A Comparison and Contrast Discussion between the Reading

Women are viewed differently by men in the society today. There are certainly those who are able to view women as delicate vases while there are those who simply see them as material slaves who are supposed to serve and not be served in return, these differentiating view of women has been the focal point of the presentation of the major issues with regards women attention and treatment as per shown through the readings prepared by Kincaid and Wright.Comparison and Contrast  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Starting off with Kincaid’s â€Å"Girl†, she pointed out how particular cultures treat women as mere slaves. Someone who needs to be instructed on how to do things as they are actually expected to accomplish such duties for those whom they are supposed to serve [including their husbands and their families]. It seems like as if, it is through the accomplishment of these duties that they are given the rightful respect that they are due in the house and within the community that they are living in.Everything a girl is for is for the sake of her family and the ones she loves. At some point, some women today are living in this particular trend of treatment as received from their mates as well as from their families. Sadly though, only a few are able to realize that women ought to have their own voices, able to do what they really want to do for the sake of personal growth while accomplishing the tasks that they are expected to complete.Furthermore, no matter what tradition suggests, women are supposed to be viewed as complementary individuals for the success that men are particularly aiming for and not simply the slave driven to follow rules and instructions for better service to the people that they ought to love as women.For this reason, the selection â€Å"Flight† by Wright shows a different version of women treatment that is quite more pleasing than the previous explanation. In this selection, the author points out that he is in dire need of his mate that h e has made her the source of his life. He actually noted that he longed for her companionship and would thus trade anything else just to have her back beside him to share with him the life that they both planned to enjoy back then.Sadly though, there are only a few kinds of men today who would really see women in this manner. However, with the existence of true love and respect, the situation becomes much bearable to deal with.True, women are individuals wanting and needing of attention and respect. They are well aware that they are rather expected to complete different tasks in the house for their mates and their families as well.However, this is not an indication that they are then supposed to carry the burden of being disrespected although they are already doing the best of their efforts to complete their responsibilities as women of their families and their societies as well.It is never easy being a woman. Especially during this era of modernization, everything with regards the role of woman in the society and the family has already changed. It seems as if the responsibilities have changed.Moreover, the situation has already been rearranged by the fact that women now are not only expected to stay at home and do the chores, instead, they are now expected to become highly competitive as they are also expected to work long hours for money for the sake of their families. Imagine the huge amount of responsibilities that women particularly need to carry upon their shoulders, yet they continue to endure the hard times of life as it faces them.Overall Reaction to the ReadingsIf observed closely, the writings of Wright and Kincaid actually pertain to a gradual pattern of realization. Kincaid simply places an emphasis on how women are trained to be accustomed to the responsibilities that they are to face as they grow towards maturity while the writings of Wright uses the situation to be the basis of the thought of actually finding the right reasons to support a woma n and be her strength as a major source of inspiration for her to have the capability of completing her tasks well.ConclusionUnderstandably, the matter depends on the society’s realization of how women actually contributes to the progress of the society as a mother, as a wife, a friend and a worker. Recognizing the importance of women’s existence in this manner would indeed empower the people in becoming more respective and fine-mannered towards the treatment that they imply to the women in their own communities.Source:Jamaica Kincaid. â€Å"Girl†. http://www.turksheadreview.com/library/texts/kincaid-girl.html. (January 28, 2008).Franz Wright – Flight. http://pantasyangbayan.blogspot.com/2007/01/franz-wright-flight.html. (January 28, 2008).

A Study On Dialogue And Learning Education Essay

Dialogue has been recognized as the most noteworthy illustration of Western literature by Plato since 428/427 BC – 348/347 BC ; . In Grecian and Indian literature, peculiarly the ancient art of rhetoric, it is historically beginnings as narrative, philosophical or educational device. The duologue has been used to learn a scope of topics, including doctrine, logic, rhetoric, and mathematics. Dialogue ( the Greek DIA for through and logos for word ) can be defined to include legion communicative Acts of the Apostless includes conversation, talk, communicating, interchange, discourse, statement, chat, chitchat, colloquy, every bit good as treatment, argument, exchange of positions, tete-a-tete, audience, conference, meeting, interview, inquiry and reply session, and dialogues ( New Oxford Thesaurus of English 2000 ) . Dialogic acquisition can happen in any educational state of affairs and contains an of import potency for societal transmutation.[ 2 ]Assorted parts to Dialogic acquisition has been developed on many positions and subjects such as, P. Freire, 1970 on the theory of Dialogic action, G. Wells, 1999 looking for the Dialogic enquiry attack, J. Habermas, 1984 with the theory of communicative action, M. Bakhtin, 1981, the impression of Dialogic imaginativeness, and Soler, 2004, the dialogical ego. Among those, there are many more modern-day writers on Dialogic constructs, J. Mezirow, 1990, 1991, 2000 transformative larning theory, M. Fielding 2001, pupils as extremist agents of alteration, T. Koschmann, 1999 emphasizes the possible advantages of following dialogicality as the footing of instruction, Anne C. Hargrave, 2000 shows that kids in Dialogic-learning in vocabulary. Specifically, the construct of Dialogic acquisition ( Flecha, 2000 )[ 3 ]evolved from the probe and observation of how people learn both outside and interior of schools, when moving and larning freely is allowed.The theoryThe construct of Dialogic acquisition is non new. In the book Mind and Society, 1962, Vygotsky argued that kids larn how to utilize be aftering map of their linguistic communication efficaciously and their psychological field alterations basically. He argued that a kid begins to get the hang his milieus with the aid of address prior to get the hanging his ain behaviour. He claimed that the creative activity of these alone homo signifiers of behaviour which finally produced the rational productive work with the usage of tools. This was described in his observations of kids in an experimental state of affairs showed that kids non merely move in trying to accomplish a end but besides speak. This address arose spontaneously and continued about without break throughout the experiment. He claimed that it seems that both natural and necessary for kids to talk while they act. Respectively, Vygotsky drew the same sort of differentiation between the ‘spontaneous ‘ construct of mundane acquisition and the ‘scientific ‘ construct of the schoolroom.[ 4 ]Vygotsky, 1962 argues that the origin of a self-generated construct can normally be traced to a face-to-face meeting with a concrete state of affairs, while a scientific construct involves from the first a ‘mediated ‘ attitude towards it object. Paulo Reglus Neves Freire ( 1921-1997 ) , 1970 theory of Dialogic action 1921 -1997 was a Brazilian pedagogue and influential theoretician of critical teaching method.[ 5 ]He was an educationalist known for developing popular instruction ; he puts duologue as a type of teaching method.[ 6 ]Freire argued that duologue as a agency of democratising instruction ( Freire 1972, 1999 ) . Dialogue communicating allowed pupils and instructors to larn from one another in an environment characterized by regard and equality. He advocates himself to back up suppressed people with their public presentation or application of accomplishments that is informed and linked to their values, by executing and using their accomplishments in order to do teaching method for a more thickening apprehension and doing positive alterations to them. He states that human nature is Dialogic, and he believes that communicating has a prima function in people ‘s life. Dialogue is a claim in favour of the democrati c pick of pedagogues and scholars. The end of the Dialogic action is ever to uncover the truth interacting with others and the universe. He claimed that we are continually in duologue with others and it is in that procedure that we create and recreate ourselves. Besides, in order to advance free and critical acquisition, he insists that we should make the conditions for duologue that encourages the epistemic wonder of the scholar. The Russian philosopher, literary critic, semiotician and bookman who worked on literary theory, moralss, and the doctrine of linguistic communication, Mikhail M. Bakhtin, 1981, distinguishes the impression of Dialogic imaginativeness. He has theorized duologue in stressing the power of discourse to increase apprehension of multiple positions and make countless possibilities.[ 7 ]Bakhtin argued that duologue creates a new apprehension of a state of affairs that demands alteration as relationships and connexions exist among all living existences.[ 8 ]His construct of dialogism states a relation between linguistic communication, interaction, and societal transmutation. Holquist, 1990 described Bakhtin ‘s Hagiographas on dialogicality are profound and stand for a substantial displacement from predominating positions on the nature of linguistic communication and cognition[ 9 ]. Bakhtin established that there is a demand of making significances in a Dialogic manner with other people .[ 10 ]He believed that person does non be outside duologue. The construct of duologue itself establishes the being of the â€Å" other † individual. It is through duologue that the â€Å" other † can non be silenced or excluded. Bakhtin claimed that significances are created in the procedures of contemplation between people. He describes, we use the same significances subsequently in conversations with others, where those significances get better and even change as we obtain new significances. Therefore, when we talk, we learn something. In this sense, every clip that we talk about something that we have read about, seen or felt ; we are really reflecting the duologues we have had with others, demoing the significances that we have created in the old duologues with others. That said, duologue can non be separated from the positions of others: larning derives from here with the single address and the corporate 1 is profoundly related to one ‘s life. Bakhtin asser ts that negotiations is a concatenation of duologues, he points that every duologue consequences from a old one and, at the same clip, every new duologue are traveling to be presented in future 1s. Fitz Simons, G. ( 1994 )[ 11 ]the â€Å" learning communities † , an educational undertaking which seeks societal and cultural transmutation of educational centres and their milieus through Dialogic acquisition, stressing classless duologue among all community members, including learning staff, pupils, households, entities, and voluntaries. Fitz Simons points out: â€Å" The demand to set up an ambiance of common regard and a feeling of community in which grownup scholars are encouraged to be independent scholars and to portion their expertness † ( p. 24-25, 1994 )Dialogic LearningFletcher, 2000 looks at the construct of Dialogic larning evolved from the probe and observation of how people learn both outside and interior of schools, when larning and moving freely is allowed. She describes unfastened duologue which derived from the position of Freire, 1997 engagement of all members of the community the acquisition communities as research shows that larning procedure take topographic point in different infinites of the scholars ‘ life regardless of the scholars ‘ age, and including the instruction staff, depend more on the coordination among all the interactions and activities. The acknowledgment and regard of different types of cognition raise the consciousness that each individual has something to portion, something different and every bit of import. Therefore, the wider the diverseness of voices engaged in unfastened duologue, the better the cognition that can be dialogically constructed. Fletcha puts as†¦ â€Å" [ Dialogic larning ] lead to the transmutation of instruction centres into larning communities where all the people and groups involved enter into relationships with each other. In this manner, the environment is transformed, making new cognitive development and greater societal and educational equality. † ( p. 24 ) Edward and Mercer, 1987 emphasize that the ‘dialogue ‘ construct is ‘ground regulations of conversation ‘ because it operates as inexplicit sets of regulations for acting in peculiar sorts of state of affairs which participants normally take for granted[ 12 ]. ( Edward and Mercer, 1987 ) In 2007, Mercer and Littleton ‘s argues that ‘talk ‘ is non merely the mediating means for back uping single development, but instead that ways of thought are embedded in ways of utilizing linguistic communication. This ‘talk ‘ is more emphatic on as a valuable, societal manner of thought, non merely larning. They argue that scholars engage and interact with others may hold a profound and digesting impact on their accomplishment and rational development.[ 13 ]They further argue that ‘learning ‘ and ‘development ‘ are two footings that related and have both been used in a great trade. Learning is frequently in the company of ‘teaching ‘ . These two words are required to name upon the sorts of cognitive and rational alterations in kids ‘s acquisition. He asserts that ‘learning ‘ is usually associated with the gaining of cognition and the acquisition of some fact or accomplishment. It invokes thoughts of some kind of growing, the outgrowth of a new entity and the reaching of a new province of personal businesss. A subscriber to Mercer and Littleton, Chris Watkins, 2003 ( A bookman in instruction and acquisition ) has distinguished three influential constructs of acquisition: Learning is being taught, larning is the single sense devising, acquisition is constructing cognition with others.[ 14 ] Harry Daniel 2001 claims that schoolroom talk or duologue mediates non merely learning and larning but besides the wider civilization.[ 15 ]He claims that worlds are seen as animals who have a alone capacity for communicating and whose lives are usually led within groups, communities and societies based on shared ways of utilizing linguistic communication, ways of thought, societal patterns and tools for acquiring things done. Daniels emphasizes that such talk, must non be regarded as simple ‘interaction ‘ , but narrowly regarded and bounded by the immediateness of the larning undertaking in manus. Similarly, the Dialogic enquiry attack by Gordon Wells, 1999[ 16 ], Wells argues that schoolroom duologue has been proposed as a method of presenting critical instruction ( Wells 1999, Alro & A ; Skovsmose 2002 ) â€Å" Dialogic enquiry † is an educational attack that acknowledges the dialectic relationship between the person and the society, and an attitude for geting cognition through communicative interactions. Wells points out that the sensitivity for â€Å" Dialogic enquiry † depends on the features of the acquisition environments, and that is why it is of import to reorganise them into contexts for collaborative action and interaction. Wells defines â€Å" enquiry † non as a method but as a sensitivity for oppugning, seeking to understand state of affairss join forcesing with others with the aim of happening replies. Wells farther argues that Dialogic enquiry non merely enriches persons ‘ cognition but besides transforms it, guaranting the endurance o f different civilizations and their capacity to transform themselves harmonizing to the demands of every societal minute. Wells claims that Dialogic enquiry non merely enriches persons ‘ cognition but besides transforms it, guaranting the endurance of different civilizations and their capacity to transform themselves harmonizing to the demands of every societal minute. Education is seen as a Dialogic procedure, with pupils and instructors working together within scenes that reflect the values and societal patterns of schools as cultural establishments. Alro & A ; Skovsmose, 2002 relate duologue to the larning procedure by property three indispensable belongingss to the impression of duologue ; doing an enquiry, running a hazard and keeping equality.[ 17 ]These indispensable belongingss must be characteristic of the scene of interaction in order for a â€Å" acquisition † duologue to happen. Making an enquiry means learner researching what he does non yet cognize and sharing the desire to derive new experiences. For an enquiry to be Dialogic it must be unfastened to participants conveying their ain positions rooted in their backgrounds into the enquiry. Learners must besides be willing to suspend their ain positions in order to see the positions of others and in jointing these positions new and more insightful positions might come into positi on. For that ground, Dialogic is running a hazard in the ambiguity and uncertainness of the duologue procedure. Learners to a duologue propose other people ‘s positions, nevertheless voyaging in a landscape of probe means that there are no pre-established replies to energetic inquiries. Therefore â€Å" duologue includes risk-taking both in an epistemic and an emotional sense † . In other words scholars to a duologue will be challenged on their cognition every bit good as their emotions. In order for participants to stay in the Dialogic procedure it must be ensured that the uncertainness ne'er appears excessively uncomfortable. They claim that duologue could so keep equality by proposing that scholars are engaged at a degree of para. Parity in this sense does non equal sameness but instead equity. Learners may come in the duologue in different capacities and being equal therefore comes to depend on the ability of scholars to encompass and accept diverseness ( Alro & A ; Skovsmose, 2002 ) . After old ages of research conducted in several states ; India, USA, France, Italy and England with a squad of research workers, Robin Alexander 2004[ 18 ]has put talk as the outstanding component for effectual thought and learning demand for kids. He has distinguished talk for a typical pedagogical attack called ‘Dialogic learning ‘ . He argues that linguistic communication and idea are closely related, and the extent and mode of kids ‘s cognitive development depend to a considerable grade on the signifiers and contexts of linguistic communication which they have encountered and used. This new attack demands both pupil battle and instructor intercession by which students actively prosecute and instructors constructively intervene is through talk.Dialogue and Higher degree of EducationFor higher educational degree, Diana Laurillard, 2002 puts a Dialogic acquisition model as ‘Conversational Framework ‘ . This model supports assorted media signifiers such as narrative, synergistic, adaptative, communicative and productive. The thought of a colloquial model, is used to specify the acquisition procedure for higher instruction and so to construe the extent to which new engineering can back up and heighten high degree conceptual acquisition. She describes that larning must be dianoetic and the instructor should be tie ining learning and larning procedure with the universe. Laurillard asserts that larning engineerings must accomplish their full potency for transforming larning experience. Laurillard argues that the faculty members ; Universities, Institutions, colleges, schools etc. Should get down with an apprehension of how pupils learn, and they should plan and utilize the Conversational Framework and the acquisition engineerings from this point of view to familiarise a better acquisition scheme for university instruction. Laurillard ‘s thought is barely new as she quoted Paul Ramsden ‘s statement that instruction is a kind of conversation. Respectively, Kolb ‘s ‘learning rhythm ‘ ( Kolb, 1984 ) states that larning occurs through an iterative rhythm of experience followed by feedback, so reflected on to be used as revised action[ 19 ]. Gordon Pask, 1976 formalized the thought of larning as a conversation in conversation theory. This theory lays out the separation of ‘description ‘ and ‘model-building behaviours, and the definition of understanding as ‘determined by two degrees of understanding ‘ ( Ibid. 22 )[ 20 ]. This describes the feature of the learning – acquisition procedure is iterative ‘conversation ‘ . Besides schoolroom instruction, dialogue instruction is described as an attack to adult instruction by pedagogue, Jane Vella in the 1980 ‘s. This attack to education draws on assorted grownup larning theories, including those of Paulo Freire, Kurt Lewin, Malcolm Knowles and Benjamin Bloom ( Global Learning Partners, 2006b ; Vella, 2004 ) . It is a synthesis of these abstract theories into rules and patterns that can be applied in a concrete manner to larning design and facilitation. Dialogue instruction is a signifier of Constructivism and can be a agency for Transformative acquisition, ( Vella, 2004 ) . Dialogue instruction shifts the focal point of instruction from what the instructor says to what the scholar does, from learner passiveness to scholars as active participants in the duologue that leads to larning ( Global Learning Partners, 2006c ) . A duologue attack to education positions scholars as topics in their ain acquisition and awards cardinal rules such as common reg ard and unfastened communicating ( Vella, 2002 ) . Learners are invited to actively prosecute with the content being learned instead than being dependent on the pedagogue for larning. Ideas are presented to scholars as unfastened inquiries to be reflected on and integrated into the scholar ‘s ain context ( Vella, 2004 ) . The purpose is that this will ensue in more meaningful acquisition.DecisionSignificantly duologue and larning are two footings that ca n't stand by its ain without the other ‘s presence. It is now that the duty of this survey to analyze duologue and acquisition to a farther class of current new media nomadic engineering. How does kids doing usage of nomadic devices in the universe of nomadic engineering in this transmutation age of environment? How does larning so develop from these engineerings? Why does a kid today communicate so much with engineering? That said my hypothesis that the new media nomadic engineering has potential in easing the procedure of kids ‘s acquisition development. Do these engineerings provide acquisition tools which are able to supply important cognition development? Besides, Vygotsky and Vygotskian theory claimed that the acquisition tools are some sort of kids ‘s higher psychological maps of doing his or her interactions to their societal and moral development. As we all knew, these duologues are being created, learned and used by our kids enormously without our consciousness twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours in their universe of communications in synergistic nomadic engineerings. These duologues and larning are integrated with their hand-held appliances, computing machines and package, larning stuffs, playing the games in the practical universe. With the being of other characteristics ; design, sound and picture, picture taking, colourss, founts, information, and programming linguistic communication voyaging them throughout the lessons and plans. Our kids or scholars and members jointl y produce Dialogic cognition and take part in the definition of actions that lead to societal and educational alteration. Therefore, this research sees duologue and larning associates to the impression of Bakhtin dialogicality as duologue represents this senses where it mediates the new media that our kids to listen and watch. These duologues can take legion other signifiers such as: lupus erythematosus structured, more informal and more participatory than interviews or treatment groups, e.g. By promoting participants to put the docket for treatment and for the research worker to take an active function in the treatment instead than merely the function as a hearer. This attack will allow participants to the duologue a sense of equality and the freedom to convey into the duologue whichever subject they deem relevant. Inviting research participants in the reading procedure at the same time embrace a Dialogic epistemology acknowledging the value of negociating, reflecting and construing with the end of common apprehension and relationship edifice. Therefore, in this survey we need to contract our apprehension of duologue and turn to the inquiry of the part of duologue in the synergistic Mobile engineerings in the kids ‘s psychological acquisition development. In the acquisition communities, it is basica lly the engagement of all members of the community because, as research shows, larning procedures, irrespective of the scholars ‘ age, and including the instruction staff, depend more on the coordination among all the interactions and activities that take topographic point in different infinites of the scholars ‘ life, like school, place, and workplace, so merely on interactions and activities developed in infinites of formal acquisition, such as schoolrooms. Along these lines, the â€Å" learning communities † undertaking aims at multiplying larning contexts and interactions with the aim of all participants making higher degrees of development ( Vygotsky, 1978 )[ 21 ].

Question Bank International Business Essay

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

Short article about graphic design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Short article about graphic design - Essay Example Design students are not expected to view objects on the surface just like anyone else. They should be able to evaluate other properties of the object in question such as how smooth or rough it appears to be, the angles of the curves and any other extraordinary characteristic that is visible. This and a lot more involved in designing works requires one with a proper attitude and one that understands how to see things. The reason as to why this interested me is that for one to succeed in designing and photography, it is all about having the confidence to undertake the issue by themselves. For one to make admirable designs, the individual has to have the quality of looking at things not the way they are, but the alternative way they could be. This is precisely what builds up a competent designer. Attitude too is key and should be designed in a way one will be able to overcome challenges in this field. In drawing, it can sometimes be very frustrating when one is not able to achieve the d rawing they need, but once achieved, which is possible, it becomes very satisfying. The Inge Druckery film presented ideas about design that I had not thought of earlier on. From the past experiences, the facilitator points out that taking time to deeply observe objects such as billboards which are graphically designed by professional designers helps one to see and realize many more properties as compared to when one just gives it a glance. In every representation, there are so many components that can only be identified by a keen designer. This is another way of learning tactics and making one’s skills develop even more, observation. Keenly looking at a well done job of a different designer helps one to understand the knowledge and skills applied. It goes further in helping them to utilize their creativity by trying to view the object in a better presentation. This grows and enhances the individual’s creative skills slowly

The Second Industrial Revolution Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Second Industrial Revolution - Assignment Example Because the First World War came immediately after the Second Industrial Revolution, no one really understood the effect that mass production could have on warfare. The result was that developments of mass production, such as an unlimited supply of bullets, machine guns and semiautomatic weapons which were machined to exact standards through assembly lines, allowed a single soldier to kill countless more than ever previously in history. The Second Industrial Revolution, by making the production of all human devices, including weapons, more efficient, allowed governments in war to kill each other on an unprecedented scale. The Revolution also had economic downsides. It allowed economic ‘bubbles’ to build up on scaled previously unseen, the bursting of which had a part to play in the great depression. Furthermore, the mechanization of production tasks meant that a lot of things that used to need several people to accomplish could now be done by one, leading to unemployment . The solution to this, brought around in part by Roosevelt’s New Deal, was a shift of the workforce from production to services, leading to a better quality of life overall. The Second Industrial Revolution was just as influential as the first, but in very different ways. And also like the First Industrial Revolution, the progress it brought on came with significant costs.

Did Lincoln really want to free the slaves Research Paper

Did Lincoln really want to free the slaves - Research Paper Example "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it." (Lincoln 1862) President Lincoln wrote these words in August 22, 1862 to journalist Horace Greeley, an abolitionist who wrote for the New York Tribune. This was one month before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It is clear from this dialogue that Lincoln’s main concern at that time was to preserve the Union at all costs and not a sweeping condemnation of slavery. Even though The Emancipation Proclamation was a historic event and precipitated the end of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery. This was because Lincoln did not have a deep conviction for or against slavery. Lincoln's objective was to preserve the Union and not to free the slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation was a historic event and precipitated the end of slavery. It was the first time that blacks could serve as militia. Blacks were allowed to enlist in the Union Army and Navy and consequently became agents of their own liberation. Lincoln needed extra troops on the ground in order to defeat the Confederacy and preserve the Union. Over 200,000 black troops were added to the Union Army. (US National Archives & Records Administration n.d.) 3 It is clear from his actions that Lincoln’s primary concern for issuing the proclamation was to build up the Union army in order to defeat the Confederacy. Since the Union prevailed in the war, Lincoln succeeded in his goal for a Union victory. Another example that shows that The Emancipation Proclamation was a historic event and precipitated the end of slavery was the subsequent passing of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The Emancipation Proclamation was a precursor to the thirteenth amendment which made slavery illegal in every state, not just those affected by the Em ancipation Proclamation. Congress ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution on December 6, 1865. (13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of Slavery n.d.) Without the Emancipation Proclamation mandating freedom for some blacks, there would not have been the impetus for Congress to pass sweeping legislation mandating freedom to all blacks in the form of the Thirteenth Amendment. Even though The Emancipation Proclamation was a historic event and precipitated the end of slavery, The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery. This is because Lincoln did not have a deep conviction for or against slavery. The following is an elaboration upon the correspondence quoted in the beginning of this essay. 4 I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored; the nearer the Union will be "the Union as it was." If there be those who would not save the Union, unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not agree with them. If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time destroy slavery, I do not agree with them. My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and I shall adopt new

The Effect of Direct Effect on Directives Essay

The Effect of Direct Effect on Directives - Essay Example The new regulations of European Union Law now state that the European regulations that have been framed in accordance with the provisions of the new European treaties have a direct effect upon all citizens of the European Union and on the laws that are made by the member states of the Union. This principle was first laid out by the European Court of Justice in the case of Van Gend en Loos v Nederlanse Administratie der Belastingen1. In this case, the Treaty of Rome was at issue and the ECJ ruled that individuals could take action against a State for breaching EU rules, since the new treaty grants rights and imposes obligations on individuals. According to the ruling laid out in this case, European Community regulations were also valid when tried in the national courts, because the regulations were similar to the national laws in that they had a similar effect upon an individual’s rights and responsibilities. Therefore in effect, the Court has ruled that a new legal order has b een created. The Direct Effect creates individual rights which the domestic courts must protect without needing to resort to the States concerned, since EU law took precedence. This is known as the â€Å"vertical direct effect† of Treaty articles. A â€Å"horizontal direct effect† was laid out in the case of Defrenne vs Sabena2, wherein provisions of EU law were directly applicable in a domestic court, in proceedings by an individual against a Company. This has affected the application of internal laws within each of the European member States. By virtue of the Direct Effect, member States are now obligated to comply with Community Law as it has been framed according to European laws within the framework of their own internal laws.

Claiming feminism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Claiming feminism - Essay Example A feminist woman is, thus, someone who does not appear to be agreeable in any way and who indulges in fighting over every little issue, making it, it seems her worldview to argue with everyone. This stereotype has done quite a lot to damage the cause of feminism, and thus women liberation. Moreover, it is because of this stereotypical feminist that not only men, but women also, find themselves considering feminism and everything related to it in a very negative light. The myth is ever present and there seems to be a need to end it, however, just how it is to be done successfully, and just how one can convince the general population about the pivotal role of feminists when it comes to changing the worldview regarding women in general are questions that need to be answered with a lot of thought and consideration. During the 1970s and 1980s, the feminist movement found much success; women joined a struggle to create a world where they were the equal counterparts of men, and where they were not discriminated against based on their sex. These women, the pioneer feminists one can call them maybe, paved the road for those that came after them; they fought for equal rights when it came to employment, for wages that were equal to their male counterparts, for protection against sexual harassment against women. In short, all matters that were considered to be an issue for any women were considered to be part of the feminist agenda as well. The feminists were at a war-path, so to speak, to eradicate all forms of sexism found in their society. This was, indeed, a noble cause, however, it has been much maligned and misunderstood, and perhaps that is the reason of it being suspect to a lot of people. In her article â€Å"Fear of Feminism,† Lisa Maria Hogeland discusses just how hard it is for the woman of today to join the feminist movement. Many women of today do not

Paper #1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Paper #1 - Assignment Example He termed the use of such secrecy as an abominable precedent. He also thought that rebellions among the citizens were a normal medicine to the political organic body of the new. The bill of rights introduced into the constitutional processes the safeguards and defenses of the rights of the individuals which were more critical to the stability of the confederation. When the bill of rights was introduced, Jefferson believed that the nation would then safeguard individual liberties in a more concrete manner (Nash & Graves 120). When the Bill of Rights was introduced, the ordinary citizens were adequately represented and their rights defended along constitutional lines. Moreover, the laws made it possible for popular participation of the citizens which had the effect of easing some of the tensions and civil unrest or protests. Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had differences regarding the nature of the confederation in a constitutional sense. However, the question of political parties also pitted the leaders in philosophical differences. Jefferson believed in a weaker central government and stronger and autonomous states. This was contrary to Hamiltonian convictions. As a very prominent and influential secretary of the treasury, always insisted in the strengthening of the federal government and made a lot of financial programs of taxation to modernize the state. Hamilton insisted in some interpretations of the constitution to favor greater federal controls which Jefferson detested. These included the creation of a National, Federal Bank and several taxation laws. Their differences emerged principally on Jefferson’s consideration that the Federal government needed not tax the ordinary citizens too much. d. As president, Jefferson drew back from his weak central government philosophy to engage in some actions that outraged even the Federalists. Discuss some of those actions and the Jeffersonian rationale behind them. As

Managing Human Resources Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Managing Human Resources - Research Paper Example Lastly, he/she should be able to handle conflict and always have an eye towards how to mediate a given situation amicably. Q2: A human resource director is not only charged with managing the day to day process flow of human resources but also molding and directing the future form that the company wishes to take. This happens in a variety of different ways but most importantly through selecting and testing new prospects to ensure they are an adequate fit for the firm in question. In the given question concerning choosing the correct employee to fill a position as bank teller, the HR manager should look for someone with a customer service background, cheerfulness, ability to handle responsibility, trustworthiness, clean record, and exceptional people skills (Holland, 2012). Q3: With respect to working closely with the business strategy arm of a given institution, this is an integral part of HR’s role and responsibility. Many firms overlook this integral part to their own detriment. HR can work to quickly mirror the goals and strategies that a company lays out for its employees. Human resources can take this responsibility so that each of the internal departments continues to function at peak efficiency; all the while the new goals and metrics can be implemented across the organization at a speed and efficiency that would not have been possible had each of the departments attempted to implement on their own time and in their own way. Ployhart, R. E., Van Iddekinge, C. H., & Mackenzie Jr., W. I. (2011). ACQUIRING AND DEVELOPING HUMAN CAPITAL IN SERVICE CONTEXTS: THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES. Academy Of Management Journal, 54(2), 353-368.

Indias Stable Democracy Puzzle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Indias Stable Democracy Puzzle - Essay Example This essay stresses that India's democracy, however, faces a grave challenge due to the country's substantial association with governance and religion as well as cultural practices. Unlike most countries in world such as the USA and other western countries, India has incorporated religious values in the formulation of its constitution used to rule. Up to date, religious symbols are used in public places to depict the country's deep roots in religion. These include shrines where one has to bow whenever they pass them. The country's justice system is also based on religious and cultural values but not a democratically accepted constitution. This paper makes a conclusion that a lot of controversies exist to date concerning the origin of India's democracy. Most people hold the view that democracy was introduced to the country by the British colonialists. From my view, it is the British who influenced the democracy in its colonies after their independence. The Queen of England at the time India became a colony, promised the Indians that their cultural and religious beliefs would not be interfered with following the tremendous resistance that the colonialists faced in an attempt to introduce their own. This was a major building block for the country democracy which was furthered by able leaders after independence. On the other hand, other scholars think that democracy was still present even before colonization. According to them, the East India Company that ruled the country before the British invasion had introduced democracy in the country.

Individual Learning Project Essay Example for Free

Individual Learning Project Essay The organization selected for analysis and evaluation is American Lake Credit Union. This organization is composed of two main branches, both located in Tacoma, Washington. In contrast to banks, Credit Unions are smaller organizations and are directed by members who are selected via a vote to serve in an all-volunteer board of directors for the organization (Scott, and Johnston, p.2, 2011). Specifically, this credit union was founded in 1948 and has grown since then. (C. Fitzer, personal communication April 7, 2014). For instance, although the organization is small in size through a partnership with a credit union network, it is able to provide general financial services at diverse locations throughout the country (CO-OP Financial Services, 2013). In addition, the active CEO Fantz (2013) asserted that the organization’s mission is to â€Å"provide a variety of quality services to a diversified membership while maintaining financial soundness†; additionally, they currently reported close to 50 billion dollars in assets on organization’s balance sheet. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis Arumugam, Chang, Ooi, and The (2008), emphasized that in order to facilitate the drive towards high performance, many companies are using self-assessment tools to measure their current position and develop strategy in order to asses where they are and where they want to be within their industry. (p.141). SWOT analysis is one of this tools or processes. Boone and Kurtz (2006) defined the concept of SWOT analysis as a methodical approach to develop strategy as it compels managers to do an internal reality check, and an analysis of the external environment (p.274-275). This assertion is echoed by Blocher, Stout, Juras, and Cokins (2013) in which the scholars lectured the process of SWOT analysis as a process that provides the opportunity to methodologically examine internal and external factors in order to complete a self-assessment of the organization, and examine the environment in order to create a solid foundation for sound strategy for the organization (p. 36-38). The general quadrants of a complete SWOT analysis are strengths, weakness,  opportunities, and threats. These are listed in Table 1 for American Lake Credit Union. Table 1 Strengths -High quality aggressive employee training programs parallel with organization high audit and regulatory compliance rates -Membership to CO-OP Shared Branch Network 1 -Local Market Position/Community Relations Program -Cost Advantage and Pricing compared to banks -Physical Locations -Strong and Experienced Managers Weaknesses -Employee Turn-Over -Requirements to become a member -Lack of Market Differentiation as it relate to financial Services2 -Only two physical branches -Lack of a business/Market Development Section -Technology, bad turn around in communications equipment repair, need to redo contract for local IT Support Opportunities -Online Market -Branch Expansion -External Training Program -Rotating Customer Base in the local installation -College population in nearby universities -Available location for Branch at Air Force Location Threats -Military drawdown (long term), affect main target market -More exposed to economic issues (recessions) than bigger organizations due to limited size -Loss of one segment of the market with the deactivation of 4-2 Brigade Combat Team -Columbia Bank Plans to Open Facility in the immediate area 2 -Cyber Crimes External Note. Lists Adapted from (C. Fitzer, personal communication April 7, 2014) with the exception of: 1. CO-OP Financial Services. (2013). What is CO-OP ATM and CO-OP Shared Branch?. Retrieved from http://co-opsharedbranch.org/participating-cus/ 2. (C.H. Chapman, personal Communication April 8, 2014) This source is a marketing consultant for non-profit organizations, has worked closely with the American Lake Credit Union, and provided fresh feed back into the credit union during the interviews. A brief discussion of Table 1 is provided below: In the area of strengths the one of the most important strengths provided during the interview was their current training program for federal  regulatory compliance, this put the organization at an advantage even with more developed organizations In the area of weaknesses, the biggest challenge was employee turnover. Even with the recession and the current job market good talent could and can be found, but it is hard to retain with the current compensation and benefit plans offered In the area of opportunities, the online market presents a strong market that the organization has not exploited as much as they could In the area of threats, the main target market of the American Lake Credit Union is the current drawdown within the Department of Defense structure, in the short term, the population have currently lost 1400 service members and their families, in the long term more loses in market are expected (C. Fitzer, personal communication April 7, 2014) American Lake Credit Union Balanced Scorecard Soderberg, Kalagnanam, Sheehan, and Vaidyanathan (2011) presented the balance scorecard as a strategic planning procedural tool used by organizations to balance financial concerns, customer concerns, process concerns, and innovation concerns with the main purpose of developing appropriate strategy in favor of a more favorable market position (p. 689-690). Similarly, Lawrence and Webber (2008) illustrated the process as a concoction of focused key quadrants, people and knowledge, internal, customer, and financial indicators with the main purpose of developing metrics to measure all areas of performance (p.79). In the case of American Lake Credit Union, interview and analysis with C. Fitzer and C.H. Chapman provided enough data to produce the balanced scorecard depicted in Table 2 below. -Reduce Exposure to default Loans -Cash Flow/Balance Sheet -Selected cost savings in utilities and materials -Reduction in days for accounts receivable -Customer Service/Satisfaction -Customer Loyalty -Trend in Customers that transferred direct deposit accounts -Customer Surveys (Measured Quarterly (QTLY)) -Mystery Shopper feedback to manager -Trend in returning customers Number of Customer complaints -10 new customers a week (Account Holding) -10% increase in market share by end of fiscal year 2015 -95% Satisfaction on surveys per quarter -100% satisfaction in mystery shopper experience -Less than eight percent customer complaint rate quarterly -Participate in community awareness events -Sponsor small activities for customers -Provide Western Union Services at discount to customers with direct deposit to the institution -Open new Branch at local AF Base -Implement Secret Shopper Program -Implement Customer Service Training Table 2 (continued) General Quadrants Critical Success Factors/Goals Metrics/Measured Trends Towards Goals Goal Initiative Internal Process -Processes Efficiency and Quality -Productivity when doing direct customer interactions -Number of errors in financial processes -Cycle time/customer wait time -Time spent doing internal tasks -Less than 5 errors per shift -Less than 10 minutes from check in to check out for customers regarding of the time of the day -Decrease time doing internal tasks by 25% without loss of quality -Implement lean six sigma principles -Sustain compliance Training Program -Integrate yearly refresher for all employees (training will be employee led) Learning and Growth -Skill Development and Sustainment -Competitive Benefits/Compensation -Employee Access and Input in Strategic Planning -Number of errors in financial processes -Employee Surveys -Employee Turn-over rates -90% employee satisfaction rate in surveys -Minimize employee turnover rate by % by 50% FY 15 -Integrate yearly refresher for all employees (training will be employee led) -Implement a more comprehensive benefit package for employees, main target is well performing and those with longevity -Involved Employees in strategy development and asked for feedback on current decision Note. Lists Adapted from (C. Fitzer, personal communication, April 7, 2014) with the exception of: 1. CO-OP Financial Services. (2013). What is CO-OP ATM and CO-OP Shared Branch?. Retrieved from http://co-opsharedbranch.org/participating-cus/ 2. (C.H. Chapman, personal communication, April 8, 2014) This source is a marketing consultant for non-profit organizations, has worked closely with the American Lake Credit Union, and provided fresh feed back into the credit union during the interviews. Discussion of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) Blocher et al. (2013) defined critical success factors as â€Å"measures of the aspects of the firm’s performance that are essential to its competitive advantage and therefore to its success† (p. 898). Tables 2 depicted the selected CSFs within the standard four quadrants of the balance score card, and these are discussed in detail below. Financial The financial success factors are important because these defined the aspect of the main purpose of a business, to make a profit. The specific CSFs within the financial quadrant and the rational for their selection are explained below. Increase Gross Profit. This was selected by the interviewed organization representative because in her professional opinion it was the best way to determine the effectiveness and financial health of the organization (C. Fitzer, personal communication, April 7, 2014). Furthermore, in accordance to Bloomsbury Information (2009), this an important factor to consider because a high gross profit margin ratio, high gross profit margin ratio indicates that a business can make a reasonable profit on sales, as long as overheads do not increase. Investors pay attention to the gross profit margin ratio because it tells them how efficient your business is compared to competitors. It is sensible to track gross profit margin ratios over a number of years to see if company earnings are consistent, growing, or declining. For businesses, knowing your gross profit margin ratio is important because it tells you whether your business is pricing goods and services effectively. Reduce exposure to default loans. The concept implies reduction of credit risk. The term credit risk is illustrated by He and Xiong (2012), as the risk the organization takes when issuing a loan; furthermore, if the organization’s loan or debt market deteriorates, and loans go into default the organization would take loses in its investment (p. 391). This is important because if this risk is identified and mitigated in an effective way the organization will not be as exposed to financial loses. Customer Factors This specific quadrant addresses the customer and objectives to increase or develop value and differentiation from the point of view of the customer (Beard, 2009, p. 279). Specific CSFs for the organization in this specific quadrant are as follows. Prospective customer perspective towards the organization- This refers specifically for that segment of the market that are not customers of the organization yet. Lautenslager (2003) reported that aachieving a good perspective from this outer segment will allow the organization to attract new customers, expand its market, and build the  organization as an attractive brand which can translate in to new business and profits. Customer Service/Satisfaction- This term refers to the extent that the clientele is pleased with the product line or service provided by the organization. As a general concept this is important because if the customer is unhappy is likely that he would not comeback; furthermore, it is likely that he will walk away, repel other prospective customers, or even existing customers (Naik, 2011). Customer Loyalty- This objective is one of the fundaments of many business organizations. This is extremely important for any organization because once customer loyalty is achieved, these customers will purchase the organization’s products and services repetitively, the more loyal the customer, the harder it will be for a competitor to draw him, and they can provide a good source of advertising and new customers by word of mouth. (C.H. Chapman, personal Communication April 8, 2014). Internal Process Internal processes are another part of the quadrant that when disregarded can cost the organization in terms of effectives, quality, gross margin, and revenue. It refers to those processes that are internal to the organization, like appraisals, self-audits, customer interactions, and quality checks for example. Processes Efficiency and Quality- This area refers to the internal processes of the organization, for example, it was mentioned during the interviews that that one employee on the organization creates a weekly balance sheet, and that job usually takes about one hour. Streamlining this and similar other processes save the organization on employee hours that could be used for customer care or employee training (C. Fitzer, personal communication, April 8, 2014). Productivity when doing direct customer interactions- This refers to the amount of time that it takes to do a customer transaction from the moment that they enter the facility until they are complete. It may take a customer about 20 minutes during the busy time of the day to perform the transaction due to crowding. Altering the way the organization conduct some of this processes will allow for the â€Å"line† to move faster, and affecting the customer satisfaction factor. Learning and Growth The quadrant of learning and growth is fundamental to the American Lake Credit Union because of the environment in which financial organizations operate in our time. Constant changes to the financial regulations at the state, and federal levels, added to the technological advances call for continuous organizational development in order to remain relevant with the environment. Therefore, developing a learning collective workforce and retaining this work force is fundamental to any business organization today. The specific CSFs on this quadrant are discussed below. Skill Development and Sustainment- Currently, the organization has a very strong training program in the areas of federal compliance. The intent is to sustain this strong program, and enhanced it by adding employee training in new technologies, internal processes, and customer service; moreover, ensuring the program is employee led and centric, thus, giving a sense of ownership to the workforce (C. Fitzer, personal communica tion, April 8, 2014). Competitive Benefits/Compensation- C. Fitzer (personal communication, April 8, 2014) mentioned that this was one of the main employee complaints in regards to the employee programs within the organization. Implementing, a more comprehensive benefits/compensation plan will ensure that employee turnover rate is minimized and allow the organization to retain the experienced employees. Employee Access and Input in Strategic Planning- Allowing employees to have more impute on the decision making process for the organization will give management a fresher perspective that can be valuable when making those decisions. Plus, it will give sense of ownership to the workforce constraining any resistance to strategic changes. Evaluation of American Lake Credit Union in Achieving its CSFs Financial Any for profit organization is always on the look to increase its profit and solidify or expand its market position. Firstly, the risk reduction initiatives of education and member involvement combined with market expansion should facilitate the current goal of 10% increase in gross profit margin by the end of FY 15 (personal communication, April 8, 2014). Examining the balance Sheet quarterly will allow the organization to follow up and address trends that would constrain this goal. Currently, on the last quarter they were down by 2% from the quarter before, but on this quarter they are up 4% (personal communication, April 8, 2014). This may sound like a wave of percentages, but taking other factors into consideration as the  proposed expansion to the local AFB, cutting unnecessary costs on internal processes and supplies, initiatives to reduce cycle time for accounts receivable, and other initiatives within Table 2 an increase of 10% gross margin by the end of FY 15 is a realisti c and achievable goal for this organization. Customer Satisfaction Customer satisfaction will be measured monthly, analyzed and evaluated quarterly, taking in to consideration trends in customers that transferred direct deposit accounts, customer surveys, mystery shopper feedback, and trends in returning customers (C. Fitzer, personal communication, April 8, 2014). Currently’ the organization have a high customer satisfaction rate with survey results depicting up to 88% on all customer surveys and only three formal complaints last quarter (C. H. Chapman, personal communication, April 8, 2014). This fact combined with the implementation of the secret shopper program on the first quarter of FY 15, and the customer care training program initiatives will give a customer care advantage to the organization over other local competitors (C. Fitzer, personal communication, April 8, 2014). On the other hand, although the process for customer complaints seemed to be effective at the collection and solving states, there was no current intent on adding these as part of the customer care training program. This was recommended by this author to the manager under interview. Using an objective approach, after taking into consideration the current customer satisfaction trends and rates, the upcoming initiatives, it can be assessed that the goal of 95% customer satisfaction rate will be achieved and likely surpassed by the end of FY 15. Internal Process American Credit Union is looking to reduce errors in internal processes, increase effectiveness in customer processes, and decrease the time doing internal tasks. The current goals of less than five errors per shift, less than 10 minutes from check in to check out for customers regarding of the time of the day, decrease time doing internal tasks by 25% without loss of quality are achievable, but will require commitment of the leadership and the workforce. For instance, sustaining the current regulatory compliance training program, and implementing lean six sigma principles should provide  the tools to succeed in this area. However, with all the other initiatives on the horizon, and the plans for expansion in to the local AFB it will require extra effort for the organization as a collective to achieve those goals without de-prioritizing other initiatives. Learning and Growth In the case of American Lake Credit Union a robust education and training program, a more comprehensive concoction of compensation and benefits will translate into the development of a better and brighter workforce, and the retaining of this work force. This will be measure by taking into consideration the number of errors in financial processes, employee Surveys, and employee turn-over rates. Some of the initiatives on this area such as consider input from employees in strategic decisions and sustainment training will sharply motivate employees within this area. Moreover, the current goal of 90% employee satisfaction rate in surveys and to minimize employee turnover rate by 50% by FY 15 is very achievable if this area is somewhat prioritized by management. However, as reported in the article Putting People First (2011), management must keep in mind that newly trained and educated employees will take their knowledge and new skill sets somewhere else for better pay and or benefits, if the proposed compensation and benefit packets are implemented (p.25-26). Final Thoughts The purpose of this document was to provide a short description of American Credit Union along with a SWOT Analysis, Balanced Score card, and discussion of these. It can be assessed with the information provided that although there are challenges ahead, the current financial status of the organization selected is healthy and the ambitions for the future achievable as they exploit their strengths, their environment, and address their weaknesses. Lastly, as long as the management remained focused, committed, and is able to maintain the workforce motivated it is likely that the organization will achieve its goals. References Arumugam, V., Chang, H., Ooi, K., and Teh, P. (2009). Self-assessment of TQM practices: a case analysis, The TQM Journal, 21(1), 46 – 58. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/journals.htm?articleid =1766744show=abstract#sthash.TkDGZoZ7.dpuf Beard, D. F. (2009.). Successful applications of the balanced scorecard in higher education. Journal of Education for Business, 84(5), 275-282. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA199801168v=2.1u=vic_libertyit=rp=AONEsw=wasid=0a844270d80075c057b128b38e50a6e7 Blocher, E., Stout, D. S., Juras, P.E., Cokins, G. (2013). Cost Management: A Strategic Emphasis (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Boone, L. and Kurtz, D. (2006). Contemporary Business. Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western CO-OP Financial Services. (2013). What is CO-OP ATM and CO-OP Shared Branch?. Retrieved from http://co-opsharedbranch.org/participating-cus/ Fantz, E. (2013). Annual Report. Retrieved from http://www.americanlake.org/pdf/annualreport.pdf Bloomsbury Information. (2009). Gross profit margin ratio. Retrieved from http://www.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://literati.credoreference.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/content/entry/qfinance/gross_profit_margin_ratio/0 He, Z., Xiong, W. (2012). Rollover Risk and Credit Risk. Journal of Finance, 67(2), 391-429. Lautenslager, A. (2003), Why You Need PR: Getting the word out about your product or service should always be a priority. Retrieved form http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/65672# Lawrence, A.T., and Weber, J. (2008).Business Society Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy (12th ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Naik, A. (2011). Why is Customer Satisfaction Important. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-customer-satisfaction-important.html Putting people first. (2011). Develop ment and Learning in Organizations, 25(1), 25-27. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14777281111096816 Scott, K., and Johnston, C. R. (2011). Factors affecting the adoption of consumer oriented information technology biometrics solutions by the credit union industry. Journal of Technology Research, 2, 1-13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/887909140?accountid=12085 Soderberg, M., Kalagnanam, S., Sheehan, N., and Vaidyanathan, G. (2011) When is a balanced scorecard a balanced scorecard?, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 60(7) 688-708

An Introduction to Sweden

An Introduction to Sweden Sweden When people hear about Sweden, they think about IKEA. However, there is much history and depth behind the country besides a large home goods store chain. The relationship between the US and Sweden is close and mutual, as Sweden had settlers in the some the 13 colonies and was one of the very first countries to recognize that the US was becoming independent from England. Although many people compare the size of Sweden to the size of California, as they are roughly the same size, Sweden actually has the fourth largest land size and area in Europe. Many interesting features of Sweden are its physical features, agriculture, and its diverse cultural features. Sweden is officially called the Kingdom of Sweden, and is also sometimes called Mother Svea by its inhabitants. Sweden is located on the European continent, and is one of the northernmost countries, bordering Finland and Norway. Sweden is large, compared to countries in Europe, and has an area of 441,370 km ². California is roughly the same size as Sweden, although Sweden is 1.04 times bigger, as California has an area of 423,970 km ². Compared to the United States, Sweden is diminutive, as Sweden is 0.04 times bigger than the US. The US has an area of 9,833,000 km ², including Hawaii and Alaska. Although Sweden is a small country, it grows and produces many products. Sweden primarily grows crops such as oats, wheat, barley, rye, potatoes, root crops, vegetables, fruits, and sugar beets. This is vital to the country, as Sweden needs to have copious amounts of food to survive the long, sunless winter. Sweden has a diverse range of industries, but the main industries are telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, industrial machines, precision equipment, chemical goods, home goods and appliances, forestry, iron, and steel. Sweden remains an independant country, as everything they need is mainly produced in their country. Sweden has a stable economy, with one of the lowest poverty rates on the European continent at 3.7%, compared to Spain, having one of the highest rates at 9.8%. The main exports of Sweden are the products of their industries, and they import many items, such as petroleum, cars, vehicle parts, and computers, all products that are difficult to make in their countries. Even though Sweden seems like a great place to live in, the relatively co ld climate may influence your opinion. Sweden has a mild climate compared to its neighboring countries, having an average summer temperature of about 55.4-62.6à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ °, although it has had a high of 68à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ° recorded. In the winter, much of Sweden is dark, as the sun only stays for a few hours before it becomes dark. Because of this, Sweden has temperatures of below 32à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ °, and has reached an all-time low of -7.6à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ °. Heavy amounts of snow shower Swedens landscape from December to April, and icebreakers ships have to break up all of the ice in order to keep the major ports open in visitors and cargo.   Although Sweden is mild in terms of temperature to its brethren, it has a vast amount of different landforms than its neighbors. Swedens landforms vary drastically from the north to the south. In the north, tall mountains and dense forests dominate much of the landscape, making the area almost inhospitable. In central and southern Sweden, up to 100,000 lakes have been documented, with some of the largest ones connected by canals, with lower mountain ranges scattered across the landscape. The diverse amount of landforms means that Sweden has copious amounts of natural resources, such as iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, and feldspar, as well as large freshwater lakes and forests. This helps Sweden produce many of its products that it exports, allowing for the government and country to benefit from their surroundings. The distinct landscape and natural resources means that Sweden has developed an interesting culture. Sweden has its own language, Swedish, but also has 5 other official languages, which include Finnish, Yiddish, Sami, Meà ¤nkieli and Romani. Along with their many official languages, they celebrate many holidays, which range from New Years, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Day and Easter Monday, May First, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, National Day, Midsummer Day, All Saints Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. There are many more holidays that Sweden celebrates, but the holidays listed above are the most important cultural holidays. Education is very important to the Swedes, as you are required to attend at least nine years of school after children turn the age of seven.   There are many recreational activities to do in the countryside, such as skiing, hunting, and horse riding. Swedens history shaped the foods that the Swedish traditionally eat. Traditional foods include meatballs, black pudding, pink cured salmon, pickled herring, and crispbread. A common condiment is lingonberry jam, and accompanies many foods and snacks. Many sandwiches are made with only one slice of bread, from the Medieval tradition of using bread as a plate; Ever since World War II, Swedes grew up eating pea soup and pancakes. Sweden loves pastries, as they have a whole day dedicated to cinnamon bun, appropriately called Cinnamon Bun Day, as well as other pastries, such as their famous princess cake. Princess cake is not only for the royal family, as people can eat it whenever they want. Besides pastries, Sweden also loves seafood, regularly consuming crayfish and fermented sour herring. Many of these interesting foods and dishes help make Sweden unique, along with it being one of the last countries that still has a monarch, although the king doesnt have a lot of power over the country, and is mainly just there as a symbol of the days of old, when Sweden was ruled by kings and queens. As you have read, Sweden is a country with a deep and rich history, originating from the early Bronze, spanning over 3,000 years, from 1000 A.D, where Sweden was unified, until the 21st century. Sweden has many physical features and culture that is not present in the US, and may seem strange to us. For example, Sweden speaks six official languages: Swedish, Finnish, Yiddish, Sami, Meà ¤nkieli and Romani. The illustrious tale of the history of Sweden can make you look at the country differently, instead of thinking of them as the founder of a furniture store.