Exploring Programming Languages

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard database computer language used for querying, modifying and managing data in Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). SQL was developed in the 1970's by IBM to initially manipulate and retrieve data in IBM System R. The SQL language was standardized in 1986 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI); however, later releases were released as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.Until this day, there are lots of users who refuse to refer to it as SQL. To some people, SEQUEL is the right name for this international standardized database language. SQL has additionally been revised in 1989 and then 1992 (SQL-92). Ever since, SQL has undergone many revisions to enhance their standardization.Sybase and Ashton with their team support created a product which is known with the name of the SQL server 1.0 and within few years SQL server 4.21 also came in existence for the Microsoft NT operating system. Micros oft itself on their individual basis work for the SQL server 6.0 and this was the first Individual product of the SQL series for the Microsoft which works with the Windows NT because at that point of time windows NT was the main operating system.After few years later, when a copyrights conflict is there between the Microsoft and Sybase then Microsoft has done so many revisions in its project which lead to the development of the SQL server 7.0 which is known with the name of SQL server 2000 and the main part of this scheme and model is that it can work with the 64 bit platform.The development of the Integrated development Environment for the creation of web and windows packages with the SQL server 2005 that includes so many tools and utilities that includes the ETL tool, a Reporting server, data mining server, and several messaging service brokers that will be for the notification services. The next version which was come after the Microsoft SQL Server2005 is the Microsoft SQL server 2008, the aim of which is to make the data management features still under control using self-tuning.SQL Server 2008 R2 whose code name is given as â€Å"Kilomanjaro† and it is announced on year 2009, to add different management features to the SQL Server 2008 which is the earlier version. The SQL Server 2008 R2 also includes the number of new services that includes the PowerPivot for the Excel and Sharepoint master data services for building the reports using the data tier application.2.The features of SQL Express are as follows:Stored ProceduresSQL Server Configuration Manager ViewsReplication (as a subscriber only) TriggersAdvanced Query Optimizer CursorsSMO/RMO sqlcmd and osql utilitiesIntegration with Visual Studio 2005 Snapshot Isolation LevelsService Broker (as a client only) ¹ Native XML support, including XQuery and XML SchemasSQL CLR Transact-SQL language supportMultiple Active Result Sets (MARS) Dedicated Administrator Connection ²The features of Oracle Expres s are as follows: Direct Path Load API External tables External procedures Synchronous Change Data Capture Asynchronous Change Data Capture Transportable tablespaces, including cross-platform Advanced Queuing Basic Replication Advanced Replication Distributed queries Distributed transactions Transparent Gateways Generic connectivityThe features of DB2 Express are as follows:Advanced Copy ServicesOracle Compatibility Compression: backuppureXML ® storage High availability disaster recoverySpatial Extender Homogenous FederationIBM Tivoli ® System Automation for Multiplatforms Homogenous SQL Replication IBM Data Studio Net Search Extender Online reorganization The free version of DB2 (DB2 Express-C) has much less limitations than those existing in Oracle and SQL Server, Oracle Express Edition 10g/11g and SQL Server 2005/2008 Express.CharacteristicDB2 Express-CSQL Server 2005/2008 ExpressOracle 10g/11g Express Edition CPUs MaxUntil 2 cores11 RAM Max2 GB1 GB1 GB Size LimitUnlimited4 G B4 GB/11 GB 32/64 bits32-64 bits32 bits / 32-64 bits32 bits / 32-64 bits

Corporate valuation Essay

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 the SEC reiterated its support for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this was conditional upon the accomplishment of a number of milestones. The SEC staff had developed a comprehensive work plan that would help to keep the process moving forward. Including Fiat,more and more huge cooperations are adopting IFRS accounting policies since 2000,not only because it makes more transparency in statements,but it tenses or looses the strict that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of accounting. 1. What are Fiat’s key accounting policies? Which of Fiat’s key accounting policies are affected by the adoption of IFRS? In accordance with the case, the Italy-based Fiat Group’s revenues were mainly generated from the production and sales of passenger vehicles (including large-volume brands and luxury, high-margin brands), tractors, agricultural equipments, and light commercial vehicles. The Group’s main operations was manufacturing cars which needed as many new models, technologies, creativity, and innovations as possible. Consequently, it could be seen easily that the Fiat Group had almost relied on its Research and Development (R&D) activities. Additionally, sales were also a very important activity in every organization, so the Fiat Group was not an exception. Therefore, applying new accounting policy for revenue recognition to show that the Group’s profit was favorable was very vital. The Fiat Group first-time adopted IFRS and the reporting d ate of its first IFRS statement was December 31, 2005. After changing to IFRS, R&D costs were affected the most. Under Italian GAAP, R&D costs incurred were capitalized or charged to operating expenses. For the Fiat Group, it has primarily expensed its R&D costs when they were incurred. Under IFRS, the Group has capitalized development costs in some parts such as the Fiat Auto, Ferrari-Maserati, Agricultural and Construction Equipment, Commercial Vehicle and Components Sectors. The next accounting policy influenced by the first-time adoption of IFRS was revenue recognition – sales with a buy-back commitment. Under IAS 18, sales with a buy-back commitment do not reach the requirements for revenue recognition due to risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the buyers. In result, this kind of sales is recorded as an operating lease transaction instead of revenues under Italian GAAP. Last but not least, sales of receivables also were impacted. All receivables through securitization and factoring transactions (with or without recourse) had been derecognized under Italian GAAP while all securitization transactions have been reversed under IFRS and all portfolios sold w ith recourse or without recourse have been reinstated in the IFRS balance sheet. Unlike U.S. GAAP rule-based standards, IFRS standards tend to be principle-based. Typically, rule-based standards are easily applied and enforced when compared to principle-based standards, however, along with rules, come exceptions. Exceptions to the rule-based standards of US GAAP add a level of complexity that often results in application issues. The move towards IFRS principle-based standards, accounts for exceptions to the rules by allowing judgment to exist when applying the standards to a company’s financials. Conversely, US GAAP encourages companies to comply with set laws anddiscourages evaluating the economic substance of a company’s activities The differences between Fiat’s key accounting methods under GAAP and those under IFRS. 1.Substance over form. Example, Recognition of revenue:to recognize revenues of long-term contracts,IFRS does not allow the Recognition from relative subjects but does accept to value it by contract cost. 2.Less flexibility Example: Recognition of R&D cost:GAPP views them as expense,and IFRS acknowledges researching cost as expense as well,but developing cost can be stated as expense or capitalize cost under IFRS,after its feasibility is confirmed. 3.More transparent Example: Income tax paid: CFO takes all the income tax paid obligation under GAAP,while CFO only states operating tax paid obligation,CFF and CFI states capitalizing one and investment one respectively. 4.Retrospective application of the new standards to opening equity as of January 1, 2004 to properly establish IFRS based data What characterizes the differences between the two sets of methods On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 the SEC reiterated its support for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this is conditional upon the accomplishment of a number of milestones. The SEC staff has developed a comprehensive work plan that will help to keep the process moving forward. The staff will regularly report progress to commissioners and a decision will be made in 2011 as to whether or not IFRS will be incorporated into the U.S. financial reporting system. There are many differences between Italian GAAP and IFRS. 1.Fair value in barter transaction GAAP admits the fair value in barter transaction which is similar to history transactions,IFRS also requires new trade to be similar to history ones but recognizes the fair value as the value in non-barter transactions. 2.Monitor interest It can be viewed as liabilities or equity or mezzanine section Under GAAP,but under IFRS it is illegal unless it is equity. 3.Comprehensive Income It is included in net income under GAPP,but under IFRS it is got rid of. 4.Dividend Received/Dividend Paid Dividend received is included in CFO statement,while dividend paid is included in CFF statement under GAAP,but under IFRS,they two can be allocated in both of CFO and CFF. 5.Upward revaluation(for fixed assets and intangible assets) GAAP does not allow this action but IFRS does. 6.Employee benefits-post employment & long-term Under GAAP,they are kinds of operating expense and actuarial gains and losses deferred and partially amortized over time.Under IFRS,related interest cost is classified in interest expense. 7.Goodwill The period of amortization of goodwill should not exceeding 20 years under GAAP.But under IFRS,goodwill cannot be amortized at all. 8.Sold receivables Under GAAP,it is typically off balance sheet,while it is typically reinstated under IFRS. 9.Start-up and similar charges They are deffered and amortized under GAAP,but are typically reinstated under IFRS. 10.Scope of consolidation Fiat Auto stakes in share parts business is accounted for under equity method under GAAP,while under IFRS,it is consolidated on a line by line basis, Unlike Italian GAAP rule-based standards,IFRS standards tend to be principle-based. Typically, rule-based standards are easily applied and enforced when compared to principle-based standards, however, along with rules, come exceptions. Exceptions to the rule-based standards of US GAAP add a level of complexity that often results in application issues. The move towards IFRS principle-based standards, accounts for exceptions to the rules by allowing judgment to exist when applying the standards to a company’s financials. Conversely, US GAAP encourages companies to comply with set laws anddiscourages evaluating the economic substance of a company’s activities. The trend towards IFRS has evolved around a widespread agreement to synchronize accounting standards internationally. The ultimate goal is to reduce costs for multi-national corporations, and to allow investors to make valid comparisons between companies across the world. Users of financial statements have pushed for the development of global standards that provide more consistent and comparable reporting worldwide. From the perspective of a minority investor in the company shares,I would like to choose IFRS because: Under IFRS minority investors can gain better information IFRS provides more transparent information of company’s management and transaction ,as a consequence minority investors’ confidence enhanced by Fiat’s transparent disclosure thus it leads positive expectation from market Adoption of IFRS is an international trend, competitors such as Peugeot and Volkswagen adopted IFRS. Investor can better understanding both Fiat and its competitors performance The trend towards IFRS has evolved around a widespread agreement to synchronize accounting standards internationally. The ultimate goal is to reduce costs for multi-national corporations, and to allow investors to make valid comparisons between companies across the world. Users of financial statements have pushed for the development of global standards that provide more consistent and comparable reporting worldwide. Summarize the main factors that affect management’s reporting incentives and strategy in fiscal year 2005,which factors might reduce management’s incentive to fully comply with the IFRS? In this part, we would like to conclude what are the main factors that influenced the management incentives and strategy in fiscal year 2005. Under IFRS, FIAT results would be consistent with market standards and they would be more comparable with its competitors from automotive industry. Financial position that was used in the past differs from the IFRS one, because it did not take into consideration financial receivables. Therefore, results, as well as many ratios were different in past. There is also the fact, that many investors did not invest into Fiat because they do not understand to Italian GAAP so much and therefore this investment would involve too much risk. IFRS are able to value the company better than GAAP and there is less space for influencing the financial results. That is also the fact, why IFRS are more beneficial for smaller investors. According to the law, there was a necessity to switch to IFRS but there was not necessity to fully comply with them. Under IFRS, many of financial data are changed. Elimination of goodwill amortisation is able to generate 0,2 billion EUR impact. The goodwill is not longer amortised. There should also be benefit of 0,3 billion EUR from recognition of gains and approximately 0,1 billion gain from impact of development costs. The whole impact therefore creates 0,6 billion euros. Under IFRS, there is different rules connect to selling of products. In connection to that there is the change in equity, which reduced by 0,5 billion Euros. On the other hand, it also increased the debt by 0,8 billion euros. IFRS allow having in consolidated statements only activities that are directly connected to the core business. This is one of the major changes. The company needs to prove, that they are healthy and that the have met or exceeded all their targets. Switching to IFRS could help them with emphasise their good data and performance and increase their value in eyes of investors as well as in eyes of potential creditors.

Japans Criminal Justice System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Japans Criminal Justice System - Essay Example Once arrested, the period f detention is three days under the authority f the police and then, with judicial authorization, a maximum f twenty days under prosecutor authority. Most f the time suspects are held during this period in a place f detention at the police station, known as a "substitute prison" (Daiyo-kangoku). Suspects in detention cannot refuse the summons to present themselves for questioning by an officer f the investigating police or by a public prosecutor. Often the questioning is repeated day and night for twenty-three days. Many police procedures are used without definite foundation in statutory law or specific agreement by those concerned, but "lawfulness" is generally admitted by case law. (Bayley 11-15) The public prosecutor, actively involved in the investigation "in case f need," can conduct it independently without the police. By making the most f his discretionary power as to the desirability f proceedings, the prosecutor nearly always anticipates the decision that would be rendered by the court. This is because the charges against the suspect must be sufficiently certain for actual conviction. (Johnson 300-5) Moreover, suspects consider it more serious and damaging to be accused before a court than to be questioned and even held by the police; they regard a verdict f acquittal to be an admission f the investigators' fault. Indeed, cases sometimes arise in which a person convicted at first instance, but acquitted on appeal or on judicial review, obtains compensation for "wrongful" prosecution. A further basic principle f criminal proceedings concerns the paramount importance assigned to a... Because the present Civil Code contains ambiguous and imprecise provisions with regard to evidence, judges seek to recompose and unify them in a simple form ÃŽ ¿f principles and exceptions: "if such facts exist, such a right shall be recognized, except when...." It is likely that, rather than scrupulously reflecting the distribution ÃŽ ¿f the burden ÃŽ ¿f proÃŽ ¿f in terminology, the drafters ÃŽ ¿f the Code did not have enough time to account for the opinions ÃŽ ¿f judges who only recently had taken up their duties. Although contemporary positivist judges do not directly criticize the Civil Code, academics whose main activity consists ÃŽ ¿f research on theory and comparative law are often targeted, in most cases these academics are unaware ÃŽ ¿f crucial practical considerations owing to the nature ÃŽ ¿f their training and career, separate from that ÃŽ ¿f other jurists. Now that judicial structure is well-established and the provisional, reign ÃŽ ¿f the "borrowed plumes" (from Europea ns) ÃŽ ¿f the Professorenrecht has ended, one might see magistrates' confidence adumbrated in new ideas regarding interpretation ÃŽ ¿f positive law. However, whether it relates to investigative perfectionism in criminal matters or to attachment ÃŽ ¿f presupposed ultimate facts in civil matters, precision justice always concerns the precision ÃŽ ¿f facts. It is essentially case facts that seem to occupy a large place in judicial thinking. These elements ÃŽ ¿f "factualism" sometimes prevail over the major principles ÃŽ ¿f rights and justice in their juridical evaluations. This is probably connected to the phenomena ÃŽ ¿f "non-justice," which will now be considered.

Product and Evolutionary & Revolutionary Innovations Essay

Product and Evolutionary & Revolutionary Innovations - Essay Example They defined market orientation as the mix of customer orientation & competitor orientation. However Slater and Narver (1998. pp1000-1005) argued that customer orientation and market orientation should not be mixed. Customer orientation often results in short term myopic innovations whereby it is assumed that customers know very well what they want and hence following their wish list will automatically result in improved competitive advantages of the organizations. They further argued that customers grossly lack foresight of what they need and hence the organization will end up getting defocused from what they need and hence their products sell till the time the customers change their choices by realizing that this was not they needed. Market orientation appears similar to customer orientation but there is a fundamental difference - market orientation is focused on customer needs and not their desires. Market orientation needs serious inter-functional orientation because the market s tudy needs to be translated into long term goals and corresponding product innovations. An organization can get the best out of market orientation when they have sufficient skills to develop products that are not easy for competitors to imitate thus achieving an overall enhancements in competitive advantages. Olson & Walker et al. (1995. pp. ... on for new product innovations with help of market orientation - Bureaucratic Control, Individual Liaisons, Temporary Task Forces, Integrating Managers, Matrix Structures, Design Teams and Design Centers. On the other hand, innovations for customer orientation may not require such in-depth inter-functional coordination. Hence, the author concludes that both market orientation and inter-functional orientation of an organization are important and their effective integration results in newness of the products. "Evolutionary" and "Revolutionary" innovations Veryzer (1998. pp. 304-321) defined two fundamental types of innovations - evolutionary or continuous innovations and revolutionary or discontinuous innovations. The evolutionary innovations are targeted to evolve incremental innovations of the existing products thus allowing them to continue with improved features. The revolutionary innovations are radical in nature that takes the world by surprise through some kind of breakthrough that forces the corresponding existing products to obsolescence. The author observed that the definitions of the two types of innovations explained by the researchers are from the perspective of the innovators that are carrying out technological changes in the existing products. But these two aspects should also be seen from the perspective of end users as well. From an end user perspective, something is radical only when it completely changes the way they have been seeing the product. The author hereby presents an example of VCR versus CD/DVD players. Fr om the perspective of the innovators, both are completely different technologies and hence CD/DVD players are revolutionary innovations. But the end users may argue that their primary objective was to see video on their television sets

LASA 2 - The Case For or Against New Orleans Study

LASA 2 - The For or Against New Orleans - Case Study Example Objectives This research and case study aims to establish the facts about the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina, considering both the short-term losses as well as the long-term potential losses in the event that nothing or little is done to reconstruct and prevent a similar calamity. On the basis of facts, it also aims to discover advantages and disadvantages, risks and opportunities of substantial investments which will be required to allow New Orleans to prevent another level-5 disaster. Finally, a Cost-Benefit Analysis will be formulated to arrive at a recommended decision about the budget that should be allocated for the reconstruction. Alternative Courses of Action A. Proceed with funding the ongoing development of New Orleans until Level 5 standards are achieved. B. Cut down the funding and stagger developments in New Orleans. C. Stop funding the NOLA development. Areas of Consideration and Analysis Risks Involved By reconstructing the levee with a standard capable of withsta nding a Level 5 hurricane similar to Katrina, the substantial productivity of New Orleans will not be stopped as it did when 400,000 people evacuated the place and 124,000 lost their jobs. ... Costs and Benefits What are the costs and benefits of the New Orleans Flood Protection System, according to Hallegatte, Stephanie (2005)? As to the effects of climate change, it includes the increase of intensity in the power of hurricanes (p.5). This implies a greater need for stronger and higher levees to protect New Orleans against another major flood. The estimated cost from the viewpoint of local officials was $ 32 billion. Another estimate which considered loss of human lives and the views of insurance companies amounted to $ 30 billion. Hallegatte admitted that the basis for calculating the justifiable budget was not solidly grounded (p.4). This was apparently due to a failure to consider the productivity of people in the area which would cease to be delivered if the workers of New Orleans decide not to be established in New Orleans. In a study of workers’ productivity, the report cited that Americans are most productive on the average per worker. Each one can produce à ¢â‚¬Å"$63,885 of wealth per year, more than their counterparts in all other countries, the International Labor Organization said in its report. Ireland comes in second at $55,986, followed by Luxwmbourg at $55,641, Belgium at $ 55,235 and France at $ 54,609.† according to Klapper, Bradley S. (2007) of Associated Press. This opportunity loss should be the major basis for deciding to what extent New Orleans should be rebuilt, for the simple reason that $63,885 x 124,000 people who lost their jobs = $ 7.9 billion per year. In 130 years, which is the number of years it might take before another major flood tries to destroy a reconstructed New Orleans, the workers of New Orleans will have produced $ 1.027 Trillion worth of wealth for the USA. In another report about

HIP HOP Dance (Article Responses) Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HIP HOP Dance ( Responses) - Article Example While the article is quite informative regarding the different related dance forms, it does not talk much about the characteristics of hip hop culture apart from dance moves. Hence the reading becomes little monotonous at times and the details and given one after another without much flow or transition of paragraphs maintained. The dance form helps in maintaining fitness can be regarded as an added advantage. It has been seen that many people prefer to learn and practice a dance form like this instead of hitting a gym. This helps in combining pleasure with effort and lead to the desirable outcome. One of the beneficial impacts observed in the article about this dance form is that it helped in minimisimg violence as people charge their energy into break dancing with each other instead of fighting. This is the psychological aspect explored by the author and gives us innovative insights. We come to learn the various forms of Hip Hop dance includes Harlem shake, Snap dance, Gangsta walki ng. Thus these arouse the readers’ interests in learning more about this dance form in practice. It would not be wrong to say that this art form has become a part of our culture. Thus we see that Hip Hop has got a worldwide appeal with more than million followers over the world. Reference Oak, M. (2013), History of Hip hop dance,retrieved on September 15, 2013 from: www.buzzle.com Pedagogy of Hip Hop dance Watching Hip hop dance in the classroom instead of continuous chain of boring lectures sounds fascinating indeed. Gone are the days of Gurukul system where the learners imbibe knowledge verbally from their guru. The author Seth E. Davis comes out with an innovatively fresh approach of conducting a literature class on the beats of hip hop music and dance. The article brings out a certain diversion from education to a dance form rendering a pedagogical significance through the medium of an art form. The arcticle observes that Hip hop dance form has helped in narrowing the gap between the learners and the instructors. The view of combining the techniques of the dance form into the curriculum is supported by various scholars.Use of Hip hop dialogue through rap, spoken words, dancing, turntablism and muralism are the ways of learning taken up by students, as pointed by the scholar Rodriguez. Hence it helps in spreading knowledge among the students in an interesting way. The author here neglects the relevance of the discipline factor in a student life. Though the article facilitates healthy development of teacher – pupil relationship which forms the core aim of education but it undermines the importance of teachers in the long run. Hip hop culture manifests students to think critically on a subject matter and develop their own understanding. Inspite of the fact that the art form marks a tool for social change, it cannot be overlooked that it hampers the overall atmosphere of the classroom. Reference Davis, S. (2007 ), Hip hop pedagogy, retrieved on S eptember 15, 2013 from: http://ccr.syr.edu/~sedavi07/hiphoppedagogy.html The Evolution of Hip Hop: Is it even Hip-Hop? Is the role of hip hop limited to uplift back culture? Have the basic features changed? Kool DJ Herc is regarded as the pioneer of the hip-hop culture. However, throughout the years the culture has gone through vast changes. In the article titled â€Å"The Evolution of Hip-hop; Is it even Hip-hop?† Dushawn Roberts opines that the exclusive American-African culture has been greatly influenced as well as

State and Federal Systems Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

State and Federal Systems Paper - Essay Example 1101, et seq) has been similarly adapted in other states in the country and has tasked the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission as an agency of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to have the elective capacity to administer its civil rights enforcement. The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (36 OS 3614.2) of Oklahoma "cannot discriminate in employment based in results of genetic testing (DNA, RNA, chromosome testing). Except for determining coverage or benefits employer may not even ask for such testing." Federal law provided the Health Insurance and Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to provide some protection against discrimination however this act does not ensure: "the limit of collection by insurers and prohibit them from requiring an individual to take the test further it does not limit the disclosure of information" The provision set forth in the federal law has inclusions that may leave room or excuse for the allowance of such procedure. HIPAA has not discussed nor assure non disclosure of such findings, thereby leaving room for doubt with respect to the actual right of the person. For the protection of women workers, the Oklahoma State in its Equal Pay Act (40 OS 198.1), added it "unlawful to willfully pay women employees less than males who are performing comparable work which have comparable requirements relating to skill except when differential is based upon merit system; seniority; a system basing compensation through quantity or quality of production; or any other factor rather than sex." Further this act has added stiff penalties for its violations and delegates the filing of suits to the Department of Labor. The above law is considerably treated as a derivative from the nation's Equal Pay Act(EPA) (29 USC 206d) however the scope sought to broaden and clarify the basis for the comparison cited above. As a diversified state with an economy centered on manufacturing, agriculture, mining and services, the State of Oklahoma has also provided a remarkable protection against smokers or the Smoker's Rights (40 O.S. 500, et seq). This law considers it illegal for an employer to practice "discrimination against persons who smoke during off-duty hours; discriminate against employees who do not smoke; cannot require an employee to refrain from smoking during off-duty hours unless such is provided by the union contract". Currently, North America is besieged with numerous by-laws against smoking and smokers. Other states have audaciously made it a point to ban smoking in the work premises. Non-smokers would be thankful for the passage of such laws. However such laws discriminates the person from finding a lucrative job fee from constant reprimand from its management and may affect the behavioral attitude of an employee towards the management and with his co-workers at the same time. Somehow, smokers do have to find work and the government cannot afford an incidence of job displacements because of this particular habit. Finding a conducive place for the release of this habit at a favorably appointed time would be more logical than its outright suppression. The Discrimination Act in its entirety, has carefully enumerated illegal acts of discriminating an individual by virtue of his: race, color and national origin hiring as stated in the Federal Laws. Cultural and racial practices however

Skill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Skill - Essay Example Due to the word limit with the essay, I will look into some of the aspects that have been taking place during the therapeutic process. I will also look at the components that have been fundamental for my growth both at a clinical and a personal level. I will highlight and concentrate on the humanistic concepts, tools, and skills that I have learned, experienced, and used during the sessions. I will also refer to some past notions that are now part of my way of being in the therapeutic room. These are embedded in the psychodynamic and existential modalities. I have realized that a very individual a personal approach has been germinating in me. Moreover, I will take into account the important and essential feedback that I have received both from my colleagues and my tutors. I will concentrate on two of the many sessions that I have played the role of the therapist—in both sessions the client was the same. The client was a well-educated English man in his late twenties who had recently broken up with his girlfriend of five years. Moreover, his father died of cancer two years ago and he was still battling to come to terms with his death. He said he felt overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and called himself a â€Å"fixer.† The relationship between a client and a therapist is for me at the core of the therapeutic process. Carl Rogers, in this Humanistic trimester, has elucidated the importance of the former. From the classical psychoanalysis in which the therapist was seen as the expert in a kind of doctor/patient relationship, one of the Rogerian revolutions was to bring a collaborative and equalitarian rapport that replaced the earlier idea into the therapeutic room. In addition, Rogers’s view on the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist was as follows: â€Å"If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself or herself the

Foundations of Conflict Resolution MODULE 3 CASE ASSIGNMENT Essay

Foundations of Conflict Resolution MODULE 3 CASE ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example The cooperation showed by the parties was an over ridding principle which allowed the two parties to continue on with the discussion. In the case there is a strong possibility of a Pareto – Optimal settlement. The case meets a number of the conditions like: â€Å"Despite conflicting interests, the parties recognize that they also share a problem of some urgency which, if not promptly resolved, may have adverse consequences for them all. Despite differences of perspective, the parties communicate easily with one another. No psychological problems or hidden motivations stunt or disturb the flow of communication. The parties and their attorneys are genuinely interested in possibilities of settlement without the distractions of posturing or jockeying for strategic advantage. Neither party is able or "willing to exercise overwhelming power or influence in the negotiations to force a decision in his or her favor." Each party understands the others arguments and interests, and neith er party is willing to risk the possibility of a judgment adverse to it in a court of law. Objectively based criteria can be identified on which to build a settlement. The dialogue of negotiation discovers win/ win possibilities via "expansion of the resource to be traded." The parties may have an actual or potential relationship that each perceives as worth maintaining or cultivating. Both parties are willing to coordinate their actions in order to implement win/win solutions† (Selig, 2002). Practical points that can derived from this case is that if the disputants have a strong understanding and ability to communicate and resolve the issue among themselves, it can prove to be very beneficial for all the parties and can create a win – win situation for all. Also if all the aspects of the case are considered, it is seen that the cooperative behaviour along with the need for and willingness to genuinely have a need for settlement.

Management Skills in Human Resource Development Essay Example for Free

Management Skills in Human Resource Development Essay Technical skills encompass the ability to apply specialized knowledge or expertise. When you think of the skills held by professionals such as civil or oral surgeons, you typically focus on their technical skills .Through extensive formal education, they have learned the special knowledge and practices of their field. Of course ,professionals donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a monopoly on technical skills ,and not all technical skills ,have to be learned in schools or formal training programs .All jobs require some specialized expertise ,and many people develop their technical skills on the job. Human Skills The ability to work with ,understand ,and motivate other people ,both individually and in groups ,describes ,human skills many people are technically proficient but interpersonally incompetent. They might be poor listeners ,unable to understand the needs of others, or have difficulty managing conflicts .Since managers get things done through other people ,they must have good human skills to communicate ,motivate, and delegate. Conceptual Skills Managers must have the mental ability to analyze and diagnose complex situations. These tasks require conceptual skills. Decision making, for instance, requires managers to spot problems, identify alternatives that can correct them, evaluate those alternatives ,and select the best one .Managers can be technically and interpersonally competent yet still fail because of an inability to rationally process and interpret information Effective vs. Successful Managerial activities Fred Luthans and his associates looked at the issue of what managers do from a somewhat different perspective. They asked the question : Do managers who move up most quickly in an organization do the same activities and with the same emphasis as managers who do the best job? You would tend to think that the managers who were the most effective in their jobs would also be the ones who were promoted fastest .But thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not what appears to happen. Luthans and his associates studied more than 450 managers .What they found was that these managers all engaged in four managerial activities : Traditional Management. Decision making ,planning, and controlling. Communication. Exchanging routine information and processing paperwork.

Essay about Makkah

Essay about Makkah Mecca is a holy place of Muslims in Saudi Arabia where it is believed that the prophet Muhammad lived and taught more than 1,300 years ago. Mecca is the holiest city in Islam. Mecca had become an important place in the history by the time when Prophet Mohammed (peace is upon him)  was born in about 570 AD. Mecca, the holy place has fallen with yearly ebb and flow of pilgrims as a result of growing Muslim community in the World and eventually the spread of Islam. The economic status of the city greatly depends on the large number of pilgrims visiting every year and their accommodation, feeding and transportation. (Ahmed Z.U. 1992). Prophet Mohammed (peace is upon him) was born in Makkah and was descended with the Holy Quran, and since then the propagation for Islam was launched. In the heart of the city is the Holy Mosque in the centre of which the Holy Kaaba is located, The Maqam of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Ismaiels stone (May God bless them), Zamzam well in which water has been pouring from hundreds of years, and Safa and Marwah where Muslims make Saie. There are other holy shrines of Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat near Makkah. Arafat is located at the Mount Arafat where pilgrims perform the main ritual of Hajj as the day of Arafat. Hajj is scheduled according to the lunar calendar and so moves 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Due to seasonal variation over time, the Hajj occurs at different times each year (Yamin M. et al 2009). It becomes difficult in summers as the temperatures in Saudi Arabia are very high. Unlike other Saudi Arabian cities, Mecca retains its warm temperature in winter, which can range from 17  Ã‚ °C at midnight to 25  Ã‚ °C in the afternoon. Summer temperatures are considered very hot and break the 40  Ã‚ °C mark in the afternoon dropping to 30  Ã‚ °C (86  Ã‚ °F) in the evening. Rain usually falls in Mecca in small amounts between November and January. Tourism at Mecca Mecca, the holy city in Saudi Arabia is believed to be the centre of the Islamic world. The journey to Mecca as the Hajj is popular to the Muslims all over the world but the Mecca travel is forbidden for non-Muslims. There are billions of people coming to Mecca for Hajj from all over the world. The Hajj in Mecca is the largest pilgrimage in the world. The Mecca city is Saudi Arabia is increasingly called Makkah. It is similar to the pronunciation of the Arabic word than does the English translation called Mecca. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the premises of Mecca, Saudi Arabia at any time of the year due to the fact that the Mecca travel and the Hajj are only intended for Muslims. It has happened in the past that several non-Muslims have entered Mecca; the penalties of it are quite harsh including deportation and jail time. Tourism in Mecca involves some advance planning. There is a special visa required by every Muslim who wishes to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. There is a valid visa required to enter the Hajj grounds. In case of Saudi citizens, permission is necessary. The foreign pilgrims intend to perform Hajj applies for a visa by furnishing information and undergoing some medical examination. The visa is granted by Saudi government by approval of the Hajj management in Saudi Arabia. Each pilgrim is assigned to a group of Hajj management called Munazzim once their visa is granted. Munnazim is responsible for their travel and accommodation arrangements in the Hejaz (Yamin M. et al 2009). In addition, a letter from the local mosque stating that the person is a Muslim is also required. Women who are under 45 years of age must travel with a male or a mahram considered being the head of the family. There should be a proof of their relationship. On the other hand, women over 45 years of age must carry a permission letter from her husband or her father along with the proof her being a part of the Mecca tourism group. The visa to travel Mecca does not permit to travel outside of Mecca and if anyone wants to travel other cities, they must apply for additional visa. The pilgrimage to Mecca commence at the Jeddah airport, a large city in Saudi Arabia. As the tourism in Mecca is very popular during the Hajj month, there are two special terminals for the people arriving to Mecca. There are direct bus services from the airport to Mecca Saudi Arabia. On arrival to the city of Mecca, the Muslims have to follow traditional rituals, called Umrah. These traditions should be followed by all the pilgrims. The rituals that are acted out in the incidents of the Quran are relatively hard to perform or rather complex and takes about a week. It is important that the pilgrims must wear the traditional pilgrimage clothing followed by a walk in the region of the Kaaba in a counter clockwise direction several times. After this ritual, next comes Saey which factually means run whereby the pilgrims walk back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, the region where the wife of Prophet Abraham ran recklessly in search of water for her son. It has been written in Quran that there is a fountain that appears between the hills (Ahmed Z.U. 1992). Other rituals during the Hajj include going to Arafat. This is the the place where Mohammed gave his final sermon. The ritual is followed by drinking water from the Zamzam well which is inside the Great Mosque. It is believed by all the Muslims that their God provided water to Hajar and Ismail at this well when they were strolling in the desert. These two people are the central figures of Islam. Mecca travel is a meaningful once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the Muslims. Tourism issues There have been many tourism issues in Mecca that arise during the Hajj period. Many incidents have happened during the past years causing loss of hundreds of lives. It is estimated that there are 1.4 billion Muslims in the World and each one must visit Mecca for pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime if they can. It is all the way very hard to manage millions of people in Mecca during the month of Hajj. Crowd Stampede Stampedes are likely to occur at the Hajj because of the huge crowd and an extraordinary pressure. The individuals may stumble thereby precipitating an entire stampede. Massive crowds walking from one place to the other place of the pilgrimage, cause a stampede. There is a panic when the pilgrims jostle to avoid being trampled resulting in hundreds of deaths. For example, the ceremony of stoning the Devil is very crowded and dangerous and so can result in serious crowd accidents. The following incidents occurred due to massive crowding at the Hajj. 2nd July, 1990 Arafat plains of Hajj: A stampede inside a pedestrian tunnel leading out from Mecca towards Mina, Saudi Arabia and the Plains of Arafat led to the deaths of 1,426 pilgrims. 23rd May, 1994 270 pilgrims were killed in crowd during the stoning of the Devil. 9th April, 1998 Incident at Jamarat Bridge where 118 pilgrims died and 180 were injured. 5th March, 2001 During the ritual of stoning the Devil, 35 pilgrims were trampled to death. 11th February, 2003 14 pilgrims died in a rush during the stoning of the Devil ceremony. 1st February, 2004 251 pilgrims were killed and 244 people were injured in a stampede during the stoning ceremony in Mina. 12th January, 2006 346 pilgrims were killed and more than 289 were injured in Mina on the last day of the Hajj while performing the ritual ramy al-jamarÄ t. Diseases Disease spread is also a tourism issue in Mecca. This could be explained on the fact that there are millions of people from many countries visiting Mecca, of which some of them may have poor health systems, leading to the spread of epidemics. If there is a disease outbreak during the Hajj, this could make the problem worse when they returned home and passing the infection on to others. There have been such incidents in the past where the disease has spread among the pilgrims causing severe health problems. One such disease, called meningitis has been given a prompted response from the Saudi government. There were many concerns about the disease after its international outbreak at Hajj in 1987. Due to these global outbreaks of certain types of meningitis in previous years, it is now a visa requirement to be immunised with the ACW135Y vaccine before arrival. Every year, the Saudi government publishes a list of required vaccines for pilgrims, which for 2010 also includes yellow fever, p olio, and influenza. Trauma and other fatal events The word Hajj defines movement. There is a lot of chaos in transportation during the Hajj. The pilgrimage moves on foot in dense traffic for hours at a time. During the Hajj season in Mecca, there is inordinate traffic congestion. Other issues in tourism are fire incidents that happened in previous years. December 1975 Fire due to explosion a gas cylinder in a tent resulted in the death of 200 pilgrims. 15th April, 1997 Fire in a tent in Mina killing 343 pilgrims and 1,500 injured. In order to prevent such dangerous incidents, the kingdom has replaced all the tents and the tents are now fireproof with a variety of which are made up of aluminium frames with fibreglass. The risk of fire is now considered much lower (Memish Z.A. et al 2002). Tourism management Management in Mecca during the Hajj, handling millions of people during a specific month is not an easy task. The officials of the government of the Saudi Arabia should have done more to prevent such catastrophes. It is claimed by the government of Saudi Arabia that such massive crowd are very dangerous and difficult to manage, and that they have taken a number of steps to prevent problems. There are improvements of touristic facilities at Jeddah, Mecca and Madinah. There have been number of steps undertaken to overcome the hurdles and the incidents in the past. One of the controversial significant steps in action inculcates new system of registrations, passports, and visas to control the mass flow of pilgrims. This system intends to encourage and accommodate visitors travelling for the first time to Mecca, while restricting repeat visits. Such a system was protested by the pilgrims who have the desire and wishes to perform the Hajj several times and they have been biased about this system, but the Hajj Commission has stated that they see no substitute if further incidents and disasters are to be prevented. As a result of the stampede in 2004, there have been concerns and considerations by the Saudi authorities. The authorities have aboard a big construction work in and around the Jamarat Bridge area. Additional access ways, footbridges, and emergency exits were built, and concrete walls were designed to replace the three cylindrical pillars allowing more pilgrims to have a simultaneous access to them without fighting for position and deprived of crowd. A multi-million-dollar project has been designed and put into action by the government to expand the bridge to five levels. For crowd management, many organizations are using RFID chips to track and monitor people and products. This high technology is an effective way of identifying and helping people in urgent situations (Yamin M. et al 2009). These RFID carry some PDA (readable data) which can be used for medical emergencies and for reporting lost pilgrims with their groups. The device should be linked to the event database so as to facilitate the retrieval and updates as and when required. The disease spreads and recent outbreaks of H1N1 virus (swine influenza and bird flu) have made the crowd management more challenging. For the management of diseases, as mentioned earlier, there are set of medical examinations and immunizations to be undergone by the pilgrims to be registered in the event database. Therefore, the management of Hajj can be sum up in three phases. Phase one is about the necessary planning to organize Hajj and to intend pilgrims before departure to Saudi Arabia. Second phase refers to the Hajj process whereby different management steps are undertaken to control the issues in way of the Hajj process and the last phase directs to the measures undertaken to facilitate smooth return of pilgrims to their respective destinations.

A Curse and a Gift :: Personal Narrative Death Papers

A Curse and a Gift He stands in the dark, lingering. Always linger. Faceless, but his cold, menacing eyes illuminate from the depth of the abyss. He’s gone now. My attention is diverted to a lonely, deserted road. There’s no sign of life anywhere. It’s pitch dark and I’m walking. I don’t know where I’m going, but I have to get out of this darkness. A cold, unsettling breeze emerges from a warm, summer’s night. I feel chills rising through my spine. â€Å"Something’s wrong.† I walk for a considerable amount of time. Finally, out of nowhere I see a speck of light. I get closer. A somber crowd stands in a circle with their heads down, as if at a funeral. Two cars, a red Pontiac Firebird, and a silver Toyota Celica, had lost control and gotten into a terrible collision. They look familiar. I force my way through the spellbound, immobile crowd. My heart beat fastens to a thousand beats per minute. I drop to my knees in hysteria. â€Å"Kelvin! Kelvin! Not you too! Please don’t do this to me!† He lays there. Face up towards a glorious sky. There are millions of stars out tonight. But I haven’t noticed them. He just lays there. His hands folded and resting on his thigh, he lays in a pool of blood, on the dry, brown earth. He hasn’t suffered any substantial physical injuries from what I can see. He looks peaceful, so peaceful, in eternal repose. I can still recognize him. He’s 6’1, with a dark, chocolate complexion, an athletic build and a handsome face. He is my brother. Claudia, a close friend of mine, comes up to me in tears. She puts her arms around me and says â€Å"I’m so sorry.† She and Kelvin, both proud thrill-seekers were racing. She has survived the collision. My brother is gone. I woke up sweating and distraught, in tears. My heart was still racing. I frantically recited psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer. After that, I grabbed the television remote which I had placed under my collection of stuff animals and turned on the television to Cartoon Network. Tom and Jerry was being showed. I reached for my journal which lay next to the remote on my bed, and began to write. Imagine losing your uncle, cousin and a very close family friend in one year. Better yet, imagine losing four people that are very dear to you in a three year time span.

The Homeless In England :: essays research papers

The Homeless in England Introduction I decided to study the homeless' situation before we went to England, so I tried to get information about it via the internet, but it was so much information that I soon gave up... When we got to England I thought about changing subject to the pub culture because it seemed easier to write about, but after a few days I had seen so many homeless people that I got used to it and therefor dared to talk to them and ask them questions about their situation and why they where homeless. Many people just walked right by the homeless without even look at them (rather the reverse, look another way), but other people stopped to talk to them and buy their paper. I've used the homeless people as sources and also their paper. When I came home I searched on the internet to get information and there was a lot of it, so I choosed some headings and took a closer look at them. Who's homeless? I thought, before I went to England, that every homeless person was that by his/her own choice, but after talking to them and read about it I know that some of the homeless is that by their own choice. They choose to be homeless for different reasons, like a protest against the society or just to try the homeless life. 25% of the homeless are war veterans and most of them from Vietnam. They are mentally traumatised by their war experiences, some of them are disable and others are just unable to find work so they can pay a rent. 25% of the homeless are children and many of them are alone. They're maybe run- aways who left home because there was no food at home, or because they're victims of rape, incest or violence. Many of them are "throwaways", whose parents tell them to leave home or won't allow them to return home once they've left. Many of the homeless are elderly people with fixed income, and I guess that's not the traditional image of homeless people. They receive about  £450 a month in benefits and if they pay  £350 for rent it's pretty logical that they can't live a decent life. Many elderly people are living in poverty in an apartment with no proper heating, no water etc., and many of the elderly homeless are afraid to go to soup kitchens or shelters, so they aren't seen on the streets. Myths There's a lot of myths going around about the homeless. Very often these myths are told by someone without any or with just a little knowledge about the

Shamanism :: essays papers

Shamanism To say the sacred trances of Bali and Java was an inspirational film would be an understatement. The power of the people Bali originating from their faith and belief in their religious convictions was truly amazing. The closest thing in this country to that type of mental state is the state of hypnosis. There religious ceremonies stem from their cultures and the merging of two different worlds. This imergance created a truly remarkable civilization. The film "Sacred Trances of Bali and Java" was just one portion of this society. Once seeing this film I wanted to research a little more into the world of the Balinese. Families are so close in Bali that each member, be it brother/brother-in-law, sister/sister-in-law, mother and father, uncle and aunt all reside in the same compels. The family dwellings are surrounded by a boundary wall and inside these walls are contained the family temple, commune area, sleeping quarters, gardens and live stock. Each stage of Balinese life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusa Yadnya. The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even before the birth of the child. Another ceremony takes place soon after the birth, during which the afterbirth is buried with appropriate offerings. The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby's first Balinese year of 210 days. The Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried while an auspicious day is chosen for the creation. Since a big cremation can be very expensive, less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation, sending their own dead. These concepts were important for me to realize after watching the film and I returned and watched the film another time after doing some research on this fascinating people. The trance states and the way in which the people of Bali was the topic of this film. It showed much symbolism as well as ceremonies. The film centered on the Horse Ritual. To fully understand the ritual and the symbolic meaning of this ritual we must look at the history of these people especially the origin of their modern day religion.

Evil Disney, Research Response to Henry Giroux Essay

There are plenty of hotbed issues on how the Disney corporation’s sociological and socio political ideologies are embedded into their products and how they affect children, but very few ask why Disney would place hidden ideologies in their movies/shows. What reasons would Disney have to program children with outdated morals while trying desperately to uphold a model image of innocence? What practices has the disney corporation practiced that some would consider immoral or even illegal? To answer these questions the following issues must be explored in more depth: The history and actions of Disney from its inceptions to the present,Walt’s strict â€Å"moral† code along with the legacy he left behind, the policies of Disneyland along with the corporation’s political, judicial and economical power, Walt’s ties to the FBI and organized crime syndicates, and the revolving door politics in our government. Disney’s powers have allowed them unprecedented freedoms associated with a private company and the pandora’s box that is Evil Mickey. First,what is the Disney corporation and how did it come to be? It was created almost single handedly by Walter Elias â€Å"Walt† Disney. He was born on December 5, 1901, one of five children. Walt had a love for drawing cartoons early on and even made money as a child by selling some of them to family and friends. When he was 16 he joined the Red Cross as an ambulance driver for WW1 after being denied service in the army for his young age. This patriotic fervor that would later shape his cartoons. When he returned home from the war he made a few failed attempts at working in different animation companies until he and his brother, Roy, started the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923 after moving to California. The two of them prospered despite two major setbacks becoming one of the most powerful media conglomerates today. Their first setback happened In the late 1920’s. Disney learned that Winkler and her husband, Charles Mintz, had basically stolen their entire enterprise when they stole the rights to Oswald, an early character for his laugh-o-grams. Along with all but one former employee, Iwerks, who refused to leave Disney, hopefully winning him employee of the year. (biography. com) Charles was unsatisfied with the production costs for earlier creations. When Oswald became highly successful, Mintz hired all of the former employees thereby giving the rights to the later formed Universal picture’s first creation. According to his biography, during this time Walt’s wife was pregnant with their first child and Walt went into a deep depression claiming it on â€Å"financial stress†. (sito, ch5) There is a lot of speculation about this time in Walt’s life. Some say that the Mishpucka and the organized mob had an influence into this(babbit); the mob, who at the time were powerful in the freezone of Hollywood, controlling unions, local law, real estate, film sets, etc. Time Magazine, Nov. 1, 1943, wrote, â€Å"In the witness chair in Manhattan’s Federal Court sat bland, Wily Willie Bioft (pronounced Buy-off), blackmailer, panderer, labor leader, and now star witness against eight ex-pals, who are charged with shaking down $1 million from the movie industry†¦ Question: Was it true that Bioft once had a five-year plan for taking over 20% of Hollywood’s profits-and eventually 50% interest In the studios themselves? Bioff (wistfully): â€Å"If we’d lasted that long, we would have. Question: â€Å"Did you ever say you were boss of Hollywood and could make producers do whatever you wanted? † Bioff: â€Å"Yes-and I could make them dance to my tune. † Although Bioff rolled over on his pals and ended up getting car bombed later there is no proof that Walt ever worked with them or against them. The only link between Walt and the Mishpucka/Mafia is Mafia associate, Henry Cohn. After the first setback with Mintz Walt was heavily in debt and needed some way to bounce back his business after losing nearly everything but his mind. Henry offered to give Walt a loan. The thought of the mafia looming over his head is one of the reasons stated for his severe depression (Rasmussen&Sito) The theft of Oswald, was a blessing in disguise that lead to the creation of Mickey Mouse and later to create the worlds first full length animated movie in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which won 8 Oscars and made 1. 5 million despite being in the midst of an economic meltdown. (biography. com) Opening up Disney to a whole new realm of marketing and showing Walt the popularity and power of his studios. The second setback was the strike of 1941. Which was instigated by the firing of former head of the Federation of Screen Cartoonists and later leader of the Screen Cartoonists Guild, Art Babbitt on May 28, which caused 200 animators to go on strike almost immediately. (Sito&babbit) Walt early on had discovered that propaganda and public image were key to selling media, which is why he was so studious about keeping the interior of the workplace â€Å"Christian†. Walt had created the Federation of Screen artists to better control his workers, which was a union that regularly met with him on issues such as wage increases, better hours, less footage quotas, and better work environments. Since Walt was notorious for being a bit cruel and demanding in the office. (rasmussen) Though as soon as Art learned this he created the Screen Cartoonists Guild whose recruiting patterns were not the nicest methods possible but it did get them all to join â€Å"There were these tough union guys who said we couldn’t enter the door unless we joined, so we did. Under protest I joined. Because of the new job classification my salary doubled overnight. So i can’t complain about the union. † (sito) This was a time when union laws were strong under Teddy Roosevelt, more often than not the law would favor the people over the corporation. This was also a time when many Mob bosses were often also Union bosses so it was a give and take situation. Unions were now viewed as less as a helpful barrier between workers and the corporations to something evil, something, Communist. With the Red scare well under way and people were mixing socialist ideologies with communism. Though at this time the idea of communism was quite popular the way patsies were during the prohibition age. It was doing quite well in the underground of society. Even within Disney there was communism, Walt even thought communist agitators were the culprit to the 1941 strike. sito) This all of course is the end result of years of oppressive rule under Walt along with strengthening unions demanding better pay and working conditions. Walt hated those whose ideas drifted more towards the left wing which would fit the image of the highly conservative man he was. In the office an employee could be fired on the spot for any kind of social infraction. If an employee cursed or made any sort of rude engagements with a woman they would be forced to leave and of course there was no drinking allowed in his office. Disney employees under Walt had to get a hall pass to go to the restroom or get up at all† Of course walt was known for his rages, often times screaming at artists who had not met his quotas of 30 to sometimes 60 feet of film in one day. He was also known to be a heavy drinker in his officeâ€Å"You could smell the gin on his breath everyday after lunch† (Sito) Walt testified about the strike in the hearings of the House Committee on Un-American Activities about this and much more calling them â€Å"Communist agitators†, among other less decent things. sito) This of course started the well documented relationship between Walt and the FBI from 1940 till his death. He was promoted to full Special Agent in Charge Contact, which meant he had people under him finding communists and saboteurs, Ronald Reagan being one of his fellow operatives under T-10. He and Reagan Blacklisted many writers, actors and artists for having a differing political belief as that of the reigning government. The FBI also gained access to Disneyland to use as a platform for whatever they want. There is talk online on blogs that the FBI still use Disneyland to monitor foreign nationals entering the park since the threat of communism no longer applies. (Herbert&Sito&Babbit&Rasmussen) The relationship Walt had with the FBI and the ability to blacklist anybody he wanted may subscribe to Disney’s amazing rise during this time as a media powerhouse(but thats only speculation) This cozy relationship between Disney and the government has continued through the wonderful world of the revolving door politics. A sad modern relationship that is so commonly seen between politics and private companies. Many who are in executives in Disney will enter into politics and gain high levels positions starting as lobbyists and squeezing their way into actual positions of power in the government. Marsha Macbride for example, worked as an FCC chief of staff to chairman powell for years before sometime in the late 1990’s she started to lobby for Disney and was a major advisor in the clinton administration as well as during the merger of time warner and AOL, which Disney ended up winning and gaining rights along with cash settlements in 2003. The next year she is working as the Executive Vice President for Legal and Regulatory Affairs at the National Association of Broadcasters and still is. (gov relations 1-3) Another is Lisa Caputo who served citigroup, disney vp of communications and as a bill clinton staffer (gov relations 5)or Susan Fox who worked as an fcc advisor before going to work for disney as an advisor between the government on their divisions such as the Disney Interactive Media Group, Disney Channel, the Disney ABC Cable Networks, ABC and ESPN. (gov relations 4) Others include George mitchell who worked in on Board of Directors as well as a US senator. Eileen O’connor was a news producer for ABC but is now working in a US embassy. Dennis Hightower a former Sr. executive officer transferred to Dep Secretary of commerce. (gov relations 3&5)There is even a department of Disney called â€Å"Disney government relations† that has a direct link to another department within the FCC. After calling a few times and getting different information I got this â€Å"we work with our partners in government such as the AFA or the FCC to get better standards of broadcasting for the Disney corporation. Basically legally bribing politicians to lower their standards and to take Disney’s side in lawsuits and corporate takeovers. Now a days after Walt’s death Disney has expanded to epic proportions in the media industry. The public face of cuddly animals, children’s fairy tales and building theme parks â€Å"It also owns six motion picture studios, ABC television network and its 226 affiliated stations, multiple cable television networks, 227 radio stations, four music companies, three cruise lines, theatrical production companies, publishing houses, multiple educational shorts, 15 magazine titles and five video game development studios. (gabler)It became the cultural pervader of a perfect world with everything that it put its name on. But there is a darker side to Disney that is up for debate. The side of Disney that is bigoted, American exceptionalist, sexist, racist, and a purveyor of pain and suffering. The propaganda machine that is Disney today. Propaganda has always been an important part in any government, from mummers playing the latest military conquest to Disney’s subliminal messages of obedience in children’s movies. Producers construct fantasy societies that seem to run in perfect harmony where each worker and is happy to work their menial jobs and never aspire to try to raise themselves above their born level. This is seen in the workers of Antz, Sleeping Beauty and Oz. Always with an all powerful â€Å"just ruler†. These stories lead children into blindly following their leaders down the yellow brick road to the great and powerful Oz. â€Å"Workers are quite happy to â€Å"serve the rich and privileged, never questioning their subordinate position. (giroux pg 102). Another example is the Chicken little movie in 1938, where the people are the chickens, the farmer the government and the fox being intellectuals (with his psychology book) Programming americans, along with all of the other(now banned) wartime disney movies that seep out Walts own personal bigoted morals. Another example is the â€Å"Thrifty Pigs† which is trying to get people to buy war bonds to stop â€Å"the big bad wolf†, or â€Å"Home Defense† which makes fun of the French soldiers as being incompetent. All of these and countless others that were formed to get the people to fight in a war that we had no part in until Pearl Harbor. Or the worst one, â€Å"The spirit of the 43† â€Å"taxes to fight the axis† â€Å"Dont spend your money on things you dont need, give it to the government. † Nothing like big brother Disney. But this side of Disney stops, at least blatantly, after Walts death in 1966 when it became a modern heartless bureaucratic corporation. Yet hidden messages are still within modern movies, though with less obvious programming. â€Å"vciolinguistic construction† of social dominance and inferiority in which characters who use mainstream American English tend to be associated with â€Å"strongly positive actions and motivations†Ã¢â‚¬  [pg 102 of Giroux] While the antagonist is often of another nationality such as the British voiced Scar or any voice that isn’t middle class Suburbia speech, as seen in Ursula’s louisiana sw amp accent. This pushes children to view those of the lower social class, dark skinned people or foreigners to be â€Å"evil† and become xenophobic and racist towards anything different than themselves. Disney goes a step further and makes a culture of consumerism, â€Å"’without tenements or poverty or urban class conflict†¦ It’s a native white Protestant dream of a world without blacks or immigrants. â€Å", â€Å"image of small towns characterized by cheerful commerce, with barbershop quartets and ice cream sundaes and glorious parades. â€Å"(giroux pg 96) Everything media wise that Disney produces ends up becoming a cog in the Disney corporate machine with imaginers spewing out product after product to sell to children and increase profits. Children see a movie and want to emulate the role models perceived, then a commercial comes on after Mickey mouse club house for the newest enchanted Princess gown or Woody’s costume and the kids ask their parents to get it. Children have not just copied the looks of the protagonists in Disney stories but have come to expect those fantasies to play out in real life, when the real world isn’t such a happy place and has no room for such fantasy. People end up growing up focusing on material items and their personal lives instead of focusing on the fixable issues, calling it the American dream. This ideology of apathy is a big problem now with revolving door politics, politicians who promise the same things over and over and never fix them and blame the other side, failing infrastructure, falling public school standards and debt through the roof. Not saying that its all Disney’s fault, of course not. Though almost every American child has seen at least one disney movie, it’s almost impossible not to be sucked into Disney’s sway since they even show them often in public schools as educational videos never delving deeper. As a social manipulator Disney has taken the fight out of us. Programing us to follow American exceptionalism since the American was the hero is portrayed morally just whilst his/her enemy spoke in an exotic accent along with generating xenophobism of other cultures. Reinforcing children to follow the status quo and not to learn about the rest of the worlds culture outside their own narrow sphere of friends and family, enclosing ourselves in a media shell while proliferating American’s culture and moral values to other nations, who view disney as the true america. Disneyland †¦ it is the â€Å"real† country, all of â€Å"real† America† -Jean Baudril ­lard [pg 95 of giroux. ] To be fair, countless other â€Å"children’s shows† show â€Å"non moral/family friendly broadcasting, especially now. Watching Spongebob as a child or the modern shows such as Adventure Time or the Regular Show and then seeing them as an adult. Explaining why my mother would laugh at certain parts of the shows that I didn’t laugh at. I notice now the abundance of sexual jokes I missed as a kid and the references to drugs, crimes, war, and all the other stuff thats messed up with the world. So this kind of hidden messages has been deeply imbedded into all sorts media, they are adults working on childrens shows after all, so i doubt they’d be â€Å"mature†. What is evil about Disney is the corporation and those leading it, not the movies that they put their name on. This culture of consumerism that the corporation has exacerbated has evolved into a new network with companies working together to sell a common goal.

A Characters View, Drugstore Cowboy Essay

One page essay for Theater 19 acting class Due March 13 2012 By Charles (Chuck) Borges March 13th 5:30am This short essay is about a character in the film â€Å"Drugstore Cowboy† Bob. This is what I think his character is like, and what’s going on in his life before this next scene. Bob is a ringleader or mastermind of an underdeveloped group of drug store robbing addicts who Procure their vices by stealing them from local pharmacies. Bob likes doing drugs. He likes the whole lifestyle. While in the proses of robbing these establishments, Bob gets a euphoric Sense of power. The adrenalin rush is like no other. He risks going to jail, and losing his Freedom to obtain that rush at any expense. As long as it doesn’t come out of pocket. You see, Bob is a poor man†¦ He’s a hype that can shoot up enough dope to kill a horse. But that was then, and this is now. As he sits and ponders his mass confusion that he Called a life, in a small room, in some apartment complex, ran by a person like himself. An X Junkie named Tom. To say the last six months have been easy on Bob would be a lie. Sobriety Is kicking his ass and He’s starting to feel bored and becoming restless at work. Not a good sign. The daily grind was starting to bore into Bob like a drill bit. The addiction was winning its way Back into his life and he knew it. Bob’s life was better now. He has his boring job, boring apartment, boring life. But all in all, a respectable existence, surrounded by regular people with regular, Similar lives. But he’s still feeling alone and thinking of the good times he used to have with a Certain somebody he shared his tawdry past with. He’s feeling melancholy about the way he left her, but knowing that deep in his heart , it was the best solution from a destructive path. But still he is wondering to himself ,† I wonder what ever happened to my buddy who’s girlfriend died, and if they will ever find her body . † I’m thinking , he’s wondering â€Å" Is Diane alright?

Kenya’s Vision 2030 Relevance to Rural Development

Kenya vision 2030 is Kenya’s long-term national planning strategy stating the main goals of economic, social and political pillars that underpin the vision 2030.It also provides a rundown of flagship projects to be embarked upon in the medium term period of the vision (2008-2012). It is the country’s development foundation store that covers 2008-2030. It aims at making Kenya a new industrial, middle income country providing high quality of life for all citizens. The vision is based on three pillars, namely;- the economic, social and political pillar. The economic pillar aims at providing prosperity to all Kenyans through an economic development program aimed at achieving an average of 10% annual GDP by 2030.The social pillar seeks to build a just and cohesive society with of social equity in a secure environment. The political pillar founded on issues based on politics that respects the rule of law and protects the interests of every individual in the Kenyan society.POL ICY OBJECTIVES.1. To unlock potential benefits of economic growth, employment and poverty reduction.2. To increase the annual GDP growth rate to 10% per annum.3. To reduce high energy costs.4. To improve poor infrastructure.5.To make Kenya a haul tourist destination in the world.6. To raise incomes in agriculture, livestock, fisheries by processing and thereby adding value to the products before they reach the market.7. To improve efficiency in the country.8. To make Kenya the provider of choice for basic manufactured goods in Eastern and Central Africa.9. To provide business services via internet to companies and organizations in developed countries e. g. Europe, Britain etc.10. To have a vibrant/ globally competitive financial sector.11.To promote globally competitive quality education/ research development.12. To promote efficiency and quality health care system.13. To achieve a nationally clean and secure environment.14. To provide gender equity.RELEVANCE TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA. ECONOMIC VISION AND STRATEGY. TOURISM. Creation of more tourist attraction sites with the aim of raising the tourist population in Kenya from 1. 8m (2006)- 3m (2030). This will involve upgrading the standards of attractive but rarely visited sites like Ruma and Marsabit. INCREASING VALUE IN AGRICULTURE.This will be done by processing goods before they reach the market in order to give them more value. Also, it aims at introducing new land use policies that will maximize utilization of the high and medium potential lands for large-scale agriculture. A BETTER AND MORE INCLUSIVE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE SECTOR. It aims at lowering transaction costs through institutional reforms. It will involve strengthening informal trade through investment in infrastructure, training and linking it to wider local and global markets. MANUFACTURING FOR THE REGIONAL MARKET.Kenya aims to become the provider of choice for basic manufactured goods in Eastern and Central Africa before breaking int o other markets targeting commonly used products. It will be done by improved efficiency and competitiveness at firm level, thus raising the market share in the regional market from 7%-15%. BUSINESS PROCESS OFFSHORING. It involves providing business services via the internet to companies and organizations in developed worlds e. g. USA. FINANCIAL SERVICES. Having a vibrant and globally competitive financial sector driving high levels of savings and financing Kenya investment needs.SOCIAL STRATEGY. EDUCATION AND TRAINING. It aims at Kenya providing a globally competitive quality, Itraining and research for development i. e. achieving 80% literacy rate, increasing school enrolment to 95% and increasing the transition rates to technical institutions and secondary schools to accommodate the ever increasing number of primary students who have qualified to join secondary institutions. HEALTH SECTOR. To improve the overall livelihood of Kenyans. The vision aims at providing efficient high q uality health care systems with good standards. WATER AND SANITATION.Kenya being a water scarce nation, the vision aims at conserving water sources and find new ways of harvesting and using rain and underground water. It also aims at promoting agricultural activities through irrigation (140,000-300,000 ha), 54km canal from Tana river to Garissa (Rahole canal), Tana Delta project and rehabilitation of major irrigation schemes. ENVIRONMENT. The vision aims in achieving a clean/ secure and sustainable environment by 2030. It will do this by increasing forest cover from less than 3% to 4% in the future, to lessen environmental diseases.HOUSING/ URBANIZATION. To achieve decent and high quality urban livelihoods by 2030. GENDER, YOUTH AND VULNERABLE GROUPS. To promote gender equality, improve livelihoods amongst vulnerable groups and become a responsible society by empowering women, children and the youth. It also aims at doing away with child labor and FGM. SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVAT ION (STI). It is based on the creation of internet competitiveness in the corporate level and also for the citizens. POLITICAL STRATEGY. RULE OF LAW. Inculcating a culture of compliance with laws and decent human behavior.Increasing service availability and access by reducing barriers for justice and public education. PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY. Promoting open engagement between the government and civil society as well as free flow of information e. g. by use of the media. SECURITY, PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT. Promoting community policing, reducing the police to population ratio, adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in crime detection and prevention, enhancing police training, all with an aim of creating a society free from danger and fear. POLICY GAPS.1.Lack of clearly defined legal frameworks to deal with corruption e. g land grabbing.2. Lack of policies that seek to mechanize milk farming.3. It lacks avenues for the rural produce so as to discourage mo nopolies/ exploitation from private investors.4. Does not entail modern storage facilities for farmers during boom yields and harvests.5. It lacks frameworks to advocate for creation of small airstrips in high production zones so as to tackle the transportation challenge.6. Lack of introduction and inclusion of computer studies in the school curriculum at the elementary level.7. Does not seek to upgrade local hospitals to the referral level and also make treatment affordable.8. Lack of emergency and rescue services that are fully equipped.9. Lack of rural electrification programs.10. Lack of agencies at the rural level to regulate price exploitation on commodities.RECOMMENDATIONS.1. Legal frameworks should be created to deal with cases of corruption.2. The vision should include in it simple ways of mechanizing farming in the rural areas and at the same time create measures to ensure that human labor is not done away with completely.3.Markets should be found or created by the governm ent so that farmers have somewhere to sell their commodities at reasonable and fair prices.4. The vision should include construction of modern storage facilities so that farmers can keep their excess produce safely and this will help reduce food insecurity in the country during scarcity.5. Small airstrips should be constructed especially in areas that produce perishable goods so that they can be taken to major airports in good time.6. ICT should be introduced and incorporated in the school curriculum at the elementary level.7.The vision should advocate for affordable healthcare to all and also upgrade the local hospitals to referral statute.8. Emergency and rescue services should be upgraded to international levels so that 95% of the emergencies can be tackled.9. Rural areas should be electrified as this will attract industrialization in such areas.10. Prices on basic commodities should be regulated so that they can become affordable to everyone.REFERENCESUnited Nations, (2005). Mil lennium Development Goals. New YorkGovernment of the Republic of Kenya,(2007). The Kenya Vision 2030,Government Printers ,Nairobi, Kenya

Question Bank International Business Essay

Chapter 07 Foreign Direct Investment True / False Questions 1. (p. 242) A firm becomes a multinational enterprise when it undertakes foreign direct investment. TRUE 2. (p. 242) Licensing involves the establishment of a new operation in a foreign country. FALSE 3. (p. 242) If a firm that makes bicycles in Germany acquires a French bicycle producer, Greenfield investment has taken place. FALSE 4. (p. 242) The amount of FDI undertaken over a given time period is known as the flow of FDI. TRUE 5. (p. 242) The total accumulated value of foreign-owned assets at a given time is the inflow of FDI. FALSE 6. (p. 242) FDI is seen by executives as a means of circumventing future trade barriers. TRUE 7. (p. 244) Historically, most FDI has been directed at the developed nations of the world as firms based in advanced countries invested in the others’ markets. TRUE 8. (p. 246) The total amount of capital invested in factories, stores, office buildings and the like is referred to as the stock of FDI. FALSE 9. (p. 246) The largest source country for FDI has been China. FALSE 10. (p. 247) About 27 percent of the world’s largest 100 nonfinancial multinationals in 2004 were American companies. TRUE 11. (p. 247) In developing countries, about one third of FDI is in the form of mergers and acquisitions. TRUE 12. (p. 248) In 2004, about two thirds of FDI stock was in service industries. TRUE 13. (p. 249) As compared to exporting and licensing, FDI is the more expensive and risky. TRUE 14. (p. 250) Internalization theory is also known as the market imperfections approach. TRUE 15. (p. 250) One of the problems of licensing is that it may result in a firm’s giving away valuable technological know-how to a potential foreign competitor. TRUE 16. (p. 251) An oligopoly is an industry composed of a limited number of large firms. TRUE 17. (p. 252) When two or more enterprises encounter each other in different regional markets, national markets or industries regional competition occurs. FALSE 18. (p. 252) According to Vernon, location specific advantages can help explain the nature and direction of FDI. FALSE 19. (p. 253) Dunning, in the eclectic paradigm theory, suggests that a firm must establish production facilities where foreign assets or resource endowments necessary to the production of the product exist. TRUE 20. (p. 254) Pragmatic nationalism traces its roots to Marxist political and economic theory. FALSE 21. (p. 254) Classical economics and the international trade theories of Adam Smith and David Ricardo form the basis for the free market view. TRUE 22. (p. 255) The free market view argues that FDI is a benefit to both the source country and to the host country. TRUE 23. (p. 255) Countries adopting a pragmatic stance pursue policies designed to maximize the national benefits and minimize the national costs. TRUE 24. (p. 256) An aspect of pragmatic nationalism is the tendency to aggressively court FDI believed to be in the national interest by, for example, offering subsidies to foreign MNEs in the form of tax breaks or grants. TRUE 25. (p. 257) Foreign direct investment can make a positive contribution to a host economy by supplying capital, technology and management resources that would otherwise not be available and thus boost that country’s economic growth rate. TRUE 26. (p. 258) There is research supporting the view that multinational firms often transfer significant technology when they invest in a foreign country. TRUE 27. (p. 258) Jobs created in local suppliers as a result of the MNE’s investment and jobs created because of increased local spending by employees of the MNE are examples of direct employment effects of FDI. FALSE 28. (p. 258) Host country citizens that are employed by an MNE following an FDI are an example of an indirect effect of FDI. FALSE 29. (p. 259) A country’s balance of payments accounts keep track of both its payments to and its receipts from other countries. TRUE 30. (p. 259) A current account deficit exists when a country imports more than it exports. TRUE 31. (p. 259) In recent years, the U.S. has run a persistent balance of payments surplus. FALSE 32. (p. 260) Host governments sometimes worry that the subsidiaries of foreign MNEs may have greater economic power than indigenous competitors. TRUE 33. (p. 261) FDI does not benefit the host country’s balance of payments if the foreign subsidiary creates demand for home-country exports of capital equipment, intermediate goods or complementary products. FALSE 34. (p. 262) The term offshore production refers to FDI undertaken to serve the home market. TRUE 35. (p. 263) Countries cannot prohibit national firms from investing in certain countries for political reasons. FALSE 36. (p. 264) The two most common methods of restricting inward FDI are ownership restraints and performance requirements. TRUE 37. (p. 265) The WTO has been very successful in efforts to initiate talks aimed at establishing a universal set of rules designed to promote the liberalization of FDI. FALSE 38. (p. 266) Licensing is a good option for firms in high-tech industries where protecting firm-specific expertise is of paramount importance. FALSE 39. (p. 266-267) Typically licensing will be a common strategy in oligopolies where competitive interdependence requires that multinational firms maintain tight control over foreign operations so that they have the ability to launch coordinated attacks against their global competitors. FALSE 40. (p. 267) Licensing is more common in fragmented, low-tech industries in which globally dispersed manufacturing is not an option. TRUE Multiple Choice Questions 41. (p. 242) FDI occurs when a A. Domestic firm imports products and services from another country B. Firm ships its product from one country to another C. Firm invests in the stock of another company D. Firm invests directly in facilities to produce and/or market a product in a foreign country 42. (p. 242) A Greenfield investment A. Is a form of FDI that involves the establishment of a new operation in a foreign country B. Involves a 7 percent stock in an acquired foreign business entity C. Involves a merger with a foreign business D. Occurs when a firm acquires another company in a foreign countr 43. (p. 242) If General Electric, a U.S. based corporation, purchased a 50% interest in a company in Italy, that purchase would be an example of a(n) A. Minority acquisition B. Outright stake C. Majority acquisition D. Greenfield investment 44. (p. 242) The amount of FDI undertaken over a given time period is A. The flow of FDI B. The stock of FDI C. The FDI outflow D. The FDI inflow 45. (p. 242) The stock of FDI is A. The amount of FDI undertaken over a given period of time B. The total accumulated value of foreign owned assets at a given time C. The flow of FDI out of a country D. The flow of FDI into a country 46. (p. 242) FDI has been rising for all of the following reasons, except A. The globalization of the world economy B. The general increase in trade barriers over the past 30 years C. Firms are trying to circumvent trade barriers D. There is a shift toward democratic political institutions and free market economies 47. (p. 244) Historically, most FDI has been directed at the _____ nations of the world as firms based in advanced countries invested in A. Underdeveloped, underdeveloped countries B. Developed, underdeveloped countries C. Developed, each other’s markets D. Underdeveloped, each other’s markets 48. (p. 244) The U.S. has been an attractive target for FDI because of all of the following reasons, except A. Its small and wealthy domestic markets B. Its dynamic and stable economy C. Its favorable political environment D. Its openness to FDI 49. (p. 244) Identify the incorrect statement regarding the direction of FDI. A. Historically, most FDI has been directed at the developing nations of the world B. During the 1980s and 1990s, the United States was often the favorite target for FDI inflows C. The developed nations of the EU have received significant FDI inflows D. Recent inflows into developing nations have been targeted at the emerging economies of South, East and Southeast Asia 50. (p. 246) Africa is not a popular destination for FDI because of all of the following reasons, except A. Political unrest in the region B. Armed conflict in the region C. Liberalization of FDI regulations D. Frequent policy changes in the region 51. (p. 246) The total amount of capital invested in factories, stores, office buildings and the like is summarized by A. Gross fixed capital formation B. Total investment capital C. Total tangible investment D. Gross depreciable investments 52. (p. 246) The largest source country for FDI since World War II has been A. Japan B. China C. The United States D. The United Kingdom 53. (p. 247) Most cross-border investment is A. In the form of Greenfield investments B. Made via mergers and acquisitions C. Between American and Japanese companies D. Involved in building new facilities 54. (p. 247) Which of the following is not a reason why firms prefer to acquire existing assets rather than undertake green-field investments? A. Foreign firms are acquired because those firms have valuable strategic assets B. Firms make acquisitions because they believe they can increase the efficiency of the acquired unit by transferring capital, technology or management skills C. Even though Greenfield investments are comparatively less risky for a firm acquisitions always yield higher profits D. Mergers and acquisitions are quicker to execute than green-field investments 55. (p. 247) In developing nations most FDI inflows are in the form of A. Mergers B. Greenfield investments C. Acquisitions D. Non-profit organizations 56. (p. 248) The sector composition of FDI shows that by 2004 approximately _____ of FDI stock was in service industries. A. One fourth B. One third C. Two third D. Half 57. (p. 248) The rise in FDI in the services sector is a result of all of the following, except A. The general move in many developed countries away from manufacturing and toward services B. Accelerating regulations of services C. Many services cannot be traded internationally D. Many countries have liberalized their regimes governing FDI in services 58. (p. 248) When strategic assets such as brand loyalty, customer relationships or distribution systems are important, _____ investments are more appropriate. A. Merger and acquisition B. Greenfield C. Portfolio D. New construction 59. (p. 249) _____ involves granting a foreign entity the right to produce and sell the firm’s product in return for a royalty fee on every unit sold. A. Horizontal FDI B. Licensing C. Vertical FDI D. Greenfield investment 60. (p. 249) In a licensing arrangement, the _____ bears the risk and cost of opening a foreign market. A. Licensee B. Licensor C. Acquiring firm D. Greenfield investor 61. (p. 250) Identify the theory that seeks to explain why firms often prefer foreign direct investment over licensing as a strategy for entering foreign markets. A. Internalization theory B. Internationalization theory C. Perfect markets theory D. Small markets theory 62. (p. 250) According to the internalization theory, all of the following are drawbacks of licensing as a strategy for exploiting foreign market opportunities, except A. Licensing does not grant control over manufacturing, marketing and to a licensee in return for a royalty fee B. Licensing may result in a firm’s giving away its know-how to a potential foreign competitor C. Licensing does not give the firm the tight control over manufacturing, marketing and strategy that may be required to profitably exploit its advantage D. A firms capabilities such as the management, marketing and manufacturing are often not amenable to licensing 63. (p. 250) ______ is also known as market imperfections theory. A. Internationalization theory B. Internalization theory C. Perfect markets theory D. Small markets theory 64. (p. 251) If four firms control 80 percent of a domestic market, then ______ exists. A. An oligopoly B. A monopoly C. An oligarchy D. Vertical integration 65. (p. 251) According to Knickerbocker A. The firms that pioneer a product in their home markets undertake FDI to produce a product for consumption in a foreign market B. When a firm that is part of an oligopolistic industry expands into a foreign market, other firms in the industry will be compelled to make similar investments C. Combining location-specific assets or resource endowments and the firm’s own unique assets often requires FDI D. Impediments to the sale of know-how increase the profitability of FDI relative to licensing 66. (p. 252) The eclectic paradigm was developed by A. F. T. Knickerbocker B. Adam Smith C. Raymond Vernon D. John Dunning 67. (p. 252) When two or more enterprises encounter each other in different regional markets, national markets or industries, there is A. Vertical integration B. Horizontal integration C. Multipoint competition D. Monopolistic competition 68. (p. 252) The product life cycle suggests that A. Often the same firms that pioneer a product in their home markets undertake FDI to produce a product for consumption in foreign markets B. When a firm that is part of an oligopolistic industry expands into a foreign market, other firms in the industry will be compelled to make similar investments C. Combining location-specific assets or resource endowments and the firm’s own unique assets often requires FDI D. Impediments to the sale of know-how increase the profitability of FDI relative to licensing 69. (p. 253) The _____ suggests that a firm will establish production facilities where foreign assets or resource endowments that are important to the firm are located. A. Product life cycle B. Strategic behavior theory C. Multipoint competition theory D. Eclectic paradigm 70. (p. 253) Advantages that arise from using resource endowments or assets that are tied to a particular location and that a firm finds valuable to combine with its own unique assets are known as A. Location specific advantages B. Resource specific advantages C. Competitive advantages D. Directional advantages 71. (p. 253) John Dunning, a champion of the eclectic paradigm, argues that A. The firms that pioneer a product in their home markets undertake FDI to produce a product for consumption in a foreign market B. When a firm that is part of an oligopolistic industry expands into a foreign market, other firms in the industry will be compelled to make similar investments C. Combining location-specific assets or resource endowments and the firm’s own unique assets often requires FDI D. Impediments to the sale of know-how increase the profitability of FDI relative to licensing 72. (p. 254) According to the _____ view of FDI, MNEs extract profits from the host country and take them to their home country, giving nothing of value to the host country in exchange. A. Imperialist B. Conservative C. Free market D. Radical 73. (p. 254) Which of the following is not a reason that the radical position of MNEs was in retreat by the end of the 1980s? A. The strong economic performance of those developing countries that embraced capitalism rather than radical ideology B. The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe C. The generally abysmal economic performance of those countries that embraced the radical position D. A growing belief in many capitalist countries that MNE’s tightly controls key technology and that important jobs in the MNEs’ foreign subsidiaries go to home-country nationals 74. (p. 255) According to _____ international production should be distributed among countries according to the theory of comparative advantage. A. The radical view B. The eclectic view C. Pragmatic nationalism D. The free market view 75. (p. 256) A distinctive aspect of _____ is the tendency to aggressively court FDI believed to be in the national interest by, for example, offering subsidies to foreign MNEs in the form of tax breaks or grants. A. The dogmatic view B. Pragmatic nationalism C. The radical view D. The conservative view 76. (p. 257) When a company brings capital and/or technology to a host country, the host country benefits from the A. Competitive effect of FDI B. The resource transfer effect of FDI C. The balance of payments effect of FDI D. The effect on competition and economic growth 77. (p. 258) When jobs are created in local suppliers as a result of the FDI and when jobs are created because of increased local spending by employees of the MNE, the MNE has a _____ effect on employment. A. Direct B. Indirect C. Inward D. Outward 78. (p. 259) A _____ keeps track of a country’s payments to and its receipts from other countries. A. Federal payments ledger B. Current accounting system C. Checks and balances account D. Balance of payments account 79. (p. 259) The _____ tracks the export and import of goods and services. A current account deficit or trade deficit as it is often called, arises when a country is importing more goods and services than it is exporting. A. Current account B. Debit account C. Surplus account D. Capital account 80. (p. 261) Three costs of FDI concerns of host countries arise from all of the following except A. Adverse effects on competition within the host nation B. Adverse effects on the balance of payments C. The perceived loss of national sovereignty and autonomy D. Debit on the current account of the home country’s balance of payments 81. (p. 262) FDI undertaken to serve the home market is known as A. Greenfield investment B. FDI substitution C. Offshore production D. Home market FDI 82. (p. 263) Double taxation is A. Charging double taxes in the home country B. Charging double taxes in the host country C. Taxation of income in both home and host country D. Paying income taxes at twice the normal rate 83. (p. 264) _____ are controls over the behavior of the MNE’s local subsidiary. A. Performance requirements B. Ownership restraints C. Double taxation laws D. Greenfield restrictions 84. (p. 267) Licensing would be a good option for firms in which of the following industries? A. High-technology industries in which protecting firm-specific expertise is of paramount importance and licensing is hazardous B. Global oligopolies, in which competitive interdependence requires that multinational firms maintain tight control over foreign operations C. Industries in which intense cost pressures require that multinational firms maintain tight control over foreign operations D. In fragmented, low technology industries in which globally dispersed manufacturing is not an option 85. (p. 267) _____ is essentially the service industry version of licensing, although it normally involves much longer term commitments. A. Franchising B. Subsidizing C. Greenfield investment D. Patenting Essay Questions 86. (p. 242) Discuss the connection between foreign direct investment and multinational enterprises? Foreign direct investment (FDI) occurs when a firm invests directly in new facilities to produce and/or market a product in a foreign country. The U.S. Department of Commerce states that FDI occurs whenever a U.S. citizen, organization or affiliated group takes an interest of 10 percent or more in a foreign business entity. Once affirm undertakes FDI, it becomes a multinational enterprise. 87. (p. 242) What are the two forms of foreign direct investment? The two forms of FDI are Greenfield investment or establishing a new operation in a foreign country and mergers and acquisitions whereby a company expands internationally through an existing firm. Acquisitions can be minority, majority or a 100% ownership position. 88. (p. 242) Discuss the trends in FDI over the last 30 years. Be sure to differentiate between the stock of FDI and the flow if FDI. The flow of FDI refers to the amount of FDI undertaken over a given period, while the stock of FDI refers to the total accumulated value of foreign-owned assets at a given time. Over the last 30 years there has been a marked increase in both the flow and the stock of FDI in the world economy. Over this period, the flow of FDI accelerated faster than the growth in world trade and world output. 89. (p. 242) Discuss the reasons for the growth in FDI over the last 30 years. FDI has grown more rapidly than world trade and world output for several reasons. First, many companies see FDI as a means of circumventing potential trade barriers. Second, political and economic changes in many of the world developing nations has been encouraging FDI. Finally, the globalization of the world economy is having a positive impact on the volume of FDI as firms now see the whole world as their market. 90. (p. 242-248) What is a Greenfield investment? How does it compare to an acquisition? Which form of FDI is a firm more likely choose? Explain your answer. FDI can take the form of a Greenfield investment in a new facility or an acquisition of or a merger with an existing local firm. Research show s that most FDI takes the form of mergers and acquisitions rather than Greenfield investment. Mergers and acquisitions are more popular for three reasons. First, mergers and acquisitions are quicker to execute than Greenfield investments. Second, foreign firms are acquired because those firms have valuable strategic assets. Third, firms make acquisitions because they believe they can increase the efficiency of the acquired firm by transferring capital, technology or management skills. 91. (p. 248) Discuss the shift in FDI from manufacturing to services. What is driving the trend? Over the last twenty years, the sector composition of FDI has shifted from extractive industries and manufacturing toward services. By 2004, some 66 percent of the stock of FDI was in services. Four factors are driving the shift to services. First, the shift reflects the general move in many developed economies away from manufacturing and toward service industries. Second, many services cannot be traded internationally and FDI is a principal was to bring services to foreign markets. Third, many count ries have liberalized their regimes governing FDI in services making the option more attractive to firms. Finally, the rise of Internet-based global telecommunications networks has allowed some service enterprises to relocate some of their value creation activities to different nations to take advantage of favorable factor costs. 92. (p. 249) Consider why firms selling products with low value-to-weight ratios choose FDI over exporting. Products with low value-to-weight ratios such as soft drinks or cement are frequently produced in the market where they are consumed. When transportation costs are added to production costs, it becomes unprofitable to shift such products over a long distance. For firms that can produce low value-to-weight products at almost any location the attractiveness of exporting decreases and FDI or licensing becomes more appealing. 93. (p. 250) Discuss the market imperfections explanation of FDI. What is its relationship with internalization theory? Market imperfections or factors that inhibit markets from working perfectly, provide a major explanation of why firms prefer FDI to either exporting or licensing. In the international business literature, the marketing imperfections approach is referred to as internalization theory. According to the theory, FDI will be preferred when there are impediments that make both exporting and the sale of know-how difficult and/or expensive. 94. (p. 250) What is licensing? How does it work? Licensing occurs when a domestic firm, the licensor, licenses to a foreign firm, the licensee, the right to produce its product, to use its production processes or to use its brand name or trademark. In return, the licensor collects royalty fees on every unit the licensee sells or on total licensee revenues. The licensor also benefits from the arrangement in that the licensee bears the cost and risk of expanding into a foreign market. 95. (p. 250) Compare and contrast the advantages of foreign direct investment over exporting and licensing. A firm will favor foreign direct investment over exporting as an entry strategy when transportation costs or trade barriers make exporting unattractive. Furthermore, the firm will favor foreign direct investment over licensing (or franchising) when it wishes to maintain control over its technological know-how or over its operations and business strategy or when the firm’s capabilities are simply not amenable to licensing, as may often be th e case. 96. (p. 251) Consider the notion that FDI flows are a reflection of strategic rivalry between firms in the global marketplace. What is the main limitation of the theory? The strategic behavior approach to explain FDI was initially expounded by Knickerbockers who argued that in an oliogopolistic industry, a â€Å"follow the leader† mentality will prompt firms to pursue FDI when another firm in the industry  has already done so. However, the theory fails to explain why the first firm decided to undertake FDI, rather than export or license. 97. (p. 252) What is multipoint competition? How do firms respond to multipoint competition? Multipoint competition arises when two or more enterprises encounter each other in different regional markets, national markets or industries. Economic theory suggests that firms will try to match each other’s moves in different markets to try to hold each other in check. If a firm is successful with this strategy, the firm will ensure that a rival does not take a commanding position in one market and then use the profits generated in that market to underwrite competitive attacks in other markets. 98. (p. 252) Explain the product life cycle theory and its connection with FDI. The product life cycle theory, developed by Ray Vernon, suggests that the same firms that pioneer a product in their home country will undertake FDI to produce a product for consumption in foreign markets. According to the theory, firms will invest in industrialized countries when demand in those countries is sufficient to sup port local production. They subsequently shift production to developing countries when product standardization and market saturation give rise to price competition and cost pressures. Investment in developing countries, where labor costs are lower is seen as the best way to reduce costs. 99. (p. 252-253) What are location-specific advantages? How do they help explain FDI? Location specific advantages are advantages that arise from using resource endowments or assets that are tied to a particular foreign location and that a firm finds valuable to combine with its own unique assets. Natural resources such as oil and minerals for example, are specific to certain locations. Firms must undertake FDI to exploit such foreign resources. 100. (p. 253) Explain John Dunning’s position on FDI. What is the eclectic paradigm? John Dunning has argued that to fully understand FDI it is important to consider the role of location specific advantages. According to Dunning, a firm will be prompted to undertake FDI in an effort to exploit assets that are specific to a particular location. Dunning’s theory, the eclectic paradigm, combines the arguments of internalization theory with the notion of location-specific advantages to suggest that combining location-specific assets or resource endowments and the firm’s own unique capabilities often requires the firm to establish production facilities where the foreign assets or resource endowments are  located. 101. (p. 254-256) Discuss the various political ideologies and their impact on foreign direct investment. The radical view writers argue that the multinational enterprise (MNE) is an instrument of imperialist domination. The free market view argues that international production should be distributed among countries according to the theory of comparative advantage. The pragmatic nationalist view is that FDI has both benefits and costs. The radical view has a dogmatic radical stance that is hostile to all inward FDI The free market view is at the other extreme and based on noninterventionist principle of free market economics. Between these two extremes is an approach called pragmatic nationalism. 102. (p. 257-262) Discuss the benefits and costs of FDI from the perspective of a host country and from the perspective of the home country. The main benefits of inward FDI for a host country arise from resource-transfer effects, employment effects, balance-of-payments effects and effects on competition and economic growth. Three costs of FDI concern host countries. They arise from possible adverse effects on competition within the host nation, adverse effects on the balance of payments and the perceived loss of national sovereignty and autonomy. The benefits of FDI to the home (source) country arise from three sources. First, the home country’s balance of payments benefits from the inward flow of foreign earnings. Second, benefits to the home country from outward FDI arise from employment effects. Third, benefits arise when the home-country MNE learns valuable skills from its exposure to foreign markets that can subsequently be transferred back to the home country. The most important cost/concern of FDI for the home country centers on the balance-of-payments and employment effects of outward FDI. 103. (p. 266-267) Describe the situations when licensing is not a good option for a firm. Licensing is not a good option in three situations. First, licensing is hazardous in high-tech industries where protecting firm-specific expertise is very important. Second, licensing is not attractive in global oligopolies where tight control is necessary so that firms have the ability to launch coordinated attacks against global competitors. Finally, in industries where intense cost pressures require that MNEs maintain tight control over foreign operations, licensing is not the best option. 104. (p. 267) What is franchising? What type of firm uses franchising as a means of expanding into foreign markets? Franchising is essentially the service-industry version of licensing. With franchising, the firm licenses its brand name to a foreign firm in return for a percentage of the franchisee’s profits. The franchising contract specifies the conditions that the franchisee must fulfill if it is to use the franchisor’s brand name. Franchise agreements usually have a longer time commitment than do licensing arrangements. Franchising is common in the fast food industry because fast food cannot be exported, because franchising minimizes the costs and risks associated with opening a foreign market, because brand names are relatively easy to protect, because there is no compelling reason for a firm to have tight control over franchisees and because fast food know-how is easily transferred. 105. (p. 267) How useful are the product life cycle theory and Knickerbocker’s theory of horizontal FDI to business? The product life cycle theory and Knickerbocker’s theory of horizontal FDI to business are not particularly useful from a business perspective because the theories are descriptive rather than analytical. The theories are useful for explaining historical patterns of FDI, but they do a poor job of identifying the factors that influence the relative probability of FDI, licensing and exporting.