Absolute Essay

â€Å"There really are [or are not] ‘absolutes’ upon which a universal truth can be based that can be applied for establishing ethical behavior in business. † The world of business would be such a chaotic place sans universal truth that can be applied to establish ethical behavior. If they are no â€Å"absolutes† then everything else is relative; that state of being depends on how many factors and those factors include how one feels on a certain issue, the norms in a society that one lives in, the definition of right and wrong being subjective, and religious beliefs. In the instance where an individual will act as they feel and not per universal absolute truth, then the individual may decide not to pay for the services rendered to them or merchandise that they procured because that is how the individual feels about the situation even if the renderer of service or seller may feel that they ought to be paid for their services or goods. They feelings in this case are only true to them and not the buyer as the buyer has a different feeling about the situation. In the case where the norms of a society dictate the ethical behavior of a society, it would also mean that there is relative subjectivity to the whole notion of ethics as societies can have norms which are not at all right as seen in the case of the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda. The Hutus were a majority (85%)of the population and through political propaganda they were incited to kill the minority Tutsis (14%). 800,000 people were murdered in the name of tribal cleansing and at that point in time it was alright for a Hutu to kill a Tutsi as per what had become the norm. The entire world condemned this sordid act even though it was relatively â€Å"right† in the Hutu society. This might sound extreme but it only shows us a norm in a society does not make it a right thing to be done. The same applies for business in that what is a norm for business in one society would be considered gross corruption in another and also what might mean integrity in one society would be condemned in another as lack of business acumen as in not being able to accept business opportunities regardless of how the can be obtained. We cannot therefore base ethical behavior on societal norms and behaviors and not to say that they are not any of those norms that are acceptable and of very high standards that could very well be ethical, however the The definition of right or wrong if treated as relative subject will influence the way one perceives issues in terms of being ethical or unethical. When right and wrong is relative it means what might be right for one might just be wrong for me, there is no absolutes. A classical example is the Nigerian immigration as it purportedly used to be in past, this writer does not have first hand knowledge of the said instances. It is said that when one travelled to Nigeria, one could not get their passport stamped by the immigration officer if they did not put some money in the passport. The officer would hand one back the passport and advise them that there is a †page† missing in the passport. The â€Å"page† meant a dollar bill. For people who grew up in that tradition it was an expected thing to do and that was how it was supposed to be supposedly but for a foreigner, say an American, that would be so wrong a thing to do because in the USA, that is corrupting a public officer and that is a crime in itself that one could go to jail for. There is the issue of religious beliefs and religion and lack thereof. It is said that religious beliefs help to foster stronger ethical behavior, as religions tend to be black and white on what is wrong and what is right. Yet there are different religions and needless to say the different religions have different sets of ideals whether it be ethics or morals. To highlight that is the tragic case of Sept11, 2011 when the USA was attacked by the Muslim terrorists. These terrorists according to what they believed, they were doing the right thing and had been taught so that when they die like that they are martyrs of their religion and they will go to heaven for doing the will of their God. Beliefs in the different religions vary and notwithstanding those without any religion, it is reasonable to say that in this case it is relative as in what a person believes in. If there has to be consistency in any transaction of business, there therefore has to be absolutes upon which a universal truth can be based that can be applied for establishing ethical behavior. It should not matter how one feels, what norms are in one’s society, how one defines right or wrong, and what one’s religious beliefs are. There are absolutely ethical elements in all the above that can be applied to all business ethics to enhance the ethical behavior but there definitely should be a standard that is universal and expected to be followed by all involved in business. It is so fundamental because it is the basis on which all business is going to be transacted upon. One cannot go into business with a partner who will run one out of business or someone who will not do what they say they will do and do it right.

The Testosterone And Suicide Health And Social Care Essay

Testosterone is produced from cholesterin in the Leydig cells in the testicle. Testosterone synthesis in the foetal human testicle begins during the 6th hebdomad of gestation. Leydig cell distinction and the initial early testosterone production in the foetal testicle are independent of luteinizing endocrine ( LH ) ( 5, 6, 7 ) . During testicle development production of testosterone occurs under the influence of LH which is produced by the pituitary secretory organ. Synthesis and release of LH is regulated by the hypothalamus through gonadotropin-releasing endocrine ( GnRH ) and inhibited by testosterone via a negative feedback cringle ( 8 ) . Testosterone is metabolized in some tissues to a more active metabolite, 5I ±-dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone is present in the blood as free ( unbound ) testosterone, albumin edge and sex hormone-binding globulin ( SHGB ) -bound testosterone ( 5-8 ) . Testosterone is a C19 steA ¬roid with an unsaturated bond between C-4 and C-5, a ketone group in C-3 and a hydroxyl group in the B place at C-17. It is largely produced in the tesA ¬tes of males and the ovaries of females, although little sums of testosterone are produced by the adrenal secretory organs. Testosterone is found in mammals and other craniates. Blood testosterone degrees are much greater in males than in females: an grownup male organic structure produces about ten-times more testosterone than an big female organic structure. Females are more sensitive to testosterone than males. Testosterone regulates male sexual development and affects musculus strength, degrees of red blood cells, bone denseness, sense of wellbeing and sexual and generative map in both males and females. SHBG concentrations may be decreased or increased in many often observed medical conditions. In clinical pattern, alterations in SBHG are critically of import to see in the diagnosing of male hypogonadism. Because plasma entire testosterone concentrations are affected by changes in SHBG degrees, precise measurings of free or bioavailable testosterone are necessary to measure the sufficiency of Leydig cell map, to clear up whether a patient is hypogonadal, and to supervise the testosterone replacing intervention in patients with alterations in go arounding SHBG concentrations. Testosterone and self-destruction Multiple surveies suggest that testosterone plays a function in the ordinance of temper and behaviour. The research surveies of the relationship between testosterone and self-destructive behaviour produced variable consequences ( 9-14 ) . Some ( 10-13 ) but non all ( 14,15 ) probes of the relationship between testosterone and suicidality found assoA ¬ciations between testosterone and self-destructive behaviour. Tripodianakis et Al. compared plasma testosterone concentrations in work forces after a suicide effort with testosterone degrees in healthy work forces of the same age ( 10 ) . The writers found that the self-destruction triers had lower testosterone degrees compared with controls, and that the triers who used violent methods had lower plasma testosterone concentrations compared with the nonviolent triers. Markianos et Al. examined plasma testosterone degrees in a group of male psychiatric patients who had attempted to perpetrate self-destruction by leaping, in a group of male topics who were hospitalized after accidentally falling from a high tallness and in healthy controls ( 11 ) . Both accident and suicide effort patients had lower testosterone degrees compared with the control group, and at that place was a tendency towards lower testosterone degrees in self-destruction triers compared with the accident group. We have late examined whether there is a relation between plasma test osterone degrees and clinical parametric quantities in bipolar self-destruction triers and found that testosterone degrees positively correlated with the figure of frenzied episodes and the figure of suicide efforts ( 12 ) . Some other observations have shown that testosterone/anabolic androgenic steroids may play a function in the pathophysiology of suicidality ( 13 ) . A recent survey found no difference between male self-destruction triers and male controls with respect to plasma testosterone degrees ( 14 ) . A survey of associations between neuroactive steroids and suicidality in military veterans with posttraumatic emphasis upset besides found no association between serum testosterone degrees and a history of a suicide effort ( 15 ) . Disappointment over rejections at efforts for sexual interactions has been cited several decennaries ago as an of import trigger for self-destruction ( 16 ) . Impending divorce, matrimonial troubles, menace of losing a love spouse and rejection by a loved one were besides regarded as motivations for self-destruction for many old ages ( 17 ) . It has been observed that rejection of sexual intercourse was frequently associated with male self-destructions and self-destructive ideation ( 18 ) . A nexus between testosterone and the neurobiology of self-destructive behaviour may be related to ( 9 ) : a ) A direct consequence of testosterone on suicidality via certain encephalon mechanisms ; and/or B ) A testosterone consequence on aggression and, accordingly, suicidality ; and/or degree Celsius ) A testosterone consequence on temper and, accordingly, suicidality ; and/or vitamin D ) A testosterone consequence on knowledge and, accordingly, suicidality. Testosterone and self-destructive behaviour in striplings and immature grownups Suicide and testosterone/anabolic androgenic steroids At least one survey has demonstrated a relation between high degrees of testosterone and self-destruction in immature people ( 19 ) . Twenty-nine topics ( 17 self-destructions, 12 sudden deceases ) in the ages 23 to 45 old ages were included in the survey. Analysis indicated no important difference in ages between the two groups of topics ( suicide M = 33.35 yr. , sudden decease M = 35.67 yr. ) . There was a important difference in the average testosterone degree ( P & lt ; 0.007 ) between victims of self-destruction ( M = 376.41?183.64 ng/ml ) and victims of sudden decease ( M= 241.83?117.3 ng/ml ) . Eight instances of self-destruction, in 21- to 33-year-old males, with a history of current or recent usage of anabolic androgenic steroids ( AAS ) have been described in a instance series study ( 20 ) . Five self-destructions were committed during current usage of AAS, and two following 2 and 6 months after AAS backdown. The writers suggested that long-run usage of AAS may lend to completed self-destruction in predisposed individuals. A possible function of aggression A important figure of surveies suggest that high testosterone degrees are associated with aggression ( 9 ) . It has been shown that violent individuals have higher plasma, spit and CSF testosterone degrees compared to non-violent controls ( 21-23 ) . For illustration, in a survey of unprompted wrongdoers with alcohol addiction and antisocial personality upset, higher CSF testosterone degrees were observed compared to healthy controls ( 24 ) . The writers proposed that high CSF testosterone degrees may be associated with aggressiveness or interpersonal force. In the same paper, the writers reviewed the scientific literature on the nexus of testosterone to aggression in worlds, and proposed that both a insistent form of aggressive behaviour get downing early in life, and a insistent form of aggressive behaviour under the consequence of intoxicant are associated with increased degrees of testosterone. Research workers have observed that persons having testosterone are more likely to hol d an aggressive reaction to comprehend menaces than topics having placebo ( 25-27 ) . Fluctuations of testosterone concentration may be associated with aggression and temper alterations in striplings ( 28-30 ) . Salivary testosterone concentrations were evaluated in 40 kids, aged 7-14 old ages ( 37 male childs and three misss ) , with a history of aggressive behaviours and an association between higher testosterone degrees and aggressive behaviours was observed ( 29 ) . In another survey of stripling males, higher testosterone degrees were associated with aggravated verbal and physical aggression, a determination proposing that reactive unprompted aggression is correlated with higher testosterone degrees ( 30 ) . Fifty-eight healthy 15-17 twelvemonth old male childs, public school pupils participated in this survey. A high degree of testosterone led to an amplified preparedness to react energetically and forcefully to aggravations and menaces. Testosterone besides had an indirect and less strong consequence on another aggression dimension: high plasma concentrations o f testosterone made the male childs less patient and more cranky, which in bend intensified their sensitivity to prosecute in aggressive-destructive behaviour. The fact that higher testosterone degrees were associated with aggravated verbal and physical aggression suggests that reactive unprompted aggression correlatives with higher testosterone degrees. Therefore, aggression may medicate the consequence of high testosterone degrees on self-destructive behaviour in striplings and immature grownups. Not all surveies have observed differences in testosterone degrees between aggressive and unaggressive male childs ( 31 ) . A survey of 4-10 twelvemonth olds found no grounds of a relationship between testosterone degrees and aggressive behaviours. This indicated that such a relationship may be nonexistent in prepubescent kids. Animal theoretical accounts have contributed of import informations sing the effects of anabolic androgenic steroid ( AAS ) usage on aggression ( 32,33 ) . For illustration, surveies in gnawers confirmed that exposure to the AASs testosterone and Durabolin additions aggression. A side consequence of AAS usage reported in worlds is â€Å" roid fury, † a province of unselective and motiveless aggression. It has besides been observed that pubertal rats having AASs respond suitably to societal cues and they are more aggressive toward integral males than are eunuchs. Testosterone-treated male rats are most aggressive in their place coop. Probably, adolescent AAS exposure may increase aggressive behaviours. Some writers have postulated that there are significant similarities between aggression against the ego and aggression against others, based on the clinical and epidemiological observations that some suicide triers may portion personality traits with violent felons ( 34 ) . We have besides observed an association between aggression and self-destructive behaviour in our surveies ( 35,36 ) . For illustration, we have observed that a history of suicide effort in bipolar upset is associated with lifetime aggressive traits ( 35 ) . We have besides shown that the higher prevalence of suicide triers among down patients with a history of alcohol addiction compared to down patients without a history of alcohol addiction was related to higher aggression tonss in the group with alcohol addiction ( 36 ) . In drumhead, high testosterone degrees may be associated with self-destructive behaviour in striplings and immature grownups. This consequence of testosterone on suicidality in striplings and immature grownups may be mediated by testosterone-related elevated aggression. It is besides possible that in immature people, high testosterone degrees are straight linked to suicidality via certain encephalon mechanisms. Testosterone and self-destructive behaviour in older work forces Testosterone lack or hypotestosteronemia is a normally known hormonal alteration associated with male aging ( 37-39 ) . The prevalence of testosterone lack may be every bit high as 30 % in work forces aged 40-79 old ages ( 40,41 ) . In up to 12 % of affected work forces, hypotestosteronemia can be associated with clinical symptoms ( 40,41 ) . Age-related plasma testosterone lessening is a consequence of different biological changes such as primary structural gonadal harm, age-related degenerative alterations of the pituitary secretory organ, inadequacies of the neurohypothalamic system, and primary peripheral metabolic abnormalcies such as the age-associated addition in the concentration of serum sex endocrine adhering globulin ( SHBG ) , with a attendant lessening in free testosterone ( 39 ) . In the aging adult male, there is about a 1-2 % lessening of entire testosterone degrees per twelvemonth with a more rapid bead in free testosterone degrees because of a attendant addition in SHBG with aging. Because of this gradual lessening in testosterone degrees the androgen lack of the aged adult male is defined as partial androgen lack of the aging male ( PADAM ) or late oncoming hypogonadism ( LOH ) . Symptoms of testosterone lack in work forces include sexual symptoms ( such as reduced erectile map and lessened libido ) , reduced musculus and increased fat mass, and reduced bone denseness among others. It is ill-defined whether aging is to be considered as the lone variable linked to age-related testosterone lessening. Assorted facets such as familial factors, chronic diseases, medicines, fleshiness, and the life style may impact the testosterone metamorphosis ( 37,42-44 ) . Decreased testosterone degrees are associated with depressive symptoms, hapless cognitive map and Alzheimer ‘s disease ( 9,45-48 ) . In fact, increased incidence of hypogonadism is observed in work forces with major depression ( 9,47 ) . Depressed work forces often have low plasma or serum testosterone ( 9,48 ) . Testosterone has mood-enhancing belongingss and antidepressant effects in work forces ( 9,49-51 ) . Testosterone replacing efficaciously improves temper. Testosterone users sometimes develop frenzied or hypomanic symptoms during testosterone usage and depressive symptoms during testosterone backdown ( 52-55 ) . In gnawers, testosterone has antidepressant effects in elderly male mice and protective effects against the development of depression-like behaviours in rats ( 56,57 ) . A recent survey found a testosterone-dependent ordinance of hippocampal ERK2 look which suggests that ERK2 signaling within the dentate gyrus country of the hippocampus is a critical go-between of the antidepressant belongingss of testosterone ( 58 ) . Experimental surveies suggest that testosterone has neuroprotective effects ( 59 ) . However, in intercession clinical research on aged work forces, testosterone replacing had a good influence on temper merely if work forces had clearly subnormal testosterone degrees ( 60 ) . It is of import note that sexual disfunction can hold a major consequence on the quality of life and emotional wellbeing ( 61,62 ) . The consequences of placebo-controlled randomised surveies of the effects of testosterone on the quality of life and down temper have been inconsistent and frequently the quality of life as assessed by different questionnaires did non better significantly ( 63 ) . Higher blood degrees of testosterone are associated with better cognitive operation, particularly in older work forces ( 45,46 ) . For illustration, greater serum degrees of testosterone late in life predict a lower hazard of future Alzheimer ‘s disease development in older work forces ( 45 ) . Higher blood testosterone degrees are associated with better visuospatial abilities, semantic memory and episodic memory in work forces, with larger positive consequence with increasing age ( 46 ) . Both depression and cognitive damage are associated with self-destructive behaviour ( 64-67 ) . At least 60 % of persons who commit suicide suffer from depression. Hence, depression and cognitive damage may medicate the consequence of testosterone lack on suicidality in older work forces. This suggests that the intervention of hypogonadism in older work forces may better temper and knowledge, and accordingly, cut down self-destructive behaviour. Decision In drumhead, it is sensible to suggest that self-destructive behaviour in immature work forces is associated with high testosterone degrees while suicidality in older work forces is associated with reduced testosterone secernment. This indicates that the effects of testosterone on suicidality in work forces should be studied individually in immature and old persons. It is likely that plasma and salivary testosterone checks can assist in placing paediatric and grownup patients that would react best to certain interventions. Further surveies of the function of testosterone in the pathophysiology of psychiatric upsets and self-destructive behaviour are merited.

Are We Too Dependent on Computers?

We have become too dependent on computers for answers, personal interactions, and we spend way too much time on them. If we used the computers for learning and as a tool this issue wouldn't be as big. The sad truth is that people use this great tool for an easy way to get out of face to face interactions with other people. In 10-20 years it is said that there will be a computer smarter than the whole human race alive today. That is a scary future that we don't have to look very far to. Computers are an extension of the human body, just as all tools are.Would we say that people are too dependent on cars? Gas? Electricity? Toilets? Homes? All the arguments that the pro side are either invalid, or they don't realize that what they are saying applies to EVERYTHING. An interesting experiment for everybody, especially those on the prepotency, is to take all the prepotency arguments, and apply them to the word â€Å"house† or â€Å"car† or â€Å"paper† or â€Å"pencilà ¢â‚¬  or â€Å"farming† are we too dependent on having a roof over our head? It's the same as having a computer.Yes, we are dependent on computers in every aspect of our lives, and computer on bigger and more powerful ones. But may be really not too dependent all the time, because the key is in the smartest and most powerful machine in the history of mankind and that’s right inside us, that’s us. Our body and mind is above all machines on this planet and in one sentence they all rely on us. Again yes we are too dependent on computers because it’s the human brain which computes this magnificent world unconsciously in the almost in an insensible way, to let us enjoy, live and create.

The analysis of EC Proposals and the Statutory Audit Essay

The analysis of EC Proposals and the Statutory Audit - Essay Example Blame was levied at rating agencies, directors of companies in the financial system and their regulatory agencies, as well as accounting and auditing professionals. This led to a number of regulatory responses that were aimed at strengthening controls over the operations of financial institutions and enhancing financial reporting. These responses have not only been limited to governments in the countries affected but to various bodies including standard setters for the accounting and auditing profession. Te European Commission (EC) which gives directives to 27 countries, made two proposals that could result in major changes in the auditing statutory audits and the audit of PIEs. They are aimed at the professionals whose opinion adds credibility to financial statements as well as supervisors of PIEs. Additionally, there was the Basle lll Accord which amended the capital requirements for financial institutions. Since then auditors have been required to provide more comfort to investors by carrying out additional procedures that would enhance financial reporting. Audit committees have also been challenged to provide the necessary support to ensure compliance. This paper provides information on the background to the financial crisis and the audited accounts of financial institutions. ... 2.0 Background to the financial crisis Several factors worked together to generate the crisis in the financial markets across the world since 2007. Jickling (2010) points out that there were multiple causes to the crisis as reflected in the policy responses taken in the US. One of these was the existing and anticipated credit losses on mortgages in the United States (Ellis 2010). These mortgages were made available to persons who would not have been able to obtain them under normal circumstances. The lowering of standards allowed them to obtain mortgages at relatively low rates so that they could own their own homes. However, one drawback was that the rates were adjustable. Therefore, persons who might have been able to repay in the initial stages soon found out that they could no longer service their mortgages. This coupled with the oversupply of houses on the market resulted in a reduction in their house values and therefore the values of the security for mortgage loans. In some ca ses the value of the houses was worth less than the loan balance and so homeowners ended up with negative equity. Therefore, there were no tangible benefits to be gained from holding on to properties that were not worth the amounts owed. A large number of homeowners defaulted on their mortgages and so it had a ripple effect which impacted the global financial system. Murphy (2008) referred to this as imprudent mortgage lending which caused a terrible shock to the financial system. Murphy (2008) also indicated that although imprudent lending paid a role, its role was not very significant. Another factor blamed for the crisis was global imbalances. Smaghi (2008) indicates that this is characterised by some countries like China and Germany having large surpluses

Dad The Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dad The - Movie Review Example For DAD we can say that the sender that is the director has been able to successfully transmit the message of family ties to the receiver that is the audience through an effective channel that is the movie. Along with the sensitive issue which has been handled by the movie very efficiently, the movie has also shown perfect physical appearance of actors through make-up and the artifacts which have been used were also of high quality. Thus the movie has achieved both technically as well as aesthetically. Dad was an old man who had retired from his blue collar job and his wife Bette (played by Olympia Dukakis) was constantly regulating and complementing his life. It is true that work is worship but work cannot go to such an extent that we start avoiding our near and dear ones especially our parents because it is for this bonding of love that we work hard so that we can make them happy. In the movie we see that John Tremont, son of Jake Tremont is a workaholic and his only goal in life is work more and more. Suddenly when his father fell sick John returns to his family and realizes that he was missing one of the best things of life that is family ties and in the process he rediscovers his emotional self which is very different from the cognitive self and the material self and he says after returning, â€Å"This place hasnt changed a bit†. The movie works as an intensifying instrument for family ties. As John returns a feeling of remorse is triggered in him and he decides to let go off the past and start anew. Jake is a man of high self-esteem and is not ready to take assistance from anybody but his pathetic physical condition pushes hi m towards a situation of acceptance. He is as if engulfed by a fallacy of helplessness. The movie was basically hinting on the symbiotic relationship of a family life and the trigger words of it which the director wants to portray is â€Å"identify your feelings† towards your close ties. During the

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 65

Assignment - Essay Example Moreover, in such cases any sort of negative complications of pets relating to death or illness, may distorts the sentimental balance of the attached persons. At that moment, the written descriptions made by such emotionally hurt individuals often termed as lossography. People suffering from such pain and misery often tend towards expressing their emotions for loosening up the excessive level of mental stress to which they are subjected. In this respect, an individual presenting emotion in writing is an effective way of understanding psychological distress. Presenting emotional distress in writing is considered as a form of psychological treatment. Thus, lossography is an effective measure based on which pain and sufferings of an individual can be analyzed at the time of loss (Sheridan 20-50). Considering the above aspects, it can be stated that human beings have different ways of expressing their feelings and emotions. One of such techniques is the lossography that can be considered effective enough under such circumstances. This technique also helps in describing the behavioral and emotional attachment trends of an individual. Sheridan, Thomas. A complete Dictionary of the English Language, Both with Regard to Sound and Meaning; to which is Prefixed a Prosodial Grammar. The 2. Ed. Corr. and Enlarged. - London, Dilly 1789. North America: Dilly, 1789.

Types of Belts and Pulleys Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Types of Belts and Pulleys - Research Paper Example These belts are categorized into industrial (narrow, conventional, light-duty and double V cross section), automotive and agricultural. V belts have reinforcing cords in the belt that provide load-carrying capacity. This reinforcement is made of nylon, steel, rayon or glass fibers embedded in a cushion section (soft rubber material). The cushion section is externally covered with tough rubber and the interior is covered with a material that is resistant to abrasion. As the belt bends around the pulley, the length of its pitch line remains the same. The pitch diameter if the pulley is determined using the pitch line (Jadon & Verma, 2010). Flat belts:These types of belts are normally used in applications where high speeds are required or long center distances are involved. Flat belts are more efficient at high speeds compared to low speeds since they tend to slip under load. They are also used where drives which have nonparallel shafts are necessary as they allow twisting to contain th e relationship of the shafts. Positive drive belts:These belts have a notched underside that establishes contact with a pulley with similar design on the circumference. The belts have similar benefits to chain and gear drives because of their positive contact with the pulley. Positive drive belts are appropriate in operations where high efficiency, constant velocity of timing is required. They can also be used to reduce the size of the pulley and provide the same operating performance as large sized V-belt pulleys (Jadon & Verma, 2010).... Pulleys Pulleys are components that are used for power transmission in machines by mounting them on shafts over which belts run. These components are generally made of iron, steel plates or by welded construction. Pulleys may be of a split type or a single piece depending on the application. The types of pulleys can be categorized based on the belts used with the pulley into: a. Flat belt pulleys: These pulleys are of varying shapes and sizes, designed to fit the functional requirements. The main types of pulleys used with flat belts include: Armed Pulley The boss, spokes/arms and rim are the main parts of a pulley. The arms of the pulley are either curved or straight while the cross section is the shape of an ellipse. The rims of these pulleys have a slight convexity to prevent the belt from axial slipping during operation. Pulley with a Web The boss and rim of a pulley are connected with a web in the form of a disk when the diameter of the pulley is very small. Holes are made in th e web to make the pulley lighter. Cone Pulleys These types of pulley are mounted on the driver and driven shafts facing opposite sides to offer varying speed ratios between the two and maintain the speed of the driver shaft at a constant. The steps in the two pulleys have a diameter designed such that one belt can operate on the surface of any pair of steps. This type of pulley is used in drilling machines and lathes. Fast and Loose Pulleys In applications that involve a number of machines operated from one source of power, each machine has a fast and loose pulley configuration. Using this arrangement, any machine can be stopped or started independently while the shaft runs. Using a keyed joint, the fast pulley is mounted on the shaft

Impact of Globalization on the country Identity Essay

Impact of Globalization on the country Identity - Essay Example Furthermore, numerous buildings in the city are still designed based on their historical relevance. The impact of globalization has been spread out across different countries all over the world. The world has become more interconnected than ever. Never before in the history has international connections between world trade, communication, and politics been seen at this rate and pace. The responsibilities of planners have also increased with the arrival of globalization and as research indicates, the planning of cities is no longer limited to physical planning, but it now also includes the social and economic fabric (The Role of Planners in the Globalization Era, 2004). The globalization of economic, social, environment and political matters have not been limited to the national level, but have now also affected the urban and architectural planning of the city. Globalization is a term used by a development and interaction process of international union arising from the networking of world views, products, ideas and other aspects of culture. Advances in transportation and telecommunications infrastructure are major factors in globalization, generating further interrelationships of economic and cultural activities (Globalization, 2014). In the globalized world, geography does not become less important, instead it has become more relevant. This is because of the fact that globalization enhances possibilities in increasing geographic differentiation and location which then reflect on overall planning. The globalization extends a large group and city regions outside their borders. The internal and external of these cities and their growth present a number of challenges for policy makers in their planning. Based on the history of urban planning in Qatar, changes in planning can be recognized. In 1935, British petroleum initiated oil exploration in Qatar. High quality oil

California Indians Surviving the Gold Rush Essay

California Indians Surviving the Gold Rush - Essay Example The easiest way to survive was, perhaps, the most humiliating. Some Indians allowed their oppressors to "civilize" them. By adopting white styles of dress, living in modern, rather than traditional homes, and most importantly, but kowtowing to the white man and embracing his religion, some native people were able to keep their own lives. In Deeper than Gold: Indian Life in the Sierra Foothills, Brian Bibby writes of a man called Billy Preacher, who, based on the stories and artifacts he left behind, had a strong belief in and connection to his own religion and culture. However, Billy Preacher, "accommodating to change" (Bibby 30), goes to work on a white man's ranch and eventually takes on his employer's culture. Bibby states that this ranch, "provided a safe haven and labor opportunities for individuals and families who had been disinherited from their former homes by the influx of miners and settlers to the region" (Bibby 30). Billy Preacher, at the end of his life, has converted t o Christianity and in appearance appears almost completely European. Servitude was more or less expected by the white man, who saw the Native as, at best, a useful servant, and, at worst, a pest to be exterminated. For this reason, many Indians found it simpler to cater to the invaders, whoever they were.

How do you think the media influences the public's perception of the Essay

How do you think the media influences the public's perception of the criminal justice system - Essay Example As per the research of Beale and Lowndes (2007) the media thanks to the advancement in live television broadcasts and the thirst of the public to have the freshest and most exciting news possible has forced the once responsible media outlets to feed a frenzy of tabloid news reporting when it comes to the criminal justice beat instead. They explained that (Beale & Lowndes, 2007). â€Å"First, through agenda setting and priming, the news media’s relentless emphasis increases public concern about crime and makes it a more important criteria in assessing political leaders. Once the issue has been highlighted, the news media’s emphasis appears to increase support for punitive policies, though the mechanisms through which this occurs are less understood.... Finally, media appears to influence public attitudes about criminal justice policies by instilling and reinforcing racial stereotypes and linking race to crime†. In other words, the news media no longer just reports the news, it also helps chart the path that the justice system will take in relation to a certain crime and the involved personalities. This charting is based upon the medias own preset criteria of guilt or innocence in relation to their own personal or network standards for news reporting and information gathering. With â€Å"justice† oriented programs like Nancy Grace and Jane Velez gracing out TV screens, I believe that the theory of Beales and Lowndes (2007) carry the proper information and weight for me to understand that the media has influenced our perception of the criminal justice system and not in a good way. These days, we make decisions about the guilt or innocence of a person based upon information that these reporters get and, without verification, tell the viewers about. Instead of allowing to make informed decisions, the media instead asks us to make knee jerk reactions about their news reporting which could also be slanted one way or another

The Marketing Environment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Marketing Environment - Assignment Example Brands. Yum which was started by Pepsico Inc. is a major franchise with such names as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dong Fang Ji Bai and A & W restautrants. Its main operation strategy has been to establish a franchise (Cyrek, 2009). Franchising is using another firm’s successful business strategy to develop one’s business. The brand of one company is therefore used to sell by another according to a business agreement between the two (Anttonen, 2005). Just like Yum, Subway is a franchise. The main deifference is that wherass Yum offers a variety of services, Subway specializes in fast foods, with sandwiches as their main product. This specialization has given Subway an edge since it is easily identified with the sandwich which is its main widely recognized product. In a way it is the swift expansion program that worked to Yum’s advantage, yet presently they don’t seem to have anywhere else to expand to, since their company has saturated its primary US, European and Asian market (Subway, 2008). Subway still enjoys a lot of room for expansion especially to the newly emergent Chinese market. Marketing the sandwich is therefore a process that will keep expanding for subway in the near future. But the biggest key advantage Subway has is in its name, they mainly market their products in subways with passengers who just find the product very convenient to grab on the way to their destinations (Subway, 2008). Products such as sandwiches do well in markets where people have a relatively high disposable income. A busy environment in which people have tight work schedules that does not give them the extra time to cook for themselves also suffices. Subways which serve customers on transit are quite strategic for selling sandwiches too just as explained above. The main trends that affect the business is economic recession such as the one which started in 2007. Sandwiches may be delicious, but they are classified as luxuries and are thus

Michelangelo Essay Example for Free

Michelangelo Essay The artist has painted a portrait of his friends and colleagues. Each one of them is in the prime of their youth, with seemingly no worries. They are all seen having a relaxed time oblivious to their surroundings. There are thirteen people featured in the painting, including two children. The colors in the painting are charming, bringing out the best of the painter and his art. The boat is full of young people having an enjoyable time, drinking and making merry. Life seems to be full of meaning for the people on the boat. The boat seems to be their cup of life overflowing with energy and youth. None of them are worried about the future. Each of the people depicted on the boat are living life to its fullest in the present. They do not seem to be thinking of either the past or the future. Life for them seems to be songs with unending lyrics, going on and on, eternally like the water lapping against the sides of their boat. Michelangelo has not have used color to define his sculptural form. He might have used the different hues of the marble itself to define the sculptural form. In fact, if he had used colors, the sculptures would have lost their natural sheen. It would have made the sculptures look artificial. The sculptures look so magnificent in their natural colors that there is an aura surrounding them that would have been lost with the use of any artificial colors. Color would have faded over time, but the statues have lost none of their sheen, making us believe that there were no colors used anywhere in the statues. The natural glory of the statues has been retained in the centuries gone by because of the natural elements. Their glory remains a testament to the resilience of nature.

The Definition Of Sustainability Engineering Essay

The Definition Of Sustainability Engineering Essay A Sustainable development is a development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet there own needs. The natural environment is the source of all substances that sustain human life on this planet and is also an invaluable sink for our wastes. Because of this it is vital that it doesnt get worn out or become unusable. This is where sustainability comes into play. With the right techniques, measurement and implementation of policy or even law, we, as a race, can act in a sustainable manner and take what we need from the planet without causing it harm. This can be applied from the biggest city down to the smallest design project. (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder) The History of Sustainability The idea of sustainability as we know it emerged in a series of summits and reports during the 1970s and 1980s. The UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, in the year 1972, marked the first great international meeting on how human activities and treatment of the earth were harming the environment and putting the human race at risk. The 1980 World Conservation Strategy promoted the idea of environmental protection in the self-interest of the human race and in the interest of the planet. The Brundtland report said that the halting of economic development was not a feasible option, but it must change to work with the planets ecological limits. It also popularized the term sustainable development (http://www.sustreport.org/background/history.html). It was the World Commission on Environment and Development that brought the idea of sustainable development into broader dissertation. Saying this, it was not until the UN Conference for Environment and Development and the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, that the concept was spotlighted on the centre stage of the GPPD (global public policy debate). Our Common Future was the third in a long list of reports to focus attention and discussion in the world scientific community. The interest in sustainability that thrived during that time period was accelerated by a series of incidents and discoveries, such as the leak of poisonous gas from a chemical plant (Bhopal, India), the hole in the Antarctic ozone layer, the explosion and radioactive release (Chernobyl, Ukraine), leaking toxic chemical dumps, such as Love Canal and worry and conflict over decreasing natural resources (e.g forests and fisheries). This has led us to where we stand today on the topic of sustainability and its ever growing need to be properly measured, implemented and sustained in our developments and advances (http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwt.nsf/db900SID/LHON-68ZJDP/$File/Introducing_Sustainable%20_Development_Introduction.pdf?OpenElement). Why do we need Sustainability? The easiest answer is that unsustainable societies collapse. Easter Island and the Maya in Central America are just some example of its importance. These were once powerful societies but they came apart and collapsed because they used there resources relentlessly until they eventually couldnt function as they used to and became victims of devolution. And how does this relate to modern day society? Its all around us, global warming due to our industrial activities, the impending oil/energy crisis due to our dependency and lack of effective, sustainable alternatives and the general breakdown of social conscience through globalisation. It is vital that human kind becomes largely (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder) sustainable to combat these challenges and continue progressing as a race. This kind of sustainability cannot be achieved at once and starts from the basic building blocks of society upwards. This means that each new project thats undertaken should be require d by law, or at least strong policy, to comply with sustainability standards. This is the area that will be focused on in this project, evaluating the sustainability of a design project. This starts with examining the policies that are in place in certain countries/counties and considering the unification of these policies to provide a world wide standard (Rough guide to sustainability. Brian Edwards). Also the way in which sustainability is measured is an area of research which is of vital importance. Without proper measurement, sustainability will never be implemented properly and to full effect. The methods of measuring sustainability will also be studied to determine if its possible to improve on the measuring systems already present. This will take the form of an evaluation matrix to measure the sustainability of a design project. Basis of Sustainability As we enter the 21st centuary, the concerns over the environment and its values that took root in the 1960s have brought into clear focus an awarness of the earths fragility as a natural system. Sustainable development implies a redefinition and review of concepts such as wealth, production and interest. The basic need of sustainability is co-operation and international agreement. In an ideal system, economic theory should find a method of including assets of nature and human development into its equations. Although it is not possible to layout the definition of a fully sustainable society as a situation to aim for, there are some basic principals that can be examined: The consumption of resources should be minimized. Consumption of non-renewable materials should be phased out. Renewable materials and energy sources should be the preferred choice. One should not just contribute to the private good, but to the common good also. The question is asked in many of the articles provided on the web, Can we afford sustainability? After a minor amount of study the answer is clearly, we have no choice. If society continues on the road it has taken then the human race is facing chaos and decline. There is no alternative to sustainable development (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder). Sources of Non-Sustainability As it stands the planet is rife with sources of unsustainability and this is, at last, coming under some strong scrutiny. Apart from population stabilization, five common but quantifiable criteria for sustainability are recommended, including: 1: The stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. 2: The stabilization of acidity in rainfall. 3: The reduction of wasteful uses of heavy metals to natural enlistment rates. 4: The abolition of agriculture based on pumping fossil water from non-renewable sources/aquifers 5: The eradication of loss of arable land because of erosion or salination. Other measures, such as the preservation of biodiversity, might be added to the list. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VDY-3Y2MYGC-C_user=906470_coverDate=03%2F31%2F1996_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1489005091_rerunOrigin=scholar.google_acct=C000047746_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=906470md5=55b4d1a71740ab0900429fdcc5168d36searchtype=a) Unsustainable actions/activities can be defined as those that: require a constant usage of non-renewable resources or use a greater amount of natural resources than the earth can generate, are the source of degradation to the environment, require such large quantities that they will not be available for future generations, push species towards the point of no return or extinction, actions that promote or stimulate selfishness and actions that create the risk of a disaster. This particular point of the study does seem to extend beyond the reach of the project title but it is important to have a broad understanding of sustainability and its challenges before the m ore intricate areas of its evaluation are tackled (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder). Measuring Sustainability CEEQUAL Introduction CEEQUAL is an assessment and awards scheme for improving sustainability in civil engineering and public realm projects. Its original title was the Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme. It is based in the united kingdom and is promoted by the ICE (institution of civil engineers) The method is most commonly used for the assessment of large scale projects. It was originally developed by a team led by the ICE and supported by the institutions RD enabling fund and the UK government. It is based on a self-assessment carried out by a trained CEEQUAL Assessor that is then externally and autonomously verified by a CEEQUAL-appointed Verifier. Its objective is to promote the achievement of environmental excellence in civil engineering, and thereby deliver improved environmental and social performance in project specification, design and construction. (http://www.ceequal.com/how.htm) How does CEEQUAL work? The scheme assesses performance across 12 areas of environmental and social importance. The assessment is made up of 200 questions which are contained in the CEEQUAL Manual relating to social and environmental aspects of a project such as the use of water, energy, land, impacts on ecology, landscape, neighbors, archaeology and waste minimization and management as well as community relations and amenity. It rewards project teams in which designers, clients and constructors go beyond the legal and environmental minimum standard to achieve distinguishing levels environmental and social standards. (CEEQUAL PDF) It basically determines how well a project team has dealt with environmental and social issues in work the work being carried out. When used during the design and construction phases, the CEEQUAL assessment is more than likely going to have a positive influence on the projects social and environmental performance. The organization that registers receives a copy of the latest versi on of the CEEQUAL manual and also a scoring spreadsheet for the category of award applied for. A CEEQUAL assessor then carries out an assessment on the project and scores the project accordingly. This assessor will have been trained at a CEEQUAL Assessor training course and also will have his assessment verified by an appointed CEEQUAL verifier. It is always best to carry out the assessment as the project progresses. This allows supporting evidence to be collected alongside the design and construction phases and leads to an overall result which is more accurate and reliable. Based on the assessment an award is allocated to the project, whether it be the client, the designer or the contractor, or all three. (http://www.ceequal.com/about.htm#how) Awards CEEQUAL provides the civil engineering industry with an incentive and set of rules for assessing, benchmarking and labeling the sustainability performance of projects as part of the industrys contribution to sustainable development. This set of rules leads to the proper assessment of the design project and assigns an appropriate award based on the projects performance. The awards available in the assessment method are as follows: The Whole Project Award (WPA), applied for jointly by or on behalf of the Client, Designer and Principal Contractor. The WPA with an Interim Client Design Award (the stage in the design process at which the Interim Assessment is undertaken can be chosen by the applicant to best suit their needs and procurement process). The Client Design Award, applied for jointly by the Client and Designer. The Design-Only Award, applied for by only the principal Designer. The Construction-Only Award, applied for only by the Principal Contractor. Design Construction Award for project teams that do not include the client, on design construct and other partnership contracts. The award achieved at the end of the day is reliant on the score awarded to the project after the assessment. (CEEQUAL PDF) Objectives of CEEQUAL The objectives of the CEEQUAL Scheme are: To recognise the achievement of good, very good or excellent environmental and social standards in civil engineering and public realm projects. To promote and advertise enhanced sustainability performance in project specification, design and construction To create a climate of environmental awareness and continuous improvement in the industry. In essence, CEEQUAL is: a tool for Project Teams to assess how well they have dealt with the environmental and many social issues on their projects, a mechanism for having those assessments externally and independently verified and recognition gained, an evidence-based assessment, not an assertion-based assessment, a question set that can be used by Project Teams as a checklist to significantly influence the development of design and/or construction management made as a project progresses from concept to completion.

Theories on Multinational Companies

Theories on Multinational Companies 2.1.1. Introduction In the process of studying the existence, growth and business activities of multinational companies, various theoretical approaches have been developed in the past forty years, depending on the scholars` fields of specialization, perspective and objectives. It is particularly important to distinguish economic approaches to the study of multinationals, strategic management approaches, and finally, cultural approaches to the study of multinational companies. Furthermore, the second part of the literature review will be dedicated to the study of various kinds of spillovers which multinational companies create while operating in the given country, a subject which is of particular importance for the topic of this thesis. 2.1.2. Economic Approaches to the Study of Multinational Companies When reviewing the literature on multinational companies, it is evident that economists find themselves at the forefront of the research on multinational companies. According to Cantwell (1991: 17-18), they are approaching the topic from three perspectives: microeconomic (which deals with cross-border interactions of individual firms), mesoeconomic (which deals with the cross-border interactions of firms at the industry level), and macroeconomic (dealing with the growth and trend of multinationals at national and international level). All of these categories have one thing in common: they all tend to explain the existence of international production. The economic approaches to the study of international business have been dominant in the fields of microeconomics, industrial economics and macroeconomics. These include the theory of the firm by Coase (1937, 1987), as well as internalization theory by Buckley and Casson (1976) and Rugman (1980, 1980 and 1982). Other famous theories on multinational enterprises refer to markets and hierarchies approach by Williamson (1975, 1985), furthermore, market power approach or the theory of international operations by Hymer (1960, 1976), and the approaches of industrial organization by Bain (1959), Caves (1971, 1982), Hirsch (1976), Johnson (1970) and Lall (1980a). As a starting point for his research, Ronald Coase (1937) departed from the traditional microeconomic assumption which states that economic activity is determined freely by the price mechanism and that the economic system works itself. In practice this means that suppliers respond to demand changes, and buyers respond to supply changes through the open market system, which is viewed as an automatic, responsive process. According to him, opposed to the traditional thinking that the economic system is being coordinated by the price mechanisms, Coase argues: This coordination of the various factors of production is, however, normally carried out without the intervention of the price mechanism. As is evident, the amount of vertical integration, involving as it does the supersession of the price mechanism, varies greatly from industry to industry, and from firm to firm. It can, I think, be assumed that the distinguishing mark of the firm is the supersession of the price mechanism. (Coase, 1937 in Williamson and Winter 1991:20). Furthermore, Coase (in Williamson and Winter 1991:30) suggests that at the margin, the costs of organizing within the firm will be equal either to the costs of organizing in another firm or to the costs involved in leaving the transaction to be organized by the price mechanism. Even though the theory of Coase was predominantly meant for the domestic horizon, it later served as the bases of the internalization theory. The concept of internalization has its origins in the theory of industrial relations. Bain (1959) pursues the proposition that there will be possibilities of integration by the firm (acquiring and combining with supplier firms or customer firms) which, among others, have positive economies or savings in cost. Additionally, he stresses that atomistic market structures with unrestricted competition will tend to force or make automatic efficiency increasing integration, and likewise tend to deter inefficient integration. Bain further claims that no particular type of integration will be fully forced in an oligopolistic situation, but there should be a tendency for oligopolistic firms to integrate if there are other advantages (other than costs) to the integration that will not result in inefficiency. He asserts that even inefficient integration is possible if it has offsetting advantages (Bain, 1959:168). Hirsch (1976) suggested that the optimal choice between international trade and international production is determined by the firms specific knowledge advantages and other intangible assets. Rugman (1981: 45) uses Hirsch`s model and interprets it as one that treats knowledge as an intermediate product which is internalized in the structure of multinational enterprise. These ownership advantages impose effective barriers to entry to rival firms. They enable temporary monopoly power to the company by allowing it a possibility to earn profit above the prevailing industry level. Hirsch (1976) states that the greater ownership advantages are, the more economics of production and marketing prefer foreign location and therefore foreign direct investment. Authors Buckley and Casson (1976:33) give their significant contribution to the theory of internalization based upon three presumptions: Companies maximize profit in a world of imperfect markets The imperfect nature of the markets for intermediate goods urges companies to avoid them by creating internal markets Internalization of markets across national boundaries creates multinational enterprises. The main thesis of Buckley and Casson is that attempts to improve the organization of these markets have led to a radical change in business organization, one aspect of which is the growth of MNE. Therefore, a multinational enterprise is perceived as an instrument used for raising efficiency by replacing foreign markets via exploitation of internalization advantages within the framework of transaction costs and exchange. Furthermore, they insist that an MNE is created whenever markets are internalized across national boundaries, and a market in an intermediate good will be internalized only in the situation when benefits outweigh costs. The authors stress the following: Vertical integration of production will give rise to MNEs because different stages of production require different combinations of factors and are therefore best carried out in different countries, according to factor availability and the law of comparative advantage. Moreover, there is a special reason for believing that internalization of the knowledge market will generate a high degree of multinationality among forms (Buckley and Casson 1976, 44-45). Theory of internalization has been additionally advanced by Rugman (1981:28) who pointed out that internalization is the process of making a market within a company. He suggests that company creates an internal market as a replacement for the missing regular (or external) market and in order to overcome the problems of allocation and distribution by the use of administrative fiat. Furthermore, he states that the internal prices (or transfer prices) of the firm lubricate the organization as a potential (but unrealized) regular market. In reality, the internalization theory pursued by Rugman tries to explain the reasons why a company wishes to go into international production across national boundaries. On this particular subject, Rugman (1981:29) states the following: A firm will wish to locate itself abroad to gain access to foreign markets. It will choose foreign direct investment when exporting and licensing are unreliable, inferior, or more costly options. Internalization is a device for keeping a firm specific advantage over a worldwide scale. The MNE is an organization able to monitor the use of its firm specific advantage in knowledge by establishing abroad miniature replicas of the parent firm. These foreign subsidiaries supply each foreign market and permit the MNE to segment national markets and use price discrimination to maximize worldwide profits. Internalization allows the multinational to control its affiliates and to regulate the use of the system specific advantage on a global basis. The concept of creating an internal market within a company in order to avoid relatively high transaction costs of the market system is additionally researched by Williamson (1975). In his work Markets and Hierarchies, he suggests that the economics of transaction costs and in general, new institutional economics explains why companies choose to conduct hierarchical expansion instead of conducting economic activity through the market mechanisms. Williamson states that multinational enterprises choose vertical integration or hierarchy for various reasons: in comparison to the market system, hierarchy extends boundaries on rationality by allowing the specialization of decision-making and economizing on communication expense. Furthermore, hierarchy permits additional incentives and control measures to discipline opportunism. Interdependent units are adapted to uncertainties and unexpected events more easily. Hierarchy also offers more constitutional possibilities for effective monitoring and auditing jobs, which consequently narrows down the information gap which appears in the case of autonomous agents. Finally, hierarchy provides a less calculative exchange atmosphere or environment (Williamson 1975:258). Scholars like Kay (1991) and Lee (1994) acknowledged Williamsons emphasis on asset specificity as a key environmental factor, coupled with uncertainty, which leads to hierarchy or vertical integration. Asset specificity actually represents specialization of assets with respect to use or user. It appears when one or both parties to the transaction invest in equipment, which has been designed especially to perform the transaction and has lower value when used for other purpose. Williamson (1985) states that spot markets will probably fail under the condition of asset specificity. This occurs because party making transaction-specific investments, and for whom the costs of switching partners are consequently high, will fear that one flexible party will opportunistically renegotiate the terms of trade. Asset specificity as a determinant of vertical integration is crucial in relation to given conditions of bounded rationality, opportunism and uncertainty. Asset specificity is the big locomotive to which transaction cost economies owes much of its predictive content. Its neglect is largely responsible for the monopoly preoccupation of earlier contract traditions (Williamson 1985: 54-56). One of the gurus of theory on multinational enterprises is certainly Richard Caves. Caves (1971, 1982) presumed that founding of subsidiary by a multinational enterprise amounts to entry into one national market by a going enterprise based on another geographic market. One possibility of entry is horizontal expansion, when a subsidiary produces the same type of product as the parent company. Other type of entry is vertical expansion or integration across national boundaries either backward to produce raw materials or intermediate products used in its home operations or forward to provide a distribution channel for its exports (Caves 1974a, 117). Additionally, Caves assumed that foreign direct investment appears mostly in industries characterized by certain market structures in both home or host countries. He concludes that differentiated oligopoly prevails mostly in the case when companies opt for horizontal expansion. On the other hand, oligopoly, not necessarily differentiated, in the home market is typical in industries which undertake vertical expansion across national boundaries. Direct investment tends to involve market conduct that extends the recognition of mutual market dependence the essence of oligopoly beyond national boundaries (Caves 1971:1). Additionally, in order to explain the presence of multinational companies, Caves distinguished and explained three types of multiplant companies horizontally integrated company which produces the same line of products from its plants in each geographic market, vertically integrated, which produces outputs in some of the plants that serve as inputs for other plants, and finally a diversified company whose plants outputs are neither horizontally nor vertically related to one another (Caves 1982a:2). With his theory of international operations, Hymer (1960, 1976) emphasized two major causes of international operations: exploitation of oligopolistic advantages and suspension of conflicts between companies in order to strengthen market power by means of collusion. Therefore, Hymer states the following: It frequently happens that enterprises in different countries compete with each other because they sell in the same market or because some of the firms sell to other firms. If the markets are imperfect, that is, if horizontal or bilateral monopoly or oligopoly, some form of collusion will be profitable. One form of collusion is to have the various enterprises owned and controlled by one firm. This is one motivation for firms to control enterprises in foreign countries (Hymer 1976:25). Furthermore, he states that FDI could not be explained as if it were portfolio investments that is, inter country movements of capital responding to differential rates of return on capital. If this direct investment is motivated by a desire to earn higher interest rates abroad, this practice of borrowing substantially abroad seems strange(Hymer 1976:13). Hymer emphasized that international operations type of investment does not depend on the interest rate. The direct investor is motivated by profits that are obtained from controlling the foreign enterprise, not by higher interest rates abroad (Hymer 1976: 26-30). He suggested that direct investments are the capital movements associated with the international operations of companies. According to him there are several types of motivation. The underlying motivation for controlling the foreign enterprise is to eliminate competition between that foreign enterprise and enterprises in other countries, and to form a profitable collusion among them. Another motivation is control which is desired in order to appropriate completely the returns on certain skills and abilities. The other motivation arises from the fact that a firm with advantages over other firms in production of a particular product may find it profitable to undertake the production of this product in a foreign country as well (Hymer 1976: 25-26). Another contribution which is even more fundamental made by Hymer, was to argue for the link between market failure and FDI. Hymer pioneered an oligopolistic theory of the growth of production networks across national boundaries, through collusion and exploitation of ownership advantages in a market power context, instead of a location theory context. The market power school of thought pursues that internationalization lowers the extent of competition and increases collusion among firms, in general (Cantwell 1991a:30). Due to their relative abundance of capital but scarcity of labor, traditional neo-classical economics assumes that countries which are economically developed have low profit or interest rates but high wage rates prior to international operations. Therefore, capital intensive goods go from economically developed countries to less developed labor abundant countries. There can also be a tendency for capital rich countries to export capital directly through foreign direct investment in developing countries. In the same manner, economists that belong to the Marxist school of thought, advocate the idea that there is a tendency for the rate of profit to decline in capital rich countries, due to the intensity of competition. Consequently, foreign investment in less developed or underdeveloped countries serves as an outlet for surplus capital (Cantwell in Pitelis and Sygden 1991:20). Recent historical data, however, reveal a trend which challenges stipulations of the traditional neo-classical and Marxist theories. Before 1939, imperialistic and colonial influences have been determining factors which influenced international trade and investment between hegemonic countries and developing countries. Similar trade and investment patterns prevailed in 1950s, but the trend started to change in the past few decades. In 1950, around three fifths of manufacturing exports from Europe, North America or Japan were directed to the developing countries across the world, but by 1971, only just over one third (Armstrong et al., 1984:251). Additionally, Dunning (1983b:88) acknowledged that two thirds of the worlds stock of FDI was located in developing countries in 1938. This amount has fallen to just little over a quarter by 1970s (cited by Cantwell in Pitelis Sugden 1991:20). During 1980s and 1990s significant capital mobility among developed countries overshadowed foreign direct investment in the developing countries. Mergers and acquisitions were the main trade mark of multinational production activities across the industrialized world during this period. At the time, in the developing world FDI have been characterized by joint ventures, privatization ventures and pioneering projects in the field of manufacturing and infrastructure (World Economic Forum 1997:28). During the 1990s, economically developed countries were still the most favorable destination of FDIs. However, this period has been significant since a large flow of capital invaded emerging markets, especially the ones in Asia where incentives for foreign investments have been extremely attractive. China, for instance, received $42.3 billion in 1996, which accounted for 38 percent of total FDI flows to the emerging markets in that year. Additionally, other emerging markets in Asia, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand became increasingly significant recipients of foreign direct investment (World Economic Forum 1997:28-30). On a macroeconomic level, different approaches have been developed in order to explain cross-border activities of multinational companies. The most important ones are the following: the product cycle model by Vernon (1966), trade and direct foreign investment model of Kojima (1978), location theories of the division of labor as analysed by Buckley and Casson (1976), Casson (1979,1986), Casson et al. (1986) and Buckley (1988), investment-development cycle advanced by Dunning (1982), stages of development approach by Cantwell and Tolentino (1987) and the eclectic paradigm by Dunning (1977, 1981, 1988, 1993a, 1995a, 1995b). Product cycle model, as defined by Vernon (1966) represents a combination of a three-stage theory of innovation, growth and maturing of a new product with the RD factor theory (Kojima 1978:61). The latter theory presumes where a new product or technology is most likely to be created. In this new phase stage, design of the product is often being changed and therefore, its production is technologically unstable and the market is not enough acquainted with the product. Consequently, the sales will not grow rapidly and the demand for the product will remain price-inelastic. In this phase, research and development activities of scientists and technicians are of crucial importance for the introduction of inventions and changes in design. Theoretically, the introduction of the RD factor in the product cycle theory represents the addition of a factor of production to the conventional two-commodity, two-factor model. If this approach is accepted, it follows that one may add new factors of production one by one in a similar manner. At the growth phase which comes after the first one, sales of products increase. Mass production and bulk sales methods are introduced. At the same time, entries in the industry increase and competition grows among producers. Demand becomes price-elastic and therefore, sales of each firm become more responsive to the price. Under these circumstances, the realization of economies of scale and managerial ability of the company play important role (Kojima 1978: 62). Finally, when the mature phase is reached, the product becomes standardized and its production technologically stabile. Instead of the crucial role that is played by research and development activities or managerial abilities in the new-phase stage and growth stage, unskilled and semi-skilled labor become important. Therefore, through foreign investment production location is being directed to low-wage, developing countries. The expenses of marketing or exporting the product from these countries may be lower compared to other commodities, since the commodity is standardized. Kojima (1978) gave several comments on Vernons product cycle theory. Firstly, the theory is not founded on the principle of comparative costs. Vernon himself elaborates that his theory discusses one promising line of generalization and synthesis, which appears to have been neglected by the main stream of trade theory. It does not stress the comparative cost doctrine but instead emphasizes more the timing of innovation, the effects of scale of economies, and the roles of ignorance and uncertainty in influencing trade patterns. Secondly, this theory tries to explain the location of production of one commodity by a firm growing through monopolistic or oligopolistic behavior (Kojima 1978:63). Kojima (1978) suggested the so-called trade and deficit foreign investment theory as an alternative approach to the study of multinationals. Furthermore, he suggested that foreign direct investment should complement comparative advantage patterns in different countries. Such advantage has to originate from the comparatively disadvantaged industry of the source country, which leads to lower-cost and expanded volume of exports from the host country. Significant criticism of Kojima`s theory is the manner in which import-substituting investments are referred to as anti-trade oriented. While import-substituting investments could be considered as anti-trade oriented at the microeconomic level, they are not anti-trade oriented at the macroeconomic level. In fact, an increasing level of exports usually follows the growth of FDI from USA, Germany and Japan. There are proofs which suggest that export-oriented investments may have a less significant impact in industrial adjustment or in increasing the welfare of the host country since these investments are likely to be an enclave kind (Dunning and Cantwell 1990 as cited in Tolentino 1993:51). Rugman (1981:47) suggested his main objection with Kojima`s analysis is that it is set in the static framework of trade theory, meaning that his model requires perfect markets. It is obviously a mistake to observe technology as a homogenous product over time and to ignore the dynamic nature of the technology cycle. It is probable that the United States have a comparative advantage, not in technology itself but in the generation of new knowledge. Consequently, it is feasible for US FDI in technology to take place to secure new markets on a continuous basis, as successive stages of the technology cycle are used, firstly in domestic markets and than in foreign ones. Dunning (1982, 1986) contributed to the investment-development cycle model with his suggestion that the level of inward and outward investment of different countries, and the balance of the two, is a function of their stage of development as measured by GNP (gross national product) per capita. After threshold phase of development, outward investment increases for countries at yet higher levels of development. The balance between inward and outward investment in developed countries results in the return of their net outward investment to zero. The continued growth of their outward investment at a later phase results in a positive net outward investment (NOI). Tolentino(1993) offered empirical evidence for the period since the mid-1970s which imply that the existence of a structural change in the relationship between NOI and the countrys relative stage of development as a consequence of the general rise in the internationalization of firms from countries at lower stages of development. The growth of newer multinationals from Japan, Germany and smaller developed countries, as well as some of the richer developing economies, implies their firms` capacity to follow the earlier outward multinational expansion of the traditional source countries, the USA and the UK, at a much earlier stage of their national development. The enhanced significance of outward investments from these newer source countries enables firm evidence of the general trend towards internationalization do that the national stage development no longer becomes a good predictor of a countrys overall net outward investment position. Cantwell and Tolentino (1987) suggested the stages of development approach to the study of multinationals. They posed a hypothesis that the character and composition of outward direct investment changes as development proceeds. Additionally, the say the following: Countries` outward direct investment generally follows a developmental or evolutionary course over time which is initially predominant in resource-based or simple forms of manufacturing production which embody limited technological requirements in the earlier stages of development and then evolve towards more technologically sophisticated forms of manufacturing investments. The developmental course of the most recent outward investors from the Third World has been faster and has a distinctive technological nature compared to the more mature multinationals from Europe, USA and Japan, owing to the different stages of their national development. Dunning (1977, 1981, 1988, 1993a, 1995a, 1995b) and his eclectic paradigm tends to explain the ability and willingness of companies to serve markets across national borders. Furthermore, the eclectic paradigm attempts to elaborate why they opt for the exploitation of any available advantages through foreign production instead of using domestic production, exports or portfolio resource flows. He hypothesized that a company will go for international production or engage in foreign direct investment if it owns net ownership advantages (mostly in the form of intangible assets) vis-Ã  -vis firms of other nationalities in serving particular markets. These ownership advantages, accompanied by internalization and location possibilities, will enable a company to benefit when using or internalizing a particular foreign market itself, instead of selling, renting or leasing them to foreign companies. Location possibility in this context means locating a multinational firms production activity in a foreign country that possesses competitive advantages in terms of factor endowments. If these three conditions (ownership, location and internalization) are not present, the firm can instead serve its local market through domestic production and expand it to serve foreign markets through international trade. The bigger the ownership advantages of multinational companies, the more incentive they have to use these themselves. The more the economics of production and marketing favor a foreign location, the more they are likely to engage in foreign direct investment. The propensity of a particular country to engage in international production is then dependent of the extent to which its enterprises possess these advantages and the location attractions of its endowments compared with those offered by other countries (Dunning 1981:79). According to Dunning eclectic paradigm is perhaps, the dominant paradigm of international production. It presumes ownership specific advantages as endogenous variables, i.e. to be a determinant of foreign production. This means that the paradigm is not only involved with answering the question of why firms go for FDI, in preference to other modes of cross-border transactions. It is also concerned with why these firms possess unique resources and competencies relative to their competitors or other nationalities and why they choose to use at least some of these advantages together with portfolio of foreign-based immobile assets. This makes it different from the internalization model, which regards ownership advantages as exogenous variables (Dunning, 1993a:252). As perceived by Dunning, the eclectic paradigm is meant to capture all approaches to the study of international production. In his opinion the model represents a good starting point to discover the global explanation of MNE`s existence and growth since it synthesizes the explanations of the existence and nature of international production. Dunning states that his eclectic paradigm can give an adequate analytical framework which enables understanding of all kinds of foreign production in services. Stressing the interdependence between services and goods industries, he asserts that it makes no sense to try to develop a new paradigm to explain the transnationality of the service sector (Dunning 1993a:248-284). In his scholarly research, Dunning was assertive to find all possible explanations of the existence of multinational enterprise in his eclectic paradigm. As the years went by, he tried to expand knowledge in the framework of his eclectic paradigm by attempting to accommodate possible additional explanations to multinational production activity that come to his knowledge. As an example, for instance, he argues that the advent of collaborative alliances among multinational firms does not lead to the development of a new multinational theory. Therefore, he has incorporated alliance capitalism in his model. In his renewed version of the eclectic paradigm in the light of alliance capitalism, Dunning(1995a) considers that inter-firm alliances (with clear reference to American multinationals) in innovation-led production systems are emerging as dominant forms of market-based capitalism, and are overtaking the global influence of hierarchical capitalism. Dunning has focused on the narrow view of the value-adding activity of innovation-led capitalism, and has considered other joint ventures, not wholly owned production operations, dominate the multinational enterprise involvement in less developed countries (Vaupel and Curhan 1973). Both in theory or in practice, internalizing a foreign market and going for a joint venture alliance with a foreign partner are just two possible options that a multinational company can choose in international business activities. Therefore, alliance as a strategy can be the dependent variable, just like international production, that needs further explanations. Explanations to joint ventures overseas could also include ownership, location and internalization considerations. Border lines between the three levels of economic analysis microeconomic, mesoeconomic and macroeconomic have to be neglected in order to synthesize the various economic approaches to the research of multinationals. Modern economic explanations of cross-border production activities of multinational firms are mostly reflected in the configuration of ownership, internalization and location advantages. Dunning has integrated those three fractions under the wing of his eclectic paradigm, but his primary objective in doing so is still to find eclectic explanations to the phenomenon of international production. Despite the differences in academic specialism, perspectives and objectives of economists who pursued the study of the existence of multinational companies and made significant contributions this field, they have one thing in common: they all targeted the explanation of the phenomenon of international production activity across national boundaries. 2.1.3. Strategic Management Approa

Islam in the Era of Globalization Essay -- Outsourcing, Offshoring, Fre

A primary question imposes itself. Do we muslims represent an umma in the contemporary world? What is meant by the question is not the umma as known in the political geography asa nation recognized by international law, but the umma is meant here as a concept of universal communal based on self awareness of the concerned entity about its identity on side, and the acceptance of the distinctive identity of the muslims on the other side. Muslims are supposed to be a doctrinal or ideological universal community, united through the entire world by their faith in thinking, feeling and action. They all believe in and they are all committed to Islam and its values of doing good and spreading it. However the concrete reality is that natural barriers such as geography and ethnicity in addition to political, economic and cultural barriers, under colonialism and post colonial era have obstructed the supposed unity of the umma. Nevertheless, the challenges and dangers muslims have been facing in the contemporary world ought to revitalize the awareness of unity and integrity of the muslim communal body. From another angle, the entire world is witnessing an era of globalism through its speedy communications, and transportations with all its negatives and its positives. This may be an opportunity for the muslims to surmount the barriers and gain some kind of unity at least in their thinking and feelings. The negatives of globalism may add to the challenges, which they must face together ,within the limited effective armament muslims may have in the contemporary world. Feeling as one â€Å"Umma† We have to feel genuinely as one umma in a rational mature well organized way so that our relationships work together in coordination and harmony within oneself. Muslims do not live in a vacume. They live in a world full of people with various backgrounds. An umma consciousness ought not to engulf or negate other muslim existential relations in the contemporary world. Islam being the message of â€Å"The Lord of the Universe†-allows and urges constructive natural relations between muslims and whomever they come across for whatever legitimate purpose. Through Islam we must make the best of our potential abilities. The identity of the muslim individual, group and umma can be perceived and universally recognized through truthfulness, honesty and helpfulness rather than throu... ...ily, freedom of faith and religion; health , education, political and socio-economic rights. They should be unhesitant supporters of religious and ethnic minorities and all victims of oppression and exploitation. Conclusion It goes without saying that each country with a muslim majority should be a role model for defending and securing human rights. We as an Umma have a long way to go through in order to assure itself within itself and the complex contemporary world. Whatever the long way it starts with a few steps in the right direction. Let us set ourselves as an umma in the right direction with regards to feeling, thinking and acting, starting from individual groups and going through the whole umma.Deeds should represent our ideals ,since they are the obvious and concrete expression of our identity ,beliefs, and concepts. Europe fostered in modern times an ideology of nationalism and the struggle for it has been able to provide during the recent decades the â€Å"Euro-community† as an enlightening , conceptual and practical model of persistent hard worked for unity. Analysis of an article written by DR. Hameed Anwar in "Islam Today" published 1998

Humorous Wedding Toast by the Brides Brother Essay -- Wedding Toasts

Humorous Wedding Toast by the Bride's Brother Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. Firstly, on behalf of the bridesmaids, I'd like to thank Mike for his kind words and reiterate how wonderful they look and what a fantastic job they have done today. I would also like to say that Sallie looks stunning - as I'm sure you'll all agree. Which really isn't that much of a surprise given we are related. Sallie is of course my sister, so I've known her much longer than I've known Mike. But I have been sternly warned not to delve into any of her terrible past relationships, her horrible pre- and post-teen attitude, her early problems with alcohol and the short spell she spent in a Singapore jail for drug trafficking. Instead, all I'll say is that, as I have seen her grow up, she has become...

Reasons for Defining and Criminalizing Terrorism in International Law E

Terrorism is focused on a one-sided belief that dictates massive destruction of institutions, foundations and national symbols. It represents a philosophy, which does not comply with common sense. Terrorism acts are a matter of individual psychology, relentless ideology, religious commitment, or political passion. The most devastating terrorism attack in the United States was on September 11, 2001. Other U S attacks were the Manhattan attack in 1997, the Anthrax attack in 2001, a prior World Trade Center attack in 1993, the Wall Street Bombing attack in 1920, and the Kalama City bombing in 1995 (Askshintala, 2013). Terrorism attacks have also taken place in Israel, Greece, Chechnya a border between Russia and European countries and India (Askshintala, 2013). All of these attacks and other attacks that were not as devastating have become much of an international legal debate on terrorism. Terrorism should be criminalized under international law. During the 21st Century acts of domestic and international terrorism have significantly increased. Thus the international community of nations has the challenge to adopt a common approach to the treatment of terrorism as an international crime. The challenge at present is for the international community of nations to adopt a common approach to the treatment of terrorism as an international crime (Lawless, 2008). In fact, terrorism is an international crime it requires the international community to act in the prevention of terrorism and the sanction of individuals perpetrating acts of terrorism(Lawless, 2008). The September 2011 attack on the United States has presented an opportunity for the internationalist forces to come to the forefront of the global political agenda. ... ... of the Terrorist Attack: Economic, Financial and Policy Consequences. Retrieved from Council on Foreign Relations Web site: http://www.cfr.org/terrorism-and-the-economy/aftermath-terrorist-attack-economic-financial-policy-consequences/p4041 Lawless, M. (2008, October 8). Terrorism: An International Crime. Retrieved from Canadaian Military Journal: http://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vo9/no2/05-lawless-eng.asp Saul, B. (2014, February 28). Three Reasons for Defining and Criminalizing Terrorism. Retrieved from Esil-sedi.eu Web site: http://www.esil-sedi.eu/sites/default/files/Saul_0.PDF Staff. (2013, November 7). Dictionary. Retrieved from World Net Princeton Web site: http://wordnetweb.princetion.edu/peri/webwn?s=terrorist%20group Walker, J. (2001, September 15). The Cause of Terrorism. Retrieved from No Beliefs.com Web site: http://www.nobeliefs.com/terrorism.htm

Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or Republic Act No. 10175 Essay

What are the Cybercrime Offenses? offenses against confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems includes illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, system interference, misuse of device and cybersquatting computer related offenses this includes computer-related forgery, fraud, identity theft content-related offenses this includes cybersex, child pornography, unsolicited commercial communications and libel The definition under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for libel is followed: public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice, or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. Unsolicited commercial communications refer to the transmission of commercial electronic communication with the use of computer system which seek to advertise, sell or offer for sale products and services The law also punishes those who aids or abets in the commission of the cybercrime as well as those who attempt to commit the same. Penalties to be imposed include imprisonment of prision mayor or 12 years plus a fine ranging from P200,000 up to P1,000,000. Under Sec. 12, law enforcement authorities shall be authorized to collect or record traffic data in real time associated with specified communications transmitted by means of a computer system. o The requirement for this is â€Å"due cause† and no warrant is necessary. o Traffic data refer to communication’s origin, destination, route, time date, size, duration or type à   but excludes content. o To seize or disclose content, a court warrant is necessary. Under Section 19, the Department of Justice can issue an order to restrict or block access to the computer data, should the computer data be found to be prima facie (presumed to be) in violation of the law. [Critics have called this the take down clause] Comments: The inclusion of libel No clear definition à   allowing people who share, retweet, post to be prosecuted Penalty for online libel is 12 years imprisonment as opposed to the libel under the RPC which is 4 years and 2 months. The Philippine libel law has been previously been declared by the UN Human Rights Commission as excessive and incompatible with international human rights law. (October 2011) Individuals can get punished for libel under the Cybercrime Law and under the RPC because of Sec. 7 which provides that a prosecution under this law shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of the RPC or special laws. Under Section 19 or the â€Å"Takedown clause,† the Department of Justice can immediately order blocking access to your computer data, depriving you of the opportunity to access and see your stored information. Here, the DOJ acts as the prosecutor and the court who issues the â€Å"gag† order. Law is silent on the liability of service providers.

The Little Prince Essay

Lee Hyeon Ju Ms. Sarah Jane ELSEO November 23, 2012 The undersize prince The teentsy prince has symbolic trifleation, it reminds plurality about message of life. Anthoine de Saint Exupery uses symbolism to inform the ratifier. Firstly, the officefulness symbolizes how power is useless. The throw off symbolizes love and the devastate bill is meaning of religion. Antoine de saint Exupery uses symbolism to instill the reader meaning of life. He uses the king to represent about power is useless, the fox to teach love and the lower to symbolize religion. The king symblizes how power is useless.The send-off reason why power is useless for the king is because he lives alone on a planet. level off when the king tires to see the sunset the little prince realizes he crapper not control it. In order for someone to deliver power they must withstand subjects who hear to them. therefore power is useless because no one is under his control unless they go under to be. The fox symbolizes love. The first reason why the fox symbolizes love is because he permit little prince agnises how to tame each other. The little prince knows how interaction is authorised in a elationship. The fox taught him to know invisible things more than important than visible in our eyes. What is innate is invisible to the eye. Because the fox and, little prince could opine when they see same colour of them they can reminds each other. The desert gush symbolizes religion. The first reason why the desert flower symbolizes love is because the flower roots meaning of belief . Belief is makes people brawny their mind it is not invisible to outside, scarcely it effected so much skilful like plants roots.Also, the desert meaning of the hard life. but never knows where to find them. The wind blows them away. The flower had once seen a caravan passing ,the sevener men blowed away because they did not have roots like a flower. In conclusion, the little prince make people know about meaning of life. First, the king teach people about useless of power and the fox teach love, and desert flower is symbolizes of religion. Many people would know how purposeful to read this book because they find important lesson from it.