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Abstract China and United States are among the largest nations on earth. China is a country found in Asia just along the Pacific Ocean and is the third largest country in the globe. Moreover, it is the most populated country in the world with over 1.3 billion people. Her land size is 3,705,407 square miles.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The US-China Trade specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On the other hand, United States is a country found in the Western, Northern and Eastern hemisphere. It is slightly bigger than China with land size of 3,794,100 square miles. Additionally, it has a population of 307 million people. Despite their geographic positions, the two countries are major trade partners. Undoubtedly, international trade plays an important role in uplifting the economic standards of countries. Different countries collaborate to create markets for the exchange of goods and services. For example, t rade relationship between China and the United States of America dates back to the early days of America’s Independence. In fact, after the Second World War, China became the leading trading partner of the United States. However, upon the foundation of the Republic of China in 1949, trading activities between the two nations has had troubles. This study examines the trade links between these two countries. Additionally, the study involves the review of trade policies, treaties, and even sanctions that enhance trade. This study reveals that, since then, trade sanctions have remained part of the US-China economic and business relations. However, the sanctions have assumed different forms on dissimilar levels of sternness and times (Louis and Bull 127). Introduction The United States imposed selective controls of trade with China immediately after the communist forces won the civil war in 1949. The government of United States progressively tightened export policy rules. Some yea rs later, China entered a war with Korea forcing United States to suspend trade ties with China. In the international scene, United States has always been a major player in trade negotiations. Thus, in order to ensure that no other country participated in trade with China, United States and other countries such as Japan and Britain created the Committee on Multinational Export Controls (COCOM). The main role of this body was to supervise the ban. In fact, by the end of 1951, there were no trade ties between United States and China. In 1971, China recaptured its seat in the United Nations. Thereafter, President Richard Nixon made a historic visit to China. Following intense negotiations between the two nations, COCOM slackened the export controls and allowed China to get equal treatment like the Soviet Union.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Subsequently, this for ced the US to permit its populace to make purchases from the Republic of China and compensate them in dollars. Since then, the total trade volumes between the two nations expanded from zero to nearly $2.4 billion in the late 1970s. This is the year when the two countries formally established diplomatic relations and signed the Trade Relation Agreement (Lehmann and Lehmann 158). This study reveals that this was just the begging of the numerous trade agreements that followed in the subsequent years. Some of them included Agreement on Civil Aviation and Sea Transportation and the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation. In addition, the two countries formed three joint committees on commerce, science, technology, and economic affairs to manage trade relations between the two countries. By 1988, China’s exports had reached over $40 billion and the total trade topped to 480 billion dollars. However, one year later, US suspended its trade engagements with China following the Tian anmen Square incident. Other sanctions included a deferral of authorized and military interactions between the two nations, a ban on the US trade financing and investment insurance for China projects. Additionally, United States imposed a ban on export of military and police equipments to China. On realizing this, China resorted to open door policies to enable it become significant in international markets. For instance, she took apt measures to move state owned businesses towards a market economy in order to encourage foreign investment from other countries. Surprisingly, China’s international trade continued to grow (Table 3). In February 25, 1995, following intense negotiations, the two countries signed an IPR enforcement agreement. The main role of this agreement was to address intellectual property rights and trademarks. In addition, this agreement increased market entrance for products based on intellectual assets. In 1949, China also became a member of the General Agre ement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and World Trade Organisations (WTO). Sadly, the following year, China lost its membership in the two organisations and stayed in the cold for 36 years. Again, China embarked on a strenuous road of negotiations with members allied to GATT/WTO for 15 years. However, it had to reduce tariffs and increase market access for foreign goods and services in order to become a member again. Upon admission into the WTO, China and United States entered negotiations and signed new trade agreements. Moreover, in May 2000, the American House of Representatives passed legislation that granted permanent normal trade relations with China (Halley and Wendell 130-148).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The US-China Trade specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Since then, China has remained a principal trade partner of the United States. According to statistics from the US department of trade, China is the fourth largest importer of US commodities. Additionally, it is the eleventh largest purchaser of US commodities after Canada, Japan and Mexico. For instance, in 2000, China’s exports and imports from America accounted for 2.07 % and 8.58 % of its entire exports and imports respectively. On the other hand, China has also benefitted greatly from the United States through importation of various commodities. For instance, by 2000, statistics indicates that China’s overall exports and imports to and from the United States stood at 21% and 9% respectively (Halley and Wendell 150). Some of the key exports from China to the United States include clothing, machinery, sound and reproduction equipment, electrical machinery, apparel, footwear, games and toys. On the other hand, the exports from the US to China include transport equipment, cereal preparations, textile fibres, sound equipment, fertilizers and telecommunications. However, the increasing USA current account de ficit has become an obstacle to smooth trade between the two countries. Other factors include US’s economic sanctions on exports to China, China’s currency relocation to other countries and China’s stumpy labour cost (Table 1). Trade Imbalance Trade imbalance affects the smooth running of international trade. For instance, the two countries have accumulated a trade shortfall of over two hundred billion dollars. This was an increase from $162 billion from the previous year (Table 2). Analysts blame the deficit for the loss of jobs in the US manufacturing industry. Notably, the trade imbalance emanating out of the US trade deficit is consent in disguise for China. In fact, China grows its gross domestic product through international trade. For instance, 80% of the China’s GDP comes from international trade (Halley and Wendell 146). Despite the few done drums, experts assert that the US-China trade relationship is upright and healthy. For instance, the cheap manufactured goods from China have and keep the US inflation rate relatively low. Most importantly, this trend has reduced the burden on the poor and the middle class consumers who are key drivers of the economy. In addition, this trend has helped the US investors to make profits from their ventures, and this has facilitated the reduction of the US’s national debts (Dayer 34-76).Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Currency Wars Recently, the manner in which China treats its currency in foreign exchange markets has elicited criticism from the United States. US criticize the low valuation of the Chinese Yuan citing numerous consequences. Consequently, this makes Chinese products cheaper in America than in China. On the other hand, the US goods have become expensive in China. Furthermore, United States critics assert that China’s defiance to play by international economic rules cripples the ability to compete on a level playing ground. For example, if China increases the value of the Yuan, United States will benefit from her exports to China. However, the main reason of controlling the appreciation of the Chinese Yuan is to promote internal interests such as controlling inflation and making Chinese firms relevant in international markets (Foot 210-214). Protectionism Protectionism remains an obstacle towards effective trade between United States and China. For instance, the congressional uproar in 2005 over the energy security compelled the Chinese energy company to withdraw from the deal involving controlling the shipyards lining the Panama Canal. Correspondingly, China also reacted by stopping the acquisition of the purchase of Chinese firms by firms from the United States. Intellectual property The respect for international property rights is definitely the principal source of anxiety between two countries’ trade relations. In fact, the constant violation of intellectual property rights and piracy are affecting the trade relationship between United States and China. In fact, counterfeit goods are dangerous to any economy. Perhaps this is the reason why very many countries continue to enact new laws to prevent piracy. However, these measures have not fully controlled this menace (Foot 219-254). The Chinese government proposes to impose stricter and rigid IPR enforcement laws. However, the US has threatened to dispute the move by China before the WTO. Nevert heless, the move is not palatable because China might mount a vigorous arbitration procedure in order to win the challenge (Foot 198-216). China’s plan to modernize the economy and promote indigenous innovation China runs its trade affairs based on the National Medium and Long Term Program (NMLP) drafted by the China state council. This document undoubtedly presents an ambitious plan to modernize the structure of the China’s economy. China wants to become a global leader in manufacturing by 2050. The plan proposes the reduction of the China’s dependence on foreign technology by 50 percent. Some of the principal objectives of NMLP by 2020 include development of science and technology hubs, reduction of public expenditure and increasing production. The document also gives priority to the development of other sectors such as aerospace, information technology and space programs. In addition, according to NMLP document, the Chinese government must ensure that there a re strong foundations to initiate domestic innovations. Consequently, this will enhance her economic levels and promote competitiveness in international markets. According to China’s policy makers, this will propel the country to achieve its goals and objectives. China can only achieve these goals through proper formulation and implementation of clear-cut regulations guiding the country’s procurement law (Dayer 43-58). The US-China Trade Concerns Numerous US companies started to raise concerns over the numerous circulars published and distributed from Chinese authorities. These circulars are marketing tools meant to protect and promote the indigenous innovation Product Accreditation System. The US business community expressed deep concerns over the circulars. They argued that they depicted aspects of protectionism, which has negative effects on internal trade. In other words, China preferred domestic firms to win procurement tenders and not those from other countries. According to US, this prohibited non-Chinese firms from participating in the China’s procurement market. US reacted against the China policies terming them discriminatory because they give preference to the Chinese firms. Consequently, this is discrimination to US firms, and she called WTO to review China’s trade internal policies (Dyer 98-145). China’s response to the US concerns The Chinese authority responded to the US concerns over its indigenous invention policies by arguing that they allow both domestic and foreign firms to participate in the tendering process without any discrimination. Moreover, the Chinese authorities even cited some US firms that had won tenders to supply equipments and other commodities. Additionally, during the visit by President Jintao to the US in 2011, the Chinese government stated that it would ratify its invention policies in order to allow fair competition in the procurement market. In the same year, during the US-China tactica l and economic dialogue, the Chinese government pledged to remove all indigenous invention catalogues in order to allow free between the two countries. However, the US economic experts point out that the NMLP document does not encourage free trade competition between the two countries and proposes its withdrawal. Nevertheless, the Chinese government says that it respects the trade agreements with the United States (Lehmann and Lehmann 122-156). Conclusion China is an important player in international markets. However, there is no doubt that the trade relationship between United States and China has been sour at times. However, the two countries have exemplary economic models and trade ties that many countries can borrow. Although numerous agreements govern the US-China trade relations, the two countries know how to solve stalemates whenever they arise. Most importantly, China and United States should acknowledge that the surest way of expanding and modernizing economies is through e conomic and trade reforms. China should also import more in order to help other countries grow economically (Halley and Wendell 126-146). Works Cited Dayer, Roberta. Bankers and Diplomats in China, 1917-1925: The Anglo-American Relationship. London: F. Cass, 2001. Print. Foot, Rosemary. The Practice of Power: Us Relations with China Since 1949. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2005. Print. Halley, James, and Willkie Wendell. Beyond MFN: Trade with China and American Interests. Washington, D.C: AEI Press, 2004. Print. Lehmann, Fabrice, and Jean-Pierre Lehmann. Peace and Prosperity Through World Trade. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. Louis, William, and Bull Hedley. The â€Å"special Relationship†: Anglo-American Relations Since 1945. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2006. Print. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 This research paper on The US-China Trade was written and submitted by user Derrick Price to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. The US Today it is rather difficult to discuss the US-China relations from one point of view with accentuating only positive aspects of the countries’ relationship which can lead to the effective cooperation or with focusing only on the misunderstandings between the countries which contribute to the development of the competition between the US and China.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The US-China relations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The problem of the character of the relations between the US and China is one of the key questions which are actively discussed on the threshold of the election of 2012. Is China a strategic partner or a strategic competitor of the US? Although the US and China do not base their relations on the principles of the open confrontation and seek for the effective cooperation in dealing with many international and domestic questions, there are a lot of aspects according to which th e countries cannot reach the mutual understanding under the influence of the rapid growth of China and determining its strong position at the global arena. That is why it is possible to speak about the US-China relations as tending to a kind of competition or rather suspicious relations as opposite to the situation of the possible partnership. Moreover, the state of affairs can change tomorrow with references to the changes in the world policy and economy. The relations between the US and China have a long history and can be discussed as difficult with accentuating the peculiarities of the policies provided by the US and Chinese governments during different periods of time. The US as the most powerful country in the world was always inclined to control the situation in the globe economy and policy referring to establishing the international relations with the other countries. Analysts also observe the tendencies of the US to control the situation in relations with China. However, to day to control the peculiarities of China’s strategy is difficult because of the country’s rapid economic progress (Sutter, 2010). Politicians from the both countries do not concentrate on the possible conflict in the relations and accentuate the aspects for the further cooperation. Nevertheless, the pressure in the US-China relations is obvious, and it is explained by the misunderstandings in providing the policy connected with such issues as trade questions, energy problem, human rights, and Taiwan problem (Sutter, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If the competition in the field of the economic powerfulness can be considered as rather questionable because of the quite different positions of the countries, the issues mentioned earlier can be discussed as influential for the development of the US-China relations on the principles contradicting to the mutual cooperation. Analyzing the character of the relations between the US and China, it is important to determine the factors which contribute to the development of the relations between the countries as potential partners or as potential competitors. Thus, both countries are inclined to develop the effective partnership in the field of fighting with terrorism and providing the cooperation on the global environmental issues and the questions of the peace and stability. These problems are not connected directly with the economic issues and allow solving the questions favorably for the both countries. However, such factors as the rapid economic growth of China which results in the increase of the country’s influence on the foreign states, and particularly on the US, is crucial for complicating the relations. â€Å"China’s rise is having a large and complex impact on the United States and Asia, and on various global issues† (Lieberthal Pollack, 2012). Moreover, the expanding military potential of China and misunderstandings on Taiwan problem and the role of the US in the conflict contribute to the development of the countries’ mutual suspicions (Garrett, 2006). The difficulties in the US-China relations can be also explained by the countries’ lack of knowledge on the question of their strategic intentions. Thus, today the US makes accents on the fact that it is necessary to develop the dialogue between the countries in order to determine the priorities in their relations and focus on the establishment of the long-term cooperation in order to avoid the possible conflicts and misunderstandings. The US and China are interested in the development of these relations and state that they are strategically important (Sutter, 2010). Nevertheless, a number of controversial questions according to which the views of the governments in both countries are different can prevent the US and China from implementing the healthy relations based on the principles of cooperation.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The US-China relations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To establish the effective long-term relations, it is significant to achieve the successful solution of the economic and military questions which contribute to forming the disbalance in the countries’ relations. Having analyzed the character of the relations between the US and China, it is possible to note that in spite of the active positions of the countries in relation to the development of the cooperative relations or partnership between them, the situation can be discussed as rather competitive with references to a range of economic factors which influence the peculiarities of the countries’ relations. The countries cannot be considered as open competitors depending on their global positions, but their relations also do not tend to the partnership. However, both countries a re inclined to contribute to their further cooperation. References Garrett, B. (2006). US-China relations in the era of globalization and terror: A framework for analysis. Journal of Contemporary China, 15(48), 389-415. Lieberthal, K. G. Pollack, J. D. (2012). Establishing credibility and trust the next President must manage America’s most important relationship. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/research/establishing-credibility-and-trust-the-next-president-must-manage-americas-most-important-relationship/ Sutter, R. G. (2010). U.S. – Chinese relations: Perilous past, pragmatic present. USA: Rowman Littlefield Publishers. This essay on The US-China relations was written and submitted by user Zeke Beasley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Heart and Blood Vessels essay

buy custom Heart and Blood Vessels essay 1. Complete the following scheme of blood circulation in human heart. Right atrium through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle through the Pulmonary valve to the pulmonary trunk, to the semi lunar for oxygenation, to the pulmonary veins back into the left atrium of the heart, through the mitral valve into the left ventricle, through the left semi lunar valve into the arteries, that supplies systemic blood to the body and then deoxygenated blood goes back into the right atria via tricuspid valve, superior vena cava and inferior vena cava pulmonary artery. 2. The beating of human heart (cardiac cycle) directly reflects the electrical conduction system within the heart (ECG). Describe what happens in the cardiac cycle in the following situations: a. Immediately before P wave: Senatorial node fires causing the contraction of atria. Before this hearts resting period no electrical activity is performed and muscles relax to fill the atria with blood. b. During P wave: At the sinoatrial node the contraction of heart muscle starts. It last for 0.08 seconds. P wave slows down the process of depolarization at the end. c. Immediately after P wave: The P-R segment occurs immediately the P wave occurs. This P-R segment is time travel to reach the ventricles from SA. After this the QR complex occurs. d. During QRS wave: the depolarization wave movements is depicted through the QRS complex. It makes large upward spikes. The QRS complex shows the conduction depolarization waves synchronously. e. During the T wave: It is the last readable wave in a cycle on ECG. Hearts re-polarization is represented here. It means that ventricles have sent the blood to the body and heart goes to reset itself for the next cycle (Elaine 696). 3. Suppose a person has a heart rate of 70bpm and has a stroke volume (SV) of 70ml. A negative inotropic agent (any substance that reduces contractility of heart) reduces the SV to 50 ml. What would the new heart rate have to be to maintain the same cardiac output? Heart rate: 70bpm Stroke Volume SV: 70 ml Cardiac output = HR x SV = 70x70 =4900 ml/min SV after reduction = 50 ml Cardiac Output: heart rate x Stroke Volume = 70 x 50, 3500 ml/min or 3.5 L/min New Heart rate = Cardiac output/ Stroke Volume = 4900/50 = 98bpm 4. A 55-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with heart failure. He complains of increasing shortness of breath on exertion and needing to sleep on three pillows at night. On physical assessment, the nurse determines that his ankles and feet are very swollen. Which of these symptoms reflect left-sided heart failure and which reflect right-sided heart failure? Answer: The left sided heart failure occurs due to reduction in cardiac output of arterial blood. Other symptoms of left ventricular failure include as the hypoxia, crackles, cyanosis, fatigue, dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal, elevated pulmonary and capillary wedge pressure. Right side heart failure occurs due to weight gain. Dependent pitting edema is also observed in patients feet and ankles. This edema is disappeared overnight but spreads in other tissues. Other symptoms of right side heart failure include the weakness, jugular vein distension, vomiting, and nausea, elevated and central venous pressure (Barbara and Nancy 426). Use the following hint to solve the problem: -Think about the normal flow of blood within the heart - Now think, what will happen if the left side of the heart is not pumping properly. Where will the blood pool up. Now try to think about the symptoms the patients may experience due to pooled up blood. -Repeat all these steps for the right side of heart as well. 5. Becky, age 2, was born with a hole in her interventricular septum (ventricular septal defect or VSD). Considering that the blood pressure in the left ventricle is significantly higher than the blood pressure in the right ventricle, predict the effect of VSD on Beckys 10 points a. pulmonary BP: The VSD creates the greater pressure on two ventricles, it is higher in left ventricles than right ventricles. The VSD allows the oxygenated blood to flow from the left ventricle to right ventricle. In right ventricle the pressure is low and mixed blood the flows to circulate into lungs. It is not apparent in infant at the time of birth because left ventricular and right ventricular pressures are equal. As the child grows the right ventricular pressure decreases and blood shunts from left ventricular to right ventricular. Becky will suffer from the occurrence of cyanosis and biventricular heart failure. Chest wall will become prominent and resulting into increased risk of pneumonia for Becky. b. systemic blood pressure. Systemic blood pressure is disturbed due to effects of VSD in an infant like Becky. VSD is not closed in Becky so blood flows under higher pressure into arteries and arteries become thicker. Right ventricular works extra to control the high blood volume and lungs receive the extra blood pressure. Lungs are permanently damaged due to this blood pressure. Explain why? 6. Based upon the topic of blood pressure and the factors controlling blood pressure, for each of the given situations, describe the anticipated effect on blood pressure and the physiological basis (reasoning) of your response; a. A high salt diet: kidneys are the organs to control the level of salts in our body. When intake level of salt is high then kidneys cannot control the level of salt and it ends up into blood stream. Salt requires more water into blood which results into increase volume of water. This increases the volume of blood and blood pressure is also raised. It is also noted that hypertrophy is linked with excessive amount of NaCl. b. A blow on head that damages (disables) the vasomotor center: The process of vasoconstriction is controlled by the vasomotor center in brain. This process of vasoconstriction regulates the blood pressure. When this vasomotor centre is disabled them improper vasoconstriction may cause the increase in blood pressure and hypertension. c. Hypothalamic tumor resulting in excess ADH production: There are two causes behind it. Firstly, it makes the kidneys to retain more volume of water which increases the blood pressure. Secondly, it causes the blood vessels to squeeze down and causing the blood pressure to go up. Due to elevation of ADH, kidneys start to retain excessive volume of water resulting into expansion of plasma volume. This expansion in plasma volume causes the blood pressure to increase 7. Edema (swelling due to increase in interstitial fluid) is a common clinical problem. On one of your first days of introductory clinical experience, you encounter three patients who all have severe edema for different reasons. Your challenge is to explain the cause of edema. Note: In each case, try to explain the edema in terms of either an increase or decrease in one of the four pressures that cause bulk flow at capillaries (refer to slide # 76-80 of ppts.) a. First, you encounter Mrs. Taylor in medical ward awaiting a liver transplant. What is the connection between liver failure and her edema? HINT: think about role of liver in producing plasma proteins. Osmotic positional of plasma drops resulting into drop of plasma protein concentration. Capillaries absorb less fluid of interstitial. This condition of plasma protein reduction becomes the cause of edema. Liver failure also causes the decreased synthesis of plasma protein. The persons with liver failure have the impaired synthesis of albumin which causes decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure. Edema is also developed due to lack of amino acids required for the synthesis of plasma proteins (Carol 165). b. Next, you follow a resident to obstetric ward, where Mrs. So is experiencing premature labor. Which of the pressures that drive bulk flow might be altered here? HINT: What affect the expanding uterus might be having A pregnant woman may feel the labor pains prematurely before 37 week of pregnancy because cervix opens before the time due to uterine contraction. Baby born may face the health problems, but medicine, new technology and research the baby becomes healthy. These women have the cervical abnormalities. There are other factors which cause the alteration in blood volume in pregnancy. Cardiac output also affects the normal delivery. c. Finally, you are called to emergency, where Mr. Herera is in anaphylactic shock. Which of the pressures that drive bulk flow might be altered here? HINT: In anaphylactic shock, the capillaries become highly leaky. In anaphylactic shock the fluid buildup in the body tissues which results into an edema. This occurs due to high osmotic pressure in capillaries and low osmotic pressure in tissues. Blood has to reach the tissues but it diffuses back into capillaries. In anaphylactic shock blood from sides is prevented to enter the capillaries, tissues are swallowed and patient expires. The blood circulatory system has been discussed in this paper. A related numerical is also part of this paper. Buy custom Heart and Blood Vessels essay

3 Problems with Introducing Sayings and Questions

3 Problems with Introducing Sayings and Questions 3 Problems with Introducing Sayings and Questions 3 Problems with Introducing Sayings and Questions By Mark Nichol Often, an incorrect form of punctuation is deployed to set off the introduction of a saying or a question from the quoted material itself. The following sentences demonstrate various errors related to this issue, and discussions and revisions explain the problem and illustrate one or more solutions. 1. The old saying, â€Å"What gets rewarded gets done,† is as true with risk as with any other activity. Setting the quoted saying off with commas implies that it is equivalent to â€Å"the old saying,† meaning that it is the old saying- the only one in existence. However, that phrase and the quotation are appositives; they both describe the same thing (a saying- one of many), so no internal punctuation is required: â€Å"The old saying ‘What gets rewarded gets done’ is as true with risk as with any other activity.† 2. From that perspective, we should ask: Are executives looking at portfolio management? Do they understand how the budgeting process works? Do they understand how the capital-allocation process works? A colon should not be used here, because that punctuation mark serves as a sort of soft period, indicating the end of an independent clause and at the same time signaling that what follows will be some form of an extension of that clause. But what precedes the colon is not an independent clause, so that initial part of the sentence should be extended to become an independent clause: â€Å"From that perspective, we should ask the following questions: ‘Are executives looking at portfolio management?’ ‘Do they understand how the budgeting process works?’ ‘Do they understand how the capital-allocation process works?’† (Note, too, that because the questions are conjectural utterances, they should also be framed in quotation marks.) Alternatively, a comma can replace the colon: â€Å"From that perspective, we should ask, ‘Are executives looking at portfolio management?’ ‘Do they understand how the budgeting process works?’ ‘Do they understand how the capital-allocation process works?’† 3. When we speak to heads of audit of organizations in the health care sector, many ask the same question, Where do we start? This sentence illustrates a problem opposite to that discussed in the previous example. What precedes â€Å"Where do we start?† is a complete statement, so a colon should replace the final comma to set up the question: â€Å"When we speak to heads of audit of organizations in the health care sector, many ask the same question: ‘Where do we start?’† (Again, the question itself should be enclosed in quotation marks as well.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How to Format a US Business Letter20 Pairs of One-Word and Two-Word Forms10 Tips About How to Write a Caption

Immigration in the US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Immigration in the US - Essay Example People have generally developed a negative perception about assimilation over the years. Assimilation has been largely viewed as a process of wearing a fake identity. Nevertheless, assimilation has played a fundamental role in the integration of ethnic minorities in the advanced societies. In this way, social assimilation enables the ethnic minorities to achieve cultural solidarity without having to compromise upon their indigenous cultural values and norms. Pluralism, by definition is the inverse of assimilation. Ethnic pluralism is the term used for such circumstances that enable the ethnic minorities to keep their original values and sustain ethnic heterogeneity. Ethnic pluralism is misunderstood as a social process which isolates one ethnic group from the rest. A more rational way to define ethnic pluralism is definition of a particular group in a larger society. This is the reason why ethnic pluralism gives rise to a multiethnic society instead of distorting one large society into several small societies. Different ethnic groups are interlinked by the economic and political systems in the society. Although American society is by large an assimilationist society, yet pluralistic elements are quite evident at several levels in the structure of the society. Whether an individual is inclined towards assimilation or ethnic pluralism fundamentally depends upon his/her choice. People that prefer to hold ethnicity as the most prominent fac tor of identification are more of ethnic pluralists than assimilationists. Assimilation and ethnic pluralism resemble each other in that both entail numerous forms and dimensions. Several dimensions including the cultural and structural dimensions can be defined for both assimilation and ethnic pluralism. Differences among individual ethnic groups sustain in both social systems. Both assimilation and ethnic pluralism are variables for societies and groups and both occur at different

Common Problems In The Restaurant Business Today Essay - 1

Common Problems In The Restaurant Business Today - Essay Example From this paper, it is clear that data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire to a set of sample respondents in three restaurants in a district area. In addition, interview of restaurant owners/operators and staff was also conducted. In addition, in implementing the above recommendations, the restaurant owners should â€Å"consider the factors that make people want to come back to a certain restaurant.   The palatability, presentation, and price of the food items served are among these factors. Likewise, cleanliness of the restaurant is another vital feature of the good restaurant as well  as good customer service skills of   restaurant staff, among others.† (Building Perfect   Business/ Features of a good restaurant, 2009). Further, the restaurant owners should also look for solutions for other common problems such as restaurant downtime, problems with weather, filling undesirable tables and menu items that are unavailable. (Start a Restaurant Biz/ Turn Rest aurant Problems into Opportunities, 2009)   The restaurant industry will continue to flourish given proper management and careful consideration of problems and difficulties turning them into profitable opportunities.   The restaurant is here to stay following the new trends and solutions to be adopted by restaurant owners for common problems identified by food critics and the results of this study for this   type of undertaking. The restaurant owners can make the restaurant business a challenging opportunity for a profitable endeavor and rewarding experience.   ... The category of personal problems are the most difficult to deal with. (Restaurant Owners Face Problems and Crisis, 2010) While there are problems and crises confronting the restaurant business, it is here to stay as it is a part of our daily living. Walsh (2010) also described ten things that make a good restaurant. These include: simplicity, waiters who know the menu, comprehensive menu, no service charge, among others. (Ten Things that Make a Good Restaurant, Feb. 25, 2010) It has been observed that restaurant trends have been continuously evolving around us. â€Å" The top 10 menu trends for 2011 include locally sourced meats and seafood, locally grown produce, sustainability as a culinary theme, nutritious kids’ dishes, hyper-local items, children’s nutrition as a culinary theme, sustainable seafood, gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items, back to basics cuisine and farm-branded ingredients. â€Å"(Food Product Design/ 2011 National Restaurant Trends, Dec. 2010 ) It is worthy to mention that Mayo Clinic’s predictions for 2011 are all about health and flavor such as locally sourced ingredients, small portions, big flavor, new twist on kid friendly and allergy awareness. (Mayo Clinic/Restaurant Trends for 2011, Dec. 2010). Other restaurant trends are predicted by Freeman (2010) who indicates that pies both sweet and savory top the list for 2011 with mini plates, fried vegetables among other trends. (Nation’s Restaurant News/Pies top 2011 restaurant trend list, October 21, 2010). This research project will help the restaurant owners be aware of the common problems in the restaurant business considering the existing competition in the restaurant industry today. Smith

Diverse Racial Experience Essay Example for Free

Diverse Racial Experience Essay The chapter by Ruth Frankenberg entitled, Introduction: Points of Origin, Points of Departure, argues that the way one is perceived in society drastically changes their experience and advantage over others. Therefore, white women are often distinguished by their whiteness which gives them a more diverse racial experience (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 1). With being white comes various additional components that set it apart from the other raced women of the world. Moreover, being a white woman automatically links them to a more favourable position of superiority in the way that they are often identified. This means that they get certain benefits by being white, as colonialism positioned them to have a large portion of control and authority over others. This provides them with the advantage to define the public and its individual beings the way they believe or want it to be. Moreover, they see their whiteness as a normative position in society that is invisible. Frankenberg`s goal is to make whiteness visible so that a white person can identify that they have an advantage over a person of colour by virtue of their skin. She also takes into consideration the intersectionality of class, culture, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality in a white racialized body (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 1). Colonization is an important factor to Frankenberg because of how it uncovers the concept of whiteness and how it subsequently became associated to a position of authority and power. In the article `The Murder of Pamela George`, the author observes that history of colonial violence permitted white men to annex land that did not belong to them and treat it as though they were entitled to it (Razack, 2004 ,pp.127). This perception has perpetuated the control and authority of white people throughout history. A critique in the second wave of feminism made white feminists reconsider what and for whom they were advocating. The movement of feminism was envisioned to include all women but it only targeted one specific group of white middle class women. This occurred because the women could only see there suffering from their particular standpoint. This is seen in the article The Problem That Has No Name by Betty Friedan since she assumes that all women are homogeneous and all have the same lived experiences. She does not consider race, class, and sexuality as a factor in feminism (1997). White women mostly consider their whiteness as undetectable and thus not subject to racism (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 3). These white feminists in the second wave were unintentionally being racist towards other women; this made them unsure about how to precede and resolve this issue (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 4). Frankenberg educated herself about racism by positioning herself to learn from the standpoint of women of colour. Enakshi Dua stated in her article that, in order to understand how race and gender are interconnected one has to listen to the lived experiences of women of colour (2005, pp. 64). Frankenberg followed this method formulating questions that she wanted to investigate to find out how racism affects a white women`s life and how society propagates racism through societal means. After answering these questions Frankenberg proceeded to figure out how white women can fight against racism. Most white women believe that their race is invisible and do not realize that it gives them a distinct experience in the world. This is because the dominant class structures society and thus normalizes whiteness. White women and women of colour have distinct experiences that are subject to how they experience racism. Whiteness is socially constructed and it does affect a white women`s life. However, white women usually tended to regard racism as something that has no effect on them and that women of colour only have to live through (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 6). This belief does not put the onus on the white people and it does not identify the perpetrator of the subjection. Racism does not just happen, it is constructed (Tim Wise 2005). Therefore, it impacts the lives of white women which makes race and gender intersectional for all women not just women of colour. There is a denial in the observations that there is one specific dominating male gender. There is also an abundance of only white women`s experiences by this masculine hegemon. After women realized that the world view did not only have to be seen on a male standpoint the world started to shift views (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 8). Women of colour now want to focus on a standpoint from a radicalized point of view in order to stop racism. Moreover, since white people are the oppressors they cannot see how their situation is reinforcing racism. People of colour are the oppressed and know exactly how they are underprivileged. Subsequently, women of colour were the first to see how gender, race and class forms a persons experience in life (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 8). White women did not see their race as something that was constructed. They did not see themselves as racialized because they were coming from a position of privilege. This position for a white person was normalized throughout American history. Therefore, in order to deconstruct race white women have to admit it is something that affects them (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 11). Race is in a fluid motion and changes constantly with society because it is an economic and political construct. Historically, the white dominance was vindicated because of false biological account that white people were superior (Frankenberg, 1993, pp. 13). This biology justified colonization as well as the enslavement of people of colour that soon followed. The justification shifted to culture as the reason that made people inferior and if they integrated with American culture they would achieve success on merit like white people. However, this belief kept blaming people of colour for their position in society.People of colour were first seen as different from white people, then there was an embrace of colour blindness, and finally people realized that they needed to be able to see the differences in society so they can explain them. This last movement’s purpose was to make people aware of race; this was led by the people of colour themselves. They did not want to be invisible because there situation was not improving because people were ignoring the underlying problem. The racialization of people of colour and white people was constructed with colonization. The European culture was embedded into the way the United States constructed its country. This constructed whiteness as belonging and being a person of colour as an outsider (Dua 2005, pp. 60). The dominant western culture –which was white- positioned itself to dominant over the other races. This created the standard citizen that belonged and made people of colour not included in the so called superior western culture. Frankenberg`s argument illuminates how the dominant class rationalized whiteness as not being racialized. Colonization formed the dominant race and reproduced it through society. By normalizing whiteness the white people did not need to consider how it benefited them and subsequently how it negatively affected people of colour. By naming whiteness, Frankenberg will be able to pinpoint how that perception can change so that people can be equal even with there differences. In conclusion, by admitting that white people are racialized will assist anti-racist feminists in their mission to stop the racialization of all people. This would stop white people from believing that they are the only ones that belong in North America and eventually create a system based on meritocracy rather then privilege by virtue of a persons skin.

Mark Twains Pessimistic Views Exposed in The Adventures of Huckleberry

Mark Twain's Pessimistic Views Exposed in Mark Twain's Pessimistic Views Exposed in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, through examples of hypocrisy, racism, and greed, shows Twain's pessimistic view of society and corruption of the human race as a whole. This novel documents the travels of a young boy by the name of Huckleberry Finn, and a runaway slave named Jim as they attempt to explore and escape their homes because of their own respective reasons. The plot of this novel is very simplistic, however the view of Mark Twain's pessimism regarding society as a whole is revealed through various characters and situations. The idea of hypocrisy by society is Mark Twain's first instance of pessimism. The general view of each of the townspeople is that they live in a civilized society. The continual use of the word civilized causes a sense of arrogance or cockiness as to the fact that society thinks that it is so supreme over other life. Mark Twain does not believe that being civilized makes one a better person and that it is the inner soul that creates a good person. For example, the townspeople believe they are superior, but beneath the surface, they are all selfish, arrogant, hateful people. Any of the people in town can be an example of this as they believe that they are better than any of the slaves that they own. Jim, on the other hand, is Twain's portrayal of a kind and gentle hearted soul and this shows his pessimism towards the hypocrisy of society in the fact that it again illustrates the wrong belief that civilization makes you superior. Jim is a better human being than the majority of the people that are living in the town. Racism is another ideal that Mark Tw... ... continually. Right then we can see the effects of his greed. In the aftermath though, Twain decides to show the severity of an outcome of greed by causing the death of Pap. Death is always caused by greed, whether it is death of the physical body or moralistic part of the personality. Mark Twain's pessimisms of society are portrayed through his beliefs on hypocrisy, racism, and greed. After more in depth characterization of Twain's beliefs on society, it is safe to assume that he believes not in outward appearances or social standing, but that the true person is inside the body, the soul makes up whether we are of high class or low class. Twain was a man beyond his time in the fact that he realized the true meaning of life and that one should not judge a book by its cover. To truly understand a person, one must look to the abstract ideas of their life.

Administrative Role of Management

Managers are often tasked to lead segments of the organization. In certain cases, the manager serves as the overall leader of the organization. Usually, managers are tasked to take on certain administrative functions.The administrative role of managers usually refers to functions that will contribute to the best way by which the organization may be organized from an overall perspective. Such functions may include monitoring the other functions in the institution as well as coordination with other members of the organization.These are done in order to ensure that all tasks are directed towards achieving the goals of the organization. Administrative functions of managers make them more hands on. They are required to participate more in order to ensure that all actions taken are for the success of the organization.  In the case of Far Horizon, there are three administrative issues that need to be addressed.Issue 1: HiringPhase 3 of Far Horizon’s plan involves the opening and fu ll-operation of the convention center. This requires the manager of the organization to recruit people suitable of the position. Various job openings will be created by the convention center.The manager must ensure that the right and best people are placed in positions where they are most suited for and where the can perform their duties successfully.Issue 2: Monitoring of Management TeamsAs stated in Far Horizon’s business plan, its management team is composed of only 3 members. Such team is composed of the owner, the bar and restaurant manager, as well as a consultant who has been hired to give advice on certain issues pertaining to the different aspects of the firm’s management.There is no clear outline of which manager is in charge of what area. It was stated in the business plan that operations, marketing, and finance management teams have already been established. However, it is quite evident that the 3 members of Far Horizon’s management team have not div ided the leadership of such areas among themselves.This may lead to a case wherein no one among the three members can properly monitor the actions of the said management teams. Without proper monitoring by the heads of the management, the actions of the management teams may not be inline with the goals of the company.Issue 3: Delegation of TasksWith the expansion of Far Horizon’s services, more tasks are required out of the current employees as well as those that are to be hired. Because of this, the managers must ensure that all tasks, duties, and responsibilities are covered and assigned.This requires proper delegation to personnel suited for the task. Moreover, it must be ensured that when an employee is assigned certain tasks, that employee is fully capable of fulfilling the said assignments. Too many assignments may cause the employee to give a sub-par performance while too little tasks will mean that the said employee is under-utilized.Basically, the management must ens ure that an adequate number of tasks are assigned to each employee in such a way that his services are maximized.Organizational Role of ManagementThe organization role of management basically refers to the function of managers wherein they design the organization in such a way that the whole organization is properly directed towards the achievement of the common goals of the organization.Managers need to be able to define the key areas of the organization and strategy by which these key areas will supplement each other in order to achieve the objectives of the whole organization. Various activities are related to the organizational role of managers. In the case of Far Horizon, there are a number of issues that the management needs to address in order to successfully lead the organization.Issue 1: StructureThe design of the organizational structure is one of the key activities of the management. Since Far Horizon provides various services to its customers and it has plans to expand i ts range of services, the management must consider a structure that will allow its personnel to attend to the key activities of the organization.Moreover, Far Horizon must be structured in such a way that it leaves room for expansion. This means that the structure must be flexible and dynamic because Far Horizon has yet to establish itself fully.Issue 2: Organizational DevelopmentOrganizational development refers to, â€Å"Organizational development is an effort, planned, organization-wide, and managed from the top, to increase organization effectiveness and health through planned interventions in the organization's processes, using behavioral-science knowledge.† (Beckhard, 1969)This is one of the key organizational functions of managers. The management must continuously seek out strategies by which the effectiveness of all areas of Far Horizon may be maintained and improved continuously. This must be done so that the company will remain competitive from a long-term perspecti ve.Issue 3: TechnologyTechnology is constantly changing. The managers of Far Horizon must ensure that they employ the latest technology not just in the services offered to their clients but within the organization has well. Moreover, they must determine where technology will be most useful within the organizations. The use of technology can make organizational process simpler. Inevitably, it can help the managers lead and take control of Far Horizon better.Reference:Beckhard, R. (1969). Organizational Development: Strategies and Models. Addison-Wesley.

Gatto Against Schools Critique

Jamille Coy â€Å"Against School: How public education cripples our kids, and why â€Å", is a piece written by John Taylor Gatto which was published in the Harpers Magazine September 2003 issue. Gatto was a New York City public school teacher for about thirty years , who after all this time teaching came to a conclusion that public schooling was nothing but, a system created by the high powers to create a large labour force and to keep the general public under some level of control.He believed that schools stifled a child maturing process and the only way to curb this issue way to educate our own children. Gatto opens his piece speaking about his personal experiences within the public school systems in Manhattan, where he says he became an expert in boredom. His expertise in this area of boredom he claims came from the kids he taught, who always complained about being bored in the class room and being taught by teachers who were also bored and uninterested in their subject.He then said we are to blame for our boredom and the only person obligated to amuse you ways one’s self. He said he learnt this remedy of amusing one’s self to cure boredom from his grandfather. The use of these personal or firsthand experiences were very effective because it tells the reader that the writer isn’t just writing from pure opinion but from something more, which allows you to trust him. He follows by saying that he believes people who didn’t know they were responsible for their own amusement were childish and should be avoided and definitely not trusted.He claims that he often defied custom and bent laws just to help kids to get out of the trap of boredom and childishness. He said teachers had a choice either help kids take an education or help them receive it and he was one who wanted to help kids receive it. Consequently he explains that he was fired after childish adults plotted against him and after nine months of tormented effort and his family having to suffer he was able to reacquire his teachers’ license.In this part of Gatto’s piece he uses a lot of strong words (avoided, not trusted, defy, trap, plotted, tormented) which can be both positive and negative. In one instance it may get scare the reader into believing him and in another it can be seen as terribly biased and cause paranoia. He end off the introductory paragraph quoting Gorge W Bush saying what if when he said â€Å"leave no child behind† he accidentally spoke the truth, was our schools designed to make sure not one child ever grows up?This quotation was the introduction to the main idea of his article and it was very effective because he used authority in using G W Bush and also ended it off with a rhetorical question to leave the reader thinking and preparing him/her for what is about to follow. In the opening to his main argument or body he asks three rhetorical questions which he follows by indirect answers â€Å"Do we really need school? Is it really necessary? If so for what? He then answers all these questions indirectly saying that 2 million happy homeschoolers showed that we didn’t need it.Then he mention some popular Americans who weren’t schooled such as Abraham Lincoln ,Thomas Jefferson, Carnegie and Rockefeller, saying that these people achieved a circumstantial level of success and wealth without schooling. He makes sure and points out that he is just saying school isn’t needed but that he totally agrees that education is, maybe just not the formal system that we all know today. He explains that’s the system (schooling) has made us to believe that school is in direct proportions with success, which he says historically isn’t true both financially and intellectually.The question and answer technique he use was very effective because it first makes the writer think and then by following with answering we unknowing accept and believe his argument. His use of popular A mericans who weren’t schooled is somewhat effective in that once can without a doubt see that some people without school can achieve success but at the same that time can argue that it was a different time and the world has changed and education is much more crucial part of life than it was in the time of Rockefeller and Washington.He used a list to explain that mass schooling was believed to make good people, good citizens and to make each his personal best but this was definitely not so. This list which is actually very effective because its helps the reader to remember and understand main points. He then quotes H. L. Mencken who said the aim of public education is not to fill the young of spices with knowledge and awaken them but it is to simply reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardize citizenry to put down dissent and originality .From this quote Gatto wants us to take what Mencken said seriously but coming from a sat irist, it lacks effectiveness. Gatto then goes on to speak about James Bryant Conant who was the president of Harvard for twenty years, world war two poison gas specialists the principal of Colubine High Colorado and the person who introduce standardized testing into the school system. He mention Conant to show a man who had very little background on education influenced it in a big way which was somewhat effective but at the same time could have been considered confusing and misplaced.Another reason for mentioning Conant was to introduce Inglis who believes the reason for school was to stem mass, incurable division so that the underclass’s can never integrate as a dangerous whole. Gatto list what Inglis found to be the purpose of schooling which was: the adjustive or adaptive function, the integrating function, the diagnostic and directive function, the differing function, the selective function and the propaedeutic function. This list was as said before very effective becau se it goes in depth and explains to the reader giving the reader more insight on what the writer is trying to delineate.He starts off his closing points of his argument with the words â€Å"There now you have it. Now you know. † Which somewhat disparages the reader and give a cocky and conceitedness about the writer which can push the reader away from agreement with what he is saying. In this closing argument he says that mandatory schooling had no other objective but to; dumb people down, separate us by classes, encourage us to be lazy not to think at all and to create non-stop consumers.He said that school has turned our children into addicts and it is no accident he quotes Plato and Rousseau to show this. They described our schools as factories in which the raw products (children) are to be shaped and fashioned and built to specification laid down. He said it is obvious what these specifications are; lack of maturity, easy divorce laws, easy credit and easy questions. He u sed very effective rhetorical strategies by comparing children to raw products and schools to factories which gave us images and made his writing more understandable.He concludes by saying that the good news is now that we understand the logic behind modern schooling, its tricks and traps are fairly easy to avoid. He said the answer is to teach own to be leaders and adventurers. He says before we can do this we have to understand that’s schools are laboratories of experimentation on young mind, drill centers for the habits and cooperate society demands. He said that mandatory education serves children only accidentally and the real purpose is to make them servants.He said that the answer is just to let children manage themselves. This closing paragraph was very ambiguous, it was effect in the imagery give with his metaphors but at the same time the answer to the entire thing was bland. After all that he had to say it seems no real solution was given to the problem, which show s he is not very solution oriented and causes his entire article to lose effectiveness. Works Cited Gatto, John Taylor. â€Å"Against School. † Harper's Magazine Sep. 2001: 35-38. Print. MLA formatting by BibMe. org.

Small Business in South Africa

Small Business in South Africa Introduction With the world population increasing at an alarming rate, the rates of unemployment are expected to increase and people will have to find alternatives to the formal employment by finding other means through which they can make a living.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Business in South Africa specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From all spheres of the world, it has been lately discovered that creation of small businesses is one of the way through which a country citizens can reduce their reliance on the nation and that small businesses play a very important role in the economic, political, and social development of a country. This sector however has been faced with many challenges on their establishments particularly in the developing countries such as in the Asian and African states. The small business faces quite a number of challenges from taxation issues to lack of funding and corruption. The obj ective of this study will be to analyze the challenges small businesses face in South Africa and recommend on the likely solutions to these challenges. The reason for choosing South Africa rather than Sudan is the fact that in South Africa small business enterprises are very important particularly to the majority of the low skilled population[1]. It is a fact that: â€Å"Small, medium and micro-enterprises (â€Å"SMMEs†) contribute 36.1% of the country’s gross domestic product (â€Å"GDP†) and employ 68.2% of the workforce in the private sector. In the agriculture, construction and retail sectors, SMMEs employ more than 80% of the total workforce. Over the last few years, the growth in employment by SMMEs has exceeded the growth in their contribution to GDP, highlighting the job creation potential of this sector of the economy†.[2] That is the reason why many refer small businesses as the development engine for most countries as they aid in economic growt h and job creation. In the last few years, they have been the sole means which has accelerated growth in rather poor economic conditions as most of them create employment and enhance poverty reduction[3]. Definition of Small Business It is a very difficult process of defining what a small business is because it all depends on the perspective you look at it. The few characteristics one may look when defining a small business include the potential market size, the management, the size of the employees and many other factors. Some people define a small business as a business having less than 20 employees[4], categorizing them as non employing businesses, micro businesses and other businesses.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Others define small businesses in terms of ownership and management characteristics. These classes of small businesses include the independent ow ned, close control by owners and partnerships. In consideration that this study is based on South Africa, we will use the country’s definition according to the National Business Act that a small business is a business with not more than 50 employees with the turn-over rates varying according to the sector. There is quite a big distinction in small businesses between service and manufacturing small businesses. The policy makers and business owners of small manufacturing businesses attribute old technologies and management strategies as some of the challenges they face on their way to growth while the service businesses are all about one’s attitude and adaptability of the business. In terms of size, the service industries are also known to be larger than the manufacturing businesses and their out put per worker is higher compared to the manufacturing businesses due to the simple fact that while manufacturing rely on physical capital service, businesses rely on human capi tal which can be increased or decreased according to the situation. Small services businesses are also not entitled to registration for taxation in contrast to the manufacturing businesses which have to register and pay taxes. For example, a small manufacturing business will require capital to buy the plant machinery while a service industry such as the hair salon requires the human effort only to earn the money. Another challenge lies on the differences in the costs of acquiring assets. It makes it more beneficial to start a small service business rather than a manufacturing one. According to the South African law â€Å"small business means a separate and distinct business entity, including co-operative enterprises and non-governmental organizations, managed by one owner or more, which including its branches or subsidiaries (if any) is predominantly carried on in any sector or sub sector of the economy†[5] And the amendment of the bill in 2003 classified small businesses und er the following categories (see appendix for the table)[6]. Overview of the Small Business Context Small businesses in South Africa do not contribute more to the GDP compared to other developing countries due to several challenges which include the high unemployment rate and inflation. Many studies show that the small business sector contributes 30 to 50 % of the country’s GDP. SEDA puts the figures at 42% as of year 2002, 46% as of 2004 and at 30% as of 2007.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Business in South Africa specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Aswani[7] estimates south Africa had 2.5 million enterprises as of 1999 with 45% of south Africans working in the sector which represented 4.8 million people and at that time the small businesses contributed about 50% of the GDP. With the poverty rates having risen from 15.5 % in 1995 to 30.5% in the year 2002, the small business contribution has since redu ced to the above said level. To the employment, the small business sector absorbed 57% as of 2002[8]. Constraining Issues As in any other sector in the economy, the small business sector faces quite a number of challenges as they try to improve and increase their contribution to the south African’s GDP. According to the SADE SMME (Small Medium and Micro Enterprises) development and support plan, the major factors hindering the growth of small businesses are: â€Å"Finance, structural demands, intensity of competition, cost of labour, labour legislation, managerial skills, and managerial style†[9]. These above constrains will be covered in this study as under infrastructure, corruption, inflation, lack of credit and the human resources. Corruption: (Legal – Political – Economic) The act of unfair or illegal influence in decision making process by use of power or wealth, for example, the act of giving or receiving a bribe in order to give service or an ille gal substance can be described as corruption. This vice occurs in every country in the world and in every level be it in the private or the public sector[10]. The giver and the receiver of the bribe are beneficially of the crime and thus both need to be punished by the existing laws. Instance of corruption have been reported in south Africa for example in places where crime rates are high, small business owners are reported having given policemen money in order to access their protection from the criminal activities[11]. Analysis:Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If the small businesses are not protected from the criminals, they will continue losing their millions of investment but paying policemen in order to acquire their services (while that is the job they are assigned to do) amounts to corruption and losses to the already endangered small business enterprises. Implication: Corruption in South Africa is a major hindrance to the country’s small business sector and action need to be taken against corruption as it reduces the productivity capability of the small businesses. Inflation: (Economic) Small businesses are also vulnerable to the low inflation rates which increase the cost of doing business and leads to a probability of businesses making huge losses as a result of the decreased prices. In the year 2010 the country recorded a 3.2% as of September this is very risky for those doing business within[12]. Analysis: When inflation is at very low rates it reduces the chances of recovering the borrowed capital. For example, let†™s say you bought an item for 10 Rands and then next time the price falls to 5 Rands that means if the money was from a borrowed source you will have to find ways of sourcing for 5 Rands per item and this makes the banks to take higher precautions when giving out loans. Implication: Low inflation rates while they may be healthy for the population as a whole do not favour businesses in realizing their profitability due to the decreased prices of commodities. Infrastructure: (Technological – Economic) Despite the good infrastructure network in South Africa, a research based on Soweto youth entrepreneurs shows that infrastructure is a major barrier to the success of small businesses in that area. They cites examples of the city of Johannesburg making some efforts in tarring the roads and providing taxi facilities but the report also complains that the city is doing nothing to support business activities in Soweto. The report also indicates that improvements in the transport se ctor would allow more people to move easily within the Soweto area and this could enhance their business activities[13]. Analysis: If the infrastructure connecting major towns and rural areas such as Soweto could be improved, the small business sector could improve a lot as this would enhance cheaper movement and exchange of goods and services between the major and the minor players in the business sector. Implication: Poor infrastructure increases costs of conducting business in any place and thus to increase the contribution of small business sector in South Africa infrastructure need to be improved in all places. Lack of credit funding: (Economic) Commercial banks and other financial institutions are unable to fund small businesses due to internal capacity problems. Most of the small business owners requiring financial assistance from the finance and banking sectors are unable to provide the banks with adequate reliable information which can allow their evaluation on their credit worthiness. This makes the commercial banks in South Africa provide credit facilities to only those businesses which provide reliable information fulfilling the credit worthiness criterion. Offering loans to small business owners is also difficult in South Africa as most banks offer loans with high return rates and this increase the cost of borrowing in the country. Information from Investors Network indicates that on average when people present their business plans to financial institutions this is what happens: â€Å"60% are rejected after a 30 minute review 25% are rejected after a 3 hour appraisal 10% are rejected after a full day evaluation 3% are rejected following failed negotiations 2% succeed in raising funds Yes, read it again, only 2% of businesses seeking private equity are successful.†[14] Analysis: With the high costs of borrowing most of the South African small business owners are unable to source for extra capital that may be required to expand their business es and also the low probability of accessing loans in south Africa makes it hard for small businesses to succeed as in other countries. Implication: The small businesses in the country will continue to suffer unless legislations are enacted which can allow most of the small business entrepreneurs access loans without much scrutiny as far as there are collaterals to the loans. Human Resources: (Social Culture) There is the inability of small businesses to obtain well trained and qualified personnel as they are unable to provide comfortable and better pay working conditions and most of the time they offer wages which are way below the current market rates[15] . As a result, larger businesses remain way above small businesses. Most small businesses as we saw with the country’s guidelines are made of few employees thus higher chances of understaffing. The apartheid era employed an inferior education system and unfair patterns of population settlements. Thus, it has been evident t hat most of the South Africans of the African origin are inadequately skilled in any field they are participating in and this has been a major challenge as they start up and run their small businesses. Analysis: The low education among the South Africans of African origin is one of the major causes of the limitation of small business staffing particularly those owned by the blacks. Understaffing is also a major problem as most small business want to gain higher profits; the result is exhaustion and poor workmanship. Implication: As long as the small businesses are understaffed, their productivity will always remain low compared to the large business enterprises. Recommendations To improve the small businesses situation in South Africa, the small business owners need to access funds for their business activities. The government and the banking institutions need to agree on the requirements one has to fulfil when acquiring loans. To the question about infrastructure, the government sh ould ensure that the transport network is well established in all places whether in the major towns or in the ghettos so as to promote the growth of small businesses in the country. The challenge of inflation is more of a global issue but the central bank in the country should control its releasing and hold up of money so as to avoid high inflation or deflation rates on the country’s currency. Action Plan: To reduce inflation the government should design policies which enable its currency value to be at a stable position to avoid unexpected changes in prices. For the corruption part if the country authorities could ensure that every citizen is safe when doing business and that bribes are not given out in order to gain favours, small businesses will move miles ahead. Understaffing is brought about by the inability of small businesses to acquire enough capital to run the business and thus by enabling small business owners access loans at lower costs will enable them hire more w orking personnel. Conclusion The small business contribution to the country’s GDP is very low compared to other countries and thus for their contribution to be higher, challenges they face such as corruption, poor infrastructure, inflation and inadequacy in human resources need to be addressed and a good solution reached. Bibliography Anonymous. â€Å"Small business in Australia.† Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009, abs.gov.au/ausstats/[emailprotected]/0/97452F3932F44031CA256C5B00027F19?OpenDocument . Aswani, Frank. â€Å"Barriers and facilitators to transitioning of small businesses (SMME’s) from the second to the first economy in South Africa: Gordon Institute of Business Science.† University of Pretoria, 2007, http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03182010-160845/unrestricted/dissertation.pdf . Centre for Development and Enterprise report. â€Å"Young Soweto entrepreneurs.† CDE, June 2007, cipe.org/regional/africa/pdf/CDEReportYoungSowet oEntrepreneurs.pdf . Foreign Investment Advisory Service of the World Bank Group. 2007. South Africa Investors Network. â€Å"Private Equity Financing for SMEs in South Africa.† Investors Network, Not Dated. investorsnetwork.co.za/component/idoblog/viewpost/105 . Minnaar. â€Å"BUSA Anticorruption Working Group.† Newsletter, 2008, busa.org.za/docs/BUSINESS%20ANTI-CORRUPTION%20NEWSLETTER.pdf . Molapo, Sekoala. â€Å"Financial sector support for small business development.† University of Johannesburg, 2007, http://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za:8080/dspace/bitstream/10210/620/1/Final%20Draft%203.pdf . National Small Business Act. Republic Of South Africa, 1996. National Small Business Amendment Bill. Republic of South Africa, 2003. Newham, Gareth. â€Å"Tackling police corruption in South Africa.† Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2002, csvr.org.za/docs/policing/tacklingpolicecorruption.pdf . Okpara John Wynn, Pamela. â€Å"Determinants of Small Business Growth Constraints in a Sub-Saharan African Economy.† SAM Advanced Management Journal, 2007. Trading Economics. â€Å"South Africa inflation rate.† Tradingeconomics, 2010, tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Inflation-CPI.aspx?Symbol=ZAR . Xhariep SMME Development and Support Plan. Small Enterprise Development Agency, 2009. Footnotes Foreign Investment Advisory Service of the World Bank Group. 2007. South Africa Foreign Investment Advisory Service of the World Bank Group. 2007. South Africa p.15 John, Okpara., Pamela Wynn. â€Å"Determinants of Small Business Growth Constraints in a Sub-Saharan African Economy.† SAM Advanced Management Journal, 2007. Anonymous. â€Å"Small business in Australia.† Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009, abs.gov.au/ausstats/[emailprotected]/0/97452F3932F44031CA256C5B00027F19?OpenDocument . National Small Business Act, 1996. clause XV National Small Business Amendment Bill, 2003 Frank, Aswani. â€Å"Barriers and facilit ators to transitioning of small businesses (SMME’s) from the second to the first economy in South Africa: Gordon Institute of Business Science.† University of Pretoria, 2007,http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03182010-160845/unrestricted/dissertation.pdf . Xhariep SMME Development and Support Plan. Small Enterprise Development Agency, 2009. Xhariep SMME Development and Support Plan. Small Enterprise Development Agency, 2009. p.14 Minnaar. â€Å"BUSA Anticorruption Working Group.† Newsletter, 2008, busa.org.za/docs/BUSINESS%20ANTI-CORRUPTION%20NEWSLETTER.pdf . Gareth, Newham. â€Å"Tackling police corruption in South Africa.† Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2002, csvr.org.za/docs/policing/tacklingpolicecorruption.pdf . Trading Economics. â€Å"South Africa inflation rate.† Tradingeconomics, 2010, tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Inflation-CPI.aspx?Symbol=ZAR . Centre for Development and Enterprise report. â€Å"Young Sowet o entrepreneurs.† CDE, focus number 11 of June 2007, cipe.org/regional/africa/pdf/CDEReportYoungSowetoEntrepreneurs.pdf . Investors Network. â€Å"Private Equity Financing for SMEs in South Africa.† Investors Network, Not Dated. investorsnetwork.co.za/component/idoblog/viewpost/105 . Sekoala, Molapo. â€Å"Financial sector support for small business development.† University of Johannesburg, 2007, http://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za:8080/dspace/bitstream/10210/620/1/Final%20Draft%203.pdf .

The Continental Airlines Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

The Continental Airlines - Essay Example Last May and October, 2010, UAL created several mergers involving Continental Express JT Merger Sub Inc., and Continental, with Continental surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation. At the last part of the Merger, the UAL became the parent company of both Continental and United and this was followed by change of name to United Continental Holding., Inc, its present name (Reuters, 2011b) UAL market share cannot be clearly determined but based on total of its ranking from the industry players in terms of sales for the past twelve trailing months, it shares a big part of the market. See Appendix C. UAL is part of those top ten in terms of revenues in the arilines industry. With almost 6,000 daily a day to more than 375 US domestic and international destinations from its hubs from various international airports that can be found in Guam, Denver, Houston Bush, Cleveland Hopkins, Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco and Washington Dulles, one could imagine just how big the company is in reach of customers and related its market share. Its geographical locations can be determined by the extent of its domestic and international operations which can be described to be global. Continental flight destinations are throughout the US, Latin America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific Regions. Its major competitors are Delta Air, Southwest Airlines, and US Airways. A and Nip pon Airways (Reuters, 2011d). Although, this paper originally seeks to evaluate the Continental Airlines’ financial condition and strategies, analysis and discussion would now be on UAL or the holding company of which Continental and United are subsidiaries by looking at the how the company (UAL) has maximized value for its shareholders. The best way to determine whether the company has maximized value to its shareholders it estimates the company’s value in relation to what the market actually reflects. Valuation would be

Preservation of Justice as the Power to Rightness Essay

Preservation of Justice as the Power to Rightness - Essay Example In the fall off the devil, Anselm says the angels that did not fall are free, and yet cannot sin. This proves that to Anselm, freedom construes the right, and ability to act in the right reason, or meaning having the right intention that cannot lead to sin. In this paper I will review the validity of Anselm’s argument in the statement that â€Å"after Satan fell, the angels that did not fall are free and yet cannot sin.† First I will evaluate Anselm’s view relating to the nature of God, secondly, I will review Anselm’s argument concerning, being and the essence of being. This will then lead to the relation between ‘being,’ and preservation of good and evil, evaluating how a being is regarded to be good or evil as related to act and intention of such a being. Finally I will evaluate the dilemma concerning freedom of choice, which will be essential in proving the hypothesis above. In Anselm's argument on free will, God, angels and humans are con sidered as rational beings able make viable decisions. Anselm view justice as the ability to will what one ought to will, meaning they possessed justice in willing what they ought to will, and sine they were rational beings, the good angles had the potential to sin, but refrained form it by choice. The essence of any being is to obtained justice by wiling what they ought to will; just as the good angels refrained from sin. ... er He has, and all other things have something only from him, and just as they have from themselves only nothing, so they have from him only something† (Anselm, 216). Anselm argues that everything has its essence through God, and nothing exists devoid of his power and will. This affirms the importance of ‘will’ in any action. God having been the first being to will implies that any subsequent rational beings have to share this quality. God being the absolute rational being, could only have created other rational beings in his own image, meaning that as God has freedom to will, only so could other rational beings be created. God has imparted the freedom to choose in all rational beings. Secondly, Anselm elaborates on the will and freedom of God to create and preserve any being. God is responsible for being, and what ‘is’ as He conserves in existence what’ is’. Every being is, because it was created by God, and He conserves it in existence. The theme of conservation in this case is responsible for the state of everything which is, without which a being cannot be. â€Å"But if you consider existing things: when they pass to not being, God does not cause them not to be†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. But also being cannot remain how it was made except by his conserving† (Anselm, 217). It is through conservation that a being is, without which the being would return to not being. Ekenberg (17) further elaborates this notion by arguing that God is only a cause of what is, not of ‘what is not.’ God according to Anselm cannot make something not to be, but by removing his conserving over the being, such a being automatically returns where it belonged to; in not being. Therefore, God’s will is positive and not meant to destroy; though God has freedom to preserve that which He wills.