Saturday, November 30, 2019

Saudi Arabian Culture Essay Example

Saudi Arabian Culture Paper Culture can be defined by the set of value, beliefs, rules, and institutions held by a specific group of people (Wild et al, 2009, p50). It also can be simply understood by a large group of people who have a shared knowledge system. It can also be said that culture is learned, interrelated, shared by all and defines boundaries (Hall, 1977, p 16). In this case, the Saudi Arabian culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and its laws set out by the Koran. Islam has very strict guidelines that need to be understood and followed by all in Saudi Arabia and these guidelines is what makes Saudi Arabian culture and tradition. For businesses this means being able to know what is acceptable and legal. For example companies would need to know that all pork products are banned, as well as all alcohol and all religious books and artifacts not relating to Islam (Iexplore, 2010). Saudi Arabian culture and tradition is one that is based highly on conservatism and living their lives exactly to how the Koran sets it out. This is one country that does not bow down to Westernisation and the western way of thinking and international companies would need to take this into consideration when advertising new products or opening new offices. We will write a custom essay sample on Saudi Arabian Culture specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Saudi Arabian Culture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Saudi Arabian Culture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Saudi Arabia has a very strict dress code for women especially. Women must wear a Hijab and a full covering dress which is ankle-length because of Islamic law. Wearing clothes that are seen to be exposing a lot of skin is offensive to their religion and culture. Not only is the dress code made because of their religion, it also plays a practical role. Since Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, wearing revealing clothing all the time would leave you open to the harsh sun and sand. By wearing long flowing outfits, it protects the skin and keeps you cool. When businesses decide to move into Saudi Arabia, this dress code is something that would need to be considered highly because foreign clothes are not tolerated especially for any female employees. Women in Saudi Arabia make up about 10% of the workforce. Women in Saudi Arabia are preferred to be homemakers by society and their husbands and it is rare that they are educated or encouraged to work. If a company was to send a female employee into Saudi Arabia, other companies would be hesitant to do business with her. It would be much more desirable for the female employee to be accompanied by a man. As this is part of their business culture, sending female employees into Saudi Arabia isnt always seen as the best option, Having an understanding of Saudi Arabian business etiquette and personal manner is essential to success. The concept of time in Saudi Arabia is different than Western cultures. The Saudi working week begins on Saturday and ends on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are the official weekend and days of rest. Office hours tend to be 9:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm (Butler, 2007). When arranging meetings it is often acceptable to be a little late as arriving in a timely manner is not an issue. It is also useful to know that Saudis enjoy mixing business with pleasure. It is not uncommon for a business meeting to have a lot of small chit chat and friendly conversation rather than all business. But be careful to avoid topics such as religion, politics and women. When opening a business in Saudi Arabia it is also necessary to take into account their religious culture because this affects their day to day life. Companies must allow for prayer times which occur five times a day. They must also offer a place where Saudis can practice this.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Culture Of The Philippines †English Essay

The Culture Of The Philippines – English Essay Free Online Research Papers The Culture Of The Philippines English Essay Both my parents were born in the Philippines. They came here to the United States because of the higher standard of living. The rest of the family was also raised for the majority of their lives in the Philippines. However, my brother and I were raised here. Being this way, every now and then are some generational and cultural conflicts within the family. My parents arrived in the United States during the 1970’s. My brother was born in 1975 and I was born 9 years later. Not only is there a cultural difference between the rest of the family, but also a semi-generational difference between my brother and myself. In the Philippines, it is, from my understanding, a strict custom to always show respect to your elders, never talk back, and take care of your elders. However, here in the US, it generally isn’t so with the new modern culture emerging. The American culture emphasizes equality, and the by-product of this is that sometimes power-conflicts may come up from time to time. Equally so, people have the chance to voice their own opinion, and on some levels, it may seem as rude or a challenge to others. In the Philippines, you take care of your relatives when they age. Here, there is the concept of retirement homes. The Philippine culture also is very conservative, while the American culture tends to lean on the more liberal side. When you address others in the Philippine culture, you show your respect on where you stand. For example, when you call or talk to older relatives, you address them as tita/tito (aunt/uncle), kuya/ate (older brother/sister). Here in the United States, other than calling someone Aunt or Uncle, it is usually not done. There are many differences between the Philippine and American culture that it can cause problems and misunderstandings from within the family. A recent example was a misunderstanding on who washes the dishes. Part of the cause was also miscommunication, but was resolved soon after. Every now and then there is the occasional argument because of cultural conflict, and between my brother from generational conflict. My brother sees things differently than I do. Being a nine-year difference between us, he tends to think long-term goals and small things, whereas I think short-term goals and the overall picture. He still treats me as his younger brother and that leads to arguments sometimes. Although the family has nearly a distinct line between generational and cultural differences, there is always some point at which we all agree. We see the differences and come to terms. Just recently, some relatives came in from the Philippines and brought a fresh set of Filipino culture with them, but everyone, including them, adapted very quickly with changes. Research Papers on The Culture Of The Philippines - English EssayAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeQuebec and Canada19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XHip-Hop is ArtPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenWhere Wild and West MeetHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males

Friday, November 22, 2019

A Farewell Of Arms, By Ernest Hemingway Essay World War II, World War

Throughout the novel, Ernest Hemingway demonstrates the true horrors and realities of the Great War. At the beginning of the novel, many individuals in the Italian army despise the Great War and its primary objectives, believing that it is not only unnecessary but also unjust. In addition the impact of the war is illustrated when an American soldier decides to take the truss off of his hernia in order to avoid fighting at the front lines. Furthermore, as the war continues to expand and intensify, Rinaldi, a proficient Italian surgeon is significantly affected as he is about his medals, war wounds as well as the promotion that he is about to obtain. Ettore further encourages Henry to join the American army, since it will compensate him much more than the Italian army. Moretti’s moral values are shown in his reasoning for joining the American army since he would rather serve in an army that pays him more for his services. Henry’s own experiences of the Great War ch anges his perspectives and attitudes, leaving him to feel lonely, disgusted as well as disconnected for participating in a warfare that destroys and kills countless of innocent people.Consequently, Ernest Hemingway portrays the First World War as meaningless, gruesome and destructive, which causes detrimental impacts on many individuals physically, morally as well as mentally. He demonstrates that war is senseless and brutal, inflicting mental and physical damage to

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Effect of Culture on Expatriates Work Performance in the Hospitality Research Paper

Effect of Culture on Expatriates Work Performance in the Hospitality Industry - Research Paper Example It is important to learn about the various cultures that are represented in the workplace and in the business environment before engaging in business in foreign countries as suggested by Cardy (2007). This is the case considering that it helps in reducing the risk of failure. Understanding other people’s and countries’ communication styles, social events, dress codes, greetings, and negotiation tactics are very important in fostering positive relationships with persons from foreign countries and cultures. In the hospitality industry like in any other economic sector, individuals and organizations are bound to encounter people from foreign environments. Foreigners come in the form of customers, suppliers and expatriates. Expatriates in the course of their work re expected to maintain high performance standards for the good of the companies for which they work and to warrant the high pay they receive. They are in effect expected to be role models and provide direction to local workers. As they work in foreign environments, expatriates encounter a number of challenges. One of the main challenges that they experience is dealing with people from various cultural backgrounds. In as much as they enjoy working in such environments, there is a possibility that the changes that they encounter and the unfamiliar environment may impact on their performance at work. Statement of the Problem In spite of the existence of literature related to the effects of cultural differences in the area of multicultural environments and work performance, very little study has been conducted with respect to the hotel industry. This is study is focused on finding out the effects of culture and cultural differences on expatriates’ work performance in the hospitality industry. Significance of the Study The results of this study will be very valuable to expatriates in their endeavor to succeed in the foreign environments in which they work. Based on the results of this stud y, management of hospitality industries and especially the human resource manager can come up with better ways ensuring that the expatriate fits in well in the company within the shortest duration and achieve high output as is always the desire of every business. Objectives Main Objective 1. To establish the effect of culture on expatriates’ work performance in the hospitality industry Specific objectives 1. To establish to the existence of expatriates in xxx city hotels and restaurants 2. To determine the challenges posed to expatriates at work as a result of cultural factors 3. To establish the performance of hotels and restaurants that are managed by expatriates 4. To establish the correlation between expatriate work performance and cultural differences with locals. Literature Review Expatriates and Work Performance An expatriate is an individual who resides in a foreign country and culture. However, in business terms, an expatriate is a professional sent by an organizatio n to work in a foreign country as opposed to staff who is locally employed. In many cases, expatriates are sent to work for subsidiaries of an organization or to work at it headquarters. Expatriates help businesses with a global presence to manage global structures and liaise with external partners and provide quality services to customers (Beaverstock, Derudder, Faulconbridge and Witlox (2009). According to Lee (2008), taking a foreign duty affects an individual’s professional and personal life. Such assignments subject expatriates to factors that prove stress such as ambiguity and uncertainty. Three main factors determine the success of expatriates in their work. These factors are communication ability, relation ability

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

HEALTH SOCIILOGY Class & Illnessrelated behaviour Essay

HEALTH SOCIILOGY Class & Illnessrelated behaviour - Essay Example Thus, manual working class groups are seen as a more probable victim of this habit rather than the management or professional classes. The first and foremost social factor that affects the habitual addiction to smoking is the environment surrounding the individual. The living conditions of these workers are poor and dire. Many live in stressful lives in squalid and overcrowded homes. The best escape from all of this frustration is smoking which provides a stimulus to forget other problems. Also, in an atmosphere where each individual seeks to pass time using smoking, it is difficult for an individual to escape the vicious pattern unharmed. Another aspect attached the poor living conditions are how the families live in such close quarters that the children are affected by the adults. For the child to see a older individual smoking is the sort of parental and adult model that is set out for them. As they continue with life, the environment around them forces them into a state of peer pressure that instills smoking as a habit (Pedersen and Lavik). Another factor affecting smoking is the varying degree of education given to the different classes in a society. While the upper classes get the knowledge useful in their choices, the lower ones lack this kind of proper education (Layte and Whelan).

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Lucent technology supply chain summary Essay Example for Free

Lucent technology supply chain summary Essay Lucent Technologies is a multinational telecommunication company which was spun off from ATT in 1996. Before restructure, as an integrated telecommunications services and equipment company, ATT had been primarily U. S. -centric market and more than half of income was generated by services in U. S. However, the restructure made Lucent focused on communications equipment globally. When Lucent expand into global market, its flagship product, the5ESS ® digital switch, was a market leader in worldwide telecommunication infrastructure equipment. While the 5ESS ® digital switch provided the company’s more competitive edge in global market. This custom configured, engineered-to-order product made only a portion of its assemblies could be built to stock. Moreover, 5ESS ® digital switch orders from Asian market had continued to grow rapidly, and Asia became an important part of Lucent’s business. U. S. -centric Supply Model Before Lucent’s independence from ATT, it established some joint ventures in four Asian countries to meet the increasing telecommunication equipment demand in Asian market. But this marketing entry mode just provided access to these markets. Most manufacturing continued to be done in Oklahoma City. The Asian joint ventures only performed final assembly and testing. It was believed that Lucent would benefit from the cost saving from economies of scale in manufacturing in US. However, as tremendous demand growth and intense competition arose from these countries, the delivery costs and lead time became two critical issues in this industry. The long distance inhibited the instant response. Delay means market losing. What’s more, increasing local content by having locally purchased parts would lower the costs and made product more locally attractive. Asian-centric Supply Model After 1996, asset management, product lead time and supply chain efficiency became more and more important for this new independent manufacturing firm. The primary market shifted from U. S to Asian market required a redesign of the Asian supply chain. First of all, it took a â€Å"hub-and spoke† model. Taiwan was the hub of the Asian supply chain. Custom engineering and manufacturing of Asian orders would be manufactured in Taiwan rather than Oklahoma City, and Asian orders were placed with Taiwan rather than U. S. Low volume assemblies remained in U. S. Secondly, different supply modes (inshore or outsource) were decided by different product volumes. And then it used local components (direct procurement) and local suppliers (local procurement). Last but not least, it insisted a strict quality control. Products manufactured by Asian joint ventures had the same quality standards. There were also some barriers for the redesign of supply chain. For example, the new manufacturing center in Asian mean losing job in U. S. The transfer of production to joint venture may reduce Lucent’s profits. And also the sales organization worried about the sales decreased because of losing â€Å"Made in USA† label. All of these barriers were addressed when the benefits of redesigning outweighed the costs. The redesign decreased the lead time, and customer satisfactions had improved a lot. Meanwhile, Taiwan joint venture reengineered its factory to improve the productivity. The increasing productivity and decreasing costs means the firm became more profitable. Also, support of Asian joint ventures helped Lucent win more business in Asia, and the huge capacity of Asian joint ventures can support Lucent’ global customer demand. So the all improvement by redesigning the supply chain made Lucent more competitive in global market. Summary and Recommendations Despite its success in the later 1990s, new challenges have arisen. How to response the changing demand in this complex business environment and how to expand its capacity in other emerging markets? The internet and IT tools caused fundamental changes in business models and traditional customer-supplier relationships. Contract manufacturing company in Asian provides new opportunity for the firm to outsourcing its manufacturing and logistics responsibility. In my view, outsourcing its assembly and component is a better way for Lucent to cope with new challenge. Because 5ESS ® digital switch was reaching its mature period in the product life cycle, and the intensive competition and changing environment forced telecommunication industry to devoted more time to new product research and marketing strategy. In its initial stage, the core product is the key to success and the supply chain redesign facilitate its further success. But nowadays, the product life cycle is shortening and the industry is changing at ever-increasing rate. Lucent has to improve researching, marketing strategy and supply chain management at the same rate to cope with the changing market. In addition, Lucent can use merging and acquisition strategy to integrate available resources to expand its business. Questions for group As Lucent shift its main supply chain from U. S to Asian market, how to compete with domestic rivalry Cisco? As more and more local telecommunication company grew up, how to cope with fierce industry competition with local firms, and some multinational telecommunication firms now target at Asian market, how to compete with them in global market? Should Lucent insist its in-source strategy or use outsourcing for the future supply chain management? Because its flagship products had reached its mature period, is it necessary for Lucent to build a main RD center in the emerging market like Cisco did?

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Sassouma Berete and Sogolon Kedjou in The Epic of Sundiata Essay

Mothers play a very influential role in a young mans life. Even though Sogolon Kedjou and Sassouma Bà ©rà ©tà © both had an impact on there son's life, their character traits were at different ends of the maternal spectrum. Despite minuscule similarities Sogolon Kedjou and Sassouma Bà ©rà ©tà © were depicted in direct contrast in the epic Sundiata. When comparing the two Sogolon Kedjou and Sassouma Berete both did what they thought would help to get their son's to become king. Sogolon knew everything that Sassouma was capable of doing to hurt her family, so she came up with the idea to leave the kingdom. Soglon said, "Lets us leave my son" (113). She thought this would be the best thing to do for all her children so she could keep them alive. "Despairing of ever injuring you, Sassouma will aim her blows at your brother or sister"(115). Although it was Sundiata's destiny to become king there was no set time placed on when this would occur. Therefore traveling to different kingdoms gave them time, and allowed for the fulfillment of not only Sundiata's destiny, but the destiny of his sibling too. Sassouma on the other hand wanted her son Dankaran to reign as the king of Mali after his father passed away. Sassouma knew her late husband would not pass the throne to her son, so she decided to banish Sogolon and her family to the backyard. Sassouma thought this would help her son's path to becoming the next king of Mali. She thought Sundiata was competition and a distraction to her son, so she wanted him dead. "I want to kill Sundiata. His destiny runs counter to my son's and he must be killed while there is still time" (115). Although Sogolon and Sassouma Berete were both wives and mothers, Sogolon was portrayed as a good mother... ... to mine" (111). From this quote, it clearly shows how much arrogance and vanity the queen really had. In contrast to this, and despite the intense humiliation that she went through, Sogolon humbly left Sassouma's home "with a lump in her throat."(111) She never talked back to Sassouma, and she would never let Sassouma see her cry. Since Sogolon and Sundiata let his fait play out, they ended up on top. Sundiata takes his rightful place and becomes the king of Mail which he was born to lead. In conclusion, despite minuscule similarities Sogolon Kendjou and Sassouma Berete were depicted in direct contrast in the epic Sundiata. It is obvious that, despite the fact that both queens wanted the best for their sons, their characters and methods were different. Since they were so different it influenced not only Sundiata and Dankaran but all of the king's children.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Brain Drain in India Essay

The concept of brain drain is of a recent one that has ever strongly emerged since the last few decades. The phrase brain drain refers to the increasing tendency of the young, energetic, capable and talented youth of a country to migrate to another country in search of their fortune — rather better fortune. They forsake their motherland for they seek better opportunities in other countries. This has become a characteristic more of the intelligentsia of the nation—the doctors, engineers, scientists, M.B.As, C.As, lawyers and other professionals. Investment in education in a developing country may not lead to faster economic growth if a large number of its highly educated people leave the country. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimates that India loses $2 billion a year because of the emigration of computer experts to the U.S.[45] Indian students going abroad for their higher studies costs India a foreign exchange outflow of $10 billion annually. Our country is gradually being deprived of its intellectual capacity. Brain drain is also regarded as an economic cost, since emigrants usually take with them the fraction of value of their training sponsored by the government. Our nation, if this continues, will be rendered intellectually impoverished and impotent. This, in turn, is leading to a great loss of National wealth. But, have we ever thought of the reasons behind such a great movement of brain outside the country? Like always, we prefer to harp upon the problems rather than find a solution. Why does India, a great and domineering nation in Asia, have to face such a grave and serious problem? Why is our youth allured by the stranger meadows and horizons? Why do they prefer to work hard and be honest there, instead of here?The first answer to this problem is that we have utterly failed to our youth in providing the right kind of career opportunities and the opportunities to prove their capabilities. India has fallen face down when it comes to fulfilling their aspirations, ambitions and dreams. Countries like USA, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Japan etc have developed greatly in their technology, science, electronics, computers, astronomy etc. Thus, these countries provide greater opportunities—quality as well as quantity-wise. The facilities, packages, scholarships etc provided by these nations are far better than what we can  provide them in a lifetime. The only thing we can do is that when Indians like Amartya Sen, Arundhati Roy or Kalpana Chawla make it to international fame, we jump with joy and hypocritically say that they are Indians and we are proud of them. Cynics allege that talents like these can never hide. It will unreveal itself ultimately under every or any circumstances. This is utter foolishness. It is only reasonable and logical to think how you can expect a seed to sprout without providing it with sufficient water, fertilizer, manure, heat and protection. Same is the case with men too. How can the youth of a nation rise to superhuman feats when we cannot even provide them with humane conditions? He too, has a right to live and move ahead. Therefore, his reason leads him elsewhere in search of the land of his dreams where he can see these dreams, taking real shape. He can soar high, fly to his own liking in other countries whereas his wings are clipped short and he is left to suffocate and die on his own. Moreover, when Indian students, studying abroad return, they find themselves without any job or opportunity because we in reality have no jobs or employment avenues to match their caliber. Hence, even if they want to stay back, necessity forces them out of the country to earn a living. If we want to put a check to this growing problem, we have to create better jobs and offer better opportunities to our intellectuals so that we can woo them to stay on. Our IT professionals and IIM graduates are the best in the world. Countries welcome them with open arms. Why cant we think of some measures where we can absorb our best within our own country? We can use the best potential of the country to accelerate our progress in socio-economic fields. We need to give deserving jobs to students who return to India after completing their education abroad full of fresh ideas, zeal, idealism and patriotism. We need to formulate such policies which attract our scientists, engineers, lawyers, doctors, researchers, MBAS to come back to their motherland and work together for its progress. We need to weed out petty politics and corruption to provide a better living atmosphere and a better working condition if we seriously want to block the brain drain from our country. â€Å"We recognize the greatest strength of India is not just the number  of people, it’s the skill level that exists here† say an International Company. REFERENCES Lincoln C. Chen, M.D., and Jo Ivey Boufford, M.D. â€Å"Fatal Flows Doctors on the Move† New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 353:18501852 October 27, 2005 Number 17 online version, editorialCheng, L., & Yang, P. Q. â€Å"Global interaction, global inequality, and migration of the highly trained to the United States. International Migration Review, (1998). 32, 62694. Jeff Colgan, The Promise and Peril ff International Trade, (2005) ch 9. David Heenan.Flight Capital: The Alarming Exodus of America’s Best and Brightest (2005), brain drain in reverse as immigrants return homeDevesh Kapur and John McHale. Give Us Your Best and Brightest: The Global Hunt for Talent and Its Impact on the Developing World (2005) [2]Dowty, Alan (1989), Closed Borders: The Contemporary Assault on Freedom of Movement, Yale University Press, ISBN 0300044984Harrison, Hope Millard (2003), Driving the Soviets Up the Wall: Soviet-East German Relations, 19531961, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0691096783Kemp, Paul. Goodbye Canada? (2003), from Canada to U.S. Khadria, Binod. The Migration of Knowledge Workers: Second-Generation Effects of India’s Brain Drain, (2000)Kuznetsov, Yevgeny. Diaspora Networks and the International Migration of Skills: How Countries Can Draw on Their Talent Abroad (2006)D. W. Livingstone; The Education-Jobs Gap: Underemployment or Economic Democracy (1998), focus on Canada online editionDouglas S. Massey and J. Edward Taylor; International Migration: Prospects and Policies in a Global Market, (2003) online editionMullan, Fitzhugh. â€Å"The Metrics of the Physician Brain Drain.† New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 353:18101818 October 27, 2005 Number 17 online versionCaglar Ozden and Maurice Schiff. International Migration, Remittances, and Brain Drain. (2005)Ransford W. Palmer; In Search of a Better Life: Perspectives on Migration from the Caribbean Praeger Publishers, 1990 online editionPearson, Raymond (1998), The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Empire, Macmillan, ISBN 0312174071Ronald Skeldon an d Wang Gungwu; Reluctant Exiles? Migration from Hong Kong and the New Overseas Chinese 1994 online editionMichael Peter Smith and Adrian Favell. The Human Face of Global Mobility: International Highly Skilled Migration in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific, (2006)Thackeray, Frank W. (2004), Events that changed Germany, Greenwood Publishing Group, ISBN 0313328145David Zweig, Chen Changgui, and Stanley Rosen; China’s Brain Drain to the United States: Views of Overseas Chinese Students and Scholars in the 1990s Institute of East Asian Studies, 1995 online edition

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Deception Point Page 40

â€Å"This photo reveals,† Tench said, â€Å"that your candidate is holding secret meetings with an organization that represents private space enterprises.† Tench motioned to several other documents on the table. â€Å"We also have internal SFF memos calling for huge sums of money to be collected from SFF member companies-in amounts commensurate with their net worth-and transferred to accounts controlled by Senator Sexton. In effect, these private space agencies are anteing up to put Sexton in office. I can only assume he has agreed to pass the commercialization bill and privatize NASA if elected.† Gabrielle looked at the pile of papers, unconvinced. â€Å"Do you expect me to believe that the White House has evidence that its opponent is engaged in profoundly illegal campaign finance-and yet, for some reason, you are keeping it secret?† â€Å"What would you believe?† Gabrielle glared. â€Å"Frankly, considering your skills for manipulation, a more logical solution seems that you are plying me somehow with phony documents and photos produced by some enterprising White House staffer and his desktop publishing computer.† â€Å"Possible, I admit. But not true.† â€Å"No? Then how did you get all these internal documents from corporations? The resources required to steal all of this evidence from so many companies certainly exceeds the grasp of the White House.† â€Å"You're right. This information arrived here as an unsolicited gift.† Gabrielle was now lost. â€Å"Oh yes,† Tench said, â€Å"we get a lot of it. The President has many powerful political allies who would like to see him stay in office. Remember, your candidate is suggesting cuts all over the place-a lot of them right here in Washington. Senator Sexton certainly has no qualms about citing the FBI's bloated budget as an example of government overspending. He's taken some potshots at the IRS, too. Maybe someone at the bureau or at the service got a little annoyed.† Gabrielle got the implication. People at the FBI and IRS would have ways of getting this kind of information. They might then send it to the White House as an unsolicited favor to help the President's election. But what Gabrielle could not make herself believe was that Senator Sexton would ever be engaged in illegal campaign funding. â€Å"If this data is accurate,† Gabrielle challenged, â€Å"which I strongly doubt it is, why haven't you gone public?† â€Å"Why do you think?† â€Å"Because it was gathered illegally.† â€Å"How we got it makes no difference.† â€Å"Of course it makes a difference. It's inadmissible in a hearing.† â€Å"What hearing? We'd simply leak this to a newspaper, and they'd run it as a ‘credible-source' story with photos and documentation. Sexton would be guilty until proven innocent. His vocal anti-NASA stance would be virtual proof that he is taking bribes.† Gabrielle knew it was true. â€Å"Fine,† she challenged, â€Å"then why haven't you leaked the information?† â€Å"Because it's a negative. The President promised not to go negative in the campaign and he wants to stick to that promise as long as he can.† Yeah, right! â€Å"You're telling me the President is so upstanding that he refuses to go public with this because people might consider it a negative?† â€Å"It's a negative for the country. It implicates dozens of private companies, many of which are made up of honest people. It besmirches the office of the U.S. Senate and is bad for the country's morale. Dishonest politicians hurt all politicians. Americans need to trust their leaders. This would be an ugly investigation and would most likely send a U.S. senator and numerous prominent aerospace executives to jail.† Although Tench's logic did make sense, Gabrielle still doubted the allegations. â€Å"What does any of this have to do with me?† â€Å"Simply put, Ms. Ashe, if we release these documents, your candidate will be indicted for illegal campaign financing, lose his Senate seat, and most likely do prison time.† Tench paused. â€Å"Unless†¦ â€Å" Gabrielle saw a snakelike glint in the senior adviser's eyes. â€Å"Unless what?† Tench took a long drag on her cigarette. â€Å"Unless you decide to help us avoid all that.† A murky silence settled over the room. Tench coughed roughly. â€Å"Gabrielle, listen, I decided to share this unfortunate information with you for three reasons. First, to show you Zach Herney is a decent man who considers the government's well-being before his personal gain. Second, to inform you that your candidate is not as trustworthy as you might think. And third, to persuade you to accept the offer I am about to make.† â€Å"That offer being?† â€Å"I'd like to offer you a chance to do the right thing. The patriotic thing. Whether you know it or not, you're in a unique position to spare Washington all kinds of unpleasant scandal. If you can do what I am about to ask, perhaps you could even earn yourself a place on the President's team.† A place on the President's team? Gabrielle couldn't believe what she was hearing. â€Å"Ms. Tench, whatever you have in mind, I do not appreciate being black-mailed, coerced, or talked down to. I work for the senator's campaign because I believe in his politics. And if this is any indication of the way Zach Herney exerts political influence, I have no interest in being associated with him! If you've got something on Senator Sexton, then I suggest you leak it to the press. Frankly, I think this whole thing's a sham.† Tench gave a dreary sigh. â€Å"Gabrielle, your candidate's illegal funding is a fact. I'm sorry. I know you trust him.† She lowered her voice. â€Å"Look, here's the point. The President and I will go public with the funding issue if we must, but it will get ugly on a grand scale. This scandal involves several major U.S. corporations breaking the law. A lot of innocent people will pay the price.† She took a long drag and exhaled. â€Å"What the President and I are hoping for here†¦ is some other way to discredit the senator's ethics. A way that is more contained†¦ one in which no innocent parties get hurt.† Tench set down her cigarette and folded her hands. â€Å"Simply put, we would like you to publicly admit that you had an affair with the senator.† Gabrielle's entire body went rigid. Tench sounded utterly certain of herself. Impossible, Gabrielle knew. There was no proof. The sex had happened only once, behind locked doors in Sexton's senatorial office. Tench has nothing. She's fishing. Gabrielle fought to retain her steady tone. â€Å"You assume a lot, Ms. Tench.† â€Å"Which? That you had an affair? Or that you would abandon your candidate?† â€Å"Both.† Tench gave a curt smile and stood up. â€Å"Well, let's put one of those facts to rest right now, shall we?† She walked to her wall safe again and returned with a red manila folder. It was stamped with the White House seal. She unhooked the clasp, tipped the envelope over, and dumped the contents out on the desk in front of Gabrielle. As dozens of color photographs spilled out onto the desk, Gabrielle saw her entire career come crashing down before her. 46 Outside the habisphere, the katabatic wind roaring down off the glacier was nothing like the ocean winds Tolland was accustomed to. On the ocean, wind was a function of tides and pressure fronts and came in gusting ebbs and flows. The katabatic, however, was a slave to simple physics-heavy cold air rushing down a glacial incline like a tidal wave. It was the most resolute gale force Tolland had ever experienced. Had it been coming at twenty knots, the katabatic would have been a sailor's dream, but at its current eighty knots it could quickly become a nightmare even for those on solid ground. Tolland found that if he paused and leaned backward, the stalwart squall could easily prop him up.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

The State of American Workers.

The State of American Workers. The heart of America has always been, at least in my opinion, the attitudes of the people and the speed of industry. Great men like Carnegie and Rockefeller have changed the face of America and the industries within. This country has always been strong in industry. American workers helped build the tallest buildings, the most powerful ships and shape an economy that Donald Trump would appreciate. As the country became more populated the growth of industry boomed. Years later we are still a strong country, but the heart of Americans and their attitude towards work has changed drastically. With the rise of unemployment in America, it seems apparent that the occupation most desired is unemployment. Our economy is struggling to stay afloat and yet, there are thousands of jobs lost every day. How will the country survive another depression? The proceeding paper will talk about the status of American workers, unemployment and shared comments of what should be done to make our economy stron g again.United StatesAmerican workers 3My grandfather has always said, "Nothing in life is free boy, you've gotta work hard for what you want and you've gotta work hard to keep it." I believe that is a true statement in many ways. In my grandfathers' day, most people were poor. The average worker in the 1920's was a farmer or factory laborer of some kind. Poverty was a part of many American lives. Many young men and women turned to crime in order to support themselves as well as their families. The status of American workers has come along way since the depression. Some of that distance we have traveled has not been positive. We've had major scandals from well-respected investors like Enron (Isn't it ironic how the letter "E" was crooked?) as well as insurance scams.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Economics Report 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economics Report 3 - Essay Example The company currently is also observed to be focused on product differentiation to obtain competitive advantages through the demand shift trends reflected in the recent market changes. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 1.0. Introduction 4 1.1. Report Brief 4 1.2. Company Background 4 1.3. Research Aim 4 1.4. Method of Data Collection 5 2.0. Literature Review 5 2.1. Demand Theory 5 2.1.1. Demand Curve 5 2.1.2. Price and Demand Elasticity 6 2.2. Market Structure Theory 6 2.2.1. Product Differentiation Theory 7 2.2.2. Sales Revenue Maximization Theory 7 2.3. Long Run Theory 8 3.0. Case Study 8 3.1. Demand Curve Shift 8 3.1.1. Sainsbury Investment 9 3.2. Market Structure 9 3.2.1. Product Differentiation Strategy 10 3.2.2. Product Shift and Sales Maximization 10 3.3. Unconventional Long Run Company 11 4.0. Conclusion and recommendation 11 4.1. Answer to Aim 11 4.2. Overall Conclusion 11 4.3. Recommendations 12 References 13 1.0. Introduction 1.1. Report Brief This report ai ms at examining the current performance deciphered by the UK based retail giant, J. Sainsbury plc (Sainsbury). Accordingly, to accomplish the defined objective, various economic theories have been applied and eventually, make suggestions for the better performance of the company in future. 1.2. Company Background The retailing company was founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury and his spouse Mary Ann Sainsbury. Since then the company has been growing at a sustainable pace. Currently, the company operates over 1,106 supermarkets and convenient stores and has an employee base of 157,000. Operating in the retailing industry the company has it’s headquarter in London (J Sainsbury plc, 2013). 1.3. Research Aim As mentioned above, this study aims at researching the current developments in Sainsbury’s strategic behaviour along with that observed in its industrial trends, with the application of relevant theories. Based on the inferences drawn from the assessment of Sainsbury ’s current developments, as presented in its annual report for the year 2013, the essay also aims to suggest few rational recommendations to the company. 1.4. Method of Data Collection The primary source used in this research is the 2013 annual report of Sainsbury. Besides this source, information from the company website are also used in this essay, as per as the requirement. Additionally, inferences have been drawn from relevant peer-reviewed journals and academic sources so as to accomplish the research aim. 2.0. Literature Review 2.1. Demand Theory According to the demand theory, explained in Reynolds (2011), customers’ willingness to buy the commodities served by a particular industry or by a company along with their purchasing capacity, determines the market demand. The theory bases its assumptions on the study of various determinant factors that influence consumer willingness and their purchasing power as well. These determinant factors include, the price of the products (Px), price of the other goods or substitute goods (P0), income of the consumer (I), advertisement and the structure of population (N) among others. Thus, the demand function is depicted as D = f (Px, P0, I, N). The theory further assumes that consumer demand for a particular commodity varies if

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Effectiveness of NGO'S in Haiti Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Effectiveness of NGO'S in Haiti - Research Paper Example occupations (twice), brutal dictatorship, and militaries), which have contributed to the worsening of the public infrastructure and pervasive poverty within the country. 80% of the Haiti lives below the poverty line, a situation that remains aggravated by wide income inequality. It is widely approximated that NGOs operating within Haiti numbers around 3000 to as high as 10,000. Aid groups usually avail close to four-fifths of social services, and NGOs may account for close to 25% of the GDP (Schwartz 235). One of the most memorable leaders who have played a remarkable role in the country’s history is Aristide, who was ousted out of power in a coup by General Cedras Raoul in February 2004. In particular, the government is left without the capacity to fight poverty or address the country’s most harmful impacts such as education and health, entrusting most of these functions to international NGOs (Schwartz 236). Introduction Haiti is heavily aid dependent as the country ca nnot execute majority of the key functions of government inclusive of operations, and maintenance or the delivery of core public services devoid of foreign aid expertise and funding. A prominent reason for Haiti’s over-reliance on aid and the subsequent negligible impact draws from the series of corrupt, incompetent governments (Schwartz 235). Systemic corruption has been highlighted that the most prominent obstacle facing successful reconstruction and development of Haiti. This thesis analyses of the impact of NGOs effectiveness on Haiti development (economic, social, and political). I argue that the bulk of NGOs in Haiti has not been effective in discharging their mandate owing to absence of accountability and coordination (Kivland 248a). 1.2 Statement of Research Problem Most Haitians are very poor, living on less than $2 a day, a situation that has been worsened by the inability of the Haitian government to provide basic services such as health care and education (Buss 25 6). The UN approximated that international donors awarded Haiti more than $1.6 billion in relief aid since 2010 (close to $155 per Haitian) and more than $2 billion in recovery aid (close to $173 per Haitian), yet despite the massive aid, Haiti appears as if the earthquake happened less than four months ago (Johnston and Main 3). Close to half a million individuals remain homeless habited within hundreds on informal camps, and the bulk of the debris from destroyed buildings still remain on the streets, and cholera, a preventable disease is increasingly becoming an epidemic annihilating thousands and sickening hundreds. It is apparent that roughly none of the money that the public perceived was going to Haiti went directly to Haiti. The international community selected to sidestep the Haitian people, government of Haiti, and Haitian non-governmental organizations, whereby the funds were rather diverted to other governments, private entities, and international NGOs (Haggerty 25). One of the reasons given for the donors not dealing directly with NGOs rather than the government is the perception of widespread corruption in Haiti (Gurt 10). Overall, progress has been extremely low in all ways, a situation that can be attributed to ineffectiveness and lack of accountability in the channeling of donor funds and implementing projects. The question of accountability