advanced degree to be able to work out what portion people play in a squad and maximize their accomplishments and traits for illustration devising certain that the thoughts individual negotiations with the encourager and compromiser so as develop the best result from an thought. In add-on to these, I besides need to hold concern and client consciousness of the industry I am in. When traveling to a occupation interview this will include background research into the company, but it will besides necessitate an apprehension of the cardinal constructs that make a concern win including hazard and wages every bit good as invention. This consciousness so has to be compiled with good communicating accomplishments so as to describe back to the terminal users be in internal directors or the external client. The consequences of my in category Myers Briggs appraisal[ 2 ]had me as an Introverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging single. This suggests that I am a difficult working single with a clear sence of what is right and incorrect. I would be given to hold with this peculiarly as I do non cover excessively good with â€Å" Grey countries † of a state of affairs. The trial besides shows me to be a dedicated person who I believe I am and is something that I have to offer to graduate employers. Although the truth of these trials is something to be argued it does propose that an ideal occupation for me would be something based in finance. The consequence of the trial besides shows that some work in developing the extrovert side of me every bit good as measuring jobs on the footing of thoughts instead than merely facts will assist me to go a more rounded person. Before traveling onto happening the right occupation for me, I besides needed to look at what motivates me, in other words what do I necessitate my ideal occupation to offer in order to acquire me out of bed in the forenoon. The consequences of my Career Drivers Profile study[ 3 ]shows me to be motivated most by the demand of occupation security which with issues shortly to be faced such as acquiring a mortgage I would be inclined to hold with. My other drivers included position and stuff wagess. While I would hold with these to some extent I would state it is more a instance of desiring to be recognised for making a good occupation and besides holding the fiscal wages for inputting my difficult work.So What Is The Right Job For Me?Upon finishing my arrangement, one thing that is a certainty is that I do n't desire to go an history, despite this nevertheless a calling in finance in peculiar respects to the money markets is one that I feel suited to. My grounds for this are drawn from a personal involvement in Stocks & A ; Shares every bit good as executing good in the related faculties at university. After traveling to legion alumnus carnivals I have started using for Investment Banking and Asset Management occupations, due to the nature of the occupation nevertheless, most of these are based in London. As a consequence should I be successful in an application it would intend re-locating down to London and get downing an wholly new portion of my life, one which I would be excited to make, but besides a small apprehensive at the same clip. In footings of what I can offer my perspective employer, I am traveling to hold to travel beyond what everyone else can offer due to the fact I am taking about a sidestep in my pick of calling versus those who have graduated with a banking and finance grade. Hopefully my passion and thrust for the investing country of finance should come across and holding personal experience in the purchasing and merchandising of portions and bonds through a agent should at least give me some caputs up on the competition. If I should acquire a face to confront interview at any establishment nevertheless it will be of import for me to see which competences are being assessed during my interview and do certain I have a â€Å" bank † of illustrations that I can pull from and accommodate in order to reply on inquiries affecting teamwork, personal challenges and personal victory to call but a few. It will besides be of import to make some research into the company and attempt and bead that into my replies in order to demo that I have taken the clip to larn about the company.Got to Get Myself Connected!Arguably one of the most of import regulations in concern is that it ‘s non what you know but who you know. Unfortunately upon graduation I am traveling to be one of the many who knows a batch about my specific topics but with small practical experience and really few contacts within the industry. As a consequence something has to be done now in order to seek and derive as large an advantage as possible. In my first twelvemonth I signed up as a pupil member of CIMA, during the past few old ages at that place have been many chances to travel to societal events and web with people yet I have non bothered traveling to them. This twelvemonth may be a good thought to travel and web and at least acquire myself on the radio detection and ranging. The 2nd thing I have done is to put up a LinkedIn history. While many people argue they are of small usage I believe they may be a uti le tool for maintaining path of the legion people I will run into in the hereafter and it besides shows position employers the few people in the industry that I presently know. Fortunately as a consequence of my placement twelvemonth I now have contacts crossing from Cornwall right up to Glasgow. Dependent upon if and what professional organic structure I decide to fall in, they may besides be a great beginning of contacts. Equally good as the pupil chances listed above, by being an existent member of the professional organic structures I will be able to web with those presently practising in the industry instead than merely guest talkers and these people in bend may be able to set me in touch with other contacts to foster aid help my calling. Further to this, I believe that the University may be able to assist with my networking through the Alumni service. This will assist me maintain in contact with both my class mates from this twelvemonth, my friends who did n't travel on work arrangement who have now graduated, every bit good as many other utile contacts who are presently working in, or holding the same issues as me seeking to interrupt into the investing profession. One other set of contacts that may turn out to be really utile is the enlisting bureaus, peculiarly those who specialise in Finance such as Hayes or Sewell Moorhouse who last twelvemonth managed to acquire 100 % of all university arrangement pupils who came to them into employment. Equally good as assisting me to acquire a occupation if my alumnus applications are unsuccessful they will be able to supply arrows on my CV and covering letters, but more significantly they will be a contact for life. For illustration if 10 old ages down the line I want a wholly different alteration of calling so these people will be here to rede where to travel.Making the Jump – Career Management PlanMany of my marks here will be based around my action programs as a consequence of my work placement study.[ 4 ]However my calling way as a consequence of the placement twelvemonth leads me off from the thought of going an comptroller. My first mark was to go on developing my fiscal accomplishments. At the clip of my study this would hold been my accounting accomplishments nevertheless upon contemplation and make up one's minding that I no longer desire to be an accountant these accomplishments must be transferred over to other fiscal countries such as the investing country of finance I am interested it. Fortunately my university class gives me the flexibleness to make this as the concluding twelvemonth incorporates both accounting faculties but besides faculties covered by the Banking and Finance pupils which are straight related to the calling way that I now want. Despite the addition in work burden and the sheer trouble of some of the capable affair, I am still hopeful that I will be able to walk off with a 2:1 grade at graduation. My secondary mark was to go on the development of both my personal and professional accomplishments. Unfortunately due to no longer being on arrangement I am non in a place to be developing these accomplishments through a work based environment. However due to the sum of alumnus applications that I am finishing I believe that they at least give me the chance to develop my communicating accomplishments through the completion of online applications, covering letters and telephone interviews. Hopefully I will be able to pattern face to confront communicating accomplishments via interviews if I am lucky plenty to be shortlisted for any of these applications. My concluding mark was to develop a calling program for after university. It was apparent at the clip that Accounting may non hold been the ideal occupation for me hence the alumnus application made to HMRC, unluckily that application was rejected after the on-line numerical and verbal trials. Since so nevertheless I have applied for legion other vacancies all focused around the investing banking country of finance with large companies such as Fidelity but so besides looking at investing reding services such as Oliver Wyman. It was my idea that while I am now certain which country of finance I want to work in, I should n't be binding myself down with one specialized occupation country. The other idea I had in assisting to develop my calling was to transport on at university in the signifier of station alumnus survey. However I shortly ruled this option out due to the cost but besides that I believe now is the clip to acquire into industry and to get down determining my calling. Further to this by non transporting on in graduate student survey I still have the option to finish all of my professional makings through whichever company I work for and so subsequently on down the line if I think that I would wish to travel back into instruction, the graduate student option is ever available for me.

Market segmentation

Market segmentation Market segmentation is the procedure of engaging products, prices, places and promotions. The process involves identifying and targeting different markets as the basis for identifying with particular marketing mixes. Proper market segmentation has to engage people, practices and different corporal substantiations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Market segmentation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The procedure for market segmentation involves identifying the potential customers and their needs, possible market segments and later development of profiles for identified market segments. After the identification, the second stage involves selection of a target segment before engaging an attraction towards the particular market segment. It is equally important for a marketer to engage proper positioning by identifying the advantages of the chosen market segments. This may involve selection of a positioning concept befor e engaging the marketing plan for each identified segment. Market segmentation involves division of large markets into consumer-focused subsets for the clients who have common needs or applications for services or goods on offer. Clientele subgroups are identifiable through various demographics in connection with the purpose of the market segment identification or goal of the marketer. Customers’ segmentation determines deigns and implementation procedures of the marketing campaigns. In relation to McDonald and Dunbar (2007, p. 213) writing, marketers engage in the market segmentation in the aim of understanding the importance of finding a sufficient customer-base to cater for the needs. Categorizing various customers on a given criteria helps firms to establish a better application for the products or services. The gathered ideas of a criterion can thus be of help in identification of a larger audience within the demographics, and thus increase the profit margins due to ampl ification of market shares in the submarkets. There are various characteristics of a targeted consumer base. The attributes are identifiable for a given market segment such as gender, age, location, income level or education level. The market segmentation process allows for a phenomenon where a consumer may fall upon various categories. Segmentation of the market allows the company to understand the ways of enhancing customer loyalty especially among potential long-term clients. The marketers allow the customers to make suggestions concerning the practical means of improving product or service. The changes may be minor with little or no effect to the value of the core product, but they are vital in maintaining a strong and loyal customer base. The changes also ensure that the company is of goodwill because of the readiness to listen to its clients’ needs. Market segregation is generally for strengthening the bond between the vendors and the consumers.Advertising Looki ng for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The concept of market segmentation is important because the buyers and sellers form non-homogenous groups for the reason that there are differences on needs, preferences, characters and resources. Considering the Dell Inc case study, the marketing and distribution department realizes that it not possible to cater for each of its customer’s characteristics. Marketers are however able to accomplish some standardized measures of segmentation by grouping customers to various categories of common characteristics. The common characteristics are the basis for standardized marketing merges into segments. The decisive factors for market segmentation involve either the consumer or the business marketers. The segmentation requirements for Dell Inc would entail the geographical segmentation. As an international and well-known company, Dell Inc would involve the regional variables in its segmentation such as the concentration of the customers, the measures of international industrial growth rates and, other microeconomic factors such as business expansion plans. A good example of the geographical segmentation is decision to concentrate on sale of specific products to particular countries. Secondly, the company can segment markets according to the type of customers. Some of the clients are possibly big international organizations, companies, governments, or private firms. The organization’s dimensions, position in a market niche and the capacity of its value chains are the main determinants of concentration. Thirdly, there is need for Dell Inc to consider the behavioural segmentation based on the consumer performances and behaviours such as the customization, usage, patterns, prices, benefits, competition, consumer and brand loyalty. The demographic segmentation touches on the age, ethnic setting, gender, income levels, status, or oc cupation, which can equally be of assistance. Lastly, the company ought to consider the psychographic segmentation to determine clients’ bases depending on the attitudes, lifestyles and values. Integrating the marketing communication strategies Communication is a key strategy of an organization’s success. A company may be having the best and most innovative services or products, but without strong internal and external communication, then the demand may be weak. Communication of products requires the marketers to focus on the value. The quality is of much benefit to the client than quantity. Enhancement of dialogue requires invitation of client’s thoughts to enhance a rapport in promotion of coordinated efforts. Client participation ensures timely delivery of proper information or right contents.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Market segmentation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to D oole and Lowe (2008, p. 232), the proper marketing communications tools, which promote companies products and services to its customers and the intermediaries include, the ability to ensure proper direction, precision, uniformity, appearance and timings for the targeted audiences. Marketers have to guarantee the values of proper communication to avoid confusion about branding and products recognition. The marketing mix enables them to examine prices of products, the distribution procedures, adverting, promotion mechanisms and customer service certification. â€Å"By integrating marketing communications strategies, it is important for the marketers to define as well as conduct some research concerning the targeted audience, objectives, budgets, competition, social effects, and cultural or other technological issues† (Doole and Lowe, 2008, p. 232) . The final process of the strategy involves evaluation of the decided promotion strategies. Marketers can automatically acquire the customer trust and loyalty by enhancing ethical plans, right communication procedures and following the right communication guidelines such as the marketing communication tools. Marketing communications tools Advertising This tool requires the right medium to get the accurate messages efficiently to the right audience. The effective avenues of transmission depend on the market segments, the chosen niche, and the dynamics. Considering the Dell Inc company that faces the challenges of international segmentation and maintaining the well-established customers’ loyalty, the advertising tools can be the product magazines, newspapers/ newsmagazines, internet, billboards and, mobile television such as the telephony advancements. The advertisement tools have to reach a wide clientele base regardless of the expenses. Public Relations This is a marketing communications tool involving the public perception of the products or services on offer. For a marketer to be in a position of enhan cing excellent public appearance for an organization there is need to engage sponsorship vents in the aim of building good customer trust and goodwill. The product or service has to give a positive perspective. Sales Promotion Mostly, the sales promotion is a marketing strategy that involves the media, for instance, advertising contests, sales of coupons through the media, provision of prototypes/sample products, sales of premiums, displays, demonstrations and engaging incentives. Promotion of sales accelerates the short-term sales by enhancing brand awareness campaigns, and creating or encouraging a repetitive buying procedure.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Direct marketing Direct involvement is a strong marketing strategic tool that involves responses to specific individual emails, telephone calls, inquiry catalogues or mails of customers. The marketers have to respond directly to inquiries made through the media such as television or radio. The responses cater for targeted audience to increase sales and introduce new products as a different option for marketing approaches. Personal Selling This marketing tool involves direct interaction where the marketing team must set sales appointments to selected clientele. It involves making direct presentations such as one-on-one communication to attract a strong clientele base and strengthen their relationships or loyalty to the firm. Before selection of a particular marketing tool, the marketing managers and representatives must analyze the â€Å"social, competitive, legal, regulatory, ethics, cultural and technological† effects to avoid inappropriateness, controversies and illegal enc ounters (Shimp, 2008, p. 8). Analysis of Dell’s decision to enter into relationship with distributing retailers Since its initiation, the marketing strategy of Dell Inc involved a direct client-server interaction. Its engagement of a retailers’ involvement such as, Wal-Mart is a significant change of marketing strategy. Some well established retailer stores like the Wal-Mart are internationally preferences to most customers and therefore an advantage to Dell in its global retailing strategy. The shift from strict direct selling to incorporate indirect selling by external retailers is definitely a simpler choice for the marketing team, but equally a difficult cultural move in its marketing strategies. The move is currently still on its underway and it may be difficult to determine. Is it a strategic move to avoid disastrous snarl-ups considering the competition or are the challenges bonds to increase? Losing its leadership mantle to the rival group Hewlett Packard (HP), Dell may be making the move due to pressure. On the other hand, the establishment in the market may be an indication that the need to emphasize on direct sales is not necessary the attraction to its products among most clients. Selling through the well-established retailer stores is an excellent move for the Dell Company because of the benefits of exposure especially in different market niches. The company also considers the safety of its products by starting mainly with the low-end products. The progressive changeover on the marketing strategies enhances performance and ensures provisions of extended commitment in cases of needs. It is usually safe to change from one strategy to another slowly while keenly monitoring the effects as opposed to the direct changeover. Involving the retailers is a great strategy of testing how well the company would work with the retailer stores especially on the up-coming products. How well would the company be able to handle the sales of its product s by third parties especially stores that the company can barely be in a position to control? The experience is worthwhile for Dell Inc future marketing decisions. The move will automatically affect Dells procedures of engaging customers such as the advertisement strategies and, the supply chain management. The move ensures that Dell Inc is able to develop a record of accomplishment from involvement with the retailers. The record of performance such as, the rate at which the products sell would enable the marketers to decide on the possibility of engaging the more vibrant retailers. The records provide Dell’s ability to retail from various sublets in the diverse retail channels. According to Cranfield School of Management (2000, p.5), the ability to form relationship with retailers is also a greater chance for other interested parties to channel their interests and form new links since this assists the retailers on their establishments. The well-established retail markets hav e the advantage of moving their products very fast and this can turn to be a huge benefit to the Dell Company. The question many marketers would arguably pose is, how well can computer products sell like the other products in the stores? Selling a computer is similar to selling any other product, but the clients want to know how to deal with the product such as the procedure for setting it up. How many retailers have the workmanship to withstand the long hours of user explanations and education? The arguments may fall upon the earnings of the marketer. The pay scale of Wal-Mart sellers may be quite different from that of Dell, thus Dell’s move to engage outside retailers may seem like a huge bargain over sales. Conclusion The main marketing strategy is the need to enhance proper customer relationship. Dell Inc has all along emphasized on the need to focus attention on the clients’ needs and demands. Companies need to find various methods of getting closer to the client for success thus the reason why dell is focusing on diversification into the retail markets. The Dell Company detached the partnership functions to emphasize on the need for it responsibility of customer relationship. From the case analysis, it is evident that Dell categorizes its business transactions in various customer segments for instance the recent retail stores relationship, which involves the public and private sectors. It also includes the direct customer relationship and lastly the home or public medium or small business sectors. Such a company need to approach various segments carefully and differently in the aim of customizing to fit specific needs. Arguably, the most viable communication tools for Dell’s marketing strategy would include the internet and call centres considering the diversification of the products and market competitiveness. References Cranfield School of Management (2000). Marketing Management: a Relationship  Marketing Perspective, Macmillan Business, Basingstoke Doole, I., Lowe, R. (2008). International marketing strategy: analysis, development  and implementation. Kentucky, KY: Cengage Learning EMEA McDonald, M., Dunbar, I. (2007). Market segmentation: how to do it, how to profit  from it. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann Shimp, T. A. (2008). Advertising Promotion and Other Aspects of Integrated Marketing  Communications. Kentucky, KY: Cengage Learning

About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance of countries from Europe and North America promising collective defense. Currently numbering 29 nations, NATO was formed initially to counter the communist East and has searched for a new identity in the post-Cold War world. Background In the aftermath of the Second World War, with ideologically opposed Soviet armies occupying much of Eastern Europe and fears still high over German aggression, the nations of Western Europe searched for a new form of military alliance to protect themselves. In March 1948 the Brussels Pact was signed between France, Britain, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg, creating a defence alliance called the Western European Union, but there was a feeling that any effective alliance would have to include the US and Canada. In the US there was widespread concern about both the spread of Communism in Europe – strong Communist parties had formed in France and Italy - and potential aggression from Soviet armies, leading the US to seek talks about an Atlantic alliance with the west of Europe. The perceived need for a new defensive unit to rival the Eastern bloc was exacerbated by the Berlin Blockade of 1949, leading to an agreement that same year with many nations from Europe. Some nations opposed membership and still do, e.g. Sweden, Ireland. Creation, Structure, and Collective Security NATO was created by the North Atlantic Treaty, also called the Washington Treaty, which was signed on April 5th 1949. There were twelve signatories, including the United States, Canada and Britain (full list below). The head of NATOs military operations is the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a position always held by an American so their troops don’t come under foreign command, answering to the North Atlantic Council of ambassadors from member nations, which is led by the Secretary General of NATO, who is always European. The centrepiece of the NATO treaty is Article 5, promising collective security: an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all; and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. The German Question The NATO treaty also allowed for the alliance’s expansion among European nations, and one of the earliest debates among NATO members was the German question: should West Germany (the East was under rival Soviet control) be re-armed and allowed to join NATO. There was opposition, invoking the recent German aggression which caused World War Two, but in May 1955 Germany was allowed to join, a move which caused upset in Russia and led to the formation of the rival Warsaw Pact alliance of Eastern communist nations. NATO and the Cold War NATO had, in many ways, been formed to secure West Europe against the threat of Soviet Russia, and the Cold War of 1945 to 1991 saw an often tense military standoff between NATO on one side and the Warsaw Pact nations on the other. However, there was never a direct military engagement, thanks in part to the threat of nuclear war; as part of NATO agreements nuclear weapons were stationed in Europe. There were tensions within NATO itself, and in 1966 France withdrew from the military command established in 1949. Nevertheless, there was never a Russian incursion into the western democracies, in large part due to the NATO alliance. Europe was very familiar with an aggressor taking one country after another thanks for the late 1930s and did not let it happen again. NATO After the Cold War The end of the Cold War in 1991 led to three major developments: the expansion of NATO to include new nations from the former Eastern bloc (full list below), the re-imagining of NATO as a ‘co-operative security’ alliance able to deal with European conflicts not involving member nations and the first use of NATO forces in combat. This first occurred during the Wars of the Former Yugoslavia, when NATO used air-strikes first against Bosnian-Serb positions in 1995, and again in 1999 against Serbia, plus the creation of a 60,000 peace keeping force in the region. NATO also created the Partnership for Peace initiative in 1994, aimed at engaging and building trust with ex-Warsaw Pact nations in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and later the nations from the Former Yugoslavia. Other 30 countries have so far joined, and ten have become full members of NATO. NATO and the War on Terror: The conflict in the former Yugoslavia had not involved a NATO member state, and the famous clause 5 was first – and unanimously - invoked in 2001 after terrorist attacks on the United States, leading to NATO forces running peace-keeping operations in Afghanistan. NATO has also created the Allied Rapid Reaction Force (ARRF) for faster responses. However, NATO has come under pressure in recent years from people arguing it should be scaled down, or left to Europe, despite the increase in Russian aggression in the same period. NATO might still be searching for a role, but it played a huge role in maintaining the status quo in the Cold War, and has potential in a world where Cold War aftershocks keep happening.   Member States 1949 Founder Members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France (withdrew from military structure 1966), Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States1952: Greece (withdrew from military command 1974 – 80), Turkey1955: West Germany (With East Germany as reunified Germany from 1990)1982: Spain1999: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia2009: Albania, Croatia2017: Montenegro

African Americans Played a Key Role in Vietnam War Essay -- African Amer

I. African Americans involves in the army a. Irregular percentage of African Americans drafted in the military b. The role of blacks in the Army c. The Vietnam War as a genocide II. Discrimination Issues a. Armed Forces dominated by whites b. Personal racism c. Racist practices against blacks d. African Americans in combat III. Black Women in the Armed Forces a. Segregation in working areas b. Black women and their assignments IV. The Black Power a. Response to racism b. The new black culture c. Black’s own terminology V. Consequences of Black response a. Banned Manifestations b. Widespread of racial violence c. Transferring people to other areas Hidden Heroism Racial discrimination in the United States is not a new issue. African Americans have been discriminated against since 1619, when the first Africans were brought to Jamestown and served as slaves. After being killed, segregated and treated inequitably in 1965, the government gave equal opportunities to African Americans for the first time. Yet, the opportunity given was once again to serve the country. Their duty was to defend the nation during the Vietnam War. African Americans played a key roe in Vietnam and, in the process, changed the complexion of the U.S. Armed Forces. The fulfilled an extraordinary record of military service, regardless of the fact that they served under unequal conditions and were segregated with second-rate equipment (Young 333). The Vietnam War had the highest percentage of blacks ever to serve in an American war (Jason). In the early years of U.S. invole. Johnson, Jesse J. Black Women in the Air Forces: 1942-1974 A Pictorial Histo ry. Jonhsonn: Hampton VA, 1974. Kirby, Jason R. Rev. of Equlity or disrimination?: African Americans in the U.S. Military During the Vietnam Ward, ed. Natalie Kimbrough. The Journal of Military History. Sept. 2007. 26 Nov. 2007 http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum. Westheider,James E. The African American Experience in Vietnam: Brothers in Arms. Rowman and Littlefield: United Kingdom, 2008. Westheider, James E. Rev of The Brothers’ Vietnam War: Black Power, Manhood and the Military Experience, ed. Herman Graham. The Journal of Southern History. Nov. 2004. 26 Nov. 2007. http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document. Young, Marilyn B. Buzzanco Robert. Eds. A Companion to The Vietnam War. Blackwell: Malden MA, 2002

What are the key strategic decisions for keeping staff motivated and Dissertation

What are the key strategic decisions for keeping staff motivated and to increase the productivity - Dissertation Example The objective of this research is to recognize key strategic decisions of the company to motivate its employees and the importance of motivation in improving the productivity of the organization. Employees are the key assets of the organization. Motivated employees help to improve the overall productivity of the organization. In order to study the same, the researcher intends to recognize the basic motivational factors in the company. After scrutinizing the motivational factors in the particular study, the investigator comes to the conclusion that motivation is a factor which vary from person to person .It is argued that staff turnover, volunteerism, proactive behavior plays an important role in motivation of employees. Staff turnover is the main factor influencing the productivity of the organization and lower output. The employees need to be proactive at the workplace to show better performance. The motivation at work cannot be preserved constantly for a long time. This means that a person’s present motivational feature may change tomorrow. It is clear that modification in the personal or social condition will influence an employee’s motivation level. The ultimate analysis of this study does not specify any universal pattern which is capable to influence any motivation level of the employees. This study also does not elucidate any pattern of gender difference.... teness†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦26 3.6 Ethical Issues in Research†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.28 3.7 Limitations for Research†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦29 3.8 Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦30 Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.31 4.1 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.31 4.2 Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦31 4.3 Findings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦60 4.4 Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..61 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.62 5.1 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..62 5.2 Theoretical Implications†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...63 5.3 Managerial Implications†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...64 5.4 Limitations of the study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦65 5.5 Future Directions of the Research†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦66 5.6 Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...67

International Financial Managementsunyu Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Financial Managementsunyu - Essay Example These techniques are ideal for an exporter who wishes to have stable cash flows subject to foreign exchange risk. It is concluded that multinational businesses and investors that engage in import or export of products and services or those that make foreign investments across the global economy should be aware of the risk exposures and the most appropriate hedging strategy for each type of risk. It is also suggested that special attention be given to economic exposure because it substantially impact the firm’s market value and expected future cash flows and even affects the competitive position of a firm that does not sell or operate overseas. By examining a range of academic materials, recently published book, magazine articles, journal articles and internet sites on the topic this report identifies the nature of the exchange rate risk faced by an exporter then describe the market strategies available for hedging the risk. Foreign exchange exposure comes about if an investor or a firm has an open position (un-hedged condition subject to exchange rate risk) in a foreign currency. There are two types of open position, open long and open short position (Homaifar, 2004). Open long position is one where a firm expects to receive foreign currency in future while open short position is one where the investor needs to pay foreign currency in future (Siddaiah, 2009). Foreign exchange risk therefore refers to the possibility or likelihood that a foreign currency may move in a direction that is detrimental to the investor. Specific risk in open log position is that the foreign currency may weaken against the domestic currency thereby decreasing the local currency equivalent (Poitras, 2002). On the other hand, specific risk in open short position is that the foreign currency may strengthen against the domestic currency thereby increasing the domestic currency equivalent

Class activity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Class activity - Essay Example In view of this, executives must understand that they have a legal and moral responsibility to implement preventive measures to eliminate harassment. Case Analysis: Will teams work 1. The managers must be trained on the technical aspect of the job. Training on productivity and how to motivate the workers should be given to the managers. This will be very helpful to them in creating a workplace conducive to productivity. 2. The managers should be competent in the technical know-how. They should not only be results-oriented but also learn to appreciate the efforts applied on the job. Team work should also be emphasized. These competencies will help motivate the workers more. 3. The managers should be trained first and foremost on the technical aspects in the automobile parts manufacturing. This will take around six months to one year. Training on human relations is essential so they will learn to deal with the factory workers and eventually learn to motivate them; thus, making them mor e productive. This training will probably take one month. 4. One of the alternatives to management development is the development and training of the factory workers.

Modern Art as Viewed by T.J. Clark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Modern Art as Viewed by T.J. Clark - Essay Example The essay "Modern Art as Viewed by T.J. Clark" provides the view on modern art by T.J. Clark. Paris is said to be the birthplace of habits of leisure, consumption and commerce that are now named as â€Å"modern life†-- explicitly captured in paintings, sculpture and architecture which are collectively called the â€Å"modern art.† Modern art is a term which is usually associated with forms of art that were done in the spirit of experimentation and in which the traditions and practices of the past have been disregarded. These arts are representations of rejection of the established academic tradition in favor of more naturalistic representation of the world. Pioneers of this kind of art were called Romantics, Realists and Impressionists; by the late 19th century, additional movements called Post-Impressionism and Symbolism also emerged. Connected with the concepts of modernity and modern art is a Marxist art historian named Timothy J. Clark. A native of Bristol, England, Clark received his education at Bristol Grammar School, Cambridge University and at the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London. His work experiences include his stint as a lecturer at Essex University from 1967-1969; as a senior lecturer at the Camberwell School of Art from 1970-1974; as a visiting professor and subsequently as an associate professor at the University of California; as chair of the Fine Arts Department of Leeds University in 1976; and as a member of the School of Fine Arts faculty at Harvard University. where he encountered quite a number of his detractors who were among the traditional and connoisseurship-based faculty. (T.J. Clark) Currently, he holds the George C. and Helen N. Pardee Chair as Professor of Modern Art at the University of California. (U.C. Berkeley History of Art 2005) Going back to the concept of modern art, this was discussed by T. J. Clark in reference to Paris in his book entitled The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and His Followers. In this book, Clark questioned those who view Impressionism only in terms of artistic technique, and likewise describes the works of Manet, Degas, Seurat and others as an attempt to give form to the "modern life" by focusing on its typical representatives, which are basically the various "modern city" workers. (Clark, T.J.: The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and His Followers 2008) Concomitantly, Clark views Paris as the birthplace of the "modern art", where changes therein went beyond the cultural and ideological refurbishing to the more encompassing economic transformation. (T.J. Clark: Manet in situ 1986) Samples of the specific arguments and discussion that could be found in the book are the following: 1.) Manet's Olympia caused scandal at the 1865 Salon because the painting disobeyed the "rules of the nude." Furthermore, in addition to the nude body on bed, the woman's hand is considered to be a detail, which the critics wrongly focused on; 2.) Manet's disregard of the so-called "good modeling" and the abruptness which characterized his lights and darks can be seen in the Olympia. Such aspects have been criticized by some writers in 1865, describing such as "circled in black", "drawn in charcoal", and "stripes of blacking"; and 3.) certain paintings suggested the fact that classes coexisted, but never touched. (Clark 1985) As seen in the title of the book, Manet's art is given emphasis in reference to the

Personal and Professional Development Assignment - 1

Personal and Professional Development - Assignment Example The hotel is close to the Crystal Palace Theme Park Maze and is ideal for guests, who wish to â€Å"explore London† and it has â€Å"easy and fast transport† facilities to the city (Queens Hotel Crystal Palace London, 2013). Usually, visitors to London include businesspersons as well as tourists and the guests in the hotel are from the upper middle class group. Being from the educated, upwardly mobile segment, they expect very high quality of service. They also include people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and speak different languages. Though most of them speak good English, we often have guests from France, Germany, and South Korea etc who do not like to speak the language. I am somewhat comfortable with French and German but I do not know Korean. However, we have some staff from Asian countries and thus they are able to handle guests who do not speak English. The hotel has a good restaurant that serves multi cuisine and it is popular among many Londoners. It also has a bar and banquet hall. The hotel always has over 60 percent occupancy and it is rated over 4.8 in commercial sites. Thus, overall the quality expectation of the customers is quite high. Task-1 A. Benefits of Self-Managed Learning to Individuals/Organizations and Various Approaches to It: Employees can benefit from self-managed learning by acquiring higher qualifications that will enable them to handle their jobs better. Thus, they can earn promotions or be selected for higher positions in the same company that require higher qualifications. Besides, people who engage in self-managed learning become more confident and will be able to â€Å"solve problems on their own† (Beitler, 2005, Ch.4 p.8). Therefore, employees who pursue learning even after they are settled in a job will be able to update their knowledge and skills and will perform well in the respective job positions. This will increase their productivity and they will be able to receive all the b enefits that management offers to high performing individuals. In the modern day, with the advent of technology, various changes occur in the workplace and employees need to remain abreast of the developments. Continued self-managed learning or lifelong learning will enable them to acquire knowledge in technology and communication. From an organizational perspective, self managed learning will be highly beneficial as such individuals will be developing their learning without much liability or risk on the part of the company. Acquiring of knowledge by employees will enable them to be better motivated and it becomes advantageous to the organization as such individuals will be able to perform better in the assigned position. This will automatically increase the productivity and profitability of the company. However, evidence suggests that it is better to have a written learning agreement as it will help the employee remain focused and, besides, by incorporating it into the performance appraisal system, the organisation will attain better capability to â€Å"promote, reward, capture, and benefit from individual learning† (Beitler, 2005, Ch.4 p.11). In the modern world, technology offers a wide range of approaches for self managed learning in an organisational environment. In order to determine the right approach one should be able to identify and prioritise the â€Å"

Class activity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Class activity - Essay Example In view of this, executives must understand that they have a legal and moral responsibility to implement preventive measures to eliminate harassment. Case Analysis: Will teams work 1. The managers must be trained on the technical aspect of the job. Training on productivity and how to motivate the workers should be given to the managers. This will be very helpful to them in creating a workplace conducive to productivity. 2. The managers should be competent in the technical know-how. They should not only be results-oriented but also learn to appreciate the efforts applied on the job. Team work should also be emphasized. These competencies will help motivate the workers more. 3. The managers should be trained first and foremost on the technical aspects in the automobile parts manufacturing. This will take around six months to one year. Training on human relations is essential so they will learn to deal with the factory workers and eventually learn to motivate them; thus, making them mor e productive. This training will probably take one month. 4. One of the alternatives to management development is the development and training of the factory workers.

Personal and Professional Development Assignment - 1

Personal and Professional Development - Assignment Example The hotel is close to the Crystal Palace Theme Park Maze and is ideal for guests, who wish to â€Å"explore London† and it has â€Å"easy and fast transport† facilities to the city (Queens Hotel Crystal Palace London, 2013). Usually, visitors to London include businesspersons as well as tourists and the guests in the hotel are from the upper middle class group. Being from the educated, upwardly mobile segment, they expect very high quality of service. They also include people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and speak different languages. Though most of them speak good English, we often have guests from France, Germany, and South Korea etc who do not like to speak the language. I am somewhat comfortable with French and German but I do not know Korean. However, we have some staff from Asian countries and thus they are able to handle guests who do not speak English. The hotel has a good restaurant that serves multi cuisine and it is popular among many Londoners. It also has a bar and banquet hall. The hotel always has over 60 percent occupancy and it is rated over 4.8 in commercial sites. Thus, overall the quality expectation of the customers is quite high. Task-1 A. Benefits of Self-Managed Learning to Individuals/Organizations and Various Approaches to It: Employees can benefit from self-managed learning by acquiring higher qualifications that will enable them to handle their jobs better. Thus, they can earn promotions or be selected for higher positions in the same company that require higher qualifications. Besides, people who engage in self-managed learning become more confident and will be able to â€Å"solve problems on their own† (Beitler, 2005, Ch.4 p.8). Therefore, employees who pursue learning even after they are settled in a job will be able to update their knowledge and skills and will perform well in the respective job positions. This will increase their productivity and they will be able to receive all the b enefits that management offers to high performing individuals. In the modern day, with the advent of technology, various changes occur in the workplace and employees need to remain abreast of the developments. Continued self-managed learning or lifelong learning will enable them to acquire knowledge in technology and communication. From an organizational perspective, self managed learning will be highly beneficial as such individuals will be developing their learning without much liability or risk on the part of the company. Acquiring of knowledge by employees will enable them to be better motivated and it becomes advantageous to the organization as such individuals will be able to perform better in the assigned position. This will automatically increase the productivity and profitability of the company. However, evidence suggests that it is better to have a written learning agreement as it will help the employee remain focused and, besides, by incorporating it into the performance appraisal system, the organisation will attain better capability to â€Å"promote, reward, capture, and benefit from individual learning† (Beitler, 2005, Ch.4 p.11). In the modern world, technology offers a wide range of approaches for self managed learning in an organisational environment. In order to determine the right approach one should be able to identify and prioritise the â€Å"

United States after World War II Essay Example for Free

United States after World War II Essay The influence of the United States over political and economic affairs worldwide sharply decreased after World War II. US officials found this psychologically difficult to accept, given their country’s key role in the war. Jeffery E. Garten further elaborated on this sentiment: â€Å"Part of America’s outdated self-image is still related to the memory of the Pax Americana, the era of omnipotence for the twenty years following World War II†¦These were very special years in the American experience, to be fondly remembered, even cherished. But they were, looking back, a transition period†¦We need to find a way to put these years and what they represent behind us† (Paarlberg, 1995). As far as Garten knew, the US clearly had difficulty in coming to terms with its changing position in the world. As a result, outward-looking internationalism dominated US policymaking after World War II. This trend was most visible in the post-World War II history of US relations with other countries. After World War II, US foreign policy broke away from its historical tradition of avoiding permanent diplomatic alliances. This departure had a strong impact on American politics and economy (Paarlberg, 1995). The US Economy after World War II US foreign policy conventionally espoused inward-looking diplomatic neutrality beyond the Western Hemisphere and parts of the Pacific. In the 1930s, the US Congress passed three separate neutrality acts, which legally prohibited the US from taking sides in the military or diplomatic disputes of Europe or Asia. It was not until the Great Depression that protectionism was discredited through the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. However, this law faced strong opposition from industrialists and political partisans. These parties believed that the domestic market was large enough to accommodate certain amounts of trade protection and corporate parochialism (Paarlberg, 1995). Unusual Economic Supremacy Right after World War II, a period when rival economies in Europe were exhausted and destroyed, the US was enjoying a strong economy and was even strengthening its technological superiority. High production demands during the war increased the country’s Gross National Product (GNP) by 50% in real terms. By 1950, the US economy was 5 times larger than that of the Soviet Union and 10 times than that of Japan. In sharp contrast, World War II reduced Western European economies by 25% (Paarlberg, 1995). The US economic boom continued after the war through unilateral military and economic policy initiatives, such as the Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947) and the Marshall Plan (July 12, 1947). These strategies allowed the US to dominate political reconstruction in both West Germany and Japan, as well as the establishment of American naval and air forces across the Atlantic and the Pacific. Allies and defeated adversaries alike were offered economic advantages such as grants, technical assistance, credits and market access – without immediate repayment or demands for perfect reciprocity. The US dollar replaced gold as an international key currency, allowing the US to dominate international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund – World Bank (IMF-WB) (Paarlberg, 1995). The Ideology of the Cold War The US did not carry out these measures without any underlying economic or security motives. Perceived threats of Stalinism (and later Maoism) prompted the American government to secure its political, economic and military influence overseas. The relative power of the US Congress was weakened in order to give the US President unprecedented peacetime authority over the deployment and use of both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as unsupervised clout over the clandestine operations abroad of the then-newly-established Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Nations who were previously wartime allies suddenly found themselves fighting one another simply because they were at the opposite ends of the Cold War ideological fence (Paarlberg, 1995). Communism versus Capitalism: The Consolidation of Power At the height of the Cold War, both the US and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) scrambled to find foreign allies that will espouse their respective ideologies. Countries that were allied either with the US or the Soviet Union received generous political, economic and military aid. There were even leaders from these nations that rose to power through US or Soviet backing. The Cold War was not just an â€Å"arms race† but an ideological struggle as well. The Soviet Union. Beginning in 1945, governments across Eastern Europe were characterized with â€Å"people’s democracies† or Soviet-type regimes that had a Communist form of domestic administration and whose foreign policies were dictated by the USSR. These â€Å"people’s democracies† isolated and destroyed opposing political factions, expropriated large land holdings, instituted collective farming (except in Poland) and nationalized almost all industries. Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania and East Germany were eventually included into the Soviet Union. With the cooperation of these countries, the USSR founded the Communist Information Bureau (Cominform). However, Yugoslavia was expelled from the Cominform in 1948 due to Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito’s resistance against Soviet interference in his country’s affairs (MSN Encarta, 2008). The US The US countered by establishing right-wing monarchial and military dictatorships in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America starting from the 1960s. In Africa, it backed the oppressive regimes of Idi Amin in Uganda (1971), King Hassan II in Morocco (1961) and Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (1965). In Asia, US-engineered dictatorships included those of Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam (1955), Park Chung Hee in South Korea (1961) and Pol Pot in Cambodia (1975). In Latin America, Augusto Pinochet of Chile (1973), Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier of Haiti (1957 and 1971, respectively) and Nicaragua’s Anastacio Somoza Garcia (1937) and Anastacio Somoza Debayle (1956). In Europe, the US sponsored the governments of Spain’s Francisco Franco (1939) and Greece’s George Papadopoulos (1967) (Bernstein and Sydell, 1995). American Policies and Practices in International Relations (Late 1940s – Mid-1950s) The US radically increased its defense spending from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s due to the Cold War and the spread of Communism in Korea, Eastern Europe and China during the said period. Companies, particularly those related with the defense industry, saw this as an opportunity for immense profits. However, over-reliance of American enterprises on defense contracts resulted in the emergence of the military-industrial complex (MIC). The MIC, in turn, heavily influenced US foreign policy from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s (Schultz, 1999). The Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) The increase in the federal government’s military spending prompted enterprises to do business with the US Department of Defense. There were at least 40,000 defense contractors working for the federal government by the mid-1950s, providing services such as the manufacturing of uniforms, weapons and ammunition. Universities and technology-related firms were used as research and development departments, wherein new weapons and fighting strategies were created. By the 1970s, the US Department of Defense had surpassed the 75 largest corporations in America in terms of economic assets. This led to criticisms that the US was building a permanent â€Å"war economy† (Schultz, 1999). In order to sustain this â€Å"war economy,† the US government had no choice but keep on waging wars with other countries. When the US economy underwent a recession in 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower responded by boosting the defense budget (Schultz, 1999). He likewise staged a number of armed conflicts with other nations. Hence, Eisenhower’s administration was known for disputes such as clashes with Red China over Taiwan (1955) and the Berlin Crisis (1959) (MSN Encarta, 2008). Conclusion The US is still living under the illusion of Pax Americana – a new world order wherein every nation on earth is subservient to American interests. As a result, it used Pax Americana to get away with imperialism and violating the rights of other nations to self-determination. The US must realize that if it is entitled to liberty and justice, the same holds true for other countries. Real freedom and prosperity can never be attained through political and economic interference, as well as through military aggression. References Bernstein, D. Sydell, L. Third World Traveler. (1995). Friendly Dictators. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://www. thirdworldtraveler. com/Dictators/Friendly_Dictators. html MSN Encarta. (2008). Dwight D. Eisenhower. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761554032/Eisenhower. html#s1 MSN Encarta. (2008). Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761553017/ Union_of_Soviet_Socialist_Republics. html Paarlberg, R. (1995). Leadership Abroad Begins at Home: US Foreign Economic Policy After the Cold War. Washington, D. C. : Brooklings Institution Press. Schultz, S. K. University of Wisconsin System. (1999). The 1950s: The Cold War and the Affluent Society. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://us. history. wisc. edu/hist102/lectures/lecture24. html

Short Story on the Afterlife

Short Story on the Afterlife A Dream I Had About the Afterlife Last night I dreamed that I had died. It wasnt the normal kind of dream. It wasnt the kind of dream that you wake up enthralled, afraid, or tearful from. It was something deeper than that. When I died, there was no white light to walk toward, no staircase in the clouds, no golden gate atop them, no heavenly chorus scoring each and every one of my footsteps, as if each one of them pounded on the drums of destiny, no heart, no passion, no feeling that every breath I took in my mortal life led to this moment, and that now my dreams were coming true, and I was ascending towards everlasting glory. There was none of that. But equally there was no fear. There was no anxiety, or panic, or hopelessness. The four emotions I had forever associated with death. The emotions that had left my mind crippled, contemplating other alternatives to constantly living with the big day forever looming over me. Emotions that had rendered me useless, unable to function, wondering what we are doing on this planet, and why something as spectacular as life on earth, with its inconceivable beauty and ability to emote human euphoria, could have such a terrifying and mind numbing opposite as death, and how we could know so little about it other than at its existential core, it is nothing but the absence of life in a previously living body. No. Instead of fear or euphoria, there was realism. Quite frankly, there was no commotion. I had died in a hospital, in a small room, my loved ones surrounding me as I lay in a bed drifting off courtesy of an incurable disease, as so many have done before me, and so many will do after. As I faded I felt my woes fade also. I dont think we realise it when our lives are so busy, but we always have our woes or problems on our mind, we just dont notice them as much. I thought about my family and friends. They held hands and sobbed around my bedside, knowing they were witnessing the last moments of my human life. I guessed that I should have been worrying about them, how they would cope without me, but three familiar words kept circulating in my head. Life goes on. Life would go on for them. They would be sad, but they would find closure, and then eventually it would be their time to go too. None of these things worried me. I had always pondered the afterlife, and by this point I had accep ted that I would either see them again, or that I wouldnt need to. I understood that love transcends life. And then it happened; though it didnt happen instantly. Throughout life I had always imagined that the moment of death would be similar to an abrupt power-outage, where in a split second, darkness would engulf everything. But it wasnt. It was a gradual process and I wasnt quite sure when life had ended, and whatever came next had begun. Those around my bed began to leave the room. They left in an orderly fashion, as if it had previously been decided how they would do so. Each of them did so matter-of-factly, and that was the first sign that I may have passed over, as Im sure in normal circumstances they would be crying and mourning uncontrollably. Instead, each of them just left. Some of them held my hand before leaving, and others kissed my forehead. And then, just like that, I was alone, albeit for just a few seconds. It was in this moment that I realised that I was witnessing my death out of body. I was standing in the corner watching this happen, not lying in the bed. And then I realised that I now had a purpose. I sat at a table in the middle of the room. It was small and there were only two chairs. The version of myself that I had just been watching got out of bed and sat at the table also. I was sitting across the table from myself. Somehow looking into my own eyes and staring back at them at the same time. Only when you look into your own eyes can you comprehend your existence. And then we talked for what felt like an hour, and yet it could have lasted for a thousand years because any comprehension that I had of time in my human life had faded, and I began to think that maybe time didnt exist anymore. We talked about the life I had lived on earth, about the relationships I had formed and the feelings I had had, what I had achieved in life, and what mark I had left on the earth. And then I as ked myself what was going to happen next, and of course didnt know the answer. Just as quickly as I had realised what my role was in my own passing over ceremony, I became clueless even faster. And there I was. At a table with another person, and yet somehow completely alone simultaneously; with the most pondered question of all time, and not a single answer. I closed my eyes and breathed in. I took two more, long, similar breaths, and I held the last one. I opened my eyes. And then I saw everything. Every sunrise and sunset from every possible corner of the earth. Every flower that had ever bloomed, every tree that had ever grown, every mountain that had ever been conquered. Every creature on land, in the sky and in the oceans. Every man who had ever made his dreams come true and every woman who had ever accomplished her greatest feat. Every new-born baby that had ever been born, potential in their eyes. I experienced every sensation that could ever be felt, and saw every note that had ever been played, I tasted success, I smelled hope and in all of these things combined I saw the face of God. I awoke in my bed and questioned my own existence again. As I write this I am still unaware of what my dream means. I believe that we are more than skin and bones. I believe that our bodies are nothing but vessels, and I believe that our souls are always yearning to escape them. I am unsure of the afterlife, and I wonder whether or not this life on earth is simply the afterlife to a previous one; that maybe every life is an afterlife and in each one we are promised something different for the next. I wonder how many times I have died before, I wonder how many times I will die again, and I wonder whether or not there is some end to this cycle. The only thing we can be sure of is death, for without death there is no life. There cannot be one without the other, but I do not believe that birth is the beginning and death the end. Until it is my time to become knowledgeable of what is next to come, I will just keep dreaming.