Morality †Ethics Essay

1. What are the fundamental questions which ethics tries to resolve? Ethics seeks to resolve questions dealing with human morality—concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime. 2. Distinguish a human act from act of man. The difference between human acts and man acts is that human acts are a free will decision. This includes knowledge, freedom and voluntarism When modifiers come into play, then it makes the act become the act of man. The elements are ignorance, passion, fear, violence and habits. You act simultaneously with your feelings. A human act is an action that is considered to be carried out voluntarily, whereas an act of man is an involuntary action. The distinctions and nuances between an act of man and a human act are often a focus of philosophical debate. 3. What is morality? Morality is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good orright and those that are bad, evil or wrong. Morality can be a body of standards or principles derived from a code of conduct from a particular philosophy,religion, or culture, or it can derive from a standard that a person believes should be universal. 4. Distinguish moral, immoral, and amoral. Moral concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character. Immoral actions or events: those areas of interest where moral categories do apply and of are such a kind as to be evil, sinful, or wrong according to some code or theory of ethics. Amoral actions or events: those areas of interest exhibiting indifference to and not abiding by the moral rules or codes of society. 5. How will you determine the goodness and badness of human act? An event which is caused solely by the effect of nature or natural causes and without any interference by humans whatsoever. 6. What qualities of human act have ethical in form? The qualities of human act that have ethical in form are the actions that are free and deliberate, those that proceeds from the free and conscious acts of man and the act that is always done for a purpose. 7. What are different connotations of the term moral? The term â€Å"morality† can be used either 1. descriptively to refer to some codes of conduct put forward by a society or, a. some other group, such as a religion, or b. accepted by an individual for her own behavior or 2.normatively to refer to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons. 8. Why is Ethics important? Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding a course of action. Without it, our actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work towards a goal because there would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals. Even with an ethical standard, we may be unable to pursue our goals with the possibility of success. To the degree which a rational ethical standard is taken, we are able to correctly organize our goals and actions to accomplish our most important values. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability to be successful in our endeavors. 9. Why should ethics always be treated a way of life? Ethics, sometimes known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophythat involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. The superfield within philosophy known as axiology includes both ethics and aesthetics and is unified by each sub-branch’s concern with value. Philosophical ethics investigates what is the best way for humans to live, and what kinds of actions are right or wrong in particular circumstances. Ethics may be divided into three major areas of study. Meta-ethics, about the theoretical meaning and reference of moral propositions and how their truth values (if any) may be determined. Ethics seeks to resolve questions dealing with human morality—concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime. 10. How is responsibilities entaill in a human act? Responsibility for own existence is grounded on self-awareness and personal freedom to make choices. By exercising freedom to choose man becomes totally responsible for himself. But his responsibility does not stop there; it extends to other people so that at the end it assumes the form of universal responsibility. There are at least three circles in the extension of our responsibility. The Individual responsibility, if existence precedes essence man is responsible for his own actions. Total Responsibility, If man is free to choose what he is going to make of himself, he is entirely responsible for what he is becoming. Universal Responsibility, If man is fully responsible for what he is presenting as the image of man, he is responsible for all men. 11. What are the different approaches in dealing with the problem of moral principles? ?The Utilitarian Approach Utilitarianism was conceived in the 19th century by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill to help legislators determine which laws were morally best. Both Bentham and Mill suggested that ethical actions are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil. ?The Rights Approach The second important approach to ethics has its roots in the philosophy of the 18th-century thinker Immanuel Kant and others like him, who focused on the individual’s right to choose for herself or himself. ?The Fairness or Justice Approach The fairness or justice approach to ethics has its roots in the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said that â€Å"equals should be treated equally and unequals unequally. † ?The Common-Good Approach This approach to ethics assumes a society comprising individuals whose own good is inextricably linked to the good of the community. Community members are bound by the pursuit of common values and goals. ?The Virtue Approach The virtue approach to ethics assumes that there are certain ideals toward which we should strive, which provide for the full development of our humanity. These ideals are discovered through thoughtful reflection on what kind of people we have the potential to become. 12. Research on the following: a. The problem of Moral Principles Now, such principles come in two distinct forms: formal principles (i. e. moral principles without specific action-guiding content) and substantive principles (i. e. moral principles with specific action-guiding content). In what follows, I consider substantive principles first, then formal. Both forms of principles, I argue, are incapable of providing the sort of moral guidance necessary to achieve mature moral judgments (i. e.judgments that are appropriate to the situations they are judgments of). The problem is that such principles are unable to provide information about what actually would, in a given situation, uphold justice or maximize utility. That is, formal principles fail to provide moral agents with the tools necessary to evaluate the complex details particular situations confront them with, or to develop appropriate moral solutions. b. The problem of Scope Morality Scope of morality are moral concept which are mixed modes, are transparent, we cannot reduce the descriptions of our moral life, that is the descriptions using our moral vocabulary, to some substantial residue or some real objects. c. The problem of Moral Obligation Moral obligations are standards that do not merely advise or recommend our conformity, but demand it. Moral obligations come from the demands or expectations of society d. The problem of Freedom Freedom naturally occurs in nature, but only becomes an issue in the way that humans view themselves, their surroundings and others. Freedom grants one the right to behave without fear or punishment i. e. go anywhere they wish, do anything they wish or say anything they wish. Of course there are always limits imposed on freedom. We are all born free, but as we grow we learn the physical limits of our surroundings. We learn about the limits imposed on us by gravity or by our physical surroundings such as walls. The thing is, freedom can only exist if you recognize its existence and then exercise it while at the same time acknowledging and tolerating others freedom. e. The problem of Moral Practice Since cultures and individuals differ in certain moral practices, there are no objective moral values. Several objections can be made to this argument. First, the fact that people disagree about something does not mean there is no objective truth. If you and I disagree about whether or not the earth is round, for example, this is not proof that the earth has no shape. In moral discussion, the fact that a skinhead and I may disagree about whether we should treat people equally and fairly is not sufficient evidence to say that equality and fairness have no objective value. f. The problem of Casuistry. A bias is an unwarranted inclination or a special perspective that disposes us to mistaken or one-sided judgments. The potential for bias arises at each stage of a case method of reasoning including in describing, framing, selecting and comparing of cases and paradigms. A problem of bias occurs because to identify the relevant features for such purposes, we must use general views about what is relevant; but some of our general views are biased, both in the sense of being unwarranted inclinations and in the sense that they are one of many viable perspectives. 13. Is it right to say that â€Å"What is right for me to do is what I really want to do† and why? No,it’s not right to say it that way because you are only thinking about yourself. And sometimes even it is right for you its not what you really want to do because you’re also thinking about the others, what will be the effect of this to them and whatsoever. 14. What is basic substanceof the problem freedom. â€Å"Freedom† is one of those slippery words, difficult to define because it is an ambiguous and abstract man-made concept. It naturally occurs in nature, but only becomes an issue in the way that humans view themselves, their surroundings and others. Freedom is only an issue in the presence of oppression, and oppression only exists among humans as a result of their perceptions of the world around them. The thing is, freedom can only exist if you recognize its existence and then exercise it while at the same time acknowledging and tolerating others freedom. 15. Distinguish between moral principles and moral rules. Moral principle – the principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group; â€Å"the Puritan ethic†; â€Å"a person with old-fashioned values†. Moral Rules- they come out into the open only when the person is questioned. Very often one of the rules contradicts another, thus enabling the user to resort first to one and then to the other to suit his convenience or to accord with his pre-existing prejudices. These rules are usually those they have been taught to believe.

Macy’s Store Essay

1. Macy’s and other department stores are faced with imminent problems where sales are declining each year. Due to high competition and many substitutions in the market, company must always analyze, investigate, and plan for decision making. Creating situational analysis is a great way to analyze both the internal and external environments in order to understand the company’s capabilities, business environment, and customers. In Macy’s case, some of the external factors are competition and economy. Since competitors such as discount stores and specialty stores are attracting many customers, Macy’s need to find a solution to differentiate themselves from others to deliver value. Some of the examples can be lowering prices to meet customer expectations, expand market by using online- shopping, or take a survey to gather which brands or items customers want in Macy’s department store. Economy is another crucial factor store has to consider. When the economy is healthy, stores tend to worry less, but when the economy is in recession, customers will spend less and find a cheaper substitute items to purchase. Although Macy’s positioned themselves as upper middle class, company can increase sales by also providing less expensive brands for customers to choose from. As for internal factors, training employees, contract with excellent suppliers, and positive recognized brand will strengthen Macy’s. For example, experienced management can teach and lead employees to perform day-to-day operations and to be professional in what they do. Brand awareness is also an important factor since customer’s judge product and service by its brand image. 2. To this date, Macy’s is struggling to find a sustainable competitive advantage in the retail industry. Clothing store such as ZARA and H&M have a definite advantage since they attract customers by displaying latest fashionable clothing with affordable price and Macy’s on the other hand, have not yet able to deliver right messages to buyers. Moreover, Macy’s consolidation and efforts to become national-wide brand are not unique because most major retailers in the states are now national brands. However, Macy’s strategy of positioning themselves as â€Å"mid-level† can become a unique competitive advantage in the future because people would believe its merchandise is neither cheap nor expensive. This way people won’t judge Macy’s as a â€Å"cheap store† but store which carries affordable items. Nevertheless, Macy’s still face a serious threat since fashion clothing retailers such as H&M and Urban outfitters are targeting teenagers with very low prices. One way to improve competitive advantage may be quality. Customers know H&M is a cheap, fashionable store and they also know clothing will wear out if washed couple times. By focusing on quality, people may recognize paying extra money to purchase Macy’s merchandise is saving money in long- term. 3. Overall, Macy’s consolidation and repositioning strategy have many advantages since the company converted 15 department stores to Macy’s brand; Remodelling stores promote a pleasant shopping experience to customers, displaying fashionable clothing to attract trend-followers, and developing private brands to increase profits. As mentioned above, the first strength to this change is the decision to consolidate. By using the same brand name, this will reduce advertising costs, customers will easily recognize the brand, and since all stores carry same products they may have bargaining power over suppliers. Next advantage is locations. Since Macy’s now have approximately 810 stores in 50 states, customers can visit any Macy’s stores without inconvenience. Moreover, because all stores carry same products, services, and designs, buyers can visit any stores to buy what they need. Last strength is Macy’s focus on affordable fashion. People nowadays value fashion so much that they simply won’t purchase clothing that is boring and bland. By recognizing these factors, Macy’s are working with top designers to attract and show buyers their brand is fashionable and also affordable. Despite of these advantages, Macy’s also have weakness to worry about. Customers are complaining that the price of merchandise increased and they would shop elsewhere. Macy’s would reduce these complaints by offering coupons or to perform customer relationship program to recognise those who are loyal to the store and give special incentives or discounts. 4. æ ­ ¤Ã§â€ ¨Ã¦Ë† ·Ã¥  Ã¥ · ²Ã¨ ¢ «Ã¦ ³ ¨Ã¥â€ Å',è ¯ ·Ã¥  ¦Ã¦  ¢Ã¤ ¸â‚¬Ã¤ ¸ ªDepartment stores are faced with serious threat since industry is declining and competitions are growing rapidly. But Macy’s have found a bold strategy to compete in a tough market. Macy’s has a good chance of succeeding in 5 years since the store recognizes the trend and strives to meet customer’s needs. In order to extremely successful in the future however, Macy’s need to closely monitor competitors such as Nordstrom, ZARA, and H&M to gather competitor intelligence and to react to fast changing market. Brand awareness is also a crucial factor for success. Brand loyal customers tend to be less price sensitive because they have a strong belief that it is worth paying more money. If Macy’s can build brand royal customers, they would reduce advertising costs, and have positive brand image. Lastly, pricing its merchandise will be a key point for success in 5 years bec ause price is what makes customers to make a purchase or to find a substitute.

Palmers Limited Case Study

Cost's they overlook the quality. While BC tries to look pretty to their customer, Cost pay less attention to their look and more to provide the lowest prices for their members. From 1997 to 2001, Wall-Mart store numbers were increased by 53, Bi's stores went up by 50, but Cost went up by 91 . Cost's business strategy Is very simple, â€Å"To generate high sales volumes and rapid Inventory turnover by offering members very low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and select private-label products In a wide range of merchandise categories† (Thompson, 2008) .They have able to implement this strategy very successfully. They have also been very successful in making their customer believe that product is a better quality than their competitors, interestingly their competitors in most cases don't carry the same kind of product. Cost's marketing strategy is simple yet effective, the idea of providing the lowest price and good quality product is a strategy to be reckon with. Plus there marketing idea of â€Å"Treasure Hunt† has allowed them to saved tons of money from broad advertisement.After a membership base Is established In an area, most new memberships came from word of mouth. This simple marketing and advertisement strategy has allowed Cost to keep Its marketing expenses low relative to those at typical retailers, discounter, and supermarkets. Cost is also known for its price strategy. They have become a master in providing top quality products even including some brand products at the lowest price possible to their customers.Instead of marking up their cap to 20 or 50 percent like their competitors they decided to cap their mark up to only 14 percent, which itself a key element in Cost's pricing strategy. This also indicates that Cost is trying to do what it takes to please their customer to increase their profits so they can make their shareholders happy at same time. It's this price strategy that has allows Cost to only only make profit over the year, but Increase their member to $110. Cost's product selection strategy Is also very Impressive. Unlike their competitor who carry from where from 40000 to 1 50000 SKU items , Cost decided to selecting Ana prove only auto mess I en last Includes everyday Items sun as kitchen supplies, Electronics, health and beauty products, automotive supplies, gasoline, games, cleaning supplies, canned goods, Food. They categories their product in commercial and professional use. Plus, Cost's treasure hunt merchandising strategy is also an attention grabber. Out of the 4000 items on the floor about 1000 were the treasure hunt product, meaning their prices with constantly changing.In most cases these were higher end products like furniture and TV. Cost's growth strategy is also quite remarkable. On average they have been opening about 20 to 25 new stores each year. Most of them in American but some internationally as well including; Canada, Korea, I-J, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. In recent year they experimented by opening independent Furniture store to sell high end bigger furniture items which resulted in good success. Later rather than opening more stores they instead added extra space about 45000 square feet to the Cost it self and called it Cost Home.Now the furniture category has become on of the tope 5 selling items on Cost's website. They are very innovative when it comes to their warehouse and management strategy. Cost's CEO, Jim Senegal, quoted, â€Å"Cost is able to offer lower prices and deter values by eliminating virtually all the frills and costs historically associated with conventional wholesalers and retailers, including salespeople, fancy buildings, delivery, billing, and accounts receivable. We run a tight operation with extremely low overhead which enables us to pass on dramatic savings to our members†. They stored the inventory on racks above the items being sold in the warehouse. That reduced their labor cost and saved them a lo t time on handling and stocking. They treat their manager as entrepreneur and allows them to decide what item should be sold in their store. They adored most of the inventory directly from the manufactures. It either came directly to the store or went to their distribution center called crosschecking depots. The point of these depots were to reduce the transportation cost by making sure all truck are full when they come the store.As an investor I wouldn't would want to invest in a company that has a good reputation, consistently growing, good sustainable growth, and good future plans. Let's talk about sustainable growth rate, which basically means that a firm can grow while keeping its profitability and financial policies unchanged. Sustainable growth model allows us to segregate reasons or changes that have led as a company to substantial growth so at the same time we can segregate the causes for those change. It is represented in four steps.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a directly elected Essay

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a directly elected president of the Commision for the European Union - Essay Example These six states included Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. During the Second World War, Europe lost many lives and it was economically affected to a great extent. The atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Holocaust adversely affected Europe greatly. This aroused a calling for a United States of Europe from leaders such as Winston Churchill. Coal and steel were the raw materials in making weapons of war and these two industries were integrated. This led to the signing of the coal and steel treaties. However, based on the Coal and Steel Treaty success, the six nations have continued to expand their cooperation to other states responding to different emerging challenges in the world. Previously, many European states had been unified through force by empires such as, Roman Empire, Frankish Empire, Ottoman Empire and many others, the European Union confederation emphasized on democracy (Tallberg 2005). The devastating effects of war triggered many leaders to be on the fore front to advocate for a more unified Europe and their determination to curb violent conflicts among European countries in future. On 1st November, 1993, the Maastricht Treaty is signed which created the European Union. This means that European Union is as a result of evolution from one level of cooperation within the member states in the union to the othe r. The gradual integration since the end of World War II has made the member states gain confidence in each other to an extent of even creating a single currency union that allows for free trade amongst them. Governance in the European is complex and integrated. It is divided into seven institutions including; European Parliament, Council, Commission, Central Bank, Court of Auditors, Council of the EU and the Court of Justice of the EU. Each of the above institution is mandated to undertake certain duties and responsibilities. The paper seeks to explain the advantages and

Real Estate Consulting Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Real Estate Consulting Project - Research Paper Example Using industry parlance, the mall has become a "greyfield." As per description, a greyfield mall is a centre that has not made the grade or is in the process of failing. From a layperson's point of view, the measure of failure can include (Tate 1): Additionally, from a retail market standpoint, a shopping centre becomes a greyfield site if the sales per square foot decline every year to below $150 and is vulnerable to becoming a greyfield site if sales per square foot annually are between $150 and $199. This amounts of sales per square foot measure and the dollar amounts revealed are common to both the United States and Canada (PricewaterhouseCoopers 14). To decipher the cause of the waning sales, the bigger questions that need to be asked are -1) what triggered the decline in trade for the mall' 2) what is the future of the mall' 3) can company X do anything about this future' and 4) what should company X do' Further investigation into the history of the mall's consumer environment, revealed that the maturing of the neighborhood is precisely the cause of the issues that the mall was confronted with, that is, while the housing stock stayed much as it was when the community started, the distinctive attributes of the population inhabiting within the area have been tremendously transformed. In one aspect, although the residents of the community are principally the same people, at the base, the current dwellers of the community are fundamentally young parents who bought houses in the community when it, and the mall, were new. The truth is that, while the people have stayed basically the same, they and thus there purchasing patterns, are all thirty five years older. Even though they may be the same individuals, these people are not obtaining and purchasing the same items that they were procuring 35 years ago when they moved into the neighborhood as 25-year-old parents. To boot, an enclosed mall has become less and less fashionable with many consumers and retailers. Consumers are fond of and appreciate very much products that are fresh, novel and interesting. Enclosed malls have been around for so many years now and consumers are now geared up to try new formats. Compounding the situation is the fact that many of the conventional mall anchor department stores that have fallen out of favor with consumers and taking their place are specialty apparel, home furnishing and

Relational database solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Relational database solution - Essay Example Therefore this need has led to introduction of various data storage solutions. One very well known model for database management is the rational database solution. A relational data base can be explained or defined as a collection of data or information. The data is then stored in tables where it can be accessed or rearranged in different ways without changing the arrangement of the tables. Relational data base was invented in the 1970 by Edgar Codd at IBM Harrington (2004). The relational database management system is based on the relational model theory. A relational database model has a set of tables which are designed to hold data after collection. The data is arranged and put in categories which have a set order. Each of the tables which are also known as a relation has either one or more data groups in columns. Every row has a set of data for each of the categories and is defined by the columns Harrington (2004). A good example is when an entry in a normal business order database has a table that gives a description of a customer which includes columns for the name, an address and a phone number. In addition there can be another table describing an order with columns for; the product name, date, customer name, the sales price. Therefore any person assigned to use the database can get access the database depending on what information they want to gather. For example a branch office manager might want to view a report on company clients that have bought either a product or a service in a particular date. Many of today’s businesses rely on their database systems for accurate and up to date information Suad (2005). Without this much needed information business organizations find themselves in tough situations such as strategic planning as well as corporate decision making. On the other hand for it to be useful to a business organization or a firm, it must be accurate, complete and organized in such a way that data can be retrieved when needed and in

How to Become More Effective Within the Organization Essay

How to Become More Effective Within the Organization - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that people in organizations spend over 75 percent of their time in an interpersonal situation. Thus, it is no surprise to find that at the root of a large number of organizational problems is poor communications. Effective communication is an essential component of organizational success whether it is at the interpersonal, inter-group, intra-group, organizational or external levels (How-to Books, online). For human communication to be high in quality or effective, it must take into account not only the choice of language but also the movement of vocal cords, the reception of sound and its translation into neural signals, syntactic and phonological processing. Even facial expressions and gestures influence the quality and outcome of communication. As for the communication message, social psychologists give it three components: content, context, and treatment. Content is the essence of what one person desires to communicate to another, while the context is the way the communicator presents the content of his message to his audience. As for treatment, it is how communication is arranged and conducted by the speaker, which supports the content and context of the message. In a business setting, empathy is vital in communication. Lack of this element is said to be holding down the success of most organizations, where people spend 75 percent of their time in interpersonal, intra-group, inter-group, organizational and external communication.

The Rookie Chief Information Security Officer Term Paper - 1

The Rookie Chief Information Security Officer - Term Paper Example The introduction of IT in business has not only helped these industries to go global but has also facilitated people to get their desired products sitting in any part of the world. In the modern context, the word ‘IT’ plays a very important role as it is not only the businesses that are adapting the new method of storing data but healthcare industries and education sector as well are introducing new approaches of serving the customers with the aid of IT. Therefore, it is vital that adequate measures are taken as misuse of the resources stored in a database may result in causing considerable amount of harm to an individual. The main objective of this paper is to provide a well-designed IT security plan with modern security measures that would help in maintaining a proper database system in the organization (Stoyles, Pentland & Demant, 2003). Part 1: Organization Chart Fig: Organizational Chart With reference to the above mentioned chart, it can be viewed that the differen t personnel are divided according to the three values i.e. physical security professional, privacy professional and procurement professional. Part 2: Request for Proposal (RFP) Plan Request for Proposal (RPF) is a type of bidding solicitation in which an association declares that funding is obtainable for a particular program or project, where companies can place offers for the project’s completion. The RFP outlines the bidding process and contract terms to which the selected company must abide by during the contract. A RFP is typically open to a wide range of bidders providing the association to select the best from a wide range of options available. In the modern day context, RFP is considered to be one of the prime tactics of getting things done without wasting the resources of an organization. It is worth mentioning that every RFP contains qualifying criteria as they help in selecting the most appropriate vendors from the entire applicants (Window on State Government, n.d .). Two perspectives qualifying criteria that need to be carefully monitored while selecting the vendor for the new IT security in the organization are stated hereunder: Company’s Reputation and History The first criterion that is taken into consideration while choosing a vendor or an organization for the proposed RFP is the company’s reputation and the history. Assessing a prospective vendor company’s history and reputation in the current market helps the association in knowing the current capabilities and the future perspectives of the selected company. Another prime objective behind studying the goodwill of the vendor in the market is to calculate the performance of the organization in comparison with the competitors. It facilitates the association to estimate the time they may need to complete the proposed project (Sonoma State University, 2009). Quality Assurance Received By the Vendor: ISO Certified International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-government organization composed of associates from the national standards based bodies of 163 nations. The main task of this body is to certify it members with its different titles that help to identify them within a number of similar organizations. The next criteria that would be vital for any association to fulfill the requirement of the RFP are an ISO certificate in quality management. The reason behind accepting the vendor on the basis of the mentioned criteria is

Fair is Fair case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fair is Fair - Case Study Example This is the only way through which contentment can be established (Simmons, 20). The principle of fairness applies where both parties in a dispute perceive the verdict as having not favored any side of the argument. While justice could rest on side of the case, fairness must be established with the interest of both parties in mind. Thus, although justice could stand on certain premises, which could be seen to be favoring either side of the argument, fairness stands as the middle ground between the disputing parties, ensuring that none will perceive the other party as having benefited more from the case (Simmons, 24). Therefore, fairness goes beyond just doing justice, by ensuring that both parties to an argument are contented, no matter where the justice stands. Fairness can go against justice, for the sake of establishing a middle ground and creating contentment to the parties involved in a case. Therefore, fair is fair

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Report - Essay Example Electronic Retail Company, Strategy is the direction and scope of the firm over the long term preferably over five years which achieves advantage in changing environment through its configuration of resources and competencies with the aim of full filing stakeholder expectations (Kaplan & Norton, 2001, pg.7). This explains why the past 5 years of ERB Ltd as been put under critical discussion and analysis (Crosetto,2005,pg.38). The Strategic position of ERB Ltd. considers the influence on strategy on the external environment, the organisation’s goals, culture and strategic capability, which will include the resources and competences of the organisation (Abrams, 2003, pg.121). This is significant towards its continued competitive strategies in this dynamic business society influenced by globalization. The ERB Ltd. strategic position is concerned with the impact on strategy of the macro environment, internal resources and competences, expectations and influence of stakeholders (Abrams, 2003, pg.258). The Macro environment factors and competencies of ERB Ltd. are studied using Pestle, Swot, Porter’s 5 Forces, Strategic Capabilities Analysis and Stakeholder mapping. Our company follows cost leadership strategy. The reason of our choice is that we achieve to be supplied with products from manufacturers at lower cost. In addition, we do our best to offer the products to customers at the lowest possible price (Schermerhorn, 2010, pg.223). Since we are focussed on selling quality products and offering outstanding customer service to our clients, marginal cost pricing technique is paramount in respect to our continued profit margin. As accost leadership strategy believer, the company observes the pricing behaviour of other firms and set prices slightly below the market average thereby attracting more customers and realizing greater sales (Hill & Jones, 2010, pg.157). ERB Ltd reconciles the idea of affordability of their products with their relatively cheaper

Persuasive research paper Essay Example for Free

Persuasive research paper Essay Everyday as we commute down the road we see motorcyclist drive past us. What is the one thing that we can all agree individuals riding motorcycles have in common? It is not a trick question. The answer is very simple; they all share the commonality of riding a motorcycle. What is in fact is very distinct however, are the choices of attire when operating their motorcycle. Some individuals are brave enough to wear shorts, tank tops, and sandals. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have some of the wiser ones that chose to wear a helmet, gloves, protective jacket, eye protection etc. Why the distinct difference? The fact is that a great percentage of riders refuse to wear the proper protective equipment. Due to an increase in motorcycle riders within the recent years, a national protocol requiring certain equipment, such as a helmet, to be worn when riding a motorcycle should be instituted. There are many contributing factors to motorcycle fatalities, however there can be a culture of change, specially with the proper knowledge on how each piece of safety equipment can help at preventing injury or death Every year that passes by, notice that more and more motorcycle share the road with our  automobile drivers. We might wonder why there has been a shift in choice of transportation. Is this a trend or fad that the population is going through? According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, â€Å"National data from 1976 to 2012 suggest that motorcyclist fatalities track motorcycle registrations quite closely and that registrations track inflation-adjusted gasoline prices. If the economy continues to improve and gasoline prices remain high, then motorcycle 1 Tenorio registrations, travel, and fatalities will continue to rise unless active measures are taken†. (Hedlund). Not only do we think there are more motorcycle riders on the road, they have proven this to be true. Motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars, making them a very good alternative mode of transportation when gas prices stay at a consistent high price. It is basic mathematics; if there are more motorcycles there is more individuals susceptible to accidents. Additionally, they have proven that motorcycles are more apt to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than any other vehicle. Data collected in 2007 proved that per vehicle mile driven,motorcyclist were approximately 37 times more apt to die in a motor vehicle accident and nine times more probable to be injured in an accident. They also researched the ability of a helmet to protect against fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,829 motorcyclists in 2008. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 823 lives could have been saved. (Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 2008 Data). As motorcycles become more abundant, it is imperative that we reduce the probability of death as much as  possible. As proven above, helmet wear can be a life or death-determining factor. You can force motorcycle operators to wear helmets by implementing laws, but the combination of alcohol and motorcycle operation can have a devastating impact despite helmet wear. When operating a motorcycle an operator needs all of their senses at full capacity. Alcohol is central nervous system suppressant substance, causing you body to have a reduced reaction time when the situation arises. The reported helmet use rate for motorcycle riders with BAC levels higher than  the legal limit killed in traffic crashes was 46 percent, compared with 66 percent for those with no alcohol (Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 2008 Data). Not only does alcohol reduce reaction times, it also has an impact on your ability to make rational decisions. It makes individuals push the limits of their motorcycle and their riding ability to levels they normally 2 Tenorio would not, and the majority of the time while not wearing the equipment they should. In 2011, the NHTSA calculated 4,323 motorcyclists were killed, and 33% (1426) of the riders were under  the influence of alcohol (Watson). How can the country as a whole help reduce the amount of fatalities we currently have due to motorcycle accidents? It is not a very simple answer. It would require involvement from both the people and the government to make this happen. One way the government can aid in the reduction of motorcycle fatalities is through the implementation of regulations, which require and enforce the wear or motorcycle protective equipment. Dating back to 1966 the government tried to impose the requirement of helmet wear by the states. They tried to do this by threatening with the reduction of federal-aid highway construction funds for the states that did not comply with the implementation of universal helmet use law by 1967. By 1975 all but 3 states had adopted and implemented such laws. Unfortunately the Supreme Court deemed this law unconstitutional. Shortly after revoking the Act, states gradually began to weaken helmet wear laws, since it was no longer a federal requirement (Helmet Laws). Much like seat belt laws have been implemented across the majority of the states due to increased survivability rate when  involved in an accident, the wear of helmets when operating a motorcycle should be mandated. The responsibility should not only be weighted only on the federal and state governments, individuals should take responsibility also. Many non-profit organizations work diligently to tray and raise motorcycle safety awareness with thinks like bumper stickers, fund-raising rides, and bike meets. Additionally insurance companies have aided in the increased awareness by handing out information pamphlets at locations like Bike Week in Daytona Beach. Another factor that  aids in the reduction of motorcycle fatalities is proper operation education. Florida is one of many states that require the operator to take a Motorcycle Basic Riders course in order to be able 3 Tenorio to receive the motorcycle endorsement on their licenses. Without this endorsement you cannot legally operate a motorcycle. With this course even people that have never been on a motorcycle can learn the basic in order to operate it on the roads. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers motorcycle rider education and training programs and courses, and supports governmental  programs by participating in research and public awareness campaigns and providing technical assistance to state training and licensing programs (Morris). The Department of Defense, more specifically the United States Air Force, uses courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to teach the military riders how to operate a motorcycle. In order for an individual to operate a motorcycle they have to complete the basic riders course. Within one year of the completion of the initial course they are required to complete an intermediate course such as the basic riders  course 2, advanced riders course, or the sport bikes handling course. Once these two requirements are complete, they are required to do refresher training every five years. In addition to the training, the department of defense requires all members, military and civilian, to wear protective equipment while driving on any DOD installation. That protective equipment consists of: helmet, gloves, durable over the ankle footwear, long sleeve shirt or jacket, long durable pants, and eye protection. If not properly equipped, individuals are not allowed to enter the installation. If the DOD is doing this to help keep the members of the military community safe, why shouldn’t the rest of the country follow in those footsteps? When we think motorcycle safety, 90 percent of the time the first image that comes to mind is a helmet, as it should. The helmet is the single-handedly the most important piece of safety equipment that a motorcycle rider shouldn’t go without. However, there are many other rider protective equipment components that play a vital role in the safety of the person. Between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and an estimated 1,222,000 persons. 4 Tenorio were treated in a U. S. emergency department for a non-fatal motorcycle-related injury (Motorcycle Crash-Related Data). This data supports the thought process that even though helmets are crucial at protecting against head injuries, there are many other portions of the body that are at harms way if not properly covered. 75 percent of the non-fatal emergency room visits involved parts other than the head. The other attire that might contribute to a safer ride includes, but not limited to, long durable pants, durable top, gloves, durable over-the-ankle footwear, and reflective equipment. Despite that it will probably never be deemed mandatory to wear these items, it is important for riders everywhere to understand the devastating effects an accident can have on their bodies when choosing not to wear the proper gear. There is a common misconception that the gear makes the ride more uncomfortable and, it is believed that it makes it more difficult to operate and maneuver the motorcycle. That is a myth! Properly fitted helmets of decent quality not only will it protect your head, but also a full-faced helmet will make for a more comfortable ride. The helmet does this by preventing foreign objects and debris from  constantly hitting the riders face, and most importantly from landing in the eye. Gloves that fit snug the hand will protect it from road rash in the event that you make contact with the pavement and it also improves handgrip with the handlebars aiding with better handling. There are gloves out on the market that have additional padding in the palm of the hand, to help with comfort and provide support and a barrier in the event of a fall. The same concept can be applied to footwear. It is unbelievable that there are people out there that would ride a bike in flip-flops and think it is comfortable. Not only does it not protect the appendages, but also it makes it harder to control the bike. When choosing footwear you have to find a medium between protection and comfort. Wear something that provides the proper amount of protection but does not hinder your ability to control or maneuver the motorcycle. 5 Tenorio Choosing comfort over safety should never be an option. More specifically when you are talking about the portion of your body that controls all bodily functions. With the implementation and enforcement of a universal helmet law, the fatality rate of motorcycle accidents would  decrease. In the past the universal helmet law failed. With that in mind, we can learn from our mistakes and see trough an effective and legal legislation. The ultimate goal is not to interfere with he rights of individuals, but to help protect the citizens so they can continue to enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States. The amount of information revolving around motorcycle safety out for public access is almost overwhelming. Therefore, there shouldn’t be an excuse why people refuse to wear gear that will only help protect them and their bodies from the dangers of riding a motorcycle. Works Cited 6 Tenorio Hedlund, James. Spotlight on Highway Safety. Motorcyclist Traffic Fatalities by State: 2012 Preliminary Data. Governors Highway Safety Association, 1 Apr. 2013. Web. 09 July 2014. Helmet Laws. State Motorcycle and Bicycle. Governors Highway Safety Association, 1 July 2014. Web. 06 July 2014. Morris, C. C. , Ph. D. Motorcycle Trends in the United States | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Motorcycle Trends in the United States | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Bureau If Transportation Statistics, 14 May 2009. Web. 07 July 2014. Motorcycle Crash-Related Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 June 2012. Web. 06 July 2014. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 2008 Data (2008): 1-6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSAs National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 1 Dec. 2008. Web. 22 June 2014. Watson, Tim. What The Latest NHTSA Fatality Stats Reveal About Motorcycle Safety. Ride Apart RSS2. Ride Apart, 29 May 2013. Web. 09 July 2014. Workman, Danny. Deadly Motorcycle Accident Statistics. Examiner. com. The Examiner, 28 May 2009. Web. 09 July 2014. 7.

Erich Maria Remarque Essay Example for Free

Erich Maria Remarque Essay â€Å"If you tell the truth, you won’t have to remember anything† (Mark Twain). Throughout my life I have come to recognize many truths. Sometimes I would tell the truth and sometimes I would lie, but when I lied I didn’t always get away with it. Although I do lie about some things and get away with it, I still feel bad about doing it. Throughout my life, Algernon and Jack’s false identities, Father Hooper’s sacrifices, Dr. Heidegger’s experiments, Eldorado’s disappointing truth, and Paul’s journey, we are awaken with the truth. The theme of truth has been revolving around all our first quarter readings. In the poem Eldorado by Edgar Allan Poe, a knight is on a journey to find this joyful land, called Eldorado. The knight continues to search for Eldorado, but he knows he has failed. But he keeps searching, and even though, in his mind, he knows that Eldorado is a fictional place, in his heart he still believes it’s real. The knight in Eldorado recognizes a fairly disappointing truth, that Eldorado is a nonexistent place. â€Å"But he grew old-this knight so bold-and oer his heart a shadow fell as he found no spot of ground that looked like Eldorado† (Poe 305). This quote illustrates how the knight realizes there is no Eldorado. Another example of the recognition of truth is in All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, when Paul Baumer realizes the truth about war, and how it really destroys people, physically and mentally. â€Å"I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow. I see how peoples are set against one another, and in silence, unknowingly, foolishly, obediently, innocently slay one another† (Remarque 263). This quote signifies that Paul is very young and that all he knows is death, fear, and despair, and it is because of the war. The war had destroyed him and made Paul a different person. Throughout my life I have come to recognize many truths, but one major one is that nothing in this world is free, even if it doesn’t cost any money, because it still requires work. Nowadays everyone wants to buy the new technology being created, and it has been like this for many years. They also want to buy the clothing that is popular and very expensive. But, neither of the two are free, and they both cost money and both take time to get. I realized this when I was about 8 years old. I would still ask for a lot of things, even though I knew whatever I was asking cost a lot of money, and it was just because everyone else had it. However, when you grow older, you come to recognize that nothing is free and that you have to work for everything. Another important truth that I have come to recognize is that revenge is insignificant and for the irresponsible. When someone does something to you that is cruel or hurtful, you are going to want to get revenge on them, and that’s just how every human being is. I learned that revenge was unimportant a few years ago. My brother told on me for something I did, and I got in a lot of trouble. I was grounded for one week, and that made me furious. So I decided to get revenge on my brother. In the end, when I tried to get revenge, I ended up in more trouble and was grounded for even longer. This has happened to me many times, and I have come to realize that revenge is insignificant, it just makes everything worse. A third, and final, significant truth that I have come to recognize is that everyone will die someday. No matter how old or how young you are, you won’t be alive forever, which is just how life is. So everyone must live their life to the fullest and go out and do things. Don’t kill time, because killing time is priceless, and will never grow back, so why do it. Many people have lists of what they wish to do throughout their lifetime, which is amazing, because these people to realize the fact that they won’t be here one day. I have recognized this truth and am taking it as an advantage, and so should everyone else. Everything is revolved around the truth, whether it’s in your life or in a book you read. However, not many people recognize these truths in life. Once they do, they will be taught remarkable life lessons that will help them out in life. Throughout our lives, I, as well as the characters in the books we have read, have come to recognize many truths about life, which have helped us come to discover many things. Many people should need to start recognizing the truths in their lives, as I did, and it will benefit them in the long run. Works Cited BrainyQuote. Xplore, n. d. Web. 09 Oct. 2013. Holt Elements of Literature. Fifth Course. Essentials of American Literature. Orlando, FL. : Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2007. Print. Remarque, Erich Maria, and A. W. Wheen. All Quiet on the Western Front;. Boston: Little, Brown, and, 1929. Print.

Smog Pollution And Problems It Causes Environmental Sciences Essay

Smog Pollution And Problems It Causes Environmental Sciences Essay Smog pollution is a major problem that this planet is suffering from everyday. It has affected our homes, weather, and health. It is a very dangerous situation for us if we do not do anything about it. Smog pollution is caused by chemicals, automobiles, factories and corporations. The greatest thing we can do as a society is try to find a way to help prevent and stop smog pollution. If the people on this planet do not do anything to stop smog pollution we are going to have a BIG problem and it will hurt us in the future. We need a plan and we need to put a stop to smog pollution. The American Lung Association (ALA) has been trying to find ways to help stop and prevent smog pollution from hurting us and the environment. If we can just do our part and find a way to prevent this problem from getting any bigger, it will benefit us all. We all have heard of smog pollution, but do we really know what it is. Smog pollution has many causes that can be hazardous and dangerous to our health and well being. The term smog pollution is also known as photochemical smog. It is formed by the interaction with sunlight with different types of chemicals in earths atmosphere (Oblack). The main component of smog pollution or photochemical pollution is ozone. Ozone is in the earths stratosphere, which the shields the earth from dangerous UV radiation from the sun. The problem with ozone is when it touches down on the earths surface it can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems for people on the planet (Oblack). The ground level ozone is made by the emissions of automobiles that put nitrogen oxide into the air, which is caused by the vehicles exhaust fumes (Oblack). The organic components from the fumes combined with the ozone and fume evaporation that combines with sunlight, causes smog pollution on the planet (Oblack). Many people try to find ways to help avoid smog in a more planet friendly environment, so some people use substitutes for their everyday use. There is just one problem with that, and that is the sun. Many people dont understand that sunlight and warm climates cause pollution. For example, places like California, Florida, and Arizona and even North America are some of the most polluted places in the country (Oblack). Another problem that causes an increase in smog pollution is the increased usage of fossil fuels for industrial, heating, and of course transportation purposes (All that smog). Also, cutting down, burning trees, and disposing of agricultural and organic waste can also lead to emissions of smog pollution and harmful problems for the planet (All that Smog). Sunlight mixed with different types of dangerous chemicals (se condary pollution) also makes it difficult to stop smog pollution from occurring on the surface of the planet (All that Smog), which creates another big problem. Climate is a major factor for the cause of smog pollution. Many places in the world can try to be more environmental friendly to help save our planet. Some people ride bicycles instead of driving cars. Other people try to reduce their use of using fire to warm themselves. The only problem that these people cannot get away from is something that they cannot control, and that is the sun. California is ranked in the top 10 most polluted areas in the United States. Ozone pollution that is caused by the sun has a major affect on this planet. Smog and air pollution is having a serious impact on the environment and can condemn all ecosystems (seirraclub). The reason why the sun causes so many problems is because the ozone layer that is supposed to protect planet earth is practically destroyed. Without the protection, the sun is able to shine radiation onto the planet and is the main reason for many health issues that people go through every day. Issues like skin cancer, radiation poisoning, and sun burn are having fatal affects on people. This type of pollution not only harms humans, but it can also harm wild life and the environment. Smog can harm different plants, which can lead to damaging consequences. Because the plants are damaged, it makes it hard for plants to make and save food for themselves in their living environment (seirraclub). In addition, the sun and smog can destroy leaves and plants it would make many of the plants vulnerable to getting diseases. And, they cannot defend themselves from different types of bugs and insects that can cause a huge decrease in plant life (seirraclub). Smog pollution is a yearly problem for places like Texas, Georgia, Florida, and many other southern and sunny parts of the world, but there is also a big increase in smog pollution in the summer (seirraclub). This is caused by strong sunlight that burns the earths surface. However, the one thing that is helping smog pollution is all of the problems that are on this planet. A ll of the power plants, automobile emissions, industrial, and chemical vapors are other causes of pollution (seirraclub). Climate changes are part of the problem as well. Within the months of June, July, and August, it makes it harder to try and control the smog pollution, due to the sun. This planet has gone through billions of years of evolution. It survived dinosaurs, the ice age, and the black plague, but because of smog pollution this planet might not be able to survive this new attack. A major problem smog pollution is causing is health concerns for the public. Smog pollution is affecting human health because it is making it harder to breathe the smog induced air. Because of this and sun radiation, this is resulting in many fatalities, including skin and lung cancer. Peoples lungs and hearts can be dangerously affected by smog and air pollution (Oblack). Many people are still skeptical about smog pollution, but one thing that is known is long term exposure can result in dangerous and even fatal heath affects to people (Oblack). Some of the long term affects caused by exposure to smog pollution are problems breathing, coughing, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, inflammation of the pulmonarys, lung cancer, heart problems, asthma like symptoms, pre mature aging of lungs, and last, but not least, death (Oblack). Smog pollution, even in small doses, can be very dangerous and harmful to all people. The American Lung Association estimated that 48 percent of people in the w orld live with very high levels of smog (seirraclub). Even though exposure to smog is dangerous, there are three types of people who can be severely damaged from smog, which include children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems (seirraclub). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created the Air Quality Index which lets you check the air density and pollution level around your areas (seirraclub). Furthermore, The Department of Motor vehicles have been trying to develop a plan to reduce vehicle emission and try to improve on air quality for the planet and help save the planet (Malone). The DMV has also been trying to encourage the residents of the United States to help stop smog. They are trying to do their part by asking people to report anyone who has visible exhaust coming out of their automobiles (Malone). If we can all do our fair share and help support this plan we can be able to help stop smog pollution. In all, smog pollution is a major concern for our environment and this planet. If we do not find a way to try and stop smog pollution, we will have many more health problems. Fortunately, there are people who are trying to find ways to stop smog pollution. Many people who are trying to create plans that can help bring this planet back to a healthier state. In 1996, smoking vehicle program was passed that stated that anyone who sees smoking exhaust coming from cars, trucks, or any other motor vehicles were to voluntarily report it to the authorities as a way of preventing polluted air (Malone). It is also there to help educate people about smog pollution and what they can do to help stop it (Malone). The American Lung Association (ALA) also came up with certain help to bring attention to the issue of smog pollution. They advised people to pay more attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) around their area. They tried to educate people about Ozone action days and how not to ignore them . Finally, ALA attempted to help people get familiar with how smog adversely affects their health (Oblack). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes it upon them to check evidence every five years to see whether or not the situation of smog pollution has changed for better or worse (seirraclub). It is very simple to stop smog pollution. We can all use our cars, trucks, and motorcycles, sparingly. We all must try to do our fair share and we must be able to bring awareness to how dangerous the sun can really be. We need to fight back against smog. If we do not do anything about it, this planet and everything on it will suffer. Group against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is a non-profit citizens group in Southwestern Pennsylvania working for a healthy, sustainable environment. GASP was founded in 1969, with a group of volunteers who were worried about air quality issues here in Pennsylvania. GASP has been a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator, and policy-maker on many environment al issues, with a focus on air quality in the Pittsburgh region. Their objective is to teach and enlighten the public about pollution and its remedies. Their Mission Statement is will act to obtain for the residents of Western Pennsylvania clean air, water, and land in order to create a healthy, sustainable environment and quality of life to which we are entitled (Groups against Smog and Pollution.) Obviously GASP is doing their part, but what are we doing as individuals to help?

Book Report On Of Mice And Men Essay -- essays research papers

Of Mice and Men In the beginning of the story, two men named George Milton and Lennie Small are trying to make their way to a small ranch in Salinas Valley, California. George is the leader of their two man tribe, despite Lennie’s intimidating size. George is filled with determination and confidence while Lennie is a simple man with a big heart. Up north, they had recently been run out of a town called Weed on account of Lennie. First of all, Lennie is not very smart, and becomes frightened and confused easily. Also, he enjoys petting animals and feelingthings that grab his attention. One night in Weed, Lennie and George had gone to a pool hall. Lennie saw a girl wearing a bright red dress. He grabbed on to the sleeve of her dress. The girl became scared and screamed; this frightened Lennie. He did not know what to do so he held on to the dress tighter. The next day, George found out that the girl went to the police and pressed charges against Lennie. The police were all over town looking for him. George and Lennie escaped by hiding in an irrigation ditch until nightfall and then leaving town. After that, they hitchhiked all the way to Salinas Valley, California where the story continues. The next day they arrived at their destination, the ranch where the would be working. That day, they met someone named Candy. He was an old man who had been working on the farm for many years. He also had an old dog. It was so stiff with rheumatism it could hardly walk. A few ...

Global Village Essay -- Sociology, Global Culture

A decade into the 21st century and the world is increasingly being recognized and branded as a â€Å"global village.† Questioning whether conventionality across America’s once diverse and sundry cities, and the globalization of American ideals, habits, and products throughout global society is favorable in today’s rapidly changing world, Virginia Postrel and Philippe Legrain present their arguments, respectively. In Virginia Postrel’s â€Å"In Praise of Chain Stores† she argues that even though American cities are becoming more and more identical, that there are immediate advantages to this current transformation. Philippe Legrain’s â€Å"Cultural Globalization is Not Americanization† questions the idea that America’s culture is having such a profound impact on the rest of the world that other countries are losing their own unique identities. Virginia Postrel’s â€Å"In Praise of Chain Stores† and Philippe Legrain ’s â€Å"Cultural Globalization is Not Americanization† successfully defy generalities and assumptions of the effects of the American economic machine and the United States’ prominent social grasp on the world through their use of similar rhetorical appeals in support of their arguments. In this paper, Postrel’s and Legrain’s challenges of orthodox views of American culture through their strong logical reasoning and impressive examples and supporting evidence will be thoroughly compared. First a detailed summary of each of the author’s work will be given so that the major points of both essays can be specified. Next a comprehensive point-by-point comparison of each article will be given on how both works challenge common beliefs, if they revise any stereotypes, and the rhetorical strengths and weaknesses presented by the authors. â€Å"In Prais... ...ness to the rhetoric of Postrel’s article. Philippe Legrain also uses many Logos appeals to support his claim. He provides a plethora of citations, and second opinions to support his position on Americanization. Instead of ignoring the elements of the argument in contrast to his own, he shares every premise of what globalization and the spread of American culture may be. As a characteristic of Americanization Legrain explains that â€Å"Another American export is also conquering the globe: English†¦Language is often at the heart of a global culture† (Legrain 519). As for Ethos, Legrain’s authority on globalization is valid as he was once an advisor to the World Trade Organization and has written extensively on the subject. Legrain’s way of argumentation contrasts with Postrel’s and her Ethos deficiency, but the two articles do both have a privation of Pathos appeals.

Fighting More Than the Blues: A Look into Depressive Disorders Essay

Fighting More Than the Blues: A Look into Depressive Disorders This paper will focus on depressive disorders, and it will describe what they are, how they manifest themselves, what causes them and/or what makes certain individuals susceptible to the disorder as compared to others. This piece will also describe the most common treatment practices, and the effectiveness of these treatments. It will conclude by offering some testimonials from individuals who suffer from depressive disorders as well as some additional commentary about depressive disorders and their implications/challenges. What is depression? A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. A depressive disorder is exactly that—a disorder; therefore, people with a depressive illness cannot will themselves to get better they can't just pull themselves together. A depressive disorder requires treatment. (1) ("Depression 1) Are there different types of depressive disorders? Depressive disorders take on different forms. There are three common types of depressive disorders. They are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with an individual's ability to work, study, sleep, and eat. Symptoms include but are not limited to the following: persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness, decreased energy, fatigue, appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain, ... .... 2003. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm 2) Depression: An Overview, Continuing Medical Education. 26 Oct. 2003. http://www.mhsource.com/depression/overview.html 3) Dealing with the Depths of Depression, Nordenberg, Liora. "Dealing with the Depths of Depression." HealingWell.com. 26 Oct. 2003, pp 3-4. http://www.healingwell.com/library/depression/nordenberg1.asp 4) Dealing with the Depths of Depression , Nordenberg, Liora. "Dealing with the Depths of Depression." HealingWell.com. 26 Oct. 2003, pp 4-6. http://www.healingwell.com/library/depression/nordenberg1.asp 5) Depression. National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm 6) Melancholy Nation , Schrof, Joannie M, and Stacey Schultz. "Melancholy Nation." U.S. News & World Report Archive. http://www.newjerusalem.com/archive-report.html

Clean Edge Razor

Clean Edge Razor Haifeng Chen 1. What changes are occurring in the non-disposable razor category? Assess Paramount’s competitive position. What are the strategic life cycle challenges for Paramount’s current product as well as for Clean Edge? The rate of new-product introductions for non-disposable razors and refill cartridges had accelerated in recent years, with an unprecedented flurry of 22 new stock-keeping units being introduced between 2008 and 2009. Most of these new SKUs were line extensions targeted at the super-premium segment and promoted benefits from advances in technology.Because of the new product introductions and in order to simulate demand, total media advertising expenditures in this category had been rising faster than retail market sales, and this trend was expected to continue. And the distribution of such products has been changed for the increasing shelf space for the product category. And the consumers have changed into more sophisticated in sha ving. Paramount has two non-disposable products, which allow the company to capture the unit-volume market-leader position.About the product life cycle, providing a product with good cost x benefit but with a short life cycle for the 33% called â€Å"Maintenance users† keeping these users buying their products and interested in their brands. Otherwise, launch the Clean Edge product with a longer life cycle. Also, making this product profitable creating a fidelity from the consumer when they buy cartridges for refill. 2. How is the non-disposable razor market segmented? Examine consumer behavior for non-disposable razors. Paramount found that the intensity of involvement with the product varied significantly among consumers.There is a group of consumers that Paramount labeled as â€Å"Maintenance Shavers† who were almost completely disinterested in the product category. They treat the shaving as a chore and do it inconsistently. â€Å"Social/Emotional† shavers we re motivated by the overall shaving experience. They think that shaving is an essential part of a daily grooming ritual and also makes them feel more attractive and confident. â€Å"Aesthetic† shavers were more fancy of cosmetic result. They not only remove the unwanted hair but also want to smooth skin. The three categories have different wants and demands in a shaving behavior.We can observe that 67%(39%+28%)consumers are focusing on the premium segment. Also, they are becoming more sophisticated and expecting new technologies to smooth the shaving process. 3. What are the arguments for launching clean air as (a) a niche product; (b) a mainstream brand? Which would you recommend? What are the strategic implications of your recommendation? The argument for launching Clean Edge as a niche product is that if launching the Clean Edge as a mainstream product, the company would face a crisis that the customers of Pro products would transfer to the Clean Edge.The strategy will dil ute the brand power for the Pro so as to lead to the unwanted cannibalization. Otherwise, launching Clean Edge would complement the existing product portfolio so that expand the product line. If launching it as mainstream product, the reasons are that the consumers are becoming more sophisticated and expect more advanced technology. Positioning Clean Edge as a mainstream product will help prevent loyal Paramount customers from being wooed away to more innovative brands. My recommendation is based on the initial financial forecasts for both options and the ROI.The Exhibit 7 indicates that the total cost of launching niche first year is 1*5+4*2. 43+15+0. 61=30. 33m, the revenue is 9. 09*1+7. 35*4=38. 49m. The ROI would be 38. 49-30. 33/30. 33*100%=27%. The total cost of launching mainstream is 3. 3*4. 74+9. 9*2. 24+42+1. 71=81. 528m, the revenue is 3. 3*7. 83+9. 9*6. 22=87. 417m. The ROI would be 87. 417-81. 528/81. 528*100%=7. 2%. After calculation, I would choose to launch it as nic he product, because the ROI of niche product is much more greater than mainstream one which means we can invest less to gain more. 4.Based on your positioning strategy, what brand name and marketing budget allocations would you recommend? Based on my positioning strategy, the brand name would be more suitable for standing apart from the current lines with an emphasis on the â€Å"Clean Edge† name. because the positioning is launching a niche product which is a branch of the main brand. If the new product does not well in its sales performance, it would not hurt the main brand intensively. The other reason is that applying this sort of brand name, it would not easily cannibalize the main brand product, which is good for the existing product.Speaking of the budget allocation, I will recommend the company focus on the advertising more. Because we position the product as a niche product, the buying behavior will slightly relate to the trade promotion. The targeting group doesnâ⠂¬â„¢t really care about the trade promotion, what they really care about is that if there is a specialized product made for them. The essential part is letting them know there is something we made for them. So I think the company can reallocate the trade promotion budget on the advertising budget.

Gainesboro Machine Tools Corporation †Essay Essay

Executive Summary Gainesboro Corporation was a company who designed and manufactured a number of machinery parts, including metal presses, dies, and molds. The company was found in 1923 in Concord, New Hampshire, by two mechanical engineers, James Gaines and David Scarboro. The two men had gone to school together and were disenchanted with their prospects as mechanics at a farm equipment manufacturer. In the 1940’s Gainesboro produced armored-vehicle and tank parts and miscellaneous equipment for the war effort. And then in the early 1980’s, they focused on manufacturing machinery parts, war equipment, and now entered new field of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Objective Ashley Swenson, chief financial officer (CFO) in mid-September 2005 needed to submit recommendation to Gainesboro’s board of directors regarding the company’s dividend policy. The Gainesboro’s stock also fallen 18%to $22.15 due to post impact of the Hurricane Katrina. Now, Ashley Swenson’s dividend decision problem was compounded by the dilemma of whether to use company funds to pay shareholder dividends or to buy back stock. Analysis >>Buy-back Stock Stock Price per share = $22.15 Net income in year 2005 = $18,018,000 Number of shares = 18,600,000 shares (assumed number in year 2004 is still the same with year 2005) Earnings per share = $0.98 Price to earnings ratio ( P/E Ratio)=(Price per share)/EPS P⠁„E Ratio=22.15/0.98=22.6 Number of retired shares=(Net income)/(Price per share) Number of retired shares=18,018,000/22,15=813,453.72≈813,454 Therefore, number of shares outstanding =18,600,000-813,454=17,786,546 shares Then we can calculate the new EPS after repurchase stock, Earnings per Share (EPS) =(Net income)/(Number of shares) EPS =$18,018,000/17,786,546=$1,013 Thus, the new market price is =EPS x PE Ratio=1.013 x 22.6=$22.89 It can be seen that by buying back the stock, the market price can increase for 3.34%. >Pay shareholders dividend a. Zero dividend payout Policy This policy required the company will not pay dividend from 2005 to 2011.In the year 2005, The company expenditure was about $63.3 million dollars but the amount of the total sources was only $40 million, so in order to balanced the company financial condition, the company borrowed $22.7 million. The same thing was also happened in 2006, the company borrowed $7.3 million (total expenditure $72.8 million –total source $65.5 million). From 2007 to 2011, the company excess cash are positive ($4.2, $11.5, $29.4, $27.2, $77.6) million, these situation happened because the total expenditure remained lower than the company total source, so the company did not have to borrowing needs. So, by sum all of the excess cash and the borrowed money data from 2005 to 2011, we can calculate that the company total excess cash is $120 million. This kind of policy has the best impact on company’s financial condition because of the absence of dividend that will reduce the company’s retained earnings. Retained earning posses a greater role to make sure the company runs smoothly in the future by using minimum portion of debt required on a project, reflected in the industrial zero-dividend payout ratio. b. 40% dividend Payout From data in exhibit 8, 40% dividend payout means that the company will pay dividend 40% from net income from year 2005 to 2011. This results and the total excess cash for borrowing needs from 2005 to 2011 is ($95.1) million. The company will do borrowing from year 2005 to 2010. Amount of money borrowed respectively, ($29.9), ($23.3), ($18.8), (17.6), ($7.2), and ($12.0). All of the value comes from deduction of the total expenditures to  the total sources. Year 2011 the company will get $13.6 million excess cash ($212.5 million – $134.9 million). $134.9 million is from the total expenditures (capital expense + change in working capital). And $212.5 million comes from the total sources (net income + depreciation). By sum up all of values (excess cash and borrowed money) from year 2005 to 2011 we get the total cash flow of ($95.1) million. By raise dividend payout from 31.4% in 2004, 140,784(Net income)/0.25(dividend per share) to 40% company need excess cash 95.1 million; only in 2011 the company gain profit. The following is the calculation table: c. Residual-payout Dividend The following is the calculation for the residual-dividend payout: By applying residual payout policy, at the total of excess cash from year 2005 to year 2011, Gainesboro still experiences negative cash. It means they will still have to borrow extra cash to pay the dividend. Conclusion and Recommendation Based on the market price value, EPS, and P/E Ratio calculation, the company’s stock will have higher market price if they buy back the stock. Therefore, it’s recommended to buy back stock instead of paying dividend. It is also supported by the comparison between zero payout dividend, 40% payout ratio, and residual-payout. The best ending cash the company has is when they do zero payout ratio, which means they don’t give dividend at certain years. Since, to pay the dividend they will have borrowing need forcing them to increase the debt level. Meanwhile, they current debt level is already higher than the maximum level management expect which is 40%. The year 2005 debt to equity ratio is 140%. Also, without paying dividend, the company still can attract investors. It is shown from the P/E ratio that is in average if compared to other similar companies.

Microinsurance

Research questionIn the developing countries, people are destitute which can be attributed to the political and economic conditions in addition to the situations in the financial and social sector that inhibit the opportunities available for the development.( Islam and Memun,2005,2006).   Micro credit concept with different mechanisms and practices developed by the microfinance institutions helps to reduce the poverty. The impact of the risks on poor people is such that it inhibits the economic and human welfare to a greater extent.Personal, social, and natural risks that involve high expenditures increase the poverty. Services offered by the formal mechanisms provide more benefits at a lower cost than the services when compared to the services of the informal mechanisms, even though the risk factor reduces the effectiveness of the micro credit. Institution and the borrower are connected by a mechanism which is risk protection or insurance. Many of the micro financial institutions focus on the lender’s part of risk and ignore the risk from the borrower’s side. Improvements in this area will protect the risk of the borrower and alleviate poverty. (Mamun.M.Z).Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between micro insurance mechanism and sustainable poverty alleviation among the women of Kiberia of the country Kenya. The study also aims to find out whether there is any relationship between the vulnerability and risk management, and the capabilities of the micro financial institutions to manage the risk effectively.Objectives of the study:Overview of the micro insurance Analysis of the micro insurance practices in Kenya Analysis of the provisions of the different models of micro insurance. Analyze the   performance of the micro financial institutions as providers of micro insurance Investigate the socio-economic and psycho-social aspects of the risk To study the cultural and sociological values and attitudes. Research hypothesis of the studyThe present study focuses on the link between the micro insurance and poverty alleviation, in addition to focusing on such issues as the policies and regulations of the government of Kenya for insurance in general and micro insurance in particular.Hypothesis-1Micro insurance and its role in the alleviation of poverty:Insurance designed for the people of low-income group and businesses that is characterized by low premiums and low coverage limits. As with the insurance, micro insurance also functions on the concept of risk pooling but by linking many smaller units to larger structures.   The concept of micro insurance enhances the functions of insurance as well as supports the structures for the improved governance. Similar to the general insurance, micro insurance covers a wide variety of risks that include health risk and the property risk. (Alexander S. Preker et.al, 2002).Thus the micro insurance protects the people of the low income group again st certain risks for the payment of regular premiums. In addition to its coverage of expenses against health risks, it can also cover to certain hazards of the business. The main challenge associated with the micro insurance is it has to provide a comprehensive protection that is ideal that could be affordable at low premiums. A mixture of mechanisms will help poor people to manage the risks. The new products and services of micro insurance will definitely help poor people to recover the setbacks. Demand assessment in a right way will help to develop an effective design of the products and services of the micro insurance. Micro insurance is the key for the alleviation of poverty.Hypothesis-2Filling the gap to provide the coverage for the excluded:Some reports on the market opportunities for the sustainable micro insurance products in Kenya, it was found that only a few mechanisms help to cover the losses. To recover the losses people borrow, rather than drawing the hard earned money from their savings. In the formal insurance mechanisms, the claiming process is burdensome for the people who are illiterate and linkage of the formal insurance to the credit increases the cost of premium.The micro insurance mechanisms are popular in that the terms associated with them are understandable, premium payment systems that are flexible, trust and timely pay outs. Poor people use a mixture of the tools to manage the risks as none of the existing strategies have the ability to provide 100% coverage. Micro insurance can play an important and potential role in filling these gaps. To make the mechanism sustainable and effective, there is a need for the providers of the micro insurance to understand the underlying challenges in the mechanism. It is important to Understand the range and effective of the risk, learning the advantages and disadvantages of these mechanisms in social obligations.Hypothesis-3Transformation of the micro finance institutions to micro insurance- a new way to fight poverty: microfinance is the humanitarian activity for the welfare of the poor people, a small amount of unsecured loans, provided for the people for the income generation. The efficiency of the micro loan mechanism encouraged to bring this endeavor to a large scale. In many countries legislations were enacted to formalize the activities of this sector. However there are some draw backs associated with the micro finance institutions. (MFI). Lack of knowledge in designing the product is the draw back with MFI’s as these institutions have never attempted the risk calculation and designing matters related to insurance.There are no proper policies of the government that help in giving a scope for reinsurance and work commercially in a full fledged way. There is no specific method available with MFI that can handle the risks effectively, and the MFI’s do not adjust the premiums on par with inflation. The MFI’s perform tasks like sale of products, collect ion of the premium and pooling the risk. MFI’s are sustainable in their growth due to their good relations with the clients and they are high performers in terms of cash collection and sales of the product, consequently their product designing and risk pooling is very poor.MFI’s are innovators and practitioners and they have a rich experience and professionalism with poor. They have a better knowledge of adopting the strategies and policies to the target group. It has been shown that MFI does can respond the needs of clients for insurance. These institutions have recognized the fact that insurance has the role protecting the client as well as the institution. The MFI’s have an additional source of income that can improve sustainability.Hypothesis-4Changing the policies of the insurance with the intervention of the government is a key to success:It is important to establish the concept of micro insurance as a market product and the MFI’s as providers of se rvice. There are several avenues in this sector that require the intervention of the government. The government has to design its policies in such a way that it can assist the commercial insures and MFI’s in an agent partner model and design the schemes based on the strengths of the clients. The generic service business market, with the support of the vertical commodity based business service market by enabling an environment set by government regulations and policies that are relevant to the specific markets offered by the government is a key to the success.Hypothesis-5Poverty in Kenya reflects challenges and complexities in dealing with the alleviation of poverty and making them sustainable:The women comprise around 50% in Kenya and comprise a vulnerable group that faces unique constraints. Most of the women combine domestic activities with the income generating activities and the lack of time dictates their choice of the enterprise. Most of the women that are involved in t he small enterprises lack the investment capital.The other constraints include their illiteracy, lengthy beaurocratic procedures to acquire the license, lack of adequate housing, and the limited resources coupled with heavy family responsibilities. Remedial measures by the government and the institutions will not only increase the participation of women in the small micro enterprises but also improves the quality of the life of the household and the economy of the country as a hole. The intervention of the MFI’s with micro insurance designs will help to improve the poor women as well as the institution.MethodologyMy research studies comprises of quantitative and qualitative studies.Quantitative studies:Data collection is done mostly through direct observation and interviews. Most of my sources for the secondary analysis include books, articles, newspapers and internet. I choose the sources that are mostly of objective nature. I search for some models and methods to adopt them for my research to find out whether there is any correlation between the micro insurance and poverty alleviation.Qualitative study:Data collected from the interviews will enable me to do my qualitative studies in a realistic manner. I will interview the women from the low income group, personnel from banks government offices, financial institutions, insurance companies that are involved in the insurance related matters. These interviews will help me to gain a knowledge on the needs of the women of low income group, and their view on the operations of the institution of the micro insurance.Time to be spent on my research studiesThe first nine months will be spent to develop the proposal, methodology and literature review. During this time I will allocate my time also to attend the courses relevant to the subject and research methods as per the recommendations of the university. I will spend four to six weeks to obtain data from the interviews and statistical work. I will spend six m onths time in the slums of kibera for an intensive field work. ApplicationWith this proposal I feel I can apply for a research grant for my research studies.ReferencesAlexander S. Preker, Guy Carrin, David Dror, Melitta Jakab, William Hsiao, Dyna Arhin-Tenkorang (2002). â€Å"Effectiveness of community health financing in meeting thecost of illness†. Bulletin of the World Health Organisation 80 (2): 143–150. Geneva: WHO.Islam, Nazrul and Mamun, M. Z. (2006). Prospects of health Insurance Initiatives in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study, Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Conference of Asia-Pacific Risk and Insurance Association (APRIA), July 30- August 2, 2006, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan.Islam, Nazrul and Mamun, M. Z. (2005). Factors for Not Buying Life Insurance Policies in a Developing Country: A Case of Bangladesh. Journal of Business Administration, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Vol. 31, No. 1 & 2, pp. 1-22, January & April 20 05.Ziaulhaq Mamun.M, Contribution of Micro-Insurance Augementing The poverty alleviationA Draft Paper Prepared for the 11th APRIA Conference at National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan (July 25-28, 2007)

Explore the theme of rebellion in the first 3 acts of ‘The Tempest’ Essay

Rebellion is definitely an important theme throughout the play. Every character has committed an act of rebellion at some point in The Tempest. The subject of rebellion was very important to the audience at the time because of the risk of rebellion at the time against James I, who was the monarch. There is a lot of rebelling against masters, as shown by both Ariel and Caliban. In act 1 scene 2, Ariel asks Prospero for his freedom from the magician’s service, but is declined, and Prospero reminds him of what he freed Ariel from (â€Å"I must once in a month recount what thou hast been, which thou forget’st.† I.ii.262-264). Prospero tells that the reason Sycorax imprisoned Ariel, was because the spirit refused to carry out her orders, rebelling against her authority. Caliban, on the other hand, displays his rebellious stripes by agreeing to serve Trinculo and Stephano instead of Prospero (â€Å"A plague upon the tyrant that I serve! I’ll bear him no more sticks, but follow thee, thou wondrous man.† II.2.162-164). Sebastian and Antonio are first rebellious in Act I scene 2, when they refused to obey the Boatswains orders (â€Å"Hang cur, hang, you whoreson insolent noise-maker! We are less afraid to be drowned than thou art.† I.i.43-44). But in Act II scene 1, the two characters rebel against their king, Alonso, by planning to kill him (â€Å"Draw thy sword. One stroke shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest, and I the king shall love thee† II.i.292-294). But rebellion is not only present in these completely power-driven characters, but also in those characters who are powered by love, such as Miranda and Ferdinand. Ferdinand, a prince, rebels against social order and agrees to serve Prospero in order to see Miranda (â€Å"To whom I am subdued, are but light to me, might I but through my prison once a day behold this maid† I.2.489-491). Not being raised in Milan in the modern society, Miranda is not aware of the social protocol at the time when it comes to love, by asking Ferdinand to marry her (â€Å"My husband then?† III.i.89). At the beginning of the scene, Miranda sees Ferdinand against Prospero’s wishes, (â€Å"He’s safe for these three hours† III.i.21). Even before the first events of the play took place, there was a history of rebellion between Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan and his brother, Antonio, the man who usurped him. Before being betrayed by his brother, Prospero was a negligent Duke, spending all his spare time in his study practising magic, and rebelling against the rules of society (â€Å"And rapt in secret studies† I.ii.77). Antonio, on the other hand, rebelled against the wishes of his brother by taking advantage of the power Prospero had bestowed upon him, and usurped him of his dukedom (â€Å"in my false brother awakened an evil nature; and my trust like a good parent, did beget of him† I.ii.92-94 & â€Å"he needs be Absolute Milan† I.ii.109-110). Gonzalo is the only character who can be debated in the discussion of rebellion. He does indeed show some rebellious streaks, though they a very subtle. For instance, in the first scene of play, Gonzalo vey politely disobeys the Boatswain’s command (â€Å"Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard† I.i.19). Then in his â€Å"Utopia† speech in Act 2 scene 1, Gonzalo describes a seemingly perfect world where â€Å"all men idle† and there is no â€Å"name of magistrate† (II.i.147-156). This is more rebellious to the Jacobean audience watching the play than it is towards the other characters in the play, because Gonzalo is describing a world without any higher social order that doesn’t sound apocalyptic. It was especially risky because the play was performed in front of the king, James I, who, at the time, was suffering some political trouble. Even though each character is rebelling seemingly on their own, Prospero is really managing the rebellion. In Act 2 scene 1, Prospero uses his servant, Ariel, to purposely create particular conditions which favour this rebellious behaviour in order to prompt an act of sedition from Sebastian and Antonio. The King and the lords are purposely put to sleep by Ariel in order to offer Sebastian and Antonio an excellent opportunity to do the foul deed. But just as he creates, so Prospero prevents, and sabotages Sebastian and Antonio’s assassination plot by waking the King. In conclusion, the theme of rebellion is an important part of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, because it helps shape the play in terms of power and manipulation.

Chapter 32 Ap World History Outline Essay

A. Postcolonial Crises and Asian Economic Expansion, 1975–1990 I. Revolutions, Depressions, and Democratic Reform in Latin America 1. The success of the Cuban Revolution both energized the revolutionary left throughout Latin America and led the United States to organize its political and military allies in Latin America in a struggle to defeat communism. 2. In Brazil a coup in 1964 brought in a military government whose combination of dictatorship, use of death squads to eliminate opposition, and use of tax and tariff policies to encourage industrialization through import substitution came to be known as the â€Å"Brazilian Solution.† Elements of the â€Å"Brazilian Solution† were applied in Chile byte government of Augusto Pinochet, whose CIA-assisted coup overthrew the socialist Allende government in 1973 and in Argentina by a military regime that seized power in1974. 3. Despite reverses in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, revolutionary movements persisted elsewhe re. In Nicaragua the Cuban-backed Sandinista movement overthrew the government of Anastasia Somoza and ruled until it was defeated in free elections in1990. In El Salvador the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) fought guerrilla war against the military regime until declining popular support in the 1990s led the rebels to negotiate an end to the armed conflict and transform themselves into a political party. 4. The military dictatorships established in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina all came to an end between 1983 and 1990. All three regimes were undermined by reports of kidnapping, torture, and corruption; the Argentine regime also suffered from its invasion of the Falkland Islands and consequent military defeat by Britain. 5. By the end of the 1980s oil-importing nations like Brazil were in economic trouble because they had borrowed heavily to pay the high oil prices engineered by OPEC. The oil-exporting nations such as Mexico faced crises because they had borrowed heav ily when oil prices were high and rising in the 1970s, but found themselves unable to keep up with their debt payments when the price of oil fell in the 1980s. 6. In 1991 Latin America was more dominated by the United States than it had been in1975. This may be seen in the United States’ use of military force to intervene in Grenada in 1983 and in Panama in 1989. II. Islamic Revolutions in Iran and Afghanistan See more: what is essay format 1. Crises in Iran and Afghanistan threatened to involve the superpowers; the United States reacted to these crises with restraint, but the Soviet Union took a bolder and ultimately disastrous course. 2. In Iran, American backing and the corruption and inefficiency of Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime stimulated popular resentment. In 1979 street demonstrations and strikes toppled the Shah and brought a Shi’ite cleric, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to power. The overthrow of an ally and the establishment of an anti-western Islamic republic in Iran were blows to American prestige, but the United States was unable to do anything about it. 3. In the fall of 1980 Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein invaded Iran to topple the Islamic Republic. The United States supported Iran at first, but then in 1986 tilted toward Iraq. 4. The Soviet Union faced a more serious problem when it sent its army into Afghanistan in 1978 in order to support a newly established communist regime against a hodgepodge of local, religiously inspired guerilla bands that controlled much of the countryside. The Soviet Union’s struggle against the American-backed guerillas was so costly and caused so much domestic discontent that the Soviet leaders withdrew their troops in 1989 and left the rebel groups to fight with each other for control of Afghanistan. III. Asian Transformation 1. The Japanese economy grew at a faster rate than that of any other major developed country in the 1970s and 1980s, and Japanese average income outstripped that of the United States in the 1990s. This economic growth was associated with an industrial economy in which keiretsu (alliances of firms) received government assistance in the form of tariffs and import regulations that inhibited foreign competition. 2. The Japanese model of close cooperation between government and industry was imitated by a small number of Asian states, most notably by South Korea, in which four giant corporations led the way in developing heavy industries and consumer industries. Hong Kong and Singapore also developed modern industrial and commercial economies. All of these newly industrialized economies shared certain characteristics: discipline and hard-working labor forces, investment in education, high rates of personal savings, export strategies, government sponsorship and protection, and the ability t o begin their industrialization with the latest technology. 3. In China after 1978 the regime of Deng Xiaoping carried out successful economic reforms that allowed private enterprise and foreign investment to exist alongside the inefficient state-owned enterprises and which allowed individuals and families to contract agricultural land and farm it as they liked. At the same time, the command economy remained in place and China resisted political reform, notably when the Communist Party crushed the protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. B. The End of the Bipolar World, 1989–1991 I. Crisis in the Soviet Union 1. During the presidency of Ronald Reagan the Soviet Union’s economy was strained by the attempt to match massive U.S. spending on armaments, such as a space-based missile protection system. The Soviet Union’s obsolete industrial plants, its inefficient planned economy, its declining standard of living, and its unpopular war with Afghanistan fuel dean underground current of protest. 2. When Mikhail Gorbachev took over the leadership in 1985 he tried to address the problems of the Soviet Union by introducing a policy of political openness (glasnost) and economic reform (perestroika). II. The Collapse of the Socialist Bloc 1. Events in Eastern Europe were very important in forcing change on the Soviet Union. The activities of the Solidarity labor union in Poland, the emerging alliances between nationalist and religious opponents of the communist regimes, and the economic weakness of the communist states themselves led to the fall of communist governments across Eastern Europe in 1989 and to the reunification of Germany in 1990. 20. The weakness of the central government and the rise of nationalism led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in September 1991. Ethnic and religious divisions also led to the dismemberment of Yugoslavia in 1991 and the division of the Czech Republic in 1992. III. The Persian Gulf War, 1990–1991 1. Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 in an attempt to gain control of Kuwait’s oil fields. Saudi Arabia felt threatened by Iraq’s action and helped to draw the United States into award in which American forces led a coalition that drove Iraq out of Kuwait but left Saddam Hussein in power. 2. The Persian Gulf War restored the United States’ confidence in its military capability while demonstrating that Russia—Iraq’s former ally—was impotent. Cather Challenge of Population Growth I. Demographic Transition 1. The population of Europe almost doubled between 1850 and 1914, and while some Europeans saw this as a blessing, Thomas Malthus argued that unchecked population growth would outstrip food production. In the years immediately following World War I Malthus’s views were dismissed as Europe and other industrial societies experienced demographic transition to lower fertility rates. 2. The demographic transition did not occur in the Third World, where some leaders actively promoted large families until the economic shocks of the 1970s and 1980sconvinced the governments of developing countries to abandon the pronatalist policy. 3. World population exploded in the twentieth century, with most of the growth taking place in the poorest nations due to high fertility rates and declining mortality rates. Tithe Industrialized Nations 1. In the developed industrial nations of Western Europe and Japan at the beginning of the twenty-first century, higher levels of female education and employment, the material values of consumer culture, and access to contraception and abortion have combined to produce low fertility levels. Low fertility levels combined with improved life expectancy will lead to an increasing number of retirees who will rely on a relatively smaller number of working adults to pay for their social services. 2. In Russia and the other former socialist nations, current birthrates are lower than death rates and life expectancy has declined. III.The Developing Nations 1. In the twenty-first century the industrialized nations will continue to fall behind the developing nations as a percentage of world population; at current rates, 95 percent of all future population growth will be in developing regions, particularly in Africa and in the Muslim countries. 2. In Asia, the populations of China and India continued to grow despite government efforts to reduce family size. It is not clear whether or not the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America will experience the demographic transition seen in the industrialized countries, but fertility rates have fallen in the developing world where women have had access to education and employment outside the home. IV. Old and Young Populations 1. Demographic pyramids generated by demographers illustrate the different age distributions in nations in different stages of economic development. 2. The developed nations face aging populations and will have to rely on immigration or increased use of technology (including robots) in order to maintain industrial and agricultural production at levels sufficient to support their relatively high standards of living and their generous social welfare programs. 3. The developing nations have relatively young and rapidly growing populations but face the problem of providing their people with education and jobs while struggling with shortages of investment capital and poor transportation and communications networks. D. Unequal Development and the Movement of Peoples I. The Problem of Growing Inequality 1. Since 1945 global economic productivity has created unprecedented levels of material abundance. At the same time, the industrialized nations of the Northern Home to enjoy a larger share of the world’s wealth than they did a century ago; the majority of the world lives in poverty. 2. Regional inequalities within nations have also grown in both the industrial countries and in the developing nations. II. Internal Migration: the Growth of Cities 1. Migration from rural areas to urban centers in the developing world increased threefold from 1925 to 1950 and accelerated rapidly after 1950. 2. Migrants to the cities generally enjoyed higher incomes and better standards of living than they would have had in the countryside, but as the scale of rural to urban migration grew, these benefits became more elusive. Migration placed impossible burdens on basic services and led to burgeoning slums, shantytowns, and crime in the cities of the developing world. III. Global Migration 1. Migration from the developing world to the developed nations increased substantially after 1960, leading to an increase in racial and ethnic tensions in the host nations. Immigrants from the developing nations brought the host nations the same benefits that the migration of Europeans brought to the Americas a century before. 2. Immigrant communities in Europe and the United States are made up of young adults and tend to have fertility rates higher than the rates of the host populations. In the long run this will lead to increases in the Muslim population in Europe and in the Asian and Latin American populations in the United States, and to cultural conflicts over the definitions of citizenship and nationality. E. Technological and Environmental Change I. New Technologies and the World Economy 1. New technologies developed during World War II increased productivity, reduced labor requirements, and improved the flow of information when they were applied to industry in the postwar period. The application and development of technology was spurred by pent-up demand for consumer goods. 2. Improvements in existing technologies accounted for much of the world’s productivity increases during the 1950s and 1960s. The improvement and widespread application of the computer was particularly significant as it transformed office work and manufacturing. 3. Transnational corporations became the primary agents of these technological changes. In the post-World War II years transnational corporations with multinational ownership and management became increasingly powerful and were able to escape the controls imposed by national governments by shifting or threatening to shift production from one country to another. II. Conserving and Sharing Resources 1. In the 1960s, environmental activists and political leaders began warning about the environmental consequences of population growth, industrialization, and the expansion of agriculture onto marginal lands. Environmental degradation was a problem in both the developed and developing countries; it was especially severe in the former Soviet Union. In attempting to address environmental issues, the industrialized countries faced a contradiction between environmental protection and the desire to maintain rates of economic growth that depended on the profligate consumption of goods and resources. 2. In the developing world population growth led to extreme environmental pressure as forests were felled and marginal land developed in order to expand food production. This led to erosion and water pollution. III. Responding to Environmental Threats 1. The governments of the United States, the European Community, and Japan took a number of initiatives to preserve and protect the environment in the 1970s. Environmental awareness spread by means of the media and grassroots political movements, and most nations in the developed world enforced strict antipollution laws and sponsored massive recycling efforts. 2. These efforts, many of them made possible by new technology, produced significant results. But in the developing world, population pressures and weak governments were major obstacles to effective environmental policies.