Globalization and Business Complexities Dissertation

Globalization and Business Complexities - Dissertation Example Methods, results, and their implications for business are discussed. Recommendations for future research are provided. Globalization and Business: Analyzing Complexities Introduction The process of globalization is actively discussed by different scholars and has not only many supporters but also many opponents. But before discussing its positive and negative effects it is necessary to define this term. Globalization can be described as â€Å"†¦a widening, deepening and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of contemporary social life, from the cultural to the criminal, the financial to the spiritual† (Kose, Prasad & Terrones 2003). Globalization has already become one of the major trends affecting all aspects of national and international business activity. A phenomenon which leads to and causes global unification of the world’s business, economic, and social orders, globalization presents a serious challenge to businesses. That the concept of globalization is new cannot be denied. The gap between globalization and nationalization of businesses continues to persist. Globalization does not erase but on the contrary sharpens the cultural and social distinctions across countries and businesses. These however are not the only challenges faced by businesses in a globalized world. The current state of science does not provide adequate information on what businesses really think of globalization and how they can deal with it. Professional opinions and beliefs vary across groups and countries. However, better knowledge of individual and business perceptions of globalization and its complexities can create a foundation for developing new business strategies. This is why this study is designed to shed light on business people’s perceptions of globalization complexities and their implications for business development. Research questions and objectives The main objective of the study is to highlight the main complexities unde rlying globalization and their implications for business. More specifically, the study explores the main business complexities of globalization from the viewpoint of business people. As a result, this study will help to identify the main challenges of globalization in business, assess business people’s views on these complexities, their effects on business, and create the basis for developing new business theories, strategies, and frameworks. The main research question is: what are some of the complexities the concept of globalization has brought to businesses and how can they be minimized? Sub-questions: Are business people aware of the effects globalization causes on business? What do business people in Nigeria think of globalization? What are the main complexities underlying globalization and its implication for businesses? What is the most serious globalization complexity affecting business? How to minimize it? Literature review Globalization is the phenomenon pervading a ll aspects of international business activity. According to Kose, Prasad & Terrones (2003), globalization is essentially about rising international trade and financial integration of all economic processes, which has gathered steam in the past years. Changes in transportation, elimination of geographic borders, and recent advances in technology and communication contribute to globalization in all aspects of individual and

International Business and Global Strategy Essay Example for Free

International Business and Global Strategy Essay In-Depth Market Analysis of two target markets: China and Argentina China is a great world exporter receiving large amounts of foreign investment and is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Entering the market therefore will be easier than when China was not part of the WTO. According to The World Fact Book (2010) by 2009, China had a population of 1. 34 billion. Although its population growth is not very high at 0. 49, the population is the highest in the world and provides for ample market for Body Shop International Plc (BSI plc. ). China has an income distribution of 51. 10. This indicates that the distribution of purchasing power is standardized. BSI plc does not have to specialize in its clientele and can anticipate a wide market for its products. China’s mean age stands at 35. 2. In the age demographics, China’s largest age bracket is the 15-64 yeas age category. This makes up for 71. 9% of the population as in 2008 where men were estimated at 491,513,378 and women at 465,020,030 (The World Fact Book. 2010). For BSI plc this creates a large market since beauty products are usually consumed by this age group. In terms of education, China population is educated with a literacy rate of 92% (The World Fact Book. 010) . The overall enrollment for elementary, secondary and higher education is at 69. 1. This is a good indicator that beauty products would be well received and are a part of the population that can appreciate its use. China’s growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was at 8. 70 in 2009. This GDP has been on a rising trajectory and is expected to continue as China continues to rise as an economic power. This provides for a secure market with good financial indicators that investment would respond favorably and quickly. The per capita gross income at 6600. 0 is also high making it easier for BSI plc to invest widely. The disposable income at 2. 60 represents a China’s purchasing power. BSI plc would be able to promote its products and the conditions are favorable for household spending. The continued rise in GDP growth will increase the spending habits of the population as the disposable income becomes more elastic. Inflation would negatively affect BSI plc and that is why the low inflation rate in China provides for market security against rising of prices. In china the population has continued to increase its cosmetics buying. At 46. 80 the population indicates a sizable spending on cosmetics. This creates a potential for BSI plc to garner a market share. China presents some difficulties in terms of ease of conducting business and economic freedom. However, foreign investment is still welcome and the government has opened the doors for foreign investment. Argentina is one of the countries in South America that have been experiencing economic growth. It therefore presents itself as a great target market. Its population of in 2009 was 40. 1 Million. The population growth is not very high at 1. 17 but the country has a viable market population. Argentina has an income distribution of 51. 90. This indicates that the distribution of purchasing power is high and standardized. BSI plc therefore can anticipate a wide market for its products without having to cater for a specialize clientele. Argentina’s mean age stands at 30. In the age demographics, Argentina’s largest age bracket is the 15-64 years at 63. 5% with the men standing at 12,961,725 while the women stand at 13,029,265 (The World Fact Book. 2010). For BSI plc this creates a large market since beauty products are usually consumed by this age group. According to The World Fact Book (2010) Argentina population is educated with a literacy rate of 97. %. This is a good indicator that beauty products would be well received and are a part of the population that can appreciate its use. Argentina’s growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was at 0. 20 in 2009. This GDP is low. This provides for a less secure market whereby BSI plc’s investment may take longer to respond favorably and quickly. Despite the global economic crisis Argentina and most of the Latin America were not acutely affected. The per capita gross income at 10200. 0 is also high making it easier for BSI plc to invest widely. The disposable income at 1. 0 represents a moderate purchasing power for Argentina. BSI plc would be able to promote its products as the conditions give room for moderate household spending. Inflation would which would negatively affect BSI plc stands at 4. 20. In Argentina spending on cosmetics has also increased although it is at 25. 40. This means BSI plc still has potential to make an investment in Argentina’s existing market. At 127. 0 Argentina represents favorable ease with which BSI plc can do business in Argentina. It also has good economic freedom. Foreign investment is welcome. Contacts and Competitive Analysis  Contacts are important in that they would allow BSI plc to gather information that is relevant to its venture. That is why the chamber of commerce assists foreign companies conducting business their country. It also offers its members relevant business contacts and information about Argentina. Through events and opportunities the Chamber also enables businesses to meet with government officials and key players thus facilitating relations. Contact with the ministry of foreign affairs is also important to BSI plc. The ministry is responsible for trade agreements and policies. By having the Ministry’s contacts, BSI plc can make necessary plans to attend and benefit from the ministry’s consular and diplomatic activities. As the ministry seeks businesses and companies that would increase investment in their country, BSI plc would have an opportunity to market itself to the target countries. Contacts of possible suppliers, importers and buyers are helpful so that a company can establish business relations within the industry. The choice of Alibaba Company is ideal in that it is a recognizable global distributor with very strong financial and corporate growth according to Alibaba. om. (1999-2010). China Target Market potential The market potential in China is quite high at 2530500000. This is calculated from number of potential consumers, the frequency with which the consumers buy in a year and the price of the product. This represents the potential of the cosmetic industry in China which BSI plc targets. Company Sales Potential BSI plc sales potential is dependent on the market share it will capture out of the potential market. If BSI plc secures a market share of 13. 5 %, it will estimate whether it can meet the demand of its target. Competitors Analysis  Lush Company provides competition for BSI plc. According to Lush (19950-2010) its main product is body butter. The location of its headquarters is in China providing it with advantages of proximity. BSI plc is localized and thus there are policies that favor it against foreign companies. This helps it keep its prices affordable. Lush has been in business for the past 32 years giving it long experience in the industry. Lush Company caters to the local market in China and has specialized in the product demands of the local population and tailored the product to suit the particular needs of the Chinese target market. Its employees number 1200 giving it good human resource. Lush has also invested in e-commerce offering customers its products even where it does not have retails and wholesaler stores. They vary their prices in response to the market. In their promotion strategy Lush aims to protect its reputation and maintain its image. Their products they have chosen to use to promote the quality of their product is care butter, Tuca Tuca perfume, Tuca Tuca massage oil, and Black stocking. Regulatory Environment for the industry In China, the regulatory environment would regulate cosmetic products. This is because although a company would use the Automatic import licensing granting its cosmetics products freedom from import controls, the importation of materials like plastic need monitoring. FDI regulations and implications for BSI plc China is becoming the greatest receipient of FDI and as such it is poised for economic growth and increased capital that places BSI plc in a great position for growth if it makes investment. The government regulates foreign investment according to WTO regulations and its economic goals where China is now quite open to and is keen to attract foreign investors. Argentina Target Market potential The market potential in Argentina is high at 41250000. This is calculated from number of potential consumers, the frequency with which the consumers buy in a year and the price of the product. This represents the potential of the cosmetic industry in Argentina. Company Sales Potential BSI plc sales potential is dependent on the market share it will capture out of the potential market. If BSI plc secures a market share of 3. 5 %, it will estimate whether it can meet the demand of its target. Competitors Analysis L’ Occitane Company provides competition for BSI plc. Its main product is mini shea butter/L’ Occitane body toner. According to The body Shop (2009) BSI plc deals with sweet almond oil in its moisturizers. The location of its headquarters is in Argentina providing it with advantages of proximity. BSI plc is localized and thus there are policies that favor it against foreign companies. This helps it keep its prices affordable. L’ Occitane has been in business for the past 34 years giving it long experience in the industry. L’ Occitane Company caters to the local market in Argentina and has specialized in the product demands of the local population and tailored the product to suit the particular needs of the Argentinean target market. Its employees number 2000 giving it great human resource. L’ Occitane has also invested in e-commerce offering customers its products even where it does not have retails and wholesaler stores. They vary their prices in response to the market. L’ Occitane uses advertising, personal sale and product promotions as its promotional strategy. The products it uses include shea cocoa butter, Almont body care, verbena liquid soup honey and lemon scented and summer Travil Hair care. Its target market is 14 years and above both male and female. Regulatory Environment for the industry In Argentina, one of the key regulations would be in business conduct and tradition. Companies have to publish their Technical barriers to trade (TBT) measures. It contains duty and obligations related to the business and operation of TBT investigation Points. Companies have to confirm their recognition of the Code of Good Practice. Argentina the Bureau of Customs is the governmental agency is strict in the enforcement of the tariff and Customs laws and regulations. Importation of goods is governed by a numerous of import policy. FDI regulations and implications for BSI plc Argentina is currently not attracting much foreign investment due to its slow economic development and inflation rate. Although the government is using the WTO regulations and working hard to increase investment, there is difficulty for foreign companies because of high interest rates.

Madness in King Lear: Act 4 Essay -- essays research papers

Madness in King Lear: Act 4 In Shakespeare's play King Lear, Shakespeare introduces many themes. The most important theme shown in King Lear is the theme of madness. During the course of this play madness is shown in the tragic hero, King Lear. King Lear develops madness right in the beginning of the play but he actually shows it in Act 4. In this act, King Lear is not only at the peak of madness but it is also shown him coming out of his madness as well. This act is likely to be the most important act because it shows the phases King Lear goes through, from complete madness to him coming out of his madness and realizing his mistake, the point of tragic vision. The theme of madness in King Lear is first shown in the act through Cordelia's statement to the guards about the condition her father is in. Cordelia says "Alack, 'tis he! Why, he was met even now as mad as the vexed sea, singing aloud, crowned with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds, with hardocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers, darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow in our sustaining corn." [Act iv, iv, 1-6]. This gives a great description of King Lear's state of mind. Cordelia gives a description of King Lear dressed in flowers, and weeds, and she explains to the guards that he is singing aloud. All of these characteristics are unfit for a king, thus, leaving one reasonable explanation of him being mad, which Cordelia states in her speech to the guards. King Lear's madness is further illustrated in act 4,...

Practicing sports Essay

Practicing sports allows people to reap a variety of benefits. Participating in sports helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting the exercise your body needs and can also serve as a stress reliever. Some people take sports more seriously than others and want to pursue a career as professional athletes. Many athletes push themselves to work towards perfection in an attempt to reach this dream. However, along the way many athletes lose sight not only of what they are working so hard towards but also of what is right and begin doing wrong things that eventually hurt them, their loved ones and sometimes even their own reputations. While trying to work hard towards their goals, some athletes forget what their responsibilities are and prioritize work before more important things. Because they are aiming for perfection, they overwork themselves and pay little or no attention to their family. Professional motocross racer Ryan Villapoto is one of the worlds best super cross races of his generation. After his family gave up every thing for him so he could get a pro contract at the age of 16 he turned on them and wouldn’t let them in to his life. After winning the 2011 super cross championship it took 2 years and a 6 mouth long injury before realizing he needed to let his family back in his life.

Macro environment Essay

Our product and all of the other actors operate in a large macro environment of forces that shape opportunities and pose threats to the company is known as macro environment. Six largely uncountable external forces influence our product’s marketing activities. And also it influences decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the economic, demographics, legal, political, and social conditions, technological changes, and natural forces Elements of Macro-Environment: Demographic Environment Demography is the study of human populations in terms of size, destiny, location, age, gender race, occupation and other statistics. The demographic environment is of major interest to marketers because it involves people. Economic Environment Marketers require buying power as well as people. The economic environment consists of factors that affect consumers’ purchasing power and spending power patterns. Marketers must pay close attention to major trends and consumers’ spending patterns. Natural Environment The natural environment involves the natural resources that are needed as inputs by marketers or they are affected by marketing activities. Environmental concerns have grown steadily during the past three decades. Marketers should be aware of several trends in the natural environment. Technological Environment The technological environment is perhaps the most dramatic forces now shopping own destiny. Technological environment involves forces that create new technologist creating new product and marketing opportunities. Political Environment Marketing decisions are strongly affected by developments in the political environment. Political environment consists of laws, government agencies, government itself and pressure groups that influence or limits various organizations and individuals in a given society. Cultural Environment The cultural environment is made up of institutions and other forces that affect a society’s basic values, perceptions, preferences and behaviors. There are few cultural values which affect marketing decision making. These are persistence of cultural value, shifts in secondary cultural value, people views of organization and others. â€Å"Environment factors that affect our green product† Demographic effect: I. Population growth and age structure. Changes in demand patterns of products. II. Family structure changing. Changing household’s patterns. People are thinking of saving time, Increasing dual income families. Multiple tasks at one time. Part-time jobs and business. III. More education Knowledgeable people are tending to use more inconvenience and useful things. Economic effects: Lawproductexportsnewgrowth price & service opportunities of GNP Social and cultural effects: Social organization such as family, school, temple and culture of the society shape, beliefs, norms, values, and behavior of people should take into an account before the launching of our product. Majority of people are influenced by their culture. Therefore when we trying to satisfy customer needs have to consider these factors and objectives should match with them. Technological effects: ObsoletethereforeProduct’s features should be up to date. Flexible Durable Efficient Effective Political – legal effects: Business regulations influence and limit the behavior of Rules individuals and organization. Government Policies Laws Governments bodies Pressure groups Conan is a green product Law tax rate Public acceptance Easier to launch Emphasis on ethics & social responsibility Natural effects: Natural environment: Impending of storage of raw material Increased cost of energy Increased levels of pollution Government intervention in natural resources management Conan is a green concept which provides energy saving system and lightning system without any capital expenditure. This encourages deployment of energy – efficient products. And also it is a disposable product.

Tuesdays With Morie essays

Tuesdays With Morie essays Tuesdays with Morrie is a true story that captures the compassion and wisdom of a man who only knew good in his heart. A man who lived his life to the fullest up until the very last breath of his happily fulfilled life. It is a story of a special bond of friendship that was lost for many years, but never forgotten and simply picked up again at a crucial time of both Morries and Mitchs lives. This book is a series of lessons a former student has with his teacher about facing one's death and living one's life, and to not feel sorry for yourself no matter how bad life treats you. But the main theme of this novel is the meaning of life, which is brought about in a very truthful manner. Mitch (one of the main characters who is also the author) makes sure to combine the present with flashbacks of the past, so that the reader can understand how deep the relationship between Mitch Albom and Morrie Schwartz goes. Morrie was a professor at Brandesis University in the city of Waltham, Massachusetts, and Mitch was the student. The book starts out on graduation day where Mitch is saying goodbye to his professor, Morrie. Morrie tells Mitch not to forget him and to keep in touch. But Mitch does forget about his professor until flipping through the television channels one night. Who is Morrie Schwartz? he heard on a special edition of Night Line. Merely 20 years later Mitch remembers back to his graduation day and what he had promised his Coach. More importantly, Mitch found out that Morrie had a disease that counted down the last days of his life. Mitch learned that Morrie had only a few months to live with the deadly disease of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Mitch decided to meet back up with his old friend. Mitch and Morrie began the last class that Morrie would teach-lifes greatest lesson. Mitch met up with Morrie on Tuesdays for his weekly ...

Free Essays on Differences In Gender Communication

All of us have different styles of communicating with other people. Our style depends on a lot of things: where we’re from, how and where we were brought up, our educational background, our age, and it also can depend on our gender. Generally speaking, men and women talk differently even though there are varying degrees of masculine and feminine speech characteristics in each of us. In association with their own genders, men and women, tend to speak in ways that reflect common characteristics of their own sex. In the workplace today, as it has always been, communication has remained a key ingredient to running and maintaining a successful organization. However, with the changing times since women have become able to complete tasks at the same level and efficiency of men, controversy has arisen, and now more than even it is imperative that communication remain a solid foundation and characteristic of both genders. Differences in communication are the results of many varying factors. The two genders have dissimilar goals and attitudes when communicating. Women on one hand want to achieve status, and avoid failure. In order to do so they pursue them in a semblance of connection. Men, on the other hand want to achieve involvement and avoid isolation, and pursue them in an appearance of opposition. Two disparate lenses are created from the differing perceptions of the male and female. One the connection lens and the other the status lens. Women are the connection lens because they tend to look for similarities to achieve connection, and equality. The males in opposition portray the status lens because it is they who look for differences to achieve status. From childhood on, boys and men try to â€Å"one up† each other. Their actions can lead to stronger personalities. Those who like to give orders and be leaders achieve the higher status, and the weaker personalities are those who accept the orders, are subordinate, and therefore receiv... Free Essays on Differences In Gender Communication Free Essays on Differences In Gender Communication All of us have different styles of communicating with other people. Our style depends on a lot of things: where we’re from, how and where we were brought up, our educational background, our age, and it also can depend on our gender. Generally speaking, men and women talk differently even though there are varying degrees of masculine and feminine speech characteristics in each of us. In association with their own genders, men and women, tend to speak in ways that reflect common characteristics of their own sex. In the workplace today, as it has always been, communication has remained a key ingredient to running and maintaining a successful organization. However, with the changing times since women have become able to complete tasks at the same level and efficiency of men, controversy has arisen, and now more than even it is imperative that communication remain a solid foundation and characteristic of both genders. Differences in communication are the results of many varying factors. The two genders have dissimilar goals and attitudes when communicating. Women on one hand want to achieve status, and avoid failure. In order to do so they pursue them in a semblance of connection. Men, on the other hand want to achieve involvement and avoid isolation, and pursue them in an appearance of opposition. Two disparate lenses are created from the differing perceptions of the male and female. One the connection lens and the other the status lens. Women are the connection lens because they tend to look for similarities to achieve connection, and equality. The males in opposition portray the status lens because it is they who look for differences to achieve status. From childhood on, boys and men try to â€Å"one up† each other. Their actions can lead to stronger personalities. Those who like to give orders and be leaders achieve the higher status, and the weaker personalities are those who accept the orders, are subordinate, and therefore receiv...

The Definition and Most Popular Methods of Note Taking

The Definition and Most Popular Methods of Note Taking Note-taking is the practice of writing down or otherwise recording key points of information. Note-taking is an important part of the research process. Notes taken on class lectures or discussions may serve as study aids, while notes taken during an interview may provide material for an essay, article, or book.  Taking notes doesnt simply mean scribbling down or marking up the things that strike your fancy, say  Walter Pauk and Ross J.Q. Owens in their book, How to Study in College. It means using a proven system and then effectively recording information before tying everything together. Cognitive Benefits of Note-Taking Note-taking involves certain cognitive behavior; writing notes engages your brain in specific and beneficial ways that help you grasp and retain information. Note-taking can result in broader learning than simply mastering course content because it helps you to process information and make connections between ideas, allowing you to apply your new knowledge to novel contexts, according to  Michael C. Friedman, in his paper, Notes on Note-Taking: Review of Research and Insights for Students and Instructors, which is part of the  Harvard University Initiative for Learning and Teaching. Shelley OHara, in her book, Improving Your Study Skills: Study Smart, Study Less, agrees, stating: Taking notes involves  active listening, as well as connecting and relating information to ideas you already know. It also involves seeking answers to questions that arise from the material. Taking notes forces you to actively engage your brain as you identify whats important in terms of what the speaker is saying and begin to organize that information into a comprehensible format to decipher later. That process, which is far more than simply scribbling what you hear, involves some heavy brainwork. Most Popular Note-Taking Methods Note-taking aids in reflection, mentally reviewing what you write. To that end, there are certain methods of note-taking that are among the most popular: The Cornell method, where you divide the paper into three sections: a space on the left for writing the main topics, a larger space on the right to write your notes, and a space at the bottom to summarize your notes; review and clarify your notes a soon as possible after class; summarize what youve written on the bottom of the page; and finally, study your notes.Creating a mind  map,  a visual  diagram that lets you organize  your notes in a  two-dimensional  structure, says  Focus. You create a mind map by writing the  subject or headline in  the center  of the page then add your  notes in the form of branches that  radiate  outward from the center.Outlining, which  is similar to creating an outline that you might use for a research paper.Charting, which  allows you to break up information into such categories as similarities and differences; dates, events, and impact; and pros and  cons, says  East Carolina University.The  sentence method, where you record every new thought, fact or topic on a separate line. All information is recorded, but it lacks (the) clarification of major and minor topics. Immediate review and editing are required to determine how information should be organized, says East Carolina University. Note-Taking Tips There are, of course, other variations on the previously described note-taking methods, such as the two-column method, says  Kathleen T. McWhorter, in her book, Successful College Writing, who explains that to use this method: Draw a vertical line from the top of a piece of paper to the bottom. The left-hand column should be about half as wide as the right-hand column. In the wider, right-hand column, record ideas and facts as they are presented in a lecture or discussion. In the narrower, left-hand column, note your own questions as they arise during the class. Making a list  can also be effective, say  John N. Gardner and Betsy O. Barefoot in Step by Step to College and Career Success. Once you have decided on a format for taking notes, you may also want to develop your own system of abbreviations, they suggest. Note-Taking Tips Among other tips offered by note-taking experts:Leave a space between entries so that you can fill in missing information.Use a laptop, which allows you to download information to add to your notes either during or after the lecture.Understand that there is a difference between taking notes on what you read and what you hear (in a lecture). If youre unsure what that might be, visit a teacher or professor during office hours and ask her to elaborate. Among other tips offered by note-taking experts: Leave a space between entries so that you can fill in missing information.Use a laptop, which allows you to download information to add to your notes either during or after the lecture.Understand that there is a difference between taking notes on what you read and what you hear (in a lecture). If youre unsure what that might be, visit a teacher or professor during office hours and ask her to elaborate. If none of these methods suit you, read the words of author Paul Theroux, in his article A World Duly Noted published in The Wall Street Journal in 2013: I write down everything and never assume that I will remember something because it seemed vivid at the time. And once you read these words, dont forget to jot them down in your preferred method of note-taking so that you wont forget them.

War on Terror Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

War on Terror - Essay Example and all of the countries it trades with. The federal government, in what some might term a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to the attack, declared a ‘war on terror’ to justify the military initiative de jour and the spending of unprecedented amounts of money on questionable programs and ventures in an effort to ‘provide security’ to its citizens. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 were on U.S. soil but resulted in severe repercussions regarding not just national economy. On that day and for about a year and a half prior, the major economies of the world were teetering on the edge of at least recession conditions and many were close to a full-scale depression. The attacks prevented any perceived or real economic upturns that were predicted given the factors present at that time. The event destroyed lives and property, increased government spending at a time when the country could ill afford the excessive expenditures and squelched corporate and consumer confidence which further slowed the economy and hindered the recovery efforts. The events lasted over a period of a couple of hours but its affects are still being felt all over the world. The heightened insecurity regarding terrorist acts and its effects on the economy worldwide continues to give worry to investors and businesses which only serve to further cripple the economi es of most countries. The attacks of Sept. 11 also had an instantaneous negative economic influence on the financial and corporate sectors worldwide. Many companies either closed or scaled back which caused an increase of unemployment and a resulting decrease of the tax base. This lack of consumer, corporate and government monetary resources was not good news for countries that depend upon exporting products to the U.S. for economic stability such as the Asian ports located in Thailand and Singapore. Regions of the world that

Student loan vs bank loan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Student loan vs bank loan - Research Paper Example A majority of students applies for federal loans. However, there has been an increase in the number of students applying for bank student loans. The federal government determines the fixed interest rates of the federal student loans, while the lender determines bank student loan rates. The lender determines the fee to be charged on the principal amount, and this is based on the credit worthiness. Students who are apply for Stafford and Perkins loans to require credit worthiness but those applying for the PLUS loan require no previous adverse credit. Considering the pros and cons of each option, it becomes challenging to decide whether students should apply for the federal student loans or the bank student loans. There have been price wars about the federal loans and bank loans for students as reported in the media in recent times (Andriotis 1). One may argue that the bank loans for students are actually cheaper than those being offered by the federal government. A few years back students preferred to have loans from the federal government because the rates were subsidized. This means that in the case of a rise in the interest of the federal loan, the students’ rates were not affected. The students were allowed to pay the amount that was agreed. Many students preferred federal student loans because they are easy to qualify for compared to banks (Clark 1). The bar set for by the federal government understands the need of students to have the money to pay for education. Banks on the other hand need assurance they will get their money back. This means that to access money from a bank the qualifications are quite high. The credit history of the student should be clean. The students should also have a repayment ability convincing enough to the bank before accessing a bank loan. This means the students should have a source of income, which is highly unlikely in most cases. The bank will require financial information on

Ost benefit framework to analysis cloud computing Essay

Ost benefit framework to analysis cloud computing - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Higher Education Institutes around the world have the necessity of having information technology in their institutions. The various institutions have a transition and now moving to cloud computing technologies, which is critical in shifting the cost of operation. The improvement on cost is coming from the fact that the services are no longer â€Å"locally hosted† but are now in a â€Å"rental model†. Apart from cost-benefit, cloud computing has the advantage of being available and resilient. There is an analysis of the benefits of cloud computing. The outcomes of the researchers demonstrate that there is an open door for both institutions of higher learning and Cloud suppliers to team up keeping in mind the end goal to upgrade the nature of administrations and decrease costs. There is an ambitious plan by the government of India to raise the enrollment of students in higher education from the current 16 million to 42 mill ion by the year 2020. There is also a plan interconnect the universities and colleges and offer e-learning in the process. All these plans will be made possible and cheaper through cloud computing. The system of education that has its basis on cloud computing provides efficiency where the construction and sometimes maintenance is by the cloud computing suppliers. Many organizations apart from the educational institutions are adapting to the Cloud computing services as it has a higher return on investment

Employee relations are one of IHRM. Critically analyses how cultural Essay

Employee relations are one of IHRM. Critically analyses how cultural differences might affect it. Illustrate your answer with examples - Essay Example This is to ensure justice prevails, and suitable measures are taken. This calls for the supervisors to consider progressive discipline and regulatory measures in effecting disciplinary actions. These measures are also required to resolve grievances and appeals from the employees. There are employee relations policies that outline steps that supervisors are supposed to take to address work performance and behaviour. Steps in these policies are not rigid procedural requirements that should be used in every situation. The measures are helpful in establishing guidelines to help supervisors monitor and ensure workers meet the expectations. Communication is a crucial tool in employee relations (Stewart, 2010). Employees require proper communication so that they can feel as part of an organization. Thus, it is necessary for supervisors to provide information to employees to promote good understanding of the goals and policies of the organization. This information is also important to employees as it helps in correcting poor performance, personal issues and other duty misconducts. Suitable advice is given to employees on legislation, applicable regulations and other bargaining agreements. It is through these advices that all indifferences are taken into account ranging from economic, social and cultural factors. In this process, employees are advised on the way to present their grievances in an organization (Chew & Chan, 2008). In this process, there is a proper understanding of organizational measures in labour provision. Employer’s main objective is work quality. It is obvious that happy employees create customers who are happy thus suitable business results are achieved. It is the need of every employee to get a respectful, fair, and a healthy workplace. Work motivators determine the work quality and the ability for workers to deliver at their level best. They include job security, workplace

A critical evaluation of the role of leadership in managing people in Essay

A critical evaluation of the role of leadership in managing people in sport and leisure organisations - Essay Example To expand the competitive market it is needed to apply the effective management principles for the management of people. The reasons behind the success of football clubs in India are the worldwide fans and the advance technology in broadcasting the football game all over India. To increase the awareness among the customers and meeting their expectations, funds should be available to run the industry and attract the commercial sector investors. Human resource managers are facing the challenges to meet the rising expectation of the customers and providing them services in order to exist in the competitive market. The sport and leisure industry will enjoy the competitive advantage only when it is the only one, which can meet the customer expectations, improving the quality, and creating awareness on consumer rights (Robinson, 2005, p.1-2). As the trends are changing, Human Resource Management processes the changes in the organisation structure, systems and cost reduction programs. Manag ing the people in the sport organisation helps the manager to acquire the skills and to be a good leader to help the new talents face the challenges in sport and leisure sectors. The sport and leisure industry will enjoy the competitive advantage only when it is the only one, which can meet the customer expectations, improving the quality, and creating awareness on consumer rights (Wolsey, Minten & Abrams, 2011). The leaders in the sports industry have to face lot of challenges in leading his team to reach the goal. A good leader is needed, who is confident enough to lead his team and encourage them to achieve the goal. In sports industry, a leader will be the one who is providing direction, encouragement and authority to evoke desired behaviours. For example, in the Minnesota Timberwolves organisation, like many sports organisations, the leader will play his role in catalysing the learning process among the followers, as well as creating environment

Darkness at noon by Arthur Koestler Research Paper

Darkness at noon by Arthur Koestler - Research Paper Example Darkness at Noon stands second in series of a trilogy of novels that revolves about the fundamental theme of political ethics and revolutionary ethics in general. The other two dystopian novels written at the same time were Brave New World by Huxley and Nineteen Eighty Four by Orwell. These novels are unique in themselves as they reveal ugly truths and disturb us. The title of the novel is aptly named as Darkness at Noon. Noon time is the brightest time of the day and it is only during extraordinary situations (such as a storm or solar eclipse) that noon is engulfed in darkness. The same darkness is felt in the heavy oppressive theme of the 2 novel that starts with a prison scene and ends with acceptance of guilt. The darkness reflected in the book was actually a reflection of the political scene prevalent in the political history of Soviet Union. Just at a time when Communism was rising at its peak like a glowing sun, there came a solar eclipse in the lives of the leaders and took a way many of their lives. What was more surprising that most of these leaders willingly accepted their so called crimes just for the sake of their party. The book looks into the interior monologue and the dire circumstances that make the men take up such extreme steps and sacrifice their names along with their lives. The story set in 1930s is compelling, didactic and angry. It revolves around Nicolas Salmanovitch Rubashov, who is imprisoned for counter revolutionary activities. Rubashov is an aging Communist Party member, now locked inside a cell as an indictment against a series of crimes that he could not have possibly committed. He has been ordered to be shot as soon as he publicly accepts the charges. But, he refutes the state’s offer to confess his guilt in public. Rubashov is not a saboteur, just a good communist. Though Rubashov possessed some degrees of independent thoughts and had arrogance of manner, he could not have committed such a serious crime such as conspiracy against his country. The country of his confinement is not confirm though from the various descriptions people can make out that he belonged to the Soviet Union and is confined in one of its cells. 3 Rubashov is arrested for crimes against the State and repeatedly interrogated and psychologically tortured till he give up and accepts those charges. As a former communist Koestler closely examines the high level of dedication filled in these Communists so that they readily confessed to quite ridiculous crimes at the Stalin’s Show Trials of the 1930s. By making the protagonist accept the guilt of the crimes, he projects that once you convince yourself that the ends justify the means, you should not be surprised when those means are turned against you. Soviet Union was experimenting to construct a new society. But, to make that society individuals were required to sacrifice some things. These ‘some things’ were life and a lifelong created reputation. Any sort of poli tical deviation would weaken the roots of that society Thus, by sacrificing himself, Rubashov have a feeble hope that people would take it as a lesson and never deviate from the paths of moral standings. Darkness at Noon is one of the first literatures to be found on Soviet Union in the English language. According to George Orwell there was â€Å"in England almost no literature of disillusionment about the Soviet

A critical evaluation of the role of leadership in managing people in Essay

A critical evaluation of the role of leadership in managing people in sport and leisure organisations - Essay Example To expand the competitive market it is needed to apply the effective management principles for the management of people. The reasons behind the success of football clubs in India are the worldwide fans and the advance technology in broadcasting the football game all over India. To increase the awareness among the customers and meeting their expectations, funds should be available to run the industry and attract the commercial sector investors. Human resource managers are facing the challenges to meet the rising expectation of the customers and providing them services in order to exist in the competitive market. The sport and leisure industry will enjoy the competitive advantage only when it is the only one, which can meet the customer expectations, improving the quality, and creating awareness on consumer rights (Robinson, 2005, p.1-2). As the trends are changing, Human Resource Management processes the changes in the organisation structure, systems and cost reduction programs. Manag ing the people in the sport organisation helps the manager to acquire the skills and to be a good leader to help the new talents face the challenges in sport and leisure sectors. The sport and leisure industry will enjoy the competitive advantage only when it is the only one, which can meet the customer expectations, improving the quality, and creating awareness on consumer rights (Wolsey, Minten & Abrams, 2011). The leaders in the sports industry have to face lot of challenges in leading his team to reach the goal. A good leader is needed, who is confident enough to lead his team and encourage them to achieve the goal. In sports industry, a leader will be the one who is providing direction, encouragement and authority to evoke desired behaviours. For example, in the Minnesota Timberwolves organisation, like many sports organisations, the leader will play his role in catalysing the learning process among the followers, as well as creating environment

Concepts and Development of Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Concepts and Development of Organizations - Essay Example I am currently pursuing a career in accounting with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), a global body for professionals, whose aim is to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. I would like to complete the second and final level of the ACCA program at Stouffville College in Canada which is one of the OAS member states. ACCA has entered into partnership with Oxford Brookes University (OBU) where examinations would be graded by both the ACCA body and also by the OBU. Upon completion of the second level and submission of a research and analysis project, a Bachelor of Science with Honours will be awarded in Applied Accounting from OBU. Business is an intricate and fast-paced field which has challenging employment options. The career opportunities and qualified candidates are so enormous that organizations become highly sel ective in choosing competent aspirants to various positions. After being conferred with a degree in Accounting, I am aware that professional movement in this specialized field is easily maximized. I would like to explore the potentials of specializing in taxation and heading other departments – not only to be confined to Accounting. The extensive responsibilities and functions assigned to accountant as tax specialists are highly motivating and enticing that professionalizing this field is a viable move.One of the benefits that the degree in accounting accords is the ability to recognize that change is a necessary component in any organization in order to respond to inefficiencies, conflicts and developments in the environment, especially of an identified country. My country is St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands of the eastern Caribbean, just south of Martinique. It is currently undertaking an initiative to develop a single economic unit through the Caricom Single Market E conomy (CSME).  

Creative educational tools Essay Example for Free

Creative educational tools Essay â€Å"We visualise and develop creative educational tools that provoke inspirational activity and bring positive recurring stimuli for children in their learning process and creative play. We believe on the power of creative education.† – Innospark Our team has chosen Innospark, Lithuania, which is actually a new company who produces educational toys for young children. Education is very important aspect of each persons life, especially in this century, so having the children start their educational journey in the early age is very important. Growing bigger, becoming a competitor on the Lithuanian market, Innospark decides to go outside the local market and take a chance on different European markets. Us being able to choose the market we came to agreement to have two markets, first Poland and second, Scandinavia. Considering that Poland is one of EU’s fast developing countries, which also has a lot of investors coming from around the globe and where the middle income is growing rapidly, we decided that Innospark would have a big chance in conquering the Polish market fast. Also there is almost no competition on the market, on their particular product. Scandinavia on the other hand is developed and open for new companies, giving them new opportunities. Even though, there is one actual competitor, Innospark has different kind of products which can easily compete with the others. Our decision on the entry mode is direct export. It is easy to implement in smaller countries, trade barriers are reduced to minimum, because all the countries are EU members and capital requirement is limited. The potential of getting profits are greater, because of the intermediaries are eliminated. All aspects of the transaction are controlled by us. We know who are customers are, our customers know who we are and business trips are more efficient and effective with meeting the customers face to face, for more confidence and trust. Customer relations are one of the most important part, they will feel more confident and secure with our product, once we establish the worming contact with them. We also have to have a total control over the negotiations and transactions, also the patents, copyright and trademarks. For future plans we are considering bigger improvements and expansions on the markets. We also considered about three employees with standard salary (Poland), proximately 410 euros, which is a normal salary for Poland. Advertisement for our product will be throughout the internet.  First the webpage of Innospark and the possibility of Facebook, opening a page is free and getting more customers will be faster and easier, we also would be able to advertise our page with a very low cost. 1. Market Segmentation As stated in the previous section, the market has been segmented by Innospark into two distinct customers, i.e. individuals and businesses. Individuals: The purchases made by this segment are usually single purchases for own kids or someone known to the individual customer. The demographics of this segment can be classified as: An average household income of 1500 Euros Parents have high aspirations for children with respect to education and development Businesses: This category includes business clients who buy toys for children. These clients are also organizations such as day-care, as well as school-based organizations like pre-school and/or nursery. This segment generally caters for seven to twenty five children. 2. Target Market Segment Strategy Exporting is a method of increasing sales potential for businesses. To go international, a company does not need to be big in size or have a huge marketing department. The Lithuanian market represents enough sales potential for Innospark. However, it is important for the firm to grow and the only way to do so is by exploiting the untapped markets, one of them being Poland. As per Euromonitor, the traditional toys and games market in Poland has been dominated by global brands for many years by companies such as Lego, Hasbro, Mattel and Simba. These companies have dictated general trends in the Poland toys market. This indicates that the Poland toys market represents a good opportunity for Innospark since consumers seem to be accepting global brands. Apart from increasing the customer base, exporting would also mean increased market share, and therefore increased profitability by lowering per unit cost. As per a general trend, an average order from international customer is often large r as compared to that from a domestic buyer. This means that exporting its toys can result in an increase in Innospark’s perceived size and stature. Additionally, it will also improve its competitive position, as compared to other similar-sized  startups in its sector. Through growth in business, Innospark may also look at overseas licensing, franchising, or may even set up its production unit in Poland. Additionally, the educational toys that Innospark is offering are very unique and innovative in nature. This opportunity can be exploited by commanding greater profit margins in Poland than in Lithuania. Although Lithuania helped the export-oriented economy in avoiding exchange-rate fluctuation by pegging the Lithuanian currency (the Lithai) to the Euro in 2002, other fluctuations in the economy and business cycles cannot be avoided altogether. Diversifying the market is therefore a feasible option for Innospark to reduce the risks. Also, exporting the products to Poland will help put the idle capacity at work, which will help Innospark to enjoy pure economies of scale with toys that are more global in scope. These products are also most likely to have a wider range of acceptance globally in the long run when Innospark grows and penetrates into other markets. From consumer point of view, Innospark will have to make sure that it offers products of the highest quality at a competitive price in Poland. If it becomes successful as an exporter, chances are highly likely that the educational toys will have increased acceptance in Poland as well due to Innospark’s heightened efficiency and focus on product quality. Lastly, Innospark also stands to gain from the export activities by a potential gain of knowledge. The myriad experiences and gain of information on new technologies, marketing ideas and product line extension that it will have in Poland can help Innospark to improve and grow not only its export business, but also the domestic business. 3. Entry mode As both countries (Lithuania and Poland) are part of EU, trade barriers are minimal. With reference to this information two the most attractive ways for â€Å"Innospark† to entry the new market has been selected: Indirect exports Direct exports Criteria Indirect exports Direct exports Implementation Find an export agent or freight forwarder from Poland, which could handle exporting and would be responsible for coordinating, could be a good choice, as local employees know their home market (customer’s needs, ways to attract them) better. Directly export products to customers (could be wholesalers or individual consumers) which are interested in purchasing them, without any intermediaries. This could lead to a better representation and protection of company’s trademark. Involvement in process Requires minimal involvement in exporting process. The company would be responsible only for finding any kind of intermediary (export agent or export managing company, freight forwarder, etc.).In that way â€Å"Innospark† would be able to continuously concentrate on Lithuania’s market and at the same time increase its market share in Poland. Requires maximum involvement in exporting process as company becomes responsible for developing understanding of a marketplace, handling logistics of shipment, collecting any kind of payments that might be needed to be paid, implementing support service. The market share in Poland might increase greater; however, domestic market would be a little bit â€Å"neglected†. Risk Almost none. This is the best way to field-test export potential for certain products. It might appear that it takes more time, money, energy than company is able to afford. Responsibility Intermediary would be responsible for failures, because indirect export requires minimal involvement in processes – there would always be someone to point the finger at if something went wrong, or not the way it was expected. The â€Å"Innospark† would be accountable for its failures. Being responsible for all exporting process will demand more effort from every level of the company. Potential profits Profits would be lower. Profits would be greater. Control Company would lose control over foreign sales because of the intermediary’s existence in the exporting-selling process. Company would have a better control of all phases of the transaction (ex. Shipment, selling, etc.) Contact with customers â€Å"Innospark† would have no direct contact with its customers. As a result, company might lose the opportunity to get to know the evolving needs of the consumers. â€Å"Innospark† would have direct contact with its customers. As a result, not only company will be able to get to know its customers and their needs, but also customers will know who â€Å"Innospark† is. Business trips Business trips might seem useless as company would be step removed from actual transaction because only intermediary would be able to know the latest information. Business trips would be efficient, useful and informative. There would be an opportunity to meet customers responsible for representing the products of the company. Long-term goals If suddenly the long-term outlook and goals of the company change, the reorientation of the company will be harder as production would already be in someone else’s hands. The reorientation would be easier as the â€Å"Innospark† would be the only unit responsible for exporting production of the company to Poland. As it is clearly visible from the table above direct exports has both, advantages and disadvantages. Analogue situation is with indirect exports. However, because the one of the main concerns on which is based the decision which entry mode should be selected, is contact with customers, the advantages of direct exports had outweighed advantages of indirect exports. With reference to information mentioned previously, the suggested entry mode for â€Å"Innospark† to entry Poland market is – Direct exports. The â€Å"Innospark† will focus on two types of consumers during this entry: Individual consumers (ex. parents, grandparents, aunts, etc.) Wholesale consumers (ex. kindergartens, daycare centers, etc.) The main and most important question is – why? Why consumers are such an essential part of the entry mode? The table below should answer this question. Reason Explanation Consequences Better margins Despite the fact that sales scope will be smaller, margins will be higher. More profit Closer contact with customers Stronger relationships which lead to loyalty will be developed by selling directly to customers, excluding any kind of intermediaries. This will form a more accurate feedback – better knowledge about evolving consumers’ needs. Products that satisfies consumers’ needs better Customers’ loyalty Word of mouth advertising Increase in the market share More profit More efficiency Fewer layers involved in distribution Simpler managing of the distribution processes Future plans â€Å"Innospark† will sell direct to the consumers and also to wholesaler purchasers, who will be responsible for representing the trademark and the products of the company. While this entry mode (Direct export) creates more work for â€Å"Innospark† in terms of generating sales, it provides better margins. Additionally, this process will be more costly, having in mind not only money, but also time and energy, for the first few years; however, once loyal relationships will be developed with individual consumers as well as the wholesale purchasers, the marketing expenses will decrease extremely as the customers become familiar with the â€Å"Innospark’s† extraordinary and exclusive products and continue to make purchases. What is more, loyal customers will not only constantly acquire products, but also introduce them to their friends, family members, etc. company will get free word of mouth advertising. 4. Industry Analysis The toy industry in Poland is characterized by many different domestic toy manufacturers (ex. TUBAN, KANWIL) also as global manufacturers who exports their production to the country (ex. Mattel, LEGO). Nevertheless, there is a  niche of educational toys which „Innospark† can take advantage from as this niche is quite new (within the last five years) and more legitimized nowadays comparing to the situation ten years ago when it was believed that toy can’t have any educational value – it was assumed that toy is just a meaningless way to occupy children giving parents’ a brake from parenthood. Only recently it was proved that there are some special designed toys which not only attracts children’s attention but also teach them constructrive skills at the same time as develop their imagination and ability to concentrate. It would be a great opportunity for „Innospark† to establisth itself while this niche is not overloaded. As it is clearly visible from the table above, competitors mainly focus is on eco-friendly wooden toys or constructors. â€Å"Innospark† would be like a â€Å"gust of the fresh air† in the Poland’s market with its creative solutions applied  to make outstanding educational toys and wide assortment of the products. 5. Staffing policy We decided to start with Warsaw and hire local staff, because, introducing our product, advertising will be more efficient in capital city than in other small towns. The minimum salary will be 405 and more, depending on the work level (Minimum wage in Poland is 404,16 â‚ ¬). The salary will be transferred to their accounts which also can be opened by us in one particular bank, which will be better for the company for not loosing money in transferring etc. We also will have 3 employees, till we expend on the market. Decision is to use local staff. Reasons: Local employees and managers know more of the local market and therefor can build reliable and trustful relationships with the customers. Local customers may prefer interactions with local employees and managers due to the common cultural background and lack of language barriers. Local managers and employees working together can increase employees morale, work satisfaction, organizational commitment and as a result effective performance. 6. Marketing strategy (business scheme) The business scheme will point out the fact that products are absolutely educational tools that are entertaining. This is a meaningful message because parents will desire their kids to play with this kind of toy. The essential feature of the „toyâ€Å", in the product is used to make the kids bound with the product, something mostly hard to do with most educational tools. â€Å"Innospark† create ideas in our minds and develop creative educational devices that provokes developmental activity and makes positive recurring stimulation for kids in their studying process and creative play. â€Å"Innospark† trust in the capability of clever education. Cleverness- clever person is a curious explorer. Let’s create a place where creativity grows Hopes, goals- the first years of children’s life are most important time in the growth of hopes. Let’s have the hopes high. Permitting- a kid so deeply wants to believe his or her wishes can come true. It is our job to help them  build a feeling of inner confidence, fearlessness and toughness. Progress- cleverness has developed into a highly treasured skill in the century. It is an important building block for changes in business, history and nowadays life. Let’s grow clever The business scheme will identify and describe for the fact that there are two definite client groups that must be drawn attention to. To take the awareness of both groups sees that the groups are very dissimilar despite the fact that they are buy identical product. (http://www.edu2.lt/lv/kas-mes-esam/) â€Å"Innospark† will use direct mailings and advertisements. â€Å"Innopark† is a new company, is a little two years old, so for the beginning we recommend choose the „Innospark† website (http://www.innospark.lt/). Will be used like the main tool to spread the product. It will be a cheap and productive way of spreading information regarding and its product. The site will be divided in two fields, one for general information and the other for dealers/traders. The second part will have greater amount of information outside business information like stock. Also, Innospark as a new company, choose the Internet as a cheaper and more effective your advertising apparel and corporate types. To ensure the effective promotion of the search results, one of the ways to register Google AdWords. Next would be placement of advertisements in various, popular international social networks such as Facebook, Twitter etc. Social networks provide advertisements wide spread not only the Internet but also Internet users communicating with each other, as well as commenting on a product on the Internet, writing reviews, etc. Often, when choosing a product, service or business other peoples reviews are crucial selection. Homegrown web sites the opportunity to advertise, is the largest news portals.Like the ad placement site, an important aspect of creating their advertisements, is to choose the advertising audience. Audience determined to run at end-customers, which is a very important part of a successful advertising campaign. The website business scheme is easy to understand and clear, have the webpage shortcuts on all available materials as well as mention it in all talks with clients. To make it easy to find for greater amount of people. Will add the site to more spacious extent of search engineers so even if a specific customer is not informed of but has knowledge of the product category, they will still be pointed to site. 6.1 Sales strategy (Marketing scheme) The marketing scheme will be adjusted for every client group. The marketing scheme for individuals is to make plenty knowledge of. So that clients are asking their dealers to carry for them. To address the marketing part it is future plan that the businesses are not just purchasing one or two of the items but that they are purchasing entire products addressing dissimilar abilities, all of which are valuable. In most cases this is particularly valuable as businesses repeat clients, meaning that if buyer is satisfied with the bought item, they will probably become a long term clients and not search for other dealers. 6.2 Operations strategy (Action plan) Will make manufacture widely popular of all of its products. We choose the publicizing system for many reasons: None of them have been involved in manufacturing action  Popularizing will lower the cost to smallest amount, making all products costs variable Popularizing will make it available for the business team to pay more attention on marketing and new product growth Minimizing the possible financial dangers by not committing to the cost of a manufacturing facility Making business plans sales grow bigger Bibliography Delaney, L. (2014). About Money. Retrieved from http://importexport.about.com/: http://importexport.about.com/od/DevelopingSalesAndDistribution/a/Direct-Exporting-Advantages-And-Disadvantages-To-Direct-Exporting.htm Innospark. (2012, December). Innospark. Retrieved from http://www.innospark.lt/ Martins, R. (2014, November 28). Poland. Retrieved from http://www.tradingeconomics.com/: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/poland/gdp-growth www.eulerhermes.com. (2014). Country Reports. Retrieved from http://www.eulerhermes.com/: http://www.eulerhermes.com/economic-research/country-reports/Pages/Poland.aspx?gclid=Cj0KEQiA-uWjBRChu9ie05m5ipgBEiQAuHIuK_uF1FFr62ciCHwCl1nLspSxhq8sG8r3y0oqDNP-1IQaAsK68P8HAQ www.investopedia.com. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marketsegmentation.asp

The Abortion Controversy Essay -- essays research papers

The controversy within the biomedical ethics topic, abortion, has two main proponents. The first is the view against abortion, also known as pro-life. The other view is rooted upon the belief of being pro-choice, or basically for abortions. These two different views are like two mathematical principles, in that although these two views have many differences, they also have larger similarities in the background. For example, when pro-choice activists support abortions due to unwanted pregnancies, the activists are not rallying behind the idea of sexual incompetency (pregnancies due to lack of birth control). Rather, they are supporting the idea that women have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. In order to understand these opposing views, justifications and condemnations, on abortion, it can basically be divided into three categories. These categories are based upon the reasons for which abortions are carried out, and include congenital defects, rape, and economics . Congenital defects, is when deformities within the baby are detected during an early stage of a pregnancy. These defects, such as Down’s syndrome, are detected through an amniocentesis test. The second justification for abortion is from criminal cases, such as rape. A final reason for an abortion is due to economics, the financial condition, of a family. Economics can also include cases such as teen pregnancies. The anti-abortionists have numerous reasons for their beliefs, and many of them are attached to their religion ideals. Religious ideals, range from having an abortion before 120 days after the pregnancy, as in Islam, to considering it a sin to have an abortion, as in Christianity. However, the anti-abortionists’ reasons also come from the belief that a human being is born after conception, and that the death of that embryo or fetus resembles the murder of an innocent human being. They believe that no one has the power to take command of another’s life, mainly an infant, which is dependent on others for survival during the initial stages of life. In addition, to the fact that abortions kill innocent human beings, anti-abortionists believe that they also damage the mental, as well as physical condition of the mother. Since, after an abortion a mother is more susceptible to breast cancer, and to periods of depression. In the case of congenital defects, the pro-life activis ... ...cal analysis of abortions. In the eyes of Economics, abortion can also have a negative effect, or an opportunity cost. For example, is the mother of Einstein or Darwin had an abortion, then the opportunity cost would be the loss of knowledge they discovered. Likewise, the opportunity cost of an unborn child due to abortion, whom could have had a significant effect on human race, can be devastating. Work Sited Anderson, D. E. Newsroom Guide to Abortion and Family Planning. Second Edition. Washington, D. C.: Dickinson Publishing, 1996. Harrison, Maureen, and Steve Gilbert. Abortion Decisions of the United States Supreme Court: The 1990’s. Beverly Hills: Excellent Books, 1993. Joffe, C. Doctors of Conscience: The Struggle to Provide Abortion Before and After Roe v. Wade. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1996. Melville, Keith. The Battle Over Abortion. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 1990. Whitney, Catherine. Whose Life?. New York: William Morrow and Company Inc., 1991. Internet Source. http://www.cbctrust.com/medproc.html Internet Source. http://www.prolifeinfo.org/statestats.html Internet Source. http://www.prolifeinfo.org/up16.htm Internet Source. http://www.tidalweb.com/life/go.htm

expatriate failures :: essays research papers fc

EXPATRIATE FAILURES â€Å"The internationalization of business has proceeded at a rapid pace as the world has become a global economy.†(Mathis, Jackson 2000) This is the very reason why companies now have the need for international executives. As all aspects of a business spread worldwide, so must the employees. An expatriate by definition is a home-county national, usually an employee of the firm, who is sent abroad to manage a foreign subsidiary. (Rodrigues, 2001) A successful expatriate generally requires an extensive amount of time and money, however, a failed expatriate can be even more costly for an organization. A study of multinational corporations showed that 69% (of the firms surveyed) had recall rates of expatriates between 10 to 20 percent. Compared to Japan and their figures, (86% of firms had less than 5% recall rate) the United States has room for improvement. (Tung, 1981) There are many reason for expatriates to fail and many differences between Japan and United States’ hum an resource management planning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main reasons why expatriates fail is due to the social and physical environments of the foreign country. Adaptation problems can effect the on-the-job effectiveness of the expatriate. Different value systems and living habits are a main cause of adaptation problems and the inability to communicate only worsens the problem. Lack of communication verbally and nonverbally can affect every aspect of a persons career and person life. If someone can’t communicate, imagine the difficulty of going to the bank, dealing with customers, and even going grocery shopping. In addition to the new surrounding environments, if the expatiates family can not accompany them or is not happy with the new living arrangements then it could result in separation anxiety. Humans need to feel secure in their environments and with all of these downfalls it is extremely difficult to accomplish. When an expatiate is not happy with their situation, it will reflect on their job p erformance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some other reasons for expatriates to fail are differences in the managerial and organizational principles. If a foreign country has different principles than the home-country than implementation can be very difficult. This also applies to objectives and policies. With such differences the expatriate may need to conform to the local situation. â€Å"If the expatriate manager’s authority is visibly constrained, his or her opportunity to establish and maintain an effective relationship with local associates is diminished.† (Rodrigues, 2001) An expatriate’s authority can appear constrained if the home office overcentralizes the decision making.

Qantas Cas Notes Essay

Analyse and interpret data Maintain Qantas/Jetstar’s combined domestic market share of 65% Match capacity with demand sustaining loads around 80% Grow Jetstar in Asia Increase internet sales Increase customer service standards Enhance complementary portfolio businesses like Freight Reduce losses of Qantas international Transform Qantas International for focusing on right aircraft, right route, network optimisation and margin improvement Grow their frequent flyer program members and partners Market Segmentation and Selection of the Target Market Qantas’ market segmentation is complex because each segment has distinctive and different needs and expectations, such as the need to make stop-overs, the ability to pay fare levels and expectations in terms of in-flight service and comfort. Qantas mainly uses behavioural segmentation to select its target markets. Buyers are distinguished according to trip purpose e. . business and leisure/non-business travellers. Marketing Strategies Positioning Formulating the Marketing Mix Product Strategies Scheduling features Comfort-based features I ne Qantas Frequent Hyer scneme (H- Intangible benefits Brand name Price Cost plus margin: Qantas determines the cost of production and then adds a margin for profit Market: most fares at Qantas are determined by the market, where demand is matched with supply Competition based: monitoring what other airlines such as Virgin Blue are charging Pricing Strategies Price penetration Full Fares Promotional Fares Loss Leading Promotiono Advertising Sales promotions particularly in periods of subdued demand. When Qantas first launched Jetstar it released 100,000 tickets at $49. Qantas also launches a two-for- one ticket sale, which allowed a second passenger to fly for the cost of taxes and charges. Personal selling Publicity Place/Distribution Distribution to end customers is achieved by Qantas in two ways, direct and indirect. DIRECT – via its own retail outlets INDIRECT – via sales agents People Because most customers have direct contact with Qantas employees, especially on he ground, the impression they give has a big impact on how Qantas is perceived. Qantas staff must have appropriate personal attributes and training for their Jobs. Qantas spends more that $275 million a year on staff training to ensure a very positive interaction between its customers. Processes Booking flights online Online check in Mobile check in cnecK In KIOSK Physical Evidence Qantas’ customers are influences by Qantas’ signage, its website, its terminals, its lounges, etc. E-Marketing uses an electronic medium to perform marketing activities, e. g. website, email. Global Marketing is the use of marketing activities across national boundaries. Qantas uses: Global Branding Standardisation Customisation Implementing, Monitoring and Controlling the Marketing Plan Qantas has a systematic base for continually monitoring, controlling and adjusting its marketing activities using the following tools: Developing a financial forecast of revenue using statistical models, past sales data, executive Judgement and surveys of customer buying intentions. It then estimates costs such as market research costs, promotion costs, product development costs and distribution costs. Comparing actual and planned results using a number of performance criteria.

Human Resources Final Project Essay

The role of the HR Department of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is to handle all aspects of employee relations. The areas it covers are Recruiting and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Employee Discipline, Compensation and Benefits and Labor Relations. Each of these areas is vital to the effective operation of the company as a whole. Although each area is outlined in detail, there is still room for improvement in each. The Recruiting and Selection process at the Department of Human Services (DHS) is a fairly simple one. The requirements for the applicants are not strenuous; thereby allowing a wide range of applicants to be considered for the positions. It is recommended that a personality test be given to each applicant in order to gage their ability to handle the many different scenarios they will encounter while employed at DHS. A prerequisite for applying should be that the applicant has worked in an environment which required handling stressful situations. The Training and Development process at DHS consists of both Internal and External training methods. One such external method requires the new hire to travel to the corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA. This training lasts for two weeks and requires the applicant to stay nightly at that location to complete the training. A suggested change to that training would be that it is held locally for those new hires that may not be able to travel for such long periods of time due to family obligations, such as having small children. As far as the internal training is concerned, the coaching portion done one on one with the new hire should be extended well after the training process has ended. This will ensure that the employee is still understanding his or her job duties and performing them accordingly. The Performance Management aspect of DHS is one in which the employees are evaluated yearly to measure their success in their position on an individual and team level. Each employee is measured according to his or her  position’s requirements and job duties. A beneficial change to this process would be to review each section of the evaluation form with the employee well in advance of their evaluation date. This will give the employee a heads up on the areas within their job that they need to focus one and the goals they need to achieve before their yearly evaluation time arrives. The Employee Discipline process at DHS serves to ensure that employees are receiving corrective action whenever a workplace infraction occurs. The employee can receive either an oral or written disciplinary action depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Employees are given feedback on how to correct their action after the offense occurs. However, there are times when an employee is not given the proper follow up and feedback after an infraction occurs. This can in turn cause the employee to commit the offense again and make the disciplinary action process go to the next level. DHS should make sure proper follow up is done on a regular basis to ensure the education and growth of the employee. The Compensation and Benefits packages offered at DHS are designed to help make the company a competitive one. Salaries are paid on a bi-monthly basis on the 15th and last day of each month. Employees are given the option to add healthcare benefits, sign up for 401k or flexible spending accounts. There aren’t many incentives offered at DHS. One such incentive which could be offered is rewarding employees based on their monthly performance individually and as a team. This would assist with keeping employee morale high and giving them something to strive for. Also, the starting salary should be increased in order to keep the job a competitive one on the job market. Potential employees are attracted to a nice salary as well company incentives. It is essential for DHS to maintain strong and positive Labor Relations between employees and management. The employee should always feel as if they have the help and support of their management team. Communication between the two must be maintained at all times so that issues and concerns can be addressed effectively. One way for DHS to improve these relationships is for there to be more interaction between the employees and management in a non-working environment. This can be accomplished by  establishing company sporting leagues or having company picnics. The HR Department of DHS is the chief factor which ensures that the company is run smoothly and efficiently. Each functional area has a particular job to accomplish. It is important that each area be explored thoroughly to determine if each is accomplishing the tasks it has been given to handle. Implementing a few changes in each area will help to take the HR department to the next level. References Smith, A. E. (n.d.) What are furlough days? Retrieved on October 27, 2012 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-furlough-days.htm Recruitment (n.d.) retrieved on October 27, 2012 from http://www.ohrmd.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHS-OHRMD/menuitem.a90032b0182b9d5171f585c4da1010a0/?vgnextoid=bc80e250e1522310VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD People Management-Recruitment Methods (n.d.) retrieved on October 30, 2012 from http://www.tutor2u.net/business/gcse/people_recruitment_methods.htm Heathfield, Susan, M. (n.d.) Hiring Freeze Retrieved on October 30, 2012 from http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryh/g/hiring_freeze.htm Temporary Worker (n.d.) retrieved on October 30, 2012 from http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/tempwkr Selection (n.d.) retrieved on October 30, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0402.pdf Employee Orientation (n.d.) retrieved on November 3, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0501.pdf Marti (April 6, 2010) Human Resources: Informal vs Systematic Appraisal retrieved on November 7, 2012 from http://bloghresources.blogspot.com/2010/04/informal-vs-systematic-appraisal.html Performance Management (n.d.) retrieved on November 8, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0701.pdf Disciplinary/Dismassal Actions-Classified Employees (n.d.) retrieved on November 16, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/1601.pdf Drug Free Workplace (n.d.) retrieved on November 16, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/1301.pdf Grievance Procedures for Employees (n.d.) retrieved on November 17, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/1501.pdf Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M., (2011) Fundamental of Human Resource Management: Giving Performance Feedback (4th ed.) New York, New York: McGraw-Hill and Irwin Culpepper and Associates (November 24, 2010) Salary Structures: Creating Competitive and Equitable Pay Levels Retrieved on November 30, 2012 from http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/compensation/Articles/Pages/SalaryStructures.aspx Calculation of Salary Payments (n.d.) Retrieved on November30, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0801.pdf Salary Adjustments (n.d.) Retrieved on December 1, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0802.PDF Eligibility of Benefits (n.d.) Retrieved on December 1, 2012 from http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/1000_adm/1300_ohrmd/MANUAL/0901.pdf

The Role of HR Department in the Hiring of the New Employees

Before turning to the factors affecting the proper organization of a Human Resources department and its role in hiring new employees, briefly need to stress the organization of the department itself. National Hellenic Land and Property Register consist of HR Executive Manager, two HR generalists, one HR coordinator and one HR assistant.The binding function of human resource management to business strategy at the operational, administrative and strategic level, facilitating managers and line workers and the continuous monitoring of developments, both internal as well as external highlighting role of Human Resources into a modern enterprise, and demonstrate the importance of the department. Recruitment and selection of staff responsibilities are exclusively assigned to the Executive Manager of Human Resources.The manager is responsible for all actions relating to vacant or new job, promotions and personnel movements, and maintains the necessary number of employees by carrying out recru itment. The departures of employees and management mainly for reasons of retirement have resulted in the evacuation of jobs. Usually outgoing are people with enough experience in positions of responsibility. Thus the filling of these positions is usually done with internal recruitment. In particular, the HR manager is obliged to communicate in the form of circulars typically jobs that are to be met.The same procedure is followed in the event that created new jobs, but in which they can meet their employees with the knowledge and experience they possess. The various movements, promotions and retirements are leaving them uncovered jobs, responding mainly to simple tasks without supervision and accountability. To meet the specific positions, HR Department addresses recourse to external recruitment. As already mentioned, the decision to conduct large- scale recruitment is solely the responsibility of the manager.Usually in the medium term cared to cover positions internally (delay Promo tions – assignment of multiple tasks), while intakes are in the long periodic basis by conducting external competitions. The HR manager is responsible for the organization and conduct of these competitions, and for notification of job vacancies nationwide. Analyzing the recruitment process shows that there are some points that need improvement. First, the company needs to unblock the recruitment process from the logic of the periodic competitions.It is appropriate to be recruited annually, based programming needs already done the Human Resources Department. Even through â€Å"external recruitment should be extended tank pumping concerned, possibly by linking the company with the finance departments of Greek universities to attract people most concerned with the essential object of activity of the National Hellenic Land and Property Register, given that as the situation today , the attraction is rather randomâ€Å"(Petrakis, 2012) , however, and certainly without any necessa ry filters.The only case where it is applied successfully recruiting process as described scientifically by the Human Resources Administration, is recruiting qualified professional staff. The recruitment process has been upgraded to the extent that a separate sub-division within the Directorate of Human Resources. The HR generalists are primarily responsible for the execution of all actions that contribute to the proper staffing of various jobs. It operates on two levels, the original recruiting agents, and this selection of employees for staffing positions of responsibility.During the recruitment process, successful candidates go through specific stages of selection, and which lead to the final hiring decision or rejection. These stages are interviewing executive sub address selection, which mainly outlines the psychosocial profile of the candidate, a test of perception and intelligence, control and verification of references accompanying the application documents and medical exams . Noted at this point that successful candidate’s recruitment is rarely rejected at selection stages. These are more important for recording various characteristics of employees, and simply recorded and archived for future use.The selection plays a very important role in the process of promoting employees and staffing positions of responsibility. At this level, historical data have occasionally recorded, account together with the data obtained from a second selection process done at that time to candidates who meet the set criteria. The latter process involves a detailed interview with each candidate, where he is asked to describe the reasons is interested in a specific location, and design and analysis of annual performance evaluation sheetsâ€Å".  (McConnell, 2005)The final conclusions of this choice lead to the promotion decision or rejection of the official. The selection procedures used by the National Hellenic Land and Property Register judged as adequate and relati vely well designed. The tests and interviews are done by highly trained staff and have a high degree of reliability. It is useful to introduce assessment procedures of virtual projects, before taking up his new duties, in order to verify in practice if and when candidates for key positions are capable and experienced enough to cope with any difficulties.

Personal case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal - Case Study Example Most human being are unique in many ways hence psychology tends to explains the similarities through understanding of their respective societal ethics. In understanding different human traits, personality psychology explains how human differ from others. This school of psychology also explains why some of aspects contradict or complement on human life. According to research, this field of discussion came later after all other schools had been discussed by psychologists. Stages of Development According to Freud’s explanation on the theory of psychodynamic, personality is structured in three major categories namely; Id, Ego and Superego and psychosexual stages of development. Whereby Id explains the basic instincts of all human beings, Ego refers to the stage which connects an individual’s Id and superego. Superego depicts human morals acceptable behaviors while psychosexual stage is the last stage in this theory which paves way for behavioral stage. The first stage of de velopment starts immediately after birth to 1 year of age. This is the stage where infants tend to acquire pleasure from sucking. At this stage, the infant may be at a position of chewing pencils, rubbers, thumbs, finer nails biting as an affixation. The next stage is the anal stage (1-3years). At this stage, young children enjoy releasing urine and other waste products from the body. Parent have difficult work in training their children how to use toilets because if they are not well trained they will end up becoming anal retentive. Cleanliness is the major affixation at this stage or messiness. In that a child may hold urine for quite sometime and release it at his or her own will. The enjoyment at this stage is crucial to parents for the development of their children. Between the years of 3 to 6 refers to as the phallic stage. At this stage, the Id of an individual focuses on the genital impulse which explains why children find pleasure from their genital stimulation. Parentsâ₠¬â„¢ major worry is the Electra conflict and oedipal conflict for both girls and boys respectively. The child tries to explore his or her body needs with the opposite sex hence may result to wrong sex forcing the parent to have anger towards them. Parents tend to take much time with their children so as to teach them on the various life outcomes but not in depth since they fear they are not grown enough to follow their parents’ restrictions. At the latency stage, the child’s superego develops. At this stage it is believed that there is no much change as of developmental happenings. Lastly is the genital stage of development. It also takes place at the adolescent stage where the child tries to find pleasure through sex or they may have the need for sex. Parents have enormous task of advising their children intensively so as not to indulge in unwanted pregnancies and unhealthy relationships which may affect their later lifestyles. Bandura explains cognitive theory as a s chool of thought which gives an individual the right to socialize free within the given environment which helps in the developmental learning due to the immediate environment. The psychologist believed this theory is the connector between the environment and the human behavior. The theory focuses most on the observations or imitation of others behavior thus triggers an individual to behave the same. For example

International business & institutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International business & institutions - Essay Example Key Findings Regarding Market Opportunities in China China is one of the strongest economies of the world. According to statistics on the Chinese market, the number of urban households owning a computer stood at 27.8% in 2003 compared to just 2.6% in 1997. Speaking of white good manufacturing, it’s something that’s being carried out on a very grand stage in China for a vast amount of time now (Access Asia Limited 2006). White goods like washing machines and refrigerators have been possessed by most of urban Chinese population since the mid of 1990s. However, as such they haven’t been found in much quantity in the rural areas of China even though the according to the recent studies, the rate of such purchases by rural households has witnessed a sharp increase. The Porter’s diamond is often used to explain why certain countries enjoy an exceptional reputation for certain goods and services they produce. We all know Germany is famous for car manufacturing, Ja pan for its cameras and game stations the UK for its financial services. The Porter’s diamond helps us explain why all this happens. One of the determinant factors of the Porter’s diamond is factor conditions. China is an over populated country. The population of the country has increased so much that there are a lot of people roaming around jobless. In such a demand supply mismatch, labor can usually be hired at cheap rates. Refrigerator manufacturing usually requires labor to interconnect parts and oversee the running of machinery. A lot of money can be saved in term of hiring cheap labor. Another of the factor conditions that favors the production of electronics like refrigerators in China is the weather. The warm Chinese weather is perfect for the condensed gas found in the refrigerator’s condenser. Too hot or too cold weather often causes problems in the condenser and extra cost has to be incurred to refill the leaked gas. Demand conditions are the second f actor in Porter’s diamond. There would be obviously no reason to produce goods and services where there isn’t a demand for such products. China is the most populous country in the world and with an ever increasing population, the demand for refrigerators can be foreseen to be high in the future. In such circumstances setting up a refrigerator manufacturing plant directly in China would result in an increase in profit and lowering of costs. Cost would be lowered as they refrigerators be manufactured locally and therefore wouldn’t have to imported and hence cost reduction could be experienced in the form of saving on import related duties and taxes. Hubei is a probable location for our European based company to set up a refrigeration plant. The Hubei province is located in the middle of China and is also referred to as the natural distribution hub of China. The province of Hubei has slightly more skilled labor as compared to other parts of the country and has alre ady well-established supply chains. The province is already home to a lot of companies ranging from telecom sector to electronic appliance and computer equipment makers (Joint Environmental Markets 2000). Another factor from the Porter’s diamond is whether there are related or supporting industries or not. It is a generally well known fact that that industries often benefit from each other if they are located in the vicinity of related and supporting indust