International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 22

International Business - Essay Example Operating under three main segments -- Automobiles, Motorcycles, and Financial Services, the company well-known three brands -- BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, goes with the popularity of company. Its BMW automobile range encompasses the 1 Series, Series 3, the 5 Series, and 7 Series, the sports utility vehicles, X3, X5, and X6 and M models, such as M3, M5, and M6. It makes available to customer cars under MINI brand and motorcycles under the BMW brand. The Rolls-Royce brands include three luxury cars, Phantom, Coupe and Ghost. With continued production assembly, services and sales subsidiaries made throughout the world, (Reuters, 2010a), BWM is undeniably a global company that can be affected by globalization. One of best proofs of a company’s attainment of its long-term health is the behaviour of its stock price in the stock market as the same could indicate achievement of wealth maximization objective (Bernstein, 1993; Brigham and Houston, 2002). This paper seeks to examine how the BMW may have benefited from the actual and potential impacts of globalization on the company by analysing the possible strategies that the company has employed. This will also evaluate the possible strategies of going forward which the company might use to response to the impacts of globalization that would be identified. The paper will discuss first the different models to understand the company’s strategies. The models include the PEST, Five-Forces and SWOT and determine whether the same are applied by BMW in its choice of strategies. The paper will end-up evaluating the present strategies used by the company and recommend what should be done by company in relation with models describe. The analysis will include using available information for BMW from its 2010 Annual Report and its websites. This paper has chosen BMW as this researcher finds interesting to see how car manufacturers could really

No need for topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

No need for topic - Essay Example The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, FCPA was enacted to reduce corruption in foreign markets. Therefore, the act was enacted to correct market failures. Corruption involves using money or other resources to influence the decisions of an individual in preferring one entity to the detriment of others. Companies that did not participate in corruption in foreign markets lost to those that did in awarding of government contracts and in venturing into new markets. This was a major problem that characterized market failure. Moreover market failure occurs in cases where there are weak laws to discipline and monitor institutions. Institutions will fail to protect their investors due to managerial misconducts. Consequently, both investors and customers lose huge amounts of investments.3 Examples of these include Enron, Global Crossing and WorldCom corporations that failed due to bad managerial decisions. Government failure on the other hand arises in cases where a government has created major inefficiencies by failing to intervene at the initiate stages of a problem when it could have been more appropriate to solve it more efficiently.4 Such intervention is of many benefits to the investors and consumers. Pareto optimization may be used to measure the extent of government failure in the same way it is used to measure the extent of market failure. Public choice theory explains government failure in a market. The theory stipulates that an individual will be more inclined to be motivated by self-interest, though some may base their actions on the concern for others.5 Government’s failure to prevent such selfish behavior among individuals at the expense of others is the main factor leading to government failure. Therefore, a government is responsible for putting in place checks and balances to ensure organization discipline in insuring investors against losses.6 i. Considering the two cases, market failure explains the policy behind Foreign Corrupt Practices Ac t of 1977, FCPA. Market failure involves unfair balance of resources that may lead to monopoly, lack of information, lower public good, among others. Most foreign corruption acts involved a company bribing foreign officials in foreign markets to have unrestrained access to resources, to block competitors from accessing resources or from enjoying government contracts, and blocking some companies from accessing the market. This resulted in creation of monopolies, and use of resources that did not accord to the public’s good. Therefore, the policy was as result of market failure. b. A negative externality that may result from market failure is damage to environment quality. When companies are allowed to harness resources in a country, most companies do not have regard to environmental degradation, and the effects it will have to the public. Companies will be more concerned on tapping resources for their production and not taking care of the environmental concern from people invo lved. When such companies have a monopoly over such resources, the general public may not benefit; the companies over exploit resources for profitability. An example is in the mining sector. Some companies are awarded rights to harvest certain minerals mostly in developing countries to contribute to the overall GDP of a country in exports. However, such companies leave large gaping holes of dilapidated land. Some do not take

The biblical banners Essay Example for Free

The biblical banners Essay In this New York Times article, â€Å"In Texas, a Legal Battle Over Biblical Banners†, Manny Fernandez, a metro reporter, argues whether biblical banners should be allowed or banned due to the law. He develops the claim by first providing details about how Mr. Weldon’s community got enraged. Then he provides information saying Weldon banned the biblical banners out of concern that the signs were unlawful and amounted to school sanctioned religious expression. Towards the end, Fernandez points out that the case centers on whether the banners amount to private speech protected by state and federal law or government sponsored speech that can be regulated and censored. Fernandez’s purpose is to answer the reader’s question about biblical banners and if the should be allowed in order to educate the public and provide knowledge about the situation at hand. He establishes an informative tone for concerned citizens who may want or be against biblical banners. Fernandez provides the reader with facts and statistics, for example in paragraph 4, â€Å"the district received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin based group of atheists and agnostics.† The effect of such details serves to lend credibility to the author’s assertions since it is impossible to argue with the facts. In addition, negative diction in paragraph 7 conveys a negative feeling towards the banners and the marquee outside a church. Finally, the use of biblical allusions throughout the article is used to defend the use of biblical banners. This work is significant because it challenges and reminds us all to be aware of aberrant issues regarding biblical banners.

Principles of Effective Offender Intervention

Principles of Effective Offender Intervention Introduction From way back in history, the process of correcting those who were believed to be wrong in a way or another was practiced. Communities are guided by certain morals, and whenever one goes against the morals, it is believed that the person might have a problem and it is only good to deal with the problem before it escalates. People are different; whereas there are people who can change by just being advised to do so, there are some who need intense programs to change. Correcting young ones so that they can be part and parcel of the bigger community is a process that must be guided by principles. The four principles are meant to intervene and help the targeted persons to be better people in the society. The four principles of intervention There are four different principles of intervention that are used in making sure that some of the young law offenders are helped to become better people in the society (Guevara, 2009). The four principles are more in a sequence because one must follow the other if good results are to be achieved. Effecting one principle in the absence of the previous might produce different results which might be opposite of the expectations of the community or the program. For a lot of years, the four principles have been used in many correction facilities, and they have produced tremendous results. Risk principle Offenders are divided into different groups as far as risk is concerned; low-risk and high-risk offenders. Low-risk offenders are offenders who do not pose a great threat to the community as well as to themselves. When it comes to such offenders, all that is needed is minimal coaching or minimal intervention for them to fit back into the community. For example, an offender who has been involved in a quarreling that resulted in violence is not a high-risk offender. The reason for stating so is because the offender might have acted out of frustration but not under motivation or passion. Therefore, the attention and resources needed to bring back such a person on the track are minimal. At the same time, the person is not a threat to him or her life. The second group consists of high-risk offenders. These types of offenders are not only a risk to the community but themselves. When it comes to attending to them, a lot of resources are required. The interventions used must also be in line with their needs. Risk principle calls for prioritization of resources in line with the risk of the offender. For example, a person who possesses a risk to a larger community cannot be treated like a person who possesses lesser risk. The methods of intervention used on a riskier person also differ in some ways (TJRC, 2016). The principle helps in addressing cases with all the seriousness they deserve. The principle is effective and reasonable. For example, a person who is used to involving him or herself in criminal activities needs a more effective intervention method. The reason for doing so is because a lesser effective method cannot help him or her. The intervention methods are not meant to punish but to change. Allowing continuous offenders back to the community with the expectations that he or she will change is not helping him or her in any way. Since he or she has proven to be risky, it is only good to make sure that more resources are used so as to make the intervention effective. Need principle Need principle states that the needs of the offenders should be considered in any given intervention process. The need might be direct or indirect. Some people are forced by circumstances to engage in criminal activities. In most cases, they lack a thing or two, and that is why they end up doing what they do. What they lack is what is referred to as a need. The principle states that for a person not to go back to his or her old ways, the need must be satisfied. A person might end up being a criminal for lack of education and knowledge on certain issues. Taking that person through a correctional facility and bringing him or her back to the society only solves part of the problem. Therefore, it is important to enlighten that person on the issues that he or she might not be familiar with so that he or she cannot go back to his or her old ways. The environment, on the other hand, can influence one towards committing a crime. When the environment of the offender is not looked into, the offender is taken back to the same risks after corrections, and that might not bear the expected results. For example, if a person lives in an environment where people live by the gun and earn from illegal activities, taking him or her back to such an environment is exposing him or her to risks (Edward Jennifer, 2004). The principle is effective because it tries to look for a lasting solution in the process of making sure that an offender gains from an intervention program. Helping people and not looking at what they lacked for them to commit a crime is dealing with the problem partially. The best way to make sure that criminals do not get back to their old ways is dealing with the causes, and that means looking at the needs and satisfying them. Treatment principle The treatment principle emphasizes the need to look for the most effective treatment strategy. The principle concentrates much on the high-risk offenders. An offender must go through some effective treatments for him or her to be accepted back in the community. Factors to consider when it comes to treatment are the type of treatment, the interval of treatment, and the length of the treatment. A person who is of great danger to the community must be treated in a different way. Though the main reason why the offender is taken in a correctional facility is not to be punished, a high-risk offender must be treated in a way that he or she will never admire hurting himself or others. The treatment must be intense and if the need calls it must take a longer period so that he or she can be ready to fit in the community after the treatment. There are different offenders, and they are motivated to engaging in criminal activities by different reasons. Some are criminals because they are failed by their brain. In such cases, the treatment must be special and different from others. Regardless of him being a high-risk offender, the person also has a mental health condition. In such a case, double care is required (Guevara, 2009). The facility or the parties involved might choose to provide both psychiatric help and at the same time correctional help. By so doing, the offender gets his or her sanity back and is helped to avoid getting into trouble shortly. The principle is effective because it considers the nature of the offender. By considering the nature of the offender, it becomes easy to help a person with a series of problems by knowing the best way to treat him or her. Fidelity principle Fidelity principle states that the program must be run by people who follow the rule of law and whose integrity cannot be compromised (Edward Jennifer, 2004). It is important to know that the offenders need help and there is no way of doing it better than taking them through a program. The person running the program should leave the responsibility of correcting to the service providers, and he or she should not be bribed to grant favors to some of the law offenders. The principle is effective because it makes sure that any offender goes through the program and benefits from it without any shortcut. Conclusion The four principles guide offenders towards using the most effective ways in gaining help. At the same time, they guide the service providers towards being effective and taking care of the offenders on humane ways of doing things. Though the four principles have dwelt so much on programs and services, their main aim is to help the law offenders so that they can be people who can be accepted back into the community. They are in place to make sure that most humane means are used to correct the offenders. At the same time, they make sure that each offender is provided with help that is suitable to his or her behaviors. References Edward, J. Jennifer, A. (2004). Applying the principles of effective intervention to juvenilecorrectional programs. Retrieved from http://cjonline.uc.edu/resources/criminal-justice Research/applying-the-principles-of-effective-intervention-to-juvenile-correctional programs/ Guevara, M. (2009). Implementing Evidence-Based Policy and Practice in Community Corrections, 2 Nd Edition. Retrieved from http://b.3cdn.net/crjustice/92d6c98633d1448ff0_cfm6iiq27.pdf The Justice Research Center. (2016). What Works Principles. Retrieved fromhttp://thejrc.com/wwi-principles.asp

Third World Technology Use Essay -- Mexico Internet Web Mexican Essays

Third World Technology Use In recent years, information has been a hot topic. What is information and what purpose does it serve? Is information a commodity or a necessity? The insurrection of this interest is partly, if not entirely, a product of the increasing popularity of the Internet , the information superhighway and of Information technology. Deedee Halleck points out in her article, "Zapatistas On-Line" , how in the past two years, the indigenous people of the Mexican state of Chiapas have clearly answered many of these questions. It is ironic that the Internet has been used at a very powerful potential by people whom we would never even picture in the same room as a computer. The Zapatistas have used information as a high-tech weapon, proving that words are the best weapon. Their discussion and dissemination of information on the net has helped to publicize the Zapatistas' issues in alternative media outlets, and to mobilize caravans which have brought medical and food aid to Chiapas(Cleaver 1995). Mo st amazing is the pressure that these powerless peasants have been able to put on the Mexican government. Perhaps some background on the Zapatistas may be helpful here. On New Years Day, 1994, peasant rebels took over six towns, including San Cristobal de las Casas, in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas and declared war. Chiapas is one of the poorest states in Mexico, suffering from job declines in coffee and oil production, and with a large ethnic population of Mayan Indians. The rebels call themselves the Ejercito Zapatista de Liberacion Nacional (EZLN). The Zapatistas are a group of rebels which includes both men and women whose purpose is to fight for their rights, particularly for work, land, housing, food, h... ...lity Debate" Chiapas95. Online. U of Texas. Internet. 21 March 1995. Cleaver, Harry M. "The Chiapas Uprising and the Future of Class Struggle in the New World Order" U of Texas at Austin. Internet. 22 March 1995. hmcleave@mundo.eco.utexas.edu Cleaver, Harry M. "Propaganda: White Washing the Mexican Crisis" Chiapas-1. Online. U of Texas at AUstin. Internet. 18 September 1995 Halleck, Deedee. "Zapatistas On-Line" Report on Culture, NACLA Report on the Americas. Sept/ Oct 1994. Watson, R. et al. "Rebels use Internet" Newsweek. Feb 27, 1995 Wood, Darin. "Netwars. Chiapas: The Revolution will not be Televised (but it will be on-line)" Online. Internet. June 1995. Available WWW: http://www.oneworld.org/index _ oc/wood.html Young, Elliot. "Netwars? or Cyberspace and Ungovernability" Chiapas-1. Online. Colegio de la Frontera. Internet. 20 March 1995.

Inhibitory Potential Changes of Fluoxetine (Prozac) :: Biology Medicine Research Papers

Inhibitory Potential Changes of Fluoxetine (Prozac) Over the past several decades many scientists have explored the various possible links between the function of neurotransmitters in the brain and mood disorders. The neurotransmitter serotonin, found widely in plants, animals and humans has been a particular focus. Scientists who specialize in examining the function and effect of serotonin on the mind and body argue that imbalances in the levels and function of serotonin can be linked to disturbances in mood, anxiety, satiety, cognition, aggression and sexual drives (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, 2001). More specifically, these scientists suggest that this "decreased serotonergic neurotransmission plays an important role in the etiology of depression" (Xia, Gopal, and Gross, p. 157, 2002). Indeed studies that have examined serotonin via its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyndoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) consistently indicate that 5-HIAA levels are low in the cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients (Davison, Neale and Kring, 2004). Because serotonin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, it must be synthesized locally. That is, it must be synthesized from within neurons in the brain. Once it is synthesized is then "released into the synapse from the cytoplasmic and vesicular reservoirs. Following release, serotonin is principally inactivated by reuptake into nerve terminals through a sodium/potassium (Na+/K+) adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) dependent carrier." (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, p. 27, 2001). Problems arise when too much serotonin is recaptured in the reuptake process during synapse or when to little serotonin is being locally manufactured in the central nervous system. As a result, too few serotonin neurotransmitters are able to make it across the synaptic cleft to stimulate postsynaptic receptors. Moreover, "in the absence of pharmacological manipulation, the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic nerve terminal typically leads to its inactivation" (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, p. 32, 2001). Low levels of serotonin have been most commonly linked to depression. For this reason, there have been many attempts by neuroscientists to develop antidepressant drugs that can interfere with the enzymes that eliminate serotonin neurotransmitters from the synapse. Indeed, though reuptake inhibition scientists hoped to be able to increase levels of serotonin in the CNS and thus ameliorate the negative affects of depression. One of the most recent breakthroughs in this pursuit was the development of the antagonist drug, fluoxetine. Fluoxetine (or Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and functions by acting as a barrier in the serotonin synaptic

Hierarchy and power within East and Western enterprises

Hierarchy and power within East and Western enterprises. Introduction Culture is the way we live. It is the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, the languages we speak, the stories we tell, and the ways we celebrate. Culture is also about our roots. Where did our ancestors come from? What do we believe? What makes our lives different from the lives of others? Kalmia, B. (2009). Nations may share civilizations, but they will always be distinct in their culture, since culture defines what they are. Scranton, R. (2007).The globalization of markets and production continues to bring together people room different cultures and countries in culturally diverse organizations. In the field of international management, it is important not only to recognize these diversities, but it is also vital to understand the cultural differences for the purpose of connecting with and motivating knowledge workers. Traditionally, these cultural distinctions have been classified into ‘eastern' and ‘ western' views that widely vary with respect to workplace activities and, more specifically, with respect to knowledge management.With the ‘western' view being more focused on explicit knowledge and tangible individualistic motivational factors, and the ‘eastern' view on tacit knowledge and abstract workplace principles; it becomes evident that management of these different cultural perspectives is becoming increasingly complex yet critical in the global workplace. An understanding of these differing views is therefore necessary for effective management in the international sphere, specifically for providing a means for better cross- cultural understanding and successful knowledge transfer.Management Tasks planning- The goals and objectives Of a company or department are established, as well s determining what actions are needed to achieve. Organizing- organizing actions needed to achieve the goals. Staffing- The task of allocating employees to particular positions withi n the company. Directing- This has to do with leading the organization and its employees towards its goals. Controlling- Monitoring the performance of the company or department is a task for which different cultures may use different systems and approaches.Effect of cultural values on management The way tasks and responsibilities are performed in management can be examined in the light of key number of cultural values. Eight cultural value orientations have a considerable influence on the way managers perform their activities. The eight cultural values which can be called as model of culture is, Time focus (Monochromatic and polymorphic) Different cultures have different perceptions of time according to their environment, history, traditions and general practices. In eastern culture where monochromatic perception of time prevails, time is experienced and used in a linear way. People tend to do one activity at a time. For example in eastern culture, people have the diner and then do the home work or read a book. In western culture where polymorphic time is preferred ,people tend to focus on several tasks and and are less dependent on detailed information when performing these tasks. For example in western culture, people have diner while doing the home work or reading a book. Time focus and management tasks Monochromatic Culture (Eastern perspective) Planning- The focus of activity is more on the task itself and Making schedules.Organizing- The approach used is structured,Linear and task- focused. Staffing- Concerns focused on shorter term. Directing- Managing the inflow and Distribution of detailed information. Controlling- Tendency to Use control systems and strict deadlines. Polymorphic Culture (Western perspective) planning- The focus Of activity is more on relationships when planning. Organizing- The approach is less structured one, More holistic and people- focused. Staffing- Focus on longer term. Directing- Sharing of implicit knowledge/information. Cont rolling- Tendency to use more flexible control systems involving people.Time orientation (past, present and future) Culture focused on the past value the upholding tradition in line with the history of the company and the way it usually does things. Those cultures concerned with the present are out quick results and short-term gain. Those with the view towards the future, plans are assessed in the light of expected future benefit. Power (Hierarchy and Equality) The Power value orientation is to do with the extent to which the less powerful members of a society expect or accept that power is distributed unequally.At work,the level of power and authority are strictly marked out by some eastern cultures oriented to hierarchy. There ,the employees do their work according to the directives of their boss. Len eastern cultures the manager as a separate room from other employees indeed to show up the power distance between the employees and the manager. Companies in west,oriented towards eq uality there will be more informal structures based on expertise focused on certain projects. Len western cultures the manager works at the same table where the other staffs work.This shows the equality between the manager and the staffs. Power and management tasks Hierarchy (Eastern perspective) Planning- More autocratic or paternalistic planning is displayed. Organizing- The Organizational structure is tightly controlled. Staffing- Us borderlines expect bosses to take the initiative to train,developing promote them. Directing- Employees like being closely supervised and feel comfortable with a directive supervisor. Controlling- Employees prefer the personal control Of superiors. Equality (Western perspective) Planning- Employees may implement the plan.More participative planning. Organizing- Organizational structure encourages individual autonomy Staffing- Work relationships should not be strictly prescribed. Directing- Managers exhibit participative or consultative styles. Contro lling- Subordinates develop performance objectives with their bosses. Space (private and public) One aspect of space orientation is related to private or public space. Another aspect related to invisible boundary around every person. The concept of space can be seen in terms Of personality.There can be cultural differences in the relative size of people's public and private spaces and also in the degree to which they feel comfortable sharing those parts of their personality with other people. In Eastern workplace managers and employees do not share the same office ,but in western workplace the location or size of the place here an employee works does not necessarily reflect that persons rank in the company. The influence of personal space at work Private Planning- Forms of planning: individualistic or systematic. Organizing- More task-centered. Staffing- Explicit information about how staff are to be employed.Directing-. Managers and employees do not share the same office Controllin g- Explicit measures of performance public Planning- Group-oriented or authoritative forms Organizing- Relationship-centered approaches Staffing- Implicit information Directing-. Size of the place where an employee works does not reflect the arson's rank Controlling- Managers can use more informal checks on performance Structure (Individualism and Collectivism) Individualism Individualism, can be defined as a preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate families only.Individualism shows the extent to which cultures elevate the role of the individual over the role of the group. When individualism is valued the â€Å"I† predominates over the â€Å"we† Individual goals, initiative and achievement are most important and people are encouraged to be independent and self-reliant. Collectivism Collectivism represents a preference for a tightly-knit framework in society in which individuals can e xpect their relatives or members of a particular in- group to look after them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.Most of the Eastern cultures place more importance on personal relationships rather than the task to be performed or the deal to be completed. Example Along with the collectivist nature Of the individuals a team based behavior can be seen in the work place environments in Sir Lankan. Similarly there is a new concept which is identical within the emirates airlines which is known as the Family concept. The boss is the ‘father' and the employees are the ‘children'. The father tells the children what to do but also looks after them and cares for them. The ‘children' do as they are told and show their father ‘respect'.It is a two-way relationship in which all parties benefit. This can be comparable to the team based relationship oriented work place conditions in Sir Lankan. Highly individualist cultures (Western) believe individual is most important unit People taking care of themselves (including immediately family only) Self- orientation Identity based on individual Guilt culture Making decisions based on individual needs â€Å"l† mentality Emphasis on individual initiative and achievement Highly collectivist cultures (Eastern) believe group is most important unit.Expect absolute loyalty to group (nuclear family, extended family, caste, organization) Group orientation Decisions based on what is best for the group. Identity based on social system Shame culture Dependence on organization and institutions (Expects organization / institution / group to take care of individual) â€Å"We† mentality Emphasis on belonging Structure and management task Individualism (western perspective) leaning- It is expected that those involved in planning will take initiative to present their views. Organizing-Tasks assignment and resources allocation.Staffing- Organizations are not expected to look after their employees career devel opment. Directing-Leaders expect employees to meet or exceed their responsibilities. Controlling- Control tends to be exerted by individual standards of excellence. Collectivism (Eastern perspective) Planning- plans are developed within the shared values used for measuring activities in the organizations. Organizing- organizational structures emphasize he group; the team is assigned tasks and resources. Staffing- promotions are are based primarily on seniority.Directing- Leaders expect loyalty in exchange for protection. Controlling- Deviations from standards and expectations is discouraged through group oriented pressure. Conclusion General management and knowledge management theories and practices have to be viewed and reviewed in the context of local cultures. In an organization, the managers bring values, experiences and beliefs that are profoundly rooted in their national cultures. Even the perspective of hat management actually entails varies widely across different national c ultures.The model of culture has been applied to the world of international business and the daily tasks of a manager examined in terms of cultural values. Individual's frame work of cultural preferences influences the way in which their tasks are executed. Management tasks in the firms varies according to the culture Management tasks in western enterprises varies from the management tasks that are carried out by eastern enterprises. Additional studies must be undertaken to have a thorough understanding of the cultural rabbles.Without Andean different perspectives from the traditional and AC opted frameworks, such as Hypotheses dimensions, organizations cannot leverage the strengths of the global economy, which can make the difference between survival and success for today's firms.