Thursday, October 31, 2019

Monitoring Our Home Planet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Monitoring Our Home Planet - Essay Example Other short term potential impacts include disruption of transport and communication links, contaminated water supplies, destruction of built landscape; landslides may occur and fires damaging woodland areas. In the long term, earthquakes may result into diseases and displacement of people. There may be loss of human and natural landmarks. We can hence infer that earthquake leads to soil liquefaction, fires, avalanches and landslides, shaking and ground rapture, floods and even tsunami (Coen, 2012). On the other hand, tsunamis have potential impacts on earth too, for example, tsunamis cause mass destruction to the environment and human settlements. Tsunami is also associated with long term effects such as damage and destruction, injury, death loss of millions in dollars, and psychological problems. Although the initial tsunami effects are usually publicized across the world via media, actual effects continue in the affected areas for many years after tsunami strikes (Hyndman & Hyndma n, 2009). Finally the volcanoes, this natural phenomenon is also associated with adverse potential impacts in affected areas. For example, volcanoes destroy buildings, houses, roads, and transport and communication links. Volcanic eruptions are also associated with both short-term and long-term hazards. ... These natural phenomena, earthquake, tsunami, and volcanoes, are often monitored all over the world through the internet and people access information about occurrence of any of them via news media and social sites. For example, volcanoes are monitored through a global inventory of active volcanoes, warning systems of volcanic activity, seismic and eruption information, and progressively forecasting of volcanic activity on longer timescales. Earthquakes are also monitored in a similar manner. Occurrence of earthquakes is recorded by seismometers to great distances; this is because seismic waves travel in the entire interior of the earth. During monitoring, the absolute magnitude of earthquake is reported conventionally by numbers on the scale of moment magnitude, also referred to as Richter scale. A magnitude of 7 is reported and is known to cause serious damage over large regions. On the other hand, the felt magnitude is often monitored and reported using the modified Mercalli inten sity scale and it reports intensities ranging between 2 to 7 (Bendick, 1980). Tsunami is monitored too; in the recent past, seismic activities that cause tsunami has been monitored under the sea and has made it possible to anticipate when tsunamis will occur. There has been warning system developed for reasons of monitoring the occurrence of tsunami recently. Sensors have been put in the oceans in order to detect seismic activity. This monitors any increment in seismic activity which is the major cause of tsunami. The whole monitoring process is automated and can be about two minutes before seismic sensors detect any movement and relays a message via computers which activates an alert system (Wilkers, 1990). Ideally, these

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Forensic Science and Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Forensic Science and Law - Essay Example If there are no exceptional circumstances, the prosecution should not attempt to introduce such evidence. A judge would also consider whether there were any dissimilar characteristics between the print and that taken from the accused, and the size, quality and clarity of the print relied upon [R v Buckley1]. On the authority of an insp0ector, which can only be given where the officer has reasonable grounds for believing the suspect is involved in a criminal offence and the fingerprints will tend to confirm or disprove his involvement or facilitate the ascertainment of his identity. An authorization may only be given for the facilitating the ascertainment of the person’s identity where the person has either refused to identify themselves or the authorizing officer has reasonable grounds to suspect they are not who they claim to be. Fingerprints may also be taken from a person convicted of a reasonable offence or cautioned, warned or reprimanded in respect of such an offence. Subsection (2) replaces the existing provisions about the taking of fingerprints on the authority of an inspector with a wider power to take fingerprints from any person detained in consequence of his arrest for a reasonable offence. The existing requirements to give a person whose fingerprints are taken without consent reasons for doing so and for recording the reason as soon as practical applies to the new power. This amendment to Section 61 of PACE 1984 will prevent persons who come in to police custody and who may be wanted on a warrant or for questioning on other matters from avoiding detection by giving the police a false name and address. Using Livescan technology, which enables the police to take fingerprints electronically and which is linked to the national fingerprint database (NAFIS), the police will be able to confirm a person’s identity whilst he is still in police detention if his fingerprints have been taken previously.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Swot Analysis Of Country Oman Finance Essay

Swot Analysis Of Country Oman Finance Essay The UAE has achieved stable progress over the past three decades to emerge as a important global player in both the  political and the economic position The tremendously fast rate of economic growth until 2008 was due to the constant demand  for oil, in addition they a move their focus to a number of non-oil sectors. The UAE had maintains a dynamic political ties up with over  60 countries, mainly in Europe and Asia. The UAE is considered to be one of the foremost political forces in the Middle  East and is a member of a number of regional organizations, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab  union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Under the control of former President Sheikh Zayed, the UAE transformed from a nation of large-scale poverty  to a highly developed and wealthy country. With the death of Zayed in 2004, his son, Sheikh Khalifa, immediately took  over as president. Although the government structure in the UAE is not democratic, both Zayed and Khalifa have  bear the responsibility of retain the countrys development. The government has constantly received appreciation  for its efforts to creating business opportunities in Oman. The countrys tax rule is also considered among  the best in the world for businesses. The UAE market is capable to with a well-built telecommunication network and, as a  result, the countrys IT market is slowly becoming competitive. However, the level of science education remains low. The  country has a strong integrated environmental development program. Its ecological procedures are integrated with the  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program, which is par t of business practice in the UAE. PESTEL ANALYSIS OF OMAN COUNTRY http://www.free-power-point-templates.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pest-diagram-ppt-template-543450.jpg (Sources: www.google.com) INTRODUCTION PESTEL stands for Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal. It is used to describe an analysis that determines the opportunities and risks of global growth. It is also termed as a PEST or PESTLE analysis. Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal issues differ from one country to another. As a company looks to influence the advantages that the democratization of technology, information and finance, and grow beyond the national borders that previously controlled them, it is necessary that they consider a PESTEL analysis to accompany their SWOT analysis. The PESTEL analysis provides a strong outline which is used by global and multinational firm to set the stage to develop specific strategy to ease the risks involved in carry out their vision in new environments. This PEST country analysis report on Oman provides a holistic view of the country, with understanding analysis of current and future issues, supplemented with significant quantitative data to support trend analysis. FEATURES AND BENEFITS Following are benefit that business will gain if they implement pestle analysis in their planning process: Useful to know political environment: It is helpful to understand the political system in Oman through examination of key factors in the country and governance indicators. Useful to know economic situation: It is useful to understand the economic situation in Oman through a balanced evaluation of core macroeconomic matter. Useful to know demographics analysis: To understand the customer demographics in Oman through analysis of income distribution and the rural-urban split, as well as healthcare and education. Use to evaluate technology advancement: It is use to evaluate the technological background in Oman through analysis of related laws and policies, as well as patent data. Useful for controlling changes: By making effective use of PEST Analysis, it makes sure that it has united positively with the forces of change that are affecting the world. Good use of PEST Analysis helps to avoid taking action that is meant to failure for reasons beyond control. Helpful to know about new country or region: PEST is useful when we are start operating in a new country or region. Use of PEST Analysis helps to break free of lifeless assumptions, and helps to quickly adapt the reality of the new environment. HIGHLIGHTS The political landscape section discusses the evolution of the political scenario in Oman, as well as the countrys economic, social, foreign, and defence policies. The section also discusses the countrys performance according to World Bank Governance Indicators. The economic landscape section outlines the evolution of Omans economy, as well as the countrys performance in terms of GDP growth, composition by sector (agriculture, industry, and services), fiscal situation, international investment position, monetary situation, credit disbursement, banking sector, and employment. The social landscape section analyzes the governments social welfare policies, as well as the countrys performance in terms of healthcare, income distribution, and education. REASON TO USE PESTLE SWOT ANALYSIS Following are the main reason for using pestle swot: Useful to formulate goal: Strategic management is an essential aspect of managing modern businesses that involves forming goals and implements the programs that fulfil those goals. Useful to intact environmental scanning: Environmental scanning is a component of strategic management where mangers study various economic, political and social factors that might affect the business. It is helpful to small business also: It can help small businesses to identify intact markets and avoid costly mistakes. Small businesses can better compete by using these critical tools to assess opportunities and challenges. It is useful to manager for conducting an effective business: SWOT analysis and PESTLE analysis are two common strategic management equipment that the help managers brainstorm and organize their ideas during the environmental scanning process. It is broad wider concept: A main reason companies use both SWOT and PESTLE is because these tools offer broad and efficient analyses of key areas of a strategic plan. SWOT is an acronym that stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. PESTLE has wider coverage of business and external issues, including political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN OMAN http://www.oxberryrisk.com/Images/political_risk_analysis.jpg INTRODUCTION OF THE SECTOR The stability and structure of a countrys government gives a basis to understand future changes in the regions political environment. Policy at the local or federal level can differ significantly. Political power in Oman is dominated by Sultan Qaboos ibn Said Al Said who is responsible for all major decision-making and government actions. Decision-making authority rests with the Sultan with contribution from his advisors, the appointed Majlis al-Dawla and members of Omans leading merchant families. Succession is a key risk concern. Sultan Qaboos has dedicated himself for promoting the countrys reconstruction, economic diversification as well as continued political stability. A process of limited elected reform has been in progress over the last several years including the introduction of direct elections for members of the counselling assembly in 2000 and universal suffrage in 2003. In recent October 2007 elections, Oman records a strong 68% voter turnout. While Oman is gradually moving forward on political liberalization efforts, the Councils role remains largely advisory. Following is the political structure of Oman country: POLITICAL STRUCTURE MONARCHY Head of State Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Bu S aid Council of Ministers Composed of  the Sultans Advisors State Council (Majlis al-Dawla) 57 Appointed tribal and religious leaders Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) 84 member Elected body with advisory functions Major Parties Illegal Last Elections Consultative Council October 2011 THE MONARCHY The Sultan is a direct heir of Said bin Sultan, who had first opened relations with the  United States  in 1833. The Sultanate is neither political parties nor governing body, although the bicameral representative bodies provide the government with advice. The present Sultan has no direct heir, and has not publicly selected a successor. Instead, the ruling family should generally select a new Sultan after his death. If they do not select a new ruler after three days, then they open a letter left to them by the late Sultan, containing a proposal for a new Sultan. Current Sultan of Oman, Majesty Sultan  Qaboos  bin Said Al Bu Said holds an unexpected amount of power. Along with his position as Sultan, he is prime minister, defence minister, finance minister, foreign affairs minister and chair of the central bank. Moreover, Qaboos has only a few family members in his cabinet and the offices they hold are considered quite powerless. His cousin Hay him for example, is minister of national legacy and culture while his uncle, Shabib is special advisor for environmental affairs. This style of control has suggestion as none of his family members have gained the necessary managerial skills to rule Oman after Qaboos death. JUDICIAL SYSTEM The court system in Oman is regulated by Royal Decree 90/99. There are three court levels in Oman; the Elementary Court is the lowest court, followed by the Court of Appeal, and then the Supreme Court as the highest court in the country. In addition to this there is an Administrative Court that looks into cases made against the government. GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS FDI The government keenly support foreign direct investment into the country to increased employment opportunities for Omanis. Omanisation allowance are currently in force for six industries in the private sector, i.e. the transport, storage and communications sector at 60%,finance, insurance and real estate at 45% and industry at 35%. Authorities created the Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED) in 1997 with the aim of providing foreign investors with a one-stop-shop for licensing and registration procedures. Judicial transformation is in progress and the court system is considered largely fair. Corruption level are low by regional standards and do not act as a significant obstacle to foreign investment. LAND OWNERSHIP In Oman the regulation for land are expected to be less because the minister wants to increases the opportunity for tourism. The Ministry of Housing, Electricity and Water may grant permission to a company or a foreign national the Right to use a certain property for operations that promote the economic development of Oman. INCENTIVES Government incentives to promote local and foreign investment include tax exemptions; the provision of industrial plots in industrial zones for nominal charges; preference in the allocation of government land; interest-free or subsidized loans with longer terms for repayment; reduced charges for water, electricity and fuel; financial assistance for the development of economic and technical possibility studies; and the accelerate arrangement of immigration visas and permits for foreign workers. GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND POLICIES A foreign national desire to engage in a trade or business in Oman or to acquire an interest in the capital of an Omani company must obtain a license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In general, the ministry grants a license if the paid-up capital of the Omani company in which the investment is made is at least Rs 150,000 (US$ 390,000) and if the foreign ownership of the company does not exceed 49%. The Social Security Law requires private-sector employers and their Omani employees to pay monthly contributions to an insurance fund for old age, disability and death benefits. Oman does not impose personal income tax. Income tax is levied on people that are wholly owned by Omani nationals, entities with foreign participation, branches of foreign companies and Omani sole proprietorships. All companies incorporated in Oman irrespective of the extent of foreign ownership and branches of companies registered in the other member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Qa tar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are taxed at a rate of 12%, for income exceeding RO 30,000. A single tax rate applies to branches of foreign companies, at rates ranging from 0% to 30%. Petroleum companies are subject to tax under specific provisions and rates. Omani sole proprietorships are taxed at a rate of 12%.The Omani Labour Law requires employers to pay end-of-service benefits to expatriate employees. FOREIGN INVESTMENT With the exemption of certain restrictions on the foreign-currency holdings of  commercial banks, Oman does not impose exchange controls. In general, Oman does not restrict the transfer of funds overseas of equity or debt capital, interest, dividends, branch profits, royalties, management and technical service fees, and personal savings. RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT The Foreign Capital Investment Law (Royal Decree No. 102 of 1994) governs foreign investment in Oman. If the foreign body want to invest in Omani companies they must file applications for licenses with the Ministry of  Commerce and Industry. The ministry grants licenses to applicants if   both of the following conditions apply: The paid-up capital of the Omani company in which the investment is made is at least Rs.1, 50, 000(US$390,000). The foreign ownership of the company does not exceed 49%.The Ministry may exempt the following entities from the licensing conditions : Companies conducting business through special contracts or agreements with the government; Companies established by Royal Decree; and Parties conducting a business that the Council of Ministers declares necessary to the country. TAX EXEMPTIONS In Oman tax is exempted from corporate tax and customs duty which may be granted by the Ministry of Finance. From the following activities tax is exempted such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fishing, fish farming, fish processing, aquaculture, animal breeding, tourism, the export of manufactured and reprocessed products, operation of colleges, universities, and higher education institutes, private schools, training institutes, private hospitals and public utilities. Exemptions are granted for five year periods effective from the date when production begins or services are first rendered; a five year extension may be granted. .Management agreements and construction contracts do not qualify for tax exemptions. Companies engaged in the activities listed above may also obtain an exemption from the payment of customs duty on exports and on imports of equipment, spare parts and raw materials. IMPORTING The import of goods into Oman requires an import license. The import of  certain classes of goods, including alcohol, firearms and explosives, requires a special import license. Goods entering Oman must have certificates of origin. Oman follows Arab boycott rules, which forbid the import of goods originating from Israel. EXPORTS Oman does not restrict exports. However, the export of items of historical value requires an export license. CUSTOMS DUTIES In Oman most imported goods are subject to pay customs duty at a flat rate of 5% on their cost-insurance freight (CIF) value. Consumer goods, including food substance are exempt from customs duty whereas alcohol and tobacco are subject to pay higher rates of duty. Goods produced within the GCC generally may be imported duty-free. In certain circumstances, Oman may allow the contractors to import duty-free equipment and materials for use the on government, PDO and OLNG projects. Since from 2005 Oman has entered into a Free Trade Agreement with the United States of  America. POWER ON THE TOURISM SECTOR The government promote foreign contribution to develop the country tourism industry. Since the mid-1980s, the government has gradually opened its desert, mountains and coastlines to foreign tourists and the Ministry of Tourism has share part in various international tourism exhibitions to introduce Oman to the world tourist trade. Due to recent changes made in visa a regulation that had increases arrival of a large number of populations which in turn are likely to increase the flow of  tourists in Oman. Due to the development of International Airport which increase the tourist probable of the country. A new Tourism Ministry was set up in 2004 to provide push to this sector. The Ministry of Tourism has free provisional tourist arrivals figures for 2011. These showed a slight decline of 1.8% in arrivals over the year to 1,427,611. In light of this to some extent unsatisfactory figure, BMI has change down its predict for tourist arrivals in 2012, believe that an increase of 10% is now the most likely outcome for the year, down from 15% previously. BMIs predict is in line with the governments outlook for the industry. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQnKP8I_IH7yqQSamEgMPjoj-OcN1qkxFY8WKYN5xiM_sYx59qBHwTwJjP3 (Sources: www.google.com) INTRODUCTION OF THE SECTOR Omans economy is based mainly on petroleum and natural gas. With limited energy reserves, Oman has decided to expand its economy away from oil and gas production. The Oman Vision 2020 development plan highlighted the need for the Omani economy to expand its economy through a process of  industrialization and privatization. The main single industrial investment target is the port city of Sohar, near the UAE border. The government has direct with several main privatization programs, including power generation projects, and other power and water generation plan. Oman expects to triple the industrys one percent contribution to GDP and finally create over 1, 14,000 tourism-related jobs. Besides these the government had built a second airstrip and new terminal at Muscat International Airport by 2011. The government is also in the procedure of expanding its privatization efforts to its wastewater and solid waste management operation. In addition to this the Omanis aggressively marketing itself as a enchanting, environmentally aware tourist goal. The Omani government is developing a port at Duqm, an evenly populated area along the Arabian Sea. This strategy call for the construction of a dry dock facility, oil refinery, petrochemicals complex and fish processing centre to ultimately fight with Dubais Jebel Ali port complex. The Duqm development plan also calls for the construction of an airport to facilitate passenger and cargo shipments and a three-hotel tourism resort complex. MACRO ECONOMIC DATA Following is the macro data of Oman country. YEAR 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 GDP Normal GDP 309.5 36,804 4,198 60,299 46,115 56,251 61,840 Real GDP 4.0 5.5 6.8 12.8 2.0 3.6 3.8 Origin of GDP Agriculture -2.9 -4.6 4.6 0.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 Industry 5.6 -1.7 3.6 11.9 0.3 3.8 3.9 Services 6.7 12.2 9.5 1.3 1.2 3.4 3.7 Population income Population 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.9 3.2 3.3 3.4 GDP per head 20,396 21,639 22,360 24,629 22,960 23,151 23,440 Fiscal indicators Govt. Indicators 38.0 35.2 36.7 32.9 38.1 36.3 34.0 Govt. Expenditure 35.4 34.9 36.5 32.6 41.9 37.1 35.0 Govt. Balance 2.5 0.3 0.2 0.4 (3.8) (0.8) (1.0) Net public debt 4.9 3.8 3.1 2.5 5.5 4.5 4.1 Prices financial indicators Consumer prices (average, %) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Lending interest rate (average %) 7.1 7.4 7.3 7.1 7.4 6.8 6.9 (Sources: GCC construction fact sheet) GROWTH RATE GROWTH RATE AMOUNT GDP ( APPROX) $59.946billion PER  CAPITA GDP (APPROX.) $21,646 REAL GDP GROWTH RATE (APPROX.): 7.8% The government is looking to expand the economy beyond the hydrocarbon sector, which still account for about 75% of export earnings, given the limited sector possible to force and maintain growth beyond 2020. Foreign investment maintain of natural gas projects, along with the government investments will sustain growth. Oil prices natural gas represents a small proportion of GDP and export revenues. To this end, the government is shifting its plan to aim renewable energy as a key developmental goal with hope that it will contribute about 30% of GDP by 2020. PURCHASING POWER G:images omanOman-50Rials-f.jpg (Sources: www.google.com) The inflation rate for the year ended 2010 was about 4%. This was the outcome of declining crude oil prices. The oil and natural gas being the core business of  Omanis it play an important role in determine the per capita income and their purchasing power. However, the situation is changing. There is gradual boom in the per capita income. The period of rapid growth has come to an end, and in the absence of a sharp recovery in oil prices Oman looks set to grow in the 3-4% range over the coming 5-10 years. The cost of living in Oman is high as most of the goods are imported. MINERAL RESOURCES http://www.omanet.om/arabic/economic/images/9-9.jpg Omans mineral resources include chromite, dolomite, zinc, limestone, gypsum, silicon, copper, gold, cobalt, and iron. Several industries have grown up around them as part of the national development process which, in turn, has boosted the minerals sectors contribution to the nations GDP as well as providing jobs for Omanis. The mineral sectors operations include mining and quarrying, with several projects recently completed, including: an economic feasibility study on silica ore in Wadi Buwa and Abutan in the Wusta Region, which confirmed that there were exploitable reserves of around 28 million tonnes at the two sites; a feasibility study on the production of magnesium metal from dolomite ore; a draft study on processing limestone derivatives; a project to produce geological maps of the Sharqiyah Region; economic feasibility studies on the exploitation of gold and copper ores in the Ghaizeen area; a study on raw materials in the wilayats of Duqm and Sur for use in the Sultanates cem ent industry; and a study on the construction of a new minerals laboratory at Ghala in the Governorate of Muscat. Metkore Alloys will build a world-class 1,65,000 tonnes per annum capacity ferro chrome smelter project in Oman with an envisaged investment of $80 million. SOURCE OF FUNDS AND THEIR COST Oman commercial banks are the primary source of short, medium, and long-term credit. Because there is no restriction in obtaining credit in Oman they can also obtain credit from commercial banks in the neighbouring Gulf countries. The Oman Development Bank they grant loans to small and medium-size companies, for less than Rs.2,50,000. Investors also obtain financing from the Gulf Investment Corporation located in Kuwait which is established by the GCC, is a major financial institution whose main purpose is to invest in the equity and provide loan funding to the new companies. SECURITIES MARKET The Capital Market Authority in Oman is established in 1998 which regulates the securities market. Muscat Securities Market, which began its operations in 1989, over sees the flow of funds into securities and develops the local financial market. Membership in the exchange is compulsory for Omani licensed banks, specialized loan institutions, authorized financial intermediaries, joint stock companies and Omani public authorities whose shares are registered on the securities market.   Commercial banks, joint stock investment and brokerage companies which is registered in Oman they may establish investment funds called joint investment accounts. The accounts are listed on the Muscat Securities Market and may be up to 49% foreign-owned these funds are exempt from taxation. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL FACILITIES The Omani government is developing a port at Duqm, which is a less populated area along the Arabian Sea. This plans call for the construction of a dry dock facility, oil refinery, petrochemicals complex and fish processing centre to eventually fight with Dubais Jebel Ali port complex. The plan also calls for the construction of an airport to facilitate passenger and cargo shipments and a three-hotel tourism resort complex. . Oman is focusing on its port infrastructure as well. Two of Omans principal ports, Sohar and Salalah, are aggressively moving forward on expansion of  their respective. To increases the tourism facilities the government will build a second runway and much-needed new terminal at Muscat International Airport in 2011, they also built a new taxiway at Salalah Airport in 2010, and new airports at Sohar, Ras al-Hadd, and Duqm. Oman is focusing on its port infrastructure as well. Two of Omans prime ports, Sohar and Salalah, are aggressively moving forward on expansion of  their respective.. Oman is focusing on its port infrastructure as well. SIZE OF MARKET In 2002, Oman attracted some 1.2 million foreign visitors; about 7,00,000 came from the GCC (GULF CO-OPERTION COUNCIL) states. And of those700, 000 tourists, an overwhelming 85 percent of them came from the UAE. For all the talk in Muscat and Salalah about bringing in European tourists, the fact remains that the bulk of the sultanates visitors come from a lot closer to home- and, of those, huge numbers are simply driving across the border for a very short-term stay. Oman has so much more to offer than the other Gulf States in terms of  culture and history. Oman offers an real Arabian experience thats not easily available elsewhere in the region. TRADE: http://www.omanet.om/arabic/economic/images/tra03.jpg (Sources: www.Omannet.Om) The Omanis have been trader since ancient times. Their transport and group carried Omani goods including frankincense, dates and limes across the seas and over the old frankincense and silk routes, encourage cultural interactions with other peoples. Today, Oman is a part of a number of economic communities including the Arab Gulf Co- operation Council (AGCC), the Greater Arab Free Trade Zone, the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The Sultanate has raised its laws on investment activity and has begun One Stop Shop permission facilities along with easy, transparent procedures. There is protected coordination between the bodies and authorities involved in providing services for investors, while current progress towards the establishment of e-government have led to a growing confidence on electronic channels. Commercial laws and regulations are being modernized, including the Law on Trade Marks, Descriptions, Trade Secrets and Protection against Unfair Competition, the regulation of foreign trade representation offices, the Consumer Protection Law and the Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property. Beside these measures, the country has also raised its ports and established free trade zones in all Mazyounah and Salalah. Omani goods are exported to the markets to world countries. Government authorities and departments give main concern to Omani products when making purchases and Omani goods are actively promoted in the local market through seminars and exhibitions. Broader promotion campaigns are also held in the regional and world markets, where Omani products have already begun to make their mark because of their high quality specifications. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has established a certificate by the United Kingdoms Human Investment Programme, recognizing it as an investor in human resources. SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT http://www.secs.unibo.it/NR/rdonlyres/3611A3BD-7B6B-4531-8AAF-181E56EBA9CE/177588/Fotolia_895776_Ometti2Cerchi.jpg (Sources: www.google.com) INTRODUCTION OF THE SECTOR Since Oman is a Muslim country, all the activities are influenced by the Muslim culture. The main characteristic of Omani culture is respect for others and it prevents others from letting their face down. In Oman the foreigners have to make sure that they dont make any unpleasant remarks in the public places. Otherwise they feel insulted and let down in the society. Language: In Oman country Arabic is local language. LIFE STYLE OF THE OMANIS: Following are key factors that determine the living style of the population in Oman. CULTURE: In order to fully understand any country culture, is very important to know because it influence society whole. In Oman Islam culture is followed by every people. Oman is the Muslim country so majority of them follows Ibrahim sect it is very conservative culture. Islam directs every part of a Muslim life, from holidays to the food they eat to how they dress and do business. Kindness, humility and respect for others are key thought which are present in both social and professional field of life. ART: Traditional handicraft such as silver and gold jewelry, goat- and camel-hair carpet, woven baskets, water jugs, weapon and khanjar, a special type of dagger etc are generally practiced in this country. Besides these, drawing, painting, photography etc are also practiced. MUSIC: Music in Oman is a vital part of art. The traditional folk songs are very popular and practiced in the country. Arabic music has left a deep influence in the Oman music. Health: Life expectancy at birth in Oman is approximate to be 74.47 years in 2012. As of 1999, there were an approximate 1.3 physicians and 2.2 hospital beds per 1,000 people. In 1993, 89% of the population had access to health care services. In 2000, 99% of the population had access to health care services. During the last three decades, the Oman health care system has established and account great achievements in health care services and preventive and curative medicine. In 2001, O

Friday, October 25, 2019

Argumentative Essay: Gun Control Violates the Second Amendment :: Constituton Bill Rights Right To Bear Arms

Few issues incite americans more than the issue of rising crime and violence. This problem can easily be linked to the availability of guns."The debate over whether guns are a hallowed tradition and a right guaranteed by the Second Ammendment of the U.S.constitution or whether they are a fearful danger contributing to crime and violence." ("gun control") Due to the outbreak of violence in our society, some people feel that repealing the Second Ammendment would solve the problem. These people feel that repealing the Second Ammendment would solve the problem. These people feel that there are two reasons for the repeal; One is the rising of violence among teenagers, the second reason is their interpertation of the Second Ammendment which could be considered a strict one. The side opposing these views use arguments like how it would be immpossible to repeal the Second Ammendment, and a long western civilizations history with a right to bear arms. Finally one can see the conflict of views dealing with the Second Ammenment, but one would also see that repealing the ammendment wouldn't solve the problem facing our society. The contriversy of this issue that has the potential to pulverise this country is why it is such a good topic to discuss, people should be better informed and make a decision based on fact and not fiction. Many advocates of the limitations of guns can quote numerous examples of increasing violence and homicide crimes. But the area which hits the closest to home is the issue of violence among the teenagers of our society. The years have changed on how students deal with their problems "Twenty-five or thirty years ago, when teenage boys got into a fight... it usually meant a fist fight. In more and more neighborhoods... it now means a shoot out" ("Gun Control"320). Violence like that is a major problem on our streets and even in our schools. Almost everywhere now "youngsters are packing weapons, Some are involved in drugs or gangs; others carry them for self-defense... One study says at least one in every three male juveniles is armed"(Muller 2). Now more than ever before an "increasing number of children under the age of 18 arrested each year for murder has jumped 55% in the past decade,... Juvenile arrests for aggravated assault are rising dramatically" (Henkoff 2). The results of this rising trend in violence has led to the release of a "center for disease center reports that since 1988, American teenage boys have been more likely to die from gunshot wounds than from... All other natural diseases" ("Gun Control" 83).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Economic Globalization and Civil War Essay

Researchers Katherine Barbieri and Rafael Reuveny attempt through their study on economic globalization and civil war to find the relation, if any, between the effects of globalization and the occurrence of civil wars in developing countries. Their hypothesis is that globalization has positive effects on developing countries, causing them to have more stability and become less likely to erupt in civil war. Using the examples of 74 civil wars spanning the years of 1970-1999, the researchers compared variables of globalization including international trade, foreign direct investment, foreign portfolio investment, and internet use against periods of civil war in corresponding countries. Their results revealed that when the globalization variables, with the exception of internet use, are more important to a country it is less likely to have a civil war. These variables produce an economic stability that makes people less inclined to interrupt the status quo. Their results showed that poor countries with large populations that were less likely to be economically equal in already dire financial straits are far more likely to see internal unrest. While globalization is unlikely to be the root cause of civil war and can help reduce the likelihood it cannot prevent it as there may be deeper forces at work such as cultural or ethnic inequalities that may be exacerbated by globalization.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Biological Effects on Hunger and Satiation

There Is a theory called duel control theory that assumes that the feeling of hunger and satiation are controlled by two parts of the hypothalamus the lateral hypothalamus and the venturesome hypothalamus. It is stated that the venturesome hypothalamus Is triggered by an Increase In the glucose levels during eating, It then gives out the feeling of satiation (fullness) causing a person to stop eating. Whereas the decline In glucose level triggers the lateral hypothalamus which then gives out the feeling of hunger making the Individual want to eat.This theory Is backed by a study conducted by Withering and ransom (1942) who found that after creating lesions (damage) In a rats VIM they found that the rate become obese and overate, thus showing the rat sots its feeling of satiety and had no holds on how much to eat. Another study done by And and broke (1 951 ) showed that when the LA in rats was damaged or had a lesion it led to the loss of eating in the rat. The problem with these stud ies is that they are conducted on rats which begs the question are whether you can extrapolate the findings and generalist them on humans.Although they are found to have a similar gene structure to humans, we are still two very different species and humans are a far more complex organism, with mood, feelings etc. Also both the studies are very old which questions there reliability, with far less knowledge about the brain in 1950 the study could have been effected by other factors for example causing lesions in the VIM tends to also damage the parenthetical nucleus which is another area of the hypothalamus.Withering & Ransom did not take this into account which has effectively caused a loss in the reliability of their study. Not only this but Gold (1973) found that lesions in the VIM alone did not cause hyperplasia and stated that t is likely that damage done to the parenthetical nuclease ( the area were Withering and ransom caused damage) helps to cause hyperplasia, but there is one problem with Gold study and its that it has never been replicated and research has been found that shows that lesions in the Vim does cause overeating.The duel control theory is a very reductionism theory as it assumes that the sole control of eating and feelings of hunger and satiety are biological and does not take Into inconsideration environmental and emotional factors on why people have such eating characteristics. It is also quite determinist In the way that it says the all control Is biological meaning we individually have no control In It and that Is Is programmed and that we have no say In the matter, which Is seen In everyday life to be Incorrect as you see people going through life changes who's eating characteristics completely change.Another theory Is that gherkin (a hormone given off by the stomach) triggers he hypothalamus to stimulate the sensation of hunger. Cummings (et al) did a studios 6 participants and monitored there gherkin levels during after and before eat ing throughout the day. She found that people's gherkin levels fell straight after rose and peaked at the feeling of hunger. She concluded that gherkin levels directly affected the level of hunger a person was feeling and reflected the emptiness of their stomach. The study was highly flawed as it had a lot of methodological issues.Firstly he study was carried out on 6 male participants meaning we cannot extrapolate the findings to the general public and only to men. Another problem is that it is a very artificial environment which could of effected the participants behavior and caused nervousness or anxiety which could have effected results as they were being monitored. Lastly the study is a correlation one meaning we can conclude cause and effect. However this story does coincide and supports findings from previous research on gherkin.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Definition of sociology of religion and its imperativeness

Definition of sociology of religion and its imperativeness Introduction Studies on sociology of religion have been gaining prominence in the contemporary society. This is attributable to the increased need for explicit understanding of the role of religion in enhancing the development of noble social practices. Indeed, sociology that studies human origin, societal setting and interaction capacity has credible connection with religion.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of sociology of religion and its imperativeness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is evident since religion provides individuals with basic moral and spiritual incentives or principles that shape their decision-making ability. Religion also inculcates structure-oriented principles that influence individual’s social, economic and cultural practices or actions. According to scholars, there is a strong relationship between religion and sociology. The relationship is based on principles and oper ating guidelines that cannot be isolated. For instance, religion enables individuals to acquire basic ethical and moral values that are essential for social growth. The scholars also relay diverse classical and contemporary theories of sociology that gives clear understanding on how sociology relates to religion. The theories that centers on secularization, civil religion and multiculturalism shows how sociology of religion is significant. This shows how religion has a bearing in shaping social capacity and wellbeing of persons. It also aids the understanding on why most leaders are advocating for the cohesiveness of religion in the context of globalization. Definition of sociology of religion and its imperativeness As defined, sociology of religion studies beliefs, practices and organizational forms of religion that influence individual’s decision-making. The concept adopts the tools and techniques that are applicable in the discipline of sociology (Furseth Pal 1). The defi nition focuses mainly on the key interactive elements and life ideals that take place between individuals in social perspectives. It recognizes the role that religious beliefs, practices and ethical guidelines play in shaping individuals social set up. Another school of thought defines sociology of religion as the study of religion in the social context that applies the same theories that facilitate studies on economics and social phenomena. This affirms the idea that, the construction of human beings is under social ideals and principles. It also explains the notion that, religion has no significant or inherent difference from general philosophy. Imperatively, sociology of religion has immense interest in religion and its effects to societal development. Sociology also has interest on the society’s influence on individual’s religious lifestyle (Furseth Pal 4).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More That is most individuals are keen to understanding how religion and sociology compliment each other in ensuring holistic advancement of individuals. This is vital in enhancing social, economic and cultural integration especially in the contemporary society. Indeed, the definitions aim at enhancing the understanding of secularization, civil religion and globalization that are key issues affecting social integration. Discussion on sociology of religion Scholars affirmed that, religious principles and values form key ingredients that influence social integration and understanding. They stated that, societies that operate without embracing religious ideals are at the verge of collapse or disintegration. Such societies or individuals cannot cope with the noble social demands and expectations that require immense human understanding and complete eradication of secularism. It is imperative to note that, building a cohesive society under social ideals is dependent on the human values that people share. It is also dependent on the individual’s choices and actions. These influences how well they are able to interact and record exemplary growth socially and economically (Furseth Pal 6). The standards that are vital in ensuring social growth are part of religious principles and ethical values that demands respect for human dignity. The principles shape up individuals thinking capacity and perception on various issues. In the contemporary society, religion presents various norms and principles that individuals are under expectation to conform to (Cipriani 2). The principles vary in various faithful groups, for example, Christians and Muslims due to their different beliefs. The beliefs and principles under the categories affect individual’s action plans on diverse issues that affect their lives. This is evident since a good number of people tend to adopt their religious practices and operate under the set norms. These p ractices influence how they relate, interact with others, execute duties and coordinate activities. The subject’s importance The study on sociology of religion is of great value to various individuals in the contemporary society. Firstly, it aims at equipping individuals with credible information on the interrelations between sociology and religion. This is fundamental since societies are evolving no more, and social practices are expressly dependent on individual’s actions or decisions (Cipriani 3). The actions that are influenced by religious, cultural and economic ideals define individual’s wellbeing. Consequently, the study is important, as it will enable individuals to understand how religious practices and principles influence their social growth. This is essential since religious values and ethical standards facilitate mutual understanding.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of sociology of religion and its imperativeness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They foster peace and cohesiveness that is crucial for social and economic advancement in the contemporary society. It also seeks to facilitate the need for embracing civil religion ideals as material virtues for societal growth. Cipriani (4) noted that understanding of the concept would help in cushioning the spread of secularization that threatens to erode the splendid gains made in the social sector. Secularization whose practice is in the increase does not embrace religious beliefs. The worrying practice adopts secular norms that lack moral and ethical values that are critical for social growth. Due to this, sociologists affirm that it could get worse unless religious leaders get into spirited campaigns for spiritual awakening (Johnstone 6). The leaders need to reaffirm the importance of religious guidelines that appertains to dress code, communication and choice of entertainment. They also need to creat e awareness that key religious virtues that include love, kindness, honesty and generosity are central elements that contribute in the enhancement of social stability. These elements are vital if meaningful gains are to be made in the social sector in various nations. These will inculcate a sense of togetherness and the need for adoption of noble practices in life. Rational of the Theory The study rationally provides credible information on sociology of religion in the contemporary societies where secular humanist beliefs are gaining prominence. This is vital in ensuring the restoration of structure oriented religious beliefs. This will foster cordial engagement and interaction with others (Johnstone 9). The information focuses on key issues that affect social integration in most settings that include secularization, civil religion and multiculturalism. The issues are critical since there is a belief that they form the key forces that shape human action. Conclusion Indeed, religion ideals are elements that focus on developing individuals spiritually by inculcating noble Christian ideals that include love, care, understanding and peace. It aims at eradicating secular and unethical social practices that does not foster peace through systematic spiritual awakening. This explains why the two elements are regarded as related concepts.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cipriani, Roberto. Sociology of Religion: An Historical Introduction. New York: Aldine de Gruyter, 2000. Print. Furseth, Inger Pal Repstad. An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives. Aldershot [u.a.: Ashgate, 2007. Print. Johnstone, Ronald L. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Blood and Dense Connective Tissue Essay

Blood and Dense Connective Tissue Essay Blood and Dense Connective Tissue Essay Essay practice for winter semester test: NOTE: Each class will be given three of the following to pick from: Sofia: 1. Describe the functions of water in the body. Water is vital for life and is an essential nutrient. 1-A primary function of water is to serve as a lubricant. For example, it is found in saliva and is a substantial component in the fluid surrounding joints. Water is also in and surrounding body structures such as the brain, spinal cord and eyes. The water layer helps protect and cushion these vulnerable areas from shock and trauma that could otherwise cause significant damage. 2-Water is an important agent in body temperature regulation. The human body cannot function unless this is maintained within a certain range. Water helps achieve this in two ways. Since water is slow to change temperature and is efficient at storing heat, the amount of water in the body composition, 60 to 75 percent, is a natural temperature regulator. Another way this nutrient is used by the body for this purpose is through the process of perspiration. As water evaporates from the skin, the body is cooled. 3-Protein and carbohydrates are two nutrients necessary for healthy body functioning. They provide energy and are vital for growth and development. However, these two substances are useless to the body without water. Water enables a chemical reaction to occur which results in protein and carbohydrates becoming absorbable and usable by the body. 4-Water is essential in the body's transportation system. Nutrients and other necessary elements must be sent to all parts of the body in order to ensure functioning of every single body process, from respiration to muscle movement to digestion and waste removal. Without water as the movement medium, the body would not function. 2. List the six major functions of proteins. The six major functions of proteins are to repair and maitenance- protein is vital in the maintenance of body tissue, including development and repair..hair, skin, eyes, muscle organs are all made from protein, energy- protein is a major source of energy, hormones- protein is involved in the creation of some hormonesthese substances help control bodily functions that involve the interaction of several organs, enzymes- enzymes are proteins that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body, transportation and storage of molecules-protein is a major element in the transportation and storage of certain molecules for example hemoglobin (a protein) transports oxygen throughout the body and Ferritin (a protein) combines with iron for strange in the liver, antibodies- proteins form antibodies that help prevent infection, illness and disease..they identify and assist in destroying antigens such as bacteria and viruses. 3. Draw and label an animal cell. Identify at least 10 components. Tell the function of each. Jillian: 4. Using a drawing, explain the cell cycle. Include the steps of interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. 5. Name and describe the types of cells found in connective tissue. The five types of mature connective tissue are (1) loose connective tissue, (2) dense connective tissue, (3) cartilage, (4) bone tissue, and (5) liquid connective tissue. The fibers of loose connective tissue are loosely arranged between cells. The types of loose connective tissue are areolar connective tissue, adipose tissue, and reticular connective tissue. Areolar connective tissue consists of fibers (collagen, elastic, and reticular) and several kinds of cells (fibroblasts, macrophages, plasma cells, adipocytes, and mast cells) embedded in a semifluid ground substance. It functions are strength, elasticity, and support. Areolar connective tissue is located in the subcutaneous layer deep to skin and around blood vessels, nerves, and body organs. Adipose tissue is a loose connective tissue in which the cells, called adipocytes, are specialized for storage of triglycerides (fats). Adipose tissue is found

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Examples of Sanctions in International Relations

Examples of Sanctions in International Relations In international relations, sanctions are a tool that nations and nongovernmental agencies use to influence or to punish other nations or non-state actors. Most sanctions are economic in nature, but they may also carry the threat of diplomatic or military consequences as well. Sanctions can be unilateral, meaning they are imposed only by one nation, or bilateral, meaning a bloc of nations (such as a trade group) is imposing the penalties. Economic Sanctions The Council on Foreign Relations defines sanctions as a lower-cost, lower-risk, middle course of action between diplomacy and war. Money is that middle course, and economic sanctions are the means. Some of the most common punitive financial measures include: Tariffs: Surcharges on imported goods, often imposed to aid domestic industries and markets.Quotas: Limits on the number of goods that may be imported or exported.  Embargoes: Restrictions on or cessation of trading with a nation or bloc of nations. These can include limiting or banning travel by individuals to and from nations.Non-tariff barriers: These are designed to make foreign goods more expensive by complying with onerous  regulatory requirements.Asset seizure/freeze: Capturing or holding the financial assets of nations, citizens, or preventing the sale or moving of those assets.   Oftentimes, economic sanctions are linked to treaties or other diplomatic agreements between nations. They could be revocation of preferential treatment such as Most Favored Nation status or import quotas against a country not abiding by agreed international rules of trade. Sanctions may also be imposed to isolate a nation for political or military reasons. The United States has imposed severe economic penalties against North Korea in response to that nations efforts to develop nuclear weapons, for example, and the U.S. does not maintain diplomatic relations, either. Sanctions are not always economic in nature.  President Carters  boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980 can be viewed as a form of diplomatic and cultural sanctions imposed in protest against the  Soviet Unions invasion of Afghanistan. Russia retaliated in 1984, leading a multination boycott of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Do Sanctions Work? Although sanctions have become a common diplomatic tool for nations, especially in the decades after the end of the Cold War, political scientists say they are not particularly effective. According to one landmark study, sanctions have only about a 30 percent chance of succeeding. And the longer sanctions are in place, the less effective they become, as the targeted nations or individuals learn how to work around them. Others criticize sanctions, saying they are most often felt by innocent civilians and not the intended government officials. Sanctions imposed against Iraq in the 1990s after its invasion of Kuwait, for example, caused prices for basic commodities to spike, led to extreme food shortages, and triggered outbreaks of disease and famine. Despite the crushing impact these sanctions had on the general Iraqi population, they did not lead to the ouster of their target, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. International sanctions can and do work sometimes, however. One of the most famous examples is the near-total economic isolation imposed on South Africa in the 1980s in protest against that nations policy of racial apartheid. The United States and many other nations ceased trading and companies divested their holdings, which in conjunction with strong domestic resistance led to the end of South Africas white-minority government in 1994. Source Masters, Jonathan. What Are Economic Sanctions? CFR.org. 7 August 2017.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Educational Theory and Sustainable Education Essay

Educational Theory and Sustainable Education - Essay Example Sustainability problem was first highlighted by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 (the Brundtland Commission). In 1992 the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janiero popularised this term. The emphasis was placed on the integration of thinking and action around ecological, social, political and economic systems. (Educating for a Sustainable Future, 2005) There are two currents which explain the interest in sustainability in the developed world. The first is the economisation of society or ‘finding economic values or indicators for economic and social phenomena.’ The second concerns a revaluation of nature, its transformation into a thing to be managed and controlled. These two currents are represented in ‘sustainable development’ term which exhibits a human desire to dominate over nature and a contradicting, ultimate dependence on its resources. There are many interpretations of sustainability which r equire critical assessment as they serve different social and economic interests. One group focuses on â€Å"sustainable economic growth†, the other – on â€Å"sustainable human development†. The first group does not support the idea of transformation of current social or economic systems while the second calls for a departure from current systems. Education was viewed as the â€Å"greatest resource† to achieve ecological society. Many major international reports see education as a source for sustainable living.

Friday, October 18, 2019

MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MANAGEMENT - Essay Example In most cases, companies will experience organizational change after undergoing a shift in executive powers. When organizational change happens, it does not result in self-adjustment, but requires appropriate management in order to be under control. The business world today is competitive and therefore, companies need to keep adjusting in order to compete favourably in the market. In the fast-moving business environment, companies should embrace organizational change in order to satisfy the standards in the market. Organizations might undergo organizational changes due to a number of reasons. First, if new technology is introduced in a company, there will probably be some changes. Although this might be disruptive to employees, new technology tends to increase the productivity of companies (Burke, 2010). Additionally, companies choose to initiate organizational change as a way of satisfying their customers’ needs. Customer needs today keep changing, even as technology changes. Therefore, a company might be forced to develop new types of products and services, in order to meet its customers’ changing taste. On the other hand, the aspect of economy might lead to both positive and negative organizational change in a company. ... All this is for the purpose of ensuring that the company makes good use of the growth opportunities in the market. Training for employees might be conducted using different ways, to ensure that their newly acquired skills enhance growth of the company (Burke, 2010). There are different types of organizational changes a company might be involved in. These vary depending on the objectives of the company, and the outcomes they anticipate from the organizational change. Different scholars of economics have developed a variety of frameworks, through which an organizational change in a company can be viewed. Grundy (1993) developed a framework of categorization of organizational change. In this framework, there is the smooth incremental organizational change, there is the bumpy incremental, and the discontinuous organizational change (Grundy, 1993). In the smooth incremental change, Grundy considered this to be any type of organizational change, whereby the changes occur in an evolutionary manner, slowly, and systematically. Such changes in an organization are therefore easy to predict. On the other hand, the bumpy incremental changes are characterized by periods of quiet change, which are interrupted abruptly by an increase in the rate of change because of various factors in the organization. An example of this is reorganizations. Finally, the discontinuous organizational change is one that is faced with much turbulence. When this happens, normally, the course of change will take a divergent breakthrough at various points. Therefore, as opposed to the smooth incremental change, the discontinuous change is highly unstable; therefore, it is hard to predict

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journal - Essay Example This people could fill in any labor shortage in the future thus defeating the hypothesis the text of the book that in the future, our workforce may be composed of old people. There are just a lot of people who do not have a job that it will no longer be necessary to employ the aged in the future. Journal entry 2: Chapter 5 - Big Five profile To put my reaction in perspective, I need to mention my scores when I took the Big Five Assessment. The result was quite accurate. I score a nine in Extraversion which meant that I am basically a sociable person. I also scored an eight in Emotional Stability which suggests that I am emotionally competent to get a job done. I also scored a nine in Agreeableness which meant that I can work well with others and lastly, I scored well in Openness with a nine to cap the assessment. I only scored an eight in Conscientiousness. The Big Five profile assessment is simple and straightforward and somehow gives us a ballpark of our personality. My initial rea ction after taking the assessment was curiosity and was quite glad with the result because it somehow matches what I think my personality is. But when I took a hard look at the method of assessment, I also became cautious because I just find it too simple to be able to determine my personality traits are. I am not dismissing it but I just find it too simplistic. I thought that this could be more â€Å"convincing† if the Big Five profiling could be complemented by other psychometric tests to validate and cross-check its result. Still, the assessment provided me an immediate insight of what my personality could be. Journal entry 3: Chapter 6 In this exercise, I scored 32 which hovered in the category of Moderate engagement. Again, I find the questions were too generalized and do not really tell my real level of engagement in my studies. For example, what does moderate engagement exactly mean? That I am partially interested and partially not? Or only give my half-best in my stud ies? The assessment is asking the wrong questions about what my exact feelings and thoughts about studies. It is because there are subjects that I am really interested in that I enjoy studying them even if I am not in class. These subjects seems effortless to me and thus, â€Å"time flies when I am studying†. But there are also subjects that I am not interested in. These subjects are quite a drag and effort for me to study and it takes tremendous amount of effort for me just to study. And even when I study them, it is just for compliance and to pass the subject. The factors that makes a subject engaging or not were also not factored in. That could include a myriad of factors such as how they are taught, aptitude of the student, tools using in teaching them etch that could really tell the student’s engagement in his or her studies. Also, I find the questions in the assessment repetitive. They are basically asking the same questions ony that they are rephrased to confirm answers. Journal entry 4: Chapter 7 In the exercise of Measuring Perceived Fair Interpersonal Treatment, I scored 36 which suggest that I was in hovered in as a moderately fair organization. It was an internship job so I cannot complain and I had a pretty good experience working in that organization. And perhaps this perception is influenced by my expectation of the organization that I will have a good experience w

12 sentences on each of questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

12 sentences on each of questions - Essay Example They contained the subject of Dharma. The original formulation suggests four Ä Ã…›rama which are; the student, householder, renouncer and the hermit. By the virtue of being named as the Ä Ã…›rama, the four modes of life have their independent religious and social institutions. Furthermore, they were given their own legitimacy and theological valuation. This formulation posits the Ä Ã…›rama as mandatory modes of life which are suitable for various phases in the life of a human. The classical formulation eliminates the aspect of choice which was central in the original formulation. The Ä Ã…›ramas, in this case are converted to temporary periods as opposed to previously permanent vocations. Renunciation is the final phase which occupies a man’s life. As such, a person passes through different Ä Ã…›ramas in an orderly manner. This takes place at different times in a man’s life. The first phase begins when a boy undergoes verdict initiation. This is what is considered as entry into the Ä Ã…›ramas and the initiatory studentship is regarded as the first Ä Ã…›rama. This phase concludes with a ritual birth which indicates that the student can return to his parent’s home where he finds a partner. The â€Å"bare-bones† conception of Karma claims that right and wrong actions produce good and bad consequences for the agent who performs them. Many scholars have come to consensus to suggest that the theory of karma can be understood in terms of samskaras, which means dispositions or habits to repeat similar actions in the future. The contemporary interpretation of karma is that sankaras produce phala. The contemporary interpretation can be said to be plausible as a person needs not commit to the theory of Karma per se to admit that actions contribute to habits, some of which lead to success, others of which lead to failure. The affection can be expressed in both ways, i.e. as if God is one’s child or as if one is

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Nestle and the Global Issue of Water Supply Case Study

Nestle and the Global Issue of Water Supply - Case Study Example This paper will identify the feasibility of social responsibility programs and the ethical elements to be considered while entering a new market segment. 1. The case study indicates that the Nestle faces a series of challenges associated with corporate responsibility while planning its international business expansion. Nowadays, a number of international organizations are working toward the protection of various human rights and environmental sustainability. As part of their global operational strategies, some organizations strongly argue that access to water is not a matter of choice; on the other hand, it is a basic human right which insists that water should not be bought and sold. Hence, Nestle considers water supply as one of the most serious issues to be resolved in relation to its position in the global bottled market. In order to overcome such issues, the company has recently planned several social responsibility programs in its marketing strategy. By practicing social respon sibility programs as part of marketing strategy, a company can attain a number of potential advantages. Today, a company cannot continue its sustainably profitable operations unless it practices some sorts of corporate responsibility policies. In the opinion of DuBrin (2008), the most potential advantage of social responsibility is that it aids organizations to achieve a good market stature which sets them apart in the competitive business world (pp.100-101). In addition, such strategies may assist companies to comply with government regulations as well as the norms of other non-governmental public welfare organizations. Finally, the concept of corporate social responsibility would be helpful for a company to convince its clients that it has taken all initiatives to protect the environment and thereby to ensure public welfare. 2. Variances in ethical views among people are found to be a potential threat to multinational companies like Nestle as they need to serve a large number of d ifferent customer segments. In the view of Briscoe, Schuler, and Claus (2008), the extent of this ethical variance may be determined by a range of elements including family background, education level, economic status, and other cultural variables (pp.137-138). In countries like China and India, orthodox families would not be willing to change their conventional ideologies and hence they may not easily adapt to a â€Å"disposable culture†. It would be a cumbersome task for the Nestle to attract such customer segments because their consumerist perceptions have evolved over a long period of time. In addition, people’s education level may also be a crucial factor in defining their ethical views. The people who have attained a high level of education would be more concerned about health as well as environmental safety.

Thesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Thesis - Essay Example GOD created human being as a reflection of him. There are some scholars according to Toulmin who believe that god created us so that we can rule his creation, therefore human beings should use his creations for livelihood (Mead, 2008).Bottom of Form When god created the universe, he tasked the Christians to care for the environment but some of them still don’t show the care thinking that it is not their responsibility to care for the environment (Nachtigall, 2008). Some believe that when Christ come back he will change the world the way it is so caring is not necessary. Many of them are concerned with the behavior of the environmentalist that places them above that of the creator. Some think that everything in the universe should be explained with respect to God or Christian values. They believe that Christians should only be focused on the things that will guarantee them the kingdom of heaven while paying no attention to earthly things. This people also think that if non Chri stians see them paying attention to earthly things they will think that they have nothing to focus on other than these earthly things. They will think that earthly things are of more importance to then Christians. Though this Christians arguments are prevalent God actually wants us to care of the universe and even the moral grounds dictates so. It is the responsibility for the Christians to take care of the environment (Mead, 2008). In these modern days the environmental challenges are threatening the existence of humanity that firstly supports its existence. Environmental problems are monster facing us and it can’t be wished away. Some of these challenges will have dire consequences if not sorted out early enough. There are many reasons why Christians should restore the environment. First, Christians should support God’s work by protecting gods’ creations (Nachtigall, 2008). God created the earth and human beings and placed them on earth to take care of it. Hen ce, Christians should not neglect the responsibility of working with God to protect and preserve all the creations. This will in turn ensure Christians preserve the environment and restore it. In addition, it will help Christians serve the Lord through the environment by preserving and conserving it. Second, Christians should start programs that focus on conserving the environment (Nachtigall, 2008). In religion, the only basic concept is to serve God and Holy Son; there is no concept of worldly concerns in the religion. This concept is what is driving Christians away from the topic of environmental conservations. All the holy people are always involved in the service of mankind so there is no point in staying away from the world. God has sent us all in this world for a purpose and we have to fulfill it. It is our own mistake if we do not understand it, and harm other people and this world. This is why there is need to understand the basic concept and relation between the nature and Christianity. One of the greatest challenges is the global warming. This is the trap of gases near the earth surface raising the temperatures just like in the green house. This effect is rising at an alarming rate and scientists are developing different models to explain and try to understand it. This increase in temperatures will cause

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Nestle and the Global Issue of Water Supply Case Study

Nestle and the Global Issue of Water Supply - Case Study Example This paper will identify the feasibility of social responsibility programs and the ethical elements to be considered while entering a new market segment. 1. The case study indicates that the Nestle faces a series of challenges associated with corporate responsibility while planning its international business expansion. Nowadays, a number of international organizations are working toward the protection of various human rights and environmental sustainability. As part of their global operational strategies, some organizations strongly argue that access to water is not a matter of choice; on the other hand, it is a basic human right which insists that water should not be bought and sold. Hence, Nestle considers water supply as one of the most serious issues to be resolved in relation to its position in the global bottled market. In order to overcome such issues, the company has recently planned several social responsibility programs in its marketing strategy. By practicing social respon sibility programs as part of marketing strategy, a company can attain a number of potential advantages. Today, a company cannot continue its sustainably profitable operations unless it practices some sorts of corporate responsibility policies. In the opinion of DuBrin (2008), the most potential advantage of social responsibility is that it aids organizations to achieve a good market stature which sets them apart in the competitive business world (pp.100-101). In addition, such strategies may assist companies to comply with government regulations as well as the norms of other non-governmental public welfare organizations. Finally, the concept of corporate social responsibility would be helpful for a company to convince its clients that it has taken all initiatives to protect the environment and thereby to ensure public welfare. 2. Variances in ethical views among people are found to be a potential threat to multinational companies like Nestle as they need to serve a large number of d ifferent customer segments. In the view of Briscoe, Schuler, and Claus (2008), the extent of this ethical variance may be determined by a range of elements including family background, education level, economic status, and other cultural variables (pp.137-138). In countries like China and India, orthodox families would not be willing to change their conventional ideologies and hence they may not easily adapt to a â€Å"disposable culture†. It would be a cumbersome task for the Nestle to attract such customer segments because their consumerist perceptions have evolved over a long period of time. In addition, people’s education level may also be a crucial factor in defining their ethical views. The people who have attained a high level of education would be more concerned about health as well as environmental safety.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

User guide for a system Essay Example for Free

User guide for a system Essay This computer quote model was built to the specific requirements of Drum Gurus. It helps the user make an accurate quote for a customer, taking into account many various functions such as calculating VAT and delivery, discounts and service charges. Once the chosen items and the customers details have been entered the model will automatically generate an accurate invoice within seconds. It also helps the user keep to a set budget. System Requirements: Although this system is very simple and easy to use there are some standard requirements for the model to run efficiently and smoothly. Hardware: Software: Minimum: 40GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive A colour printer would be also required to print off the invoices. Colour makes the invoice look a lot more professional and an ink jet printer will be just fine. You do not need to splash out on a fancy photocopying and scanning printer when you do not need it. Software: Microsoft Excel 2000 is required to run this model. Installing and using the program: How to install: The model will come on a CD labelled Drum Gurus Model. Open up your CD Drive and insert the disk. Close the drive and wait for the installing window to appear. If the window does not appear do the following: 1. Click start on the taskbar 2. Click on My computer (If it is not here it is usually found on the desktop) 3. Double click on your usually called D Drive which has an icon of a CD. 4. Once it opens you should see the Drums Guru Model. Once you have the following box appearing on your screen: Now all you have to do is double click on the Drum Gurus Model icon and the program will install itself into a new folder. It will automatically install subfolders for customers, folders for the parts names, prices and pictures. You should keep the CD just in case for backup reasons or you have to reinstall for any reason. To save you having to create all the folders we have already done it for you. During the installation the following folders will be created:   Completed Invoices. Customers   Parts   Completed Quotes   Others To create any more folders simple right click and press Create New Folder. Using the program: Now that the model has been successfully installed, double click on the icon to load the program. This screen should appear now: Once this screen appears you can choose which page you would like to go to. Usually the Interface is the first page you will need to see. To enter the just simply click on the button and it will take you there automatically. 1. Firstly enter the customers details 2. Secondly if applicable enter the customers budget. 3. Then one by one select each part from the separate drop down lists. As you select each item the price and total price will automatically be updated. Just click on any drop down menu and choose the selected kit. 4. Once each component has been selected; it then calculates a sub total. From this subtotal the VAT and Shipping charge are added. 5. Once this has all been calculated the final total highlighted in bold will appear giving you the final price. 6. It also works out if the customer is over or under budget. If the customer is over budget it will be indicated in red and the user can either change the certain items or just leave it if the budget is only over a small amount. Here it indicates that I am over budget by i 452. 03 so I should change a few items. Once the user is happy with the computer, then click the Invoice button as seen at the top right in the above screenshot. This is the invoice sheet and it shows all the items that have been chosen. It gives a subtotal, and then shows how much the Shipping and Handling is and the VAT. It then creates the grand total. The big difference here is that it cannot be changed, none of the items or prices can be changed to create a safer process. 7. Then to save the quote for that customer you click on file and then Save As.. This is what it should look like: Locate the folder called Quotes that was already created. Then type in the name of the customer or the unique code number given to every quote for reference. Or you could name it simple like putting his first and last name, however this may not be a good idea because there could be more than one John Smith. The quote can then be simply printed off by clicking file then print and it should fit all onto one page. Troubleshooting: Whilst you use the quote system, you should hopefully not encounter any problems as it all has been thoroughly tested. However there are some validation messages that could cause some confusion. They are designed to stop the user from making a simple mistake, the validation will do that, but the problem is that the user might not know how to correct the mistake which the validation box keeps indicating. This message will appear when a name is entered which is too long. The solution is simple and easy, all you have to do is press cancel type in a shorter name. This message will appear when a telephone number is entered incorrectly. The solution is quite straight forward, just make sure not to leave gaps and enter 020 849382372 keep it all together and only enter numbers no letters. The number entered for the budget may be a ridiculous amount and so try and keep it between   0 and i 5,000. What this message means is that the user has tried to change a formula or a cell that they are not supposed to. You should not need to change any of the cells when this box appears when I tested so there should be no problems. Just click ok and carry on with the order. Advanced Options: Changing the brochure of parts: The prices of the drum parts and accessories are forever changing. This means that the brochure of parts will need to be changed often. Once the brochure of parts has been changed the drop down menus automatically get updated as well. This is how to add or change an item to the brochure. E. g. Say you wanted to get add an Sabian B8 30 ride and also change the price of the Sabian B8 20 ride. This is how you would do it. 1. First click on Data at the bottom of the model. 2. Then locate the Sabian B8 20 ride under the Cymbals Category 3. Enter the amount you would like to change for the price then press enter 4. Then go the bottom and type in the details for the new cymbals 5. To keep it in descending price order in this case you would highlight all of the cymbals and press on the Za button to sort descending. As you can see I have added the new cymbal however it is not in the right order. Now as you can see I have highlighted and now all I have to do is press the Sort Descending button and it will sort the prices out. However there will not be enough drop down menus. But it is easy to change. All you do is right click on the drop down menu on Cymbals and press format Control ou then change the number of drop down lines from 17 to 18. Now you click on input range, it will take you to the data and you highlight the whole of the Cymbals data and press enter and you are done with entering new items. Changing service, VAT, delivery: VAT: At present the VAT is 17. 5%. This is calculated by multiplying the subtotal but 0. 175. To change the VAT all you have to do is enter into the box the designated sum for the VAT. Where it says 0. 175 you just change it to 0. 20 for 20% or 0. 50 for 50%. Shipping and Handling: To change the service charge (Shipping and Handling) is just as simple. You click on the shipping and Handling and in the formula box at the top just change the ammount from 7. 00 to 8. 00. Like this.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Global Warming Controversy in Political Perspective

Global Warming Controversy in Political Perspective Raihan JamilENGL-1005Alison Grifa Ismaili Former president of the United States, Barack Obama said I am often asked whether I believe in Global Warming. I now just reply with the question: Do you believe in gravity? quoted in Washington Post (Samenow, 2011, p. LZ01). Barack Obama stated Global Warming as an established fact. On the other hand, current president of the United States, Donald Trump expressed the opposite view. He stated, The concept of global warming was created by the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive quoted in New York Times (Edward Wong, 2015, P. wa23). It is clear that the idea global warming has been shifted from obscure scientific fact to public anxiety and international political regulatory interest. The world is facing an unprecedented set of challenges to address global warming. International organizations have tried to set up a reformed policy to cope with the situation but political disagreements, public anxiety and suspicion make it difficult to face the challenges of globa l warming. The purpose of this essay is to clarify the debate of global warming in a scientific view relating to political controversy. According to the French relativist sociologist Cyril Lemieux controversies, which are conflicts, always have a triadic structure. It means that there are always situations where the opposition between two groups is staged in front of a public of peers (Lemieux, 2007, P. 59). From the above point of view, there is a difference between scientific knowledge and other forms, because scientific knowledge must to go through peer review. That does not mean that the scientific knowledge is absolutely true. The more the non-specialists are set to a position of judgement, the more it would like to be a controversy. Political interests brought this in institutional crisis. According to Zajoke (2011) in his article, the scientific point of view has not changed much about the global warming but public understanding has changed. Political perception influenced this change (P. 459). So, the burning question is, why is global warming so connected to global politics? To understand the relationship of global warming to global politics, it is necessary to understand the responsible facts of global warming. In simple way, global warming can be defined as the phenomenon of increasing the earths temperature. This increase happens due to trapping heat in the earths atmosphere coming from the solar system. Heat coming from the solar system has a shorter wavelength but when it returns, the wavelength increases and gets trapped and creates an imbalance of incoming and outgoing heat. This happens because of the presence of greenhouse gasses live in the atmosphere and there is a direct relationship between greenhouse gasses and industrial activity. History says, there was no significant change in the temperature of the Earth up to 1890s, but in the twentieth century, the worlds temperature has increased by and drawn a deserved concern for humankind. This may lead to our plan ets cataclysm. Much of the earth surface might go under sea water. Industrial activity produces more greenhouse gasses which are thought to be responsible for the global temperature rise. Therefore, the industrial activities of the developed countries are more responsible for the rise of global temperature but the developing countries are in the most vulnerable situations. Why should one group of people bear the negative effects of anothers activity? This is the reason that the global politics is closely connected to global warming. The international authorities have tried tried to establish regulations to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses and to compensate the affected countries. Carbon tax is one example of such type of compensation. The industries or countries who are responsible for carbon emission will pay a tax as a penalty for the emission. But, some powerful countries have rejected this regulation and tried to bring this in worlds political platform (Demeritt, 2013, p. 49). Politicians often lie to disprove the fact of global warming and try to create controversial situation. The history of the earths geological activities are complex and there are some scientific findings that the global warming is a cyclic process. Scientists claimed that several hundreds of thousands year ago, the earth has experienced the temperature rise as it is experiencing now. But it is obvious that the global temperature is rising. In the short term, the effect of global warming cant understand easily. But in the long term, it will cause huge damage to the environment as it is a slow process. Politicians often try to take advantage of scientific bias by making people suspicious about the fact. Professor Tol from Sussex University mentioned some short-term benefits of global warming in his book titled How Much Have Global Problems Cost the world? He said that an increment of temperature up to 3 degree Celsius from which 0.80 degree Celsius has occurred already in the last 150 y ears, has some beneficial effects; for instance, more resilient plants, a more diverse food supply, low energy cost, better agricultural effects, richer bio diversity, and lower mortality rate (Demeritt, 2001 p. 307). This is the established fact that the global warming is a slow process and hard to understand its effect. People often get skeptical because of this characteristic. People want to believe eye catching things, and politicians try to take advantage of this. It is so easy to create confusion about global warming whose impacts are barely noticed in broad perspective. Global warming is a gradual process of worlds cataclysm. Its hard to understand its direct impact as it is a slow process. Again, the final impact is surely devastating though there are some apparent advantages within the tolerance limit. World politicians should think about What they want to leave for the next generation?. They might get short term economic benefit from the controversy of global warming, but in the long term, it would be a real disaster. The world should go through the reformistic approach in order to help offset global warming. References dApollonia, LS 2013, Global warming controversy: A trojan horse of modernity, International Journal of Science in Society, 4, 41-50. Retrieved from https://judithcurry.com/2013/10/15/global-warming-a-trojan-horse-of-modernity/ Demeritt, D. (2001). The Construction of global warming and the politics of science. Annals of The Association of American Geographers, 91(2), 307. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.195.6444rep=rep1type=pdf Lemieux, A. (2007). Why is planet Earth so habitable? Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70, 18-22. Retrieved from http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2006GeCAS.70Q.323K Samenow, J. (2011, May 24). Global warming in 2015 made weather more extreme and its likely to get worse any ytimes. The Washington Post. Retrieved https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/weather-in-2015-was-warmer-and-more-extreme-than-ever-and-its-likely-getting-worse/2016/01/20/8d. Wang, E. (2016, Nov. 19). Trump has called climate change a chinese Hoax. Beijing Says It Is Anything But. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/19/world/asia/china-trump-climate-change.html Zajko, M. (2011). The shifting politics of climate science. Society, 48,457-461. Retrieved from doi:10.1007/s12115-011-9477-9.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Cyberculture and the Future of Print :: Technology Email Computers Papers

I can remember, as a child, looking forward to the mail being delivered. The eagerness I felt as I waited for my mother to sift through it and the joy I felt when, on those rare occasions, I received a letter. It was not the actual words on the page that held the true excitement but rather I was important enough to receive that page of words that came wrapped in an envelope with my name on it! Now, many years later, I watch my ten-year-old daughter eagerly check her e-mail with the same enthusiasm, to see if she has received a special â€Å"letter.† The ordinary mail holds no excitement for her any longer, unless of course it is birthday mail, and writing a letter has lost its flare as well. Instead of asking me to buy her pretty stationery to write upon she insists I teach her how to change the text and background colors for her e-mails. And instead of exchanging home addresses at summer camp she comes home with lists of e-mail addresses. Sven Birkerts informs us, in his essay entitled â€Å"Into the Electronic Millennium,† that a â€Å"shift is happening throughout our culture, away from the patterns and habits of the printed page and toward a new world distinguished by its reliance on electronic communication† (63). Although this technology is relatively new, it has already changed the way we think about writing and has enhanced our communication abilities. Electronic mail, known simply as e-mail, was started in its earliest form around the 1960’s. It was not until the early 1990’s however, that companies such as America Online and Delphi connected their systems to the Internet, which began the large-scale adoption of e-mail as a global standard (Crocker). According to Dave Crocker, an Internet researcher, â€Å"Email is the most widely used Internet application [and] for some people, it is their most frequent form of communication† (Crocker). In our society today it is almost expected that people are connected to the Internet and use e-mail on a regular basis and in fact is often a requirement in many areas of our lives. For myself, as a college student, this is not only a requirement for my English class but is also how many of my professors contact me with pertinent information.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Road Not Taken Vs. Mother To Son Essay -- essays research papers

Paths are Like Stairs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although they portray two very different writing styles, Robert Frost’s â€Å"The Road Not Taken† and Langston Hughes’s â€Å"Mother to Son† have a few things in common, especially their meanings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In â€Å"The Road not Taken† Frost speaks of a time in his life where he had to make a choice, a choice of which direction his life was about to go: â€Å"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood / And sorry I could not travel both† (1-2). â€Å"Mother to Son† also speaks of life in a metaphorical way, but as a staircase rather than two paths: â€Å"Well, son, I’ll tell you / Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair† (1-2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Later in â€Å"The Road Not Taken† Frost describes the appearance of each road, one as being less traveled on than the other by people before him who had to make the same decision: â€Å"And looked down one as far as I could / Then took the other, just as fair / Because it was grassy and wanted wear† (4,6,8). â€Å"Mother to Son† takes it another step as to describe the staircase the mother had to climb. She explains how hard it was but also how she never gave up: â€Å"It’s had tacks in it / And splinters / And boards torn up / But all the time / I’se been a-climbin’ on† (3-5,8-9).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Road Not Taken† ends by giving a moral to us about Frost’s life and the path he did take. Although Frost doesn’t thoroughly explain the path he took, the reader ...

Friday, October 11, 2019

Public Finance and Taxation Essay

There are varying definitions of what public sector economics is and what topics it covers. In a layman’s language Public economics is the application of economics to the activities undertaken by the state. Black et al. defines public sector economics as â€Å"the field of economics which studies the nature, principles, and economic consequences of government expenditure, taxation, financing and the regulatory actions undertaken in the non-profit making government sector†. Thus it looks at the efficiency of various approaches used by government in its day to day operations. For the government uses economic policy instruments which are designed to influence economic behavior in order to achieve certain outcomes. The government has various goals which it pursues they include; i) Macro-economic stability ii) Enhanced economic growth iii) Balance of payment stability iv) Income distribution. The ultimate goal of these policies is to improve people’s welfare. As already mentioned government uses instrument of fiscal and monetary policy to achieve its goal. The use of government expenditure and taxation to influence economic outcome is referred to as fiscal policy. Fiscal policy is often outlined through the annual budget which is presented to parliament every year. The budget outlines its objectives in the budget and how these are going to be achieved. On the other Monetary policy is aimed at influencing the supply of money and consequently economic growth. The central Bank is an independent arm of the state which is mandated with running the monetary policy. In Zambia, monetary policy is the responsibility of the Bank of Zambia. In public sector economics we study the impact of instrument of fiscal policy on economic efficiency. Instruments of fiscal policy include; i) Expenditure ii) Taxation iii) Financing iv) Regulations The first two involves the procurement and spending of the government funds on various programs such as public infrastructure, education, health and public security. Example the government collects revenue using tax and spends the revenue on education, health, roads etc. in economic terms the use of these two constitutes the direct mobilization and allocation of scarce resources. In contrast, regulation entails a law or administratively proclaiming an enforceable instruction that leads to a different allocation of private sector resources than would apply in the absence of government intervention. That is allocation resources are influenced indirectly. Example the government through the Environmental Council of Zambia has put regulations to curb environmental damage; this has lead to increased investment in environmentally friendly technology by private firms. This is something the profit seeking private sector would not have done if there was no government intervention. PUBLIC FINAN CE AND IDEOLOGY Opinions on how government should function in the economic sphere are influenced by the ideological views concerning the relationship between the state and the individual. Political philosophers have distinguished two major approaches. These approaches are the organic view and the mechanistic view of government. Organic View of Government In this view society is considered as a natural organism and the government is the heart of such an organism. Society is an organic whole, just as the human body. Each individual is a constituent part of the organism just like a body part. In this view an individual has significance only as a part of the community and the good of the individual is defined with respect the good of the whole. A person’s action is seen as important if it leads to the improvement of the wellbeing of society. In Plato’s view, ‘an activity of citizen is only desirable if it leads to a just society’. In this view, the goals of society are set by the state which attempts to lead society, toward their realization. The goals of society do differ from one state to another. For example Plato conceived that the goal of government was the achievement of a golden age in which human activities would be guided by rationality. In short society strived to achieve a state in which the decisions of all individuals and the state were rational. So society was support all activities which would lead to the achievement of this goal. In Adolf Hitler’s view, the state’s goal was the achievement of social purity. He envisaged the creation of a supper race. To achieve this goal the state supported all activities which were aimed removing human impurities. They include bizarre actions such as extermination of Jews, physically disabled people and invasion of all countries to ensure that his goals are achieved over the world. The Grand Ayatollah Khomeini argued that the goal of society is to create good believers. Thus all actions of individuals and the state should be aimed at creating a cadre of believers. Closer home, Kaunda envisaged that the goal of society was the attainment of a just society. He coined the concept of human centered development or Humanism. In this ideology he argued all the actions of individuals and government should be aimed achieving a society in which all persons are equal to each other. Proponents of the organic view argue that certain goals are natural for the societal organism such as pursuit of sovereignty over some geographical area. From a policy perspective, the organic view emphasizes combating poverty and equity issues notably redistribution of income as justification for government intervention. In addition, this view tends to support existence of a large government. That is government has a large part to play in of the nation’s activities. Mechanistic View of Government In this view government is not an organistic part of society, but it is a creation of people to better achieve their individual goals. Here government is seen as a reflection of individual preferences or tastes. In short, society is a mirror of individual wants and needs. In this case, government intervention is only justifiable if it leads to individual welfare maximization. An individual will only support a government if it helps him/her to achieve their individual goals. Example government should protect individuals from violence. To do so the individuals gives government coercive power. In Adam Smith view, Government should protect society from violence and invasion from other states. This view advocates for government intervention only to correct market failures and letting the market decide who gets what. In addition, the role of government should be limited to certain public works such as roads, bridges, sewer, and airports. These are infrastructures which make society function. There are several divergent views within the mechanistic view. Some of these are; i) Libertarians View which argue against any further role in the economy beyond providing justice and protecting individual liberty. ii) Social democrats believe that sustained government intervention is need for the good of individuals. These interventions can be as diverse as safety regulations at work place, banning racial discrimination, welfare payments to the poor. In totality, the mechanistic approach focuses relatively more on the efficiency of markets and economic growth. ROLE OF THE STATE 1. Equity and Efficiency Principles Pareto Efficiency-occurs when it is not possible to improve the welfare of some people without making the welfare anyone worse. An economic system that is not Pareto efficient implies that it is possible to change resource allocation without making any one worse off. Example if an economic system is not Pareto Optimal it is possible to increase consumption by one group and reduce for others without making them feel worse off. This is known as Pareto Improvement. Pareto improvement occurs when a change to a different allocation makes at least one individual better off without making any individual worse off. To make us under this lets assume that; i) There are two individuals A and B, ii) There are two goods X and Y, iii) There are two factors of production Labor (L) and Capital (K) iv) We assume that we have a static economy such that XA+XB=X and YA+YB=Y Exchange Efficiency or efficiency in consumption Efficiency in consumption is achieved when the marginal rates of substitution are equal for all persons; MRSXYA=MRSXYB The Marginal Rate of Substitution is simply the slope of indifference curve. ∆∆Y ∆X X MRS=-∆Y∆X If you have a utility function: uX,Y=U0 totally differentiating MUxdX+MUydY=0 MRSxy=-dYdX=MUxMUy In the Edgeworth box efficiency is achieved where the indifference curves are tangent; Lets pick a point such as ‘e’. At point ‘e’ it is possible to make person A better without making person B worse off. This can be done by moving along Indifference Curve no B2 to point d. At point‘d’ the welfare of person A improves because he moves from a lower indifference curve A2 to a higher indifference curve A3. The improvement for person A continues until point ‘c’ where the indifference curves are equal. At point ‘c’ it is not possible to make any Pareto improvement. At point ‘e’ we have MRSXYA>MRSXYB This also true for point ‘d’. This outcome of Pareto efficiency is only possible under perfect competition. This is because in perfect competition all consumers face the same market prices for these goods. That is they equate the marginal rate of substitution to the same price ratio. MRSXYA=MRSXYB=PxPy Each individual maximizes their utility function subject to the budget constraint. That they maximize the following function U0=uX,Y subject to I=XPx+YPy therefore the langrangian L=UX,Y+ÃŽ »(I-XPx-YPy) First order conditions ∂L∂X=MUx-ÃŽ »Px=0 and ∂L∂Y=MUY-ÃŽ »PY=0 MUX=ÃŽ »Px and MUy=ÃŽ »Py solving simultaneously we getMUxMUy=PxPy=-dYdX=MRS Therefore, each person will equate their MRS to the price ratio. Production Efficiency Production efficiency requires that the marginal rates of technical substitution are equal in the production of good X and good Y. That is MRTSLKX=MRTSLKY In the Edgeworth box this requires this occurs where the isoquants are tangent to each other. The marginal rate of technical substitution is simply the slope of the isoquant. K L U0 ∆K Given an isoquant QL,K=Q0 totally differntiating we get MPldL+MPKdK=0 MRTSLK=-dKdL=MPlMPK Lets have a factor Edge worth box to make our illustration easier. Remember from our study of micro-economics we defined an isoquant as a curve that represent the combination of labor and capital which give the same level of output. In the diagram below production of X uses labor from point X to the right and capital from X upwards. For good Y it is the opposite of good X. All points along XPY are Pareto efficient in the sense that it is not possible to improve or increase the output of good X or good Y without reducing either of them. To under this lets pick point ‘a’ which is not along XPY. This point is not Pareto optimal because it is possible to improve the production of X without reducing the output of good Y simply by moving along the isoquant no Y2 output of good X improves/increases to X2 from X1. Pareto efficiency is only possible under a perfectly competitive market system because all produces face the same factor prices (PK and PL). Thus Pareto Optimality condition reduces to: MRTSLKX=MRTSLKY=PKPL Proof: Q0=QL,K subject to C=LPl+YPy therefore the langrangian L=QL,K+ÃŽ »(C-LPl-KPk) First order conditions ∂L∂L=MPl-ÃŽ »Pl=0 and ∂L∂K=MPk-ÃŽ »Pk=0 MPl=ÃŽ »Pl and MPK=ÃŽ »PK solving simultaneously we getMPlMPk=PlPk=-dLdK=MRTS Therefore all firms will be minimizing their costs while facing the same factor prices. OVERALL EFFICIENCY This requires that the production possibility frontier (PPF) and the social welfare function are tangent. That is; MRSXY=MRTXY. X SWF PPF Y The PPF shows the maximum quantity of good X and good Y that can be produced using the existing technology and resources. An increase in the amount of labor and capital available or an increase in the level of technology will make the PPF to move outwards to the right. All points inside the PFF are attainable but not efficient and all points the right of the PPF are not attainable. To achieve, the Marginal Rate of Substitution for society (slope of SWF) must be equal to the PxPy and the marginal rate of transformation (slope of PPF) must be equal to the MCxMCy or resources must be fully utilized. In perfect competition, P=MC. Hence it is possible to achieve the following outcome; MRSXY=PxPy=MRTXY=MCXMCY. Thus a perfectly competitive outcome results into a Pareto optimal allocation of resources. It is important to note that Pareto optimal allocation may not be the best outcome in the sense that it does not consider equity. That is there is no equity consideration. Equity is the fair d istribution of resources in sources. There are two concepts of equity used in economics horizontal and Vertical Equity. Horizontal equity means that people in similar positions/situation must be treated equally. Example if two people have HIV and the same level of CD4 count they should have equal access to ARVs. The only condition is that they are positive and have the same CD4. Vertical equity means that people in different economic situations must be treated differently from a poor person when allocating resources. This is because treating them in the same manner is not equitable. MARKET FAILURE A market failure occurs when the market fails to allocate resources according the Pareto criterion. In other words, a market failure is a situation in which the market fails to allocate resources efficiently according to the Pareto Criterion. Fundamental Theorem of Welfare Economics Welfare economics is the systematic method of evaluating the economic implications of alternative resource allocation. It answers the following questions; i) Is a given resource allocation efficient? ii) Who wins and looses under various allocations? First Fundamental Theorem of welfare Economics- It states that if there is a perfectly competitive market and consumer tastes are convex then any equilibrium will be a Pareto optimal allocation of resources. In short, the competitive market allocates resources efficiently without any need for government intervention. Further, the theorem states that the price from the perfectly competitive market induces selfish individuals independently maximizing their welfare, to bring the economy to a socially optimal state. That is prices rise in response to excess demand and they fall in response to excess supply. Normatively this theorem says that use free market system to allocate resources. The Second Fundamental Theorem of Welfare Economics states that â€Å"society can attain any Pareto optimal allocation of resources by making a suitable assignment of initial endowment of resources and then letting the people freely trade with each other as in the Edgeworth box.† To help us underst and this lets relook at the contract curve which gives the Pareto Optimal outcomes.