Research Methodologies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research Methodologies - Assignment Example des the people who are categorized in elderly group, the increasing and widening gap, the people with disabilities and also dismantling the welfare of the public sector. The main purpose and aim of the study is to determine the organizational development of the human services in the multicultural organizational development and also determining the barriers or the obstacles towards the successful change in the organizational development. In the research paper it highlights and focuses that racial and color biasness is the main problem and obstacle that is faced in the organizations because the organizations generally prefer to hire and provide the position of the management to the people who have fair and good complexion which is creating a racial discrimination in the organization and it has been observed through an qualitative survey and study and the research was conducted in the metropolitan area of England (Gummerson, 2000). The process that is included in the above figure assist and helps the organization in overcoming the barrier in the organizational development and this framework can be adopted for integrating the cultural variety in the organizations. The literature review of the article on multicultural development in the human services have emphasized and focused on the various aspects such as the socio political environment which explains that the organizations mainly faces the threat and the problems from the unstable economy and the broader environment and the barrier towards the multicultural development in the sociopolitical environment are privatization, downsizing and fiscal cutbacks that is mainly dominated and surpassed the human services, the other challenge that is faced towards the organizational development is the issues or the problems that is related to the workload and in this perspective it has been observed that the weak leadership is considered as the main reason for the failure for the promotion in the multicultural work

Why did Muslims fight each other during the first century of Islam Essay

Why did Muslims fight each other during the first century of Islam (seventh century C.E.), and how did they justify it - Essay Example They were easily turned against each other with the help of false rumors spread by troublemakers which indicates that they lacked that brotherhood and harmony for which Islam was popular in the life of Prophet Muhammad. The Battle of Jamal or Battle of the Camel is a very important example of tension between the Muslims during the first century of Islam. This is probably the most notable and unfortunate war of the 7th century and took place in 656 at Basra, Iraq. The Muslims fought among themselves in this war due to false allegations promoted by Kharijites (Lapidus 66). Kharijites were former Muslims who gained prominence in Iraq in the late 7th century. They first supported the leadership of Imam Ali and went on to reject it later. They were not happy with the authority of Imam Ali and secretly resented him. When Imam Usman, the third Caliph, was assassinated at the hands of the rebels sent from Egypt to Medina, rumors spread that the murder happened on instruction of Imam Ali. Some historical sources also suggest that Imam Usman’s burial was not attended by Imam Ali which is a factor that might have worked to reinforce the rumors (Lapidus 65). His untimely death remained unavenged under l eadership of Imam Ali who became the fourth Caliph of Islam. This factor coupled with rumors spread by Kharijites about Imam Ali worked to hugely anger Prophet Muhammad’s wife Aisha (Lapidus 66). So, she gathered a large number of Muslims to overthrow Imam Ali’s caliphate and his supporters. The Muslims stood against each other in this war which led to death of a large percentage of Muslims. This war was started by Aisha because the killers of Imam Usman were not arrested. She was also against the appointment of Ali as the fourth Caliph. Imam Ali’s supporters were also extremists and did not try to negotiate affairs. There was a lot of bloodshed as Aisha and her supporters were defeated and Muslims fought Muslims for the first time in this war. The

Shawshank Redemption vs Romulus My Father Essay Example for Free

Shawshank Redemption vs Romulus My Father Essay Belonging refers to a sense of feeling accepted or welcome either physically or spiritually to a group or club. â€Å"A feeling of belonging depends on a strong relationship, developed over a period of time†. This statement suggests that a strong relationship is created or evolved over a period of time, it is evident in todays society through terms such as â€Å"childhood friends†. The sentiment â€Å"A feeling of belonging depends on a strong relationship, developed over a period of time† is portrayed in my text â€Å"Romulus my Father† by Raimond Gaita and my related text the movie â€Å"The Shawshank Redemption† directed by Frank Darabont. In â€Å"Shawshank Redemption† the year is 1947 and Andy Dufresne is ordered to serve two life sentences in Shawshank Prison for the murder of his wife and her lover. Inside, Andy is subjected to violent attacks from brutal guards and fellow inmates. Slowly, he begins to make friends ,one of the most most important friendship is the one he forms with Red, who has also been convicted of murder and is Shawshanks resident black-market dealer. During his time in prison, Andys previous experience as a banker earns him favour with the guards and especially the warden ,as he begins to manage their financial affairs, soon moving on to laundering money for them. In return, Andy is permitted special privileges , which includes working in the wardens office and being able to establisha prison library for the inmates. Eventually Andys innocence is proven. However, by this time, Andy is nowhere to be found and the warden and Shawshank are left sinking in a sea of scandal. Through his time in imprisonment he creates many friendships and alliances with the guards and the inmates, however he never gives up his belief in himself and he never looses his sense of belonging to the outside world like many of the inmates. He refuses to become institutionalized. He always believed in his innocence and believed he belonged on the â€Å"outside†. Like Raimond in Romulus my father Andy Dufresne both characters do not conform to their surroundings. Raimonds surroundings being mental illness and Andy’s being institutionalization. This is due to a strong sense in their own personal belonging they know where they belong and how they belong and their surroundings will not effect nor change this. The two main characters also find or in Andy’s case creates an area where they feel safe and secure . For Andy this was his library . A place where he feels at home away from the violence of the prison. A place where he can be who he use to be, a place to belong away from the harshness of prison life . A glimmer of his past . Raimond also has a place where he feels safe and that was anywhere his dog was . His dog provides feeling of safety of being needed by another living being . Of felling a sense of belonging and acceptance that no human could replicate. Time serves as both a source of torment as well as the backdrop for the slow, eventual achievement of Andy’s escape to where he feels he belongs, his seemingly impossible goal for nearly twenty-eight years. Shawshank redefines the passage of time for the inmates, especially for the â€Å"lifers† like Andy and Red, who can only look forward to death. Hours can seem like a lifetime, and every day seems indistinguishable from the next, adding to the loneliness and burden of imprisonment. Ironically, however, time also proves to be the means of Andy’s escape and salvation and gives him hope throughout his quarter-century in Shawshank. It is ironic that the inmates feel as they don’t belong in jail, there is a scene in the movies where one of the inmates Brooks is release from prison after spending a life sentence who is released and feels that he doesn’t belong this is evident thought the quote â€Å"I cant believe how fast thing move on the out side† her refers to the world as the â€Å"outside† this projects a sense of not belonging to society. Brooks then goes on to say â€Å" maybe I should get me a gun, n rob the food way so they’d send me home† . He feels more sense of belonging inside a prison than he does out in the real world. He feels outcast not through his actions but through the passage of time â€Å"the world went and got themselves into a big dam hurry† . The passage of time in Shawshank redemption has created a strong relationship between the inmates and the prison a feeling of belonging, time has changed the world they once knew to a totally different world that is alien to them, thus institutionalizing them to a world they feel comfortable. ‘Romulus, My Father‘ composed by Raimond Gaita is an autobiographical memoir of his fathers life. It explores the Assimilation to Australian Culture in the Eyes on Raimond Gaita general hardships of migrants moving from Europe, and how he comes to belong to Australia. In â€Å"Romulus My Father† the most profound sense of belonging exists with the narrator himself. The narrator delivers his observations in a reflective and thoughtful tone. The high modality of verb choice suggests a pleasant nostalgia about events in the book. Particularly his recollections of his father, notions such as, â€Å"I loved him too deeply†¦ no quarrel could estrange us† displays the sense of belonging \ he feels with his father. This is evident even after Christina dies. He observed, â€Å"We came together as son and husband with the woman whose remains lay beneath us†. Raimond’s aspect of belonging is that of family and culture. Juxtaposed against Raimond’s belonging is the suffering of Christina in her displacement. For the mother her inability to belong is described by Raimond as, â€Å"a troubled city girl, she could not settle†¦. in a landscape that highlighted her isolation†. Raimond’s melancholy tone conveys how Christine could not fit into the community and in Australia. As a result her isolation and alienation lead her to betray the institution of family juxtaposed by â€Å"I felt awkward with her,† which shows his relationship with his mother has lost the familial belonging it once contained. The landscape plays a harsh role in ‘Romulus, My Father’, as ‘the landscape is one of rare beauty, to a European or English eye it seems desolate’ page 14. Relating to culture shock also, Romulus ‘could not become reconciled to it’ as ‘the eucalypts of Baringhup, scraggy except for the noble red gums on the riverbank, seemed symbols of deprivation and barrenness. page 14. This lack of belonging even in the landscape of Australia for Romulus creates the notion that he felt connected to his native lands in Europe, and without that connection he feels as though he does not belong. However, this can also be viewed that Romulus does not understand the land and therefore cannot appreciate its unique beauty, highlighted where ‘he set fire to the stock in order to kill the snake†¦an immigrant unused to the tinder-dry conditions of an Australian summer’ page 28. Romulus was then harshly unaccepted as ‘The local newspaper ridiculed the New Australian for his folly. ’ He partially redeemed himself in the eyes of locals where he saved Neil Mikkelsen from dying after he fell from a ladder. This can be contrasted to Raimond’s perception of the Australian landscape, one who had grown up with the land, ‘the key to the beauty of the native trees lay in the light which so sharply delineated them against a dark blue sky†¦the sight provoked a surge of affection for my primitive home. pg 62. Belonging shapes who we are. â€Å"Romulus My Father† by Raimond Gaita explores how â€Å"A feeling of belonging depends on a strong relationship, developed over a period of time†. â€Å"The Shawshank redemption† directed by Frank Darabont explores the need for belonging by gamers seeking a place in society and how time can disconnect one from somewhere they one belonged. Together these texts allow us to examine bo th positive and negative aspects time has on belonging.

Analysis of South Africas Retail Industry

Analysis of South Africas Retail Industry Executive summary South Africa is a player in the local and international retail industry. Retail like all business operates and is affected by external forces as well as internal forces. The external forces are commonly referred to as macro and micro environmental factors have a direct or an indirect impact on the retail industry. Retailers do not have much control over environmental forces unlike marketing variables. It is therefore crucial that every retail business identifies these forces and monitors them effectively to reduce negative impact on growth and profit margins. Retail is primarily about buying decisions and behaviours. Economics play a large part in influencing both individuals and organisations with regard to their buying decisions and behaviours. South Africa like any global player has as a top priority the aim to grow in terms of economic activity. The effect that the retail sector has on the SA economy and also on international impact of our retail sector on imports and exports are evaluated. The more business is conducted the more tax is available to the government to provide appropriate services and establish its various development programmes. Facts that are critical to success of South Africa retail industry are looked in relation to Market size and scope of growth of the retail industry in South Africa? Growth prospects and issues related to the industry? Size of segment of the organized market what are its growth prospects? Major players in South African retail industry, their strategies for growth, and their position in the market? Emerging trends in the South African retail industry? Opportunities challenges before the retailers in South Africa? Key findings are summarised, presenting the valid information relating to the contribution of the retail industry in the economic growth of the country. In the final stage of the analysis, a conclusion signifying which segment of Retail is most attractive is made, detailing the reasons for such conclusion, from beginning to end showing importance of the factors contributing to its attractiveness. Retail overview Retailing encompasses all activities involved in selling gods or services directly to final consumers for their personal non business use. Although most retailing is done in retail stores, in recent years non-store retailing has been growing much faster than has store retailing. Non-store retailing includes selling to the final consumers through direct mail, catalogs, telephone, the internet, TV home shopping shows, home and office parties, door to door contact, vending machines and other direct selling approaches. (Kotler, 2005) For purposes of this assignment only formal retail will be discussed. There are different type of retailers classified in terms of several characteristics including the amount of service they offer, the breadth and depth of their product lines and the relative prices charged and how they are organised. Major Store Retail types include Speciality Stores, Department Stores, Supermarkets, convenience stores, Discount Stores, Off-Price Retailers and Superstores. (Kotler, 2005 pg368) The sector encompassing wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants is an important contributor to GDP and employment for South Africa. It is evident that the preparations toward hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have likely influenced a large increase in investment in the sector as hospitality services, for example, gear up for this major event. That said, the sector has been hard hit by the recent global economic slowdown, evident in the contraction in growth of the sector itself, as well as decreases in employment. The latter is of serious concern considering that the sector is South Africas third largest and also employs 22% of the labour force, with a large proportion being women from the informal sector. (Climate Risk Opportunity A15 Retail and Tourism, 2009) Key Players in the South African Retail Market : Pick n Pay; Metcash Ltd; Massmart Holdings Ltd; Woolworths Holdings Ltd; Spar Group Ltd; Edgars Stores Ltd. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the South African economy is expected to have contracted by 1.8% in 2009 in the wake of the sharp downturn in global demand and commodity prices, tougher financing conditions, weak household spending and low business confidence. Growth will bounce back in 2010 to 2.8% spurred by the hosting of the World Cup. However, the struggling sectors, mainly manufacturing and retail, will remain in doldrums. There is a risk that electricity shortages, will re-emerge in 2010-11, constraining energy-intensive sectors, such as mining, as new base-load power station are not expected to come on stream until 2012. (rru.worldbank, 2010) The overall Ease of Doing Business ranking slipped this year mainly due to a 22 spot drop in the Starting a Business Indicator. South Africa still ranks in the top 100 in eight indicators. The lowest ranking is in the Trading Across Borders indicator. (rru.worldbank, 2010) Macro environment analysis According (Neiman and Bannet (2002), p. 32), Macro Environment takes in consideration of all the external influences that restrain a bearing in the business, but is not compact beneath its direct subject of influence. The importance falls on the renovation that unmanageable micro-variables bring about, and their implications for the business, yet enduring alongside, each other of changes in the environment, in charge to be able to forecast the changes in the environment which can turn to be a difficult mission. The universe of sociological elements that affect a companys ability to serve its customers or sell its goods and services. There are six major macro environment forces: cultural, demographic, economic, natural, political, and technological. The cultural environment includes institutions and other forces that affect the basic values, behaviors, and preferences of the society-all of which have an effect on consumer marketing decisions. The demographic environment includes the study of human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, sex, race, occupation, and other statistical information. The economic environment consists of all factors-such as salary levels, credit trends, and pricing patterns- that affect consumer spending habits and purchasing power. The natural environment involves all the natural resources, such as raw materials or energy sources, needed by or affected by marketers and marketing activities. The political environment includes all laws, government agenc ies, and lobbying groups that influence or restrict individuals or organizations in the society. The technological environment consists of those forces that affect the technology and which can create new products, new markets, and new marketing opportunities. (Dictionary of Marketing Terms) Regulatory and Political Environment: Regulatory and political environment denotes local, state, national, and global laws and regulation which concern businesses. Many business decisions are motivated by the legal and regulatory controls (Solomon, Marshall Stuart. 2006, p. 52). Retail Merchants like other industries are subjected to a number of local and international regulations. Political and legal factors contribute to the environment in which managerial decisions must be made. (Daniels)[1] They are an integral part of the retail operating environment. There are regulations governing the conduct of business in various sectors of the South African Economy. Regulatory bodies and processes the South African Retail Council (SARC (Consumer Goods Council)[2] A unified retail body that will strengthen retailers position and voice in the industry. The objective of SARC is to deal with issues pertaining to retailers interests, the pressing challenges facing the retail industry as a whole including: a fragmented retail representation to key stakeholders; and duplication of efforts and costs. As a collective voice for the industry SARC will shape the environment in which retail business takes place in South Africa. Fundamentally, SARC will focus on two particular areas as impacting on the retail industry: Economic legislative Affairs; and Labour Relations. As a unit within the CGCSA, SARC enjoys the benefit of sharing the existing infrastructure and well established resources currently enjoyed by CGCSA. SARC is mandated to engage in debates and discussions of legislation drafting which will impact on retailers; to give direct input into the South Africas regulatory frameworks. SARCs mandate with regards to labour relations would be to work w ith the government on labour issues especially regarding transformation and equity compliance. Members also have an opportunity to network through seminars, workshops and conferences thus getting an opportunity to learn and build relationships; Information and Resources: regular updates on industry position statements, policy papers or briefings and government submissions. Consumer Goods Council of South Africa[3] The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa is a Section 21 company representing over 11,000 member companies in the retail, wholesale and manufacturing of consumer goods. Its vision is to be a formidable and respected industry voice in South Africa. Its mission is to promote partnership amongst stakeholders across the consumer goods industry in resolving shared non-competitive matters in the most efficient manner to the ultimate benefit of the consumer. (CGCSA) Competition Commission In meeting the objectives to the Competition Acts, the commission is focused on restricting anti-competitive practices, eliminating abuse of dominant positions and strengthening merger control. Three institutions are created in terms of the Act to achieve the above objectives: The Competition Commission, which is independent but whose decisions may be appealed to the Competition Tribunal and the Competition Appeal Court; The Competition Tribunal, which has jurisdiction throughout South Africa and is independent from the competition institutions; and The Competition Appeal Court, which has status similar to that of a High Court and jurisdiction throughout South Africa. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) Sources: Government Communication and Information System, Waksmans Attorneys: Business Guide to South Africa, DTI Office of Consumer Protection[4] The Office of the Consumer Protection (OCP) functions as part of the consumer and Corporate Regulation Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). The OCP administers the Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practises) Act 71 of 1988. The office also enforces other legislation administered by the dti that contains consumer protection provisions. The Office of Consumer Protection is committed to protecting consumers against unfair business practices through complaints resolution, investigations, prosecutions, education and voluntary compliance programmes. It does this by: Promoting the spirit of fair trade between consumers and service providers; Educating consumers about their rights and duties; Providing quick and fast resolution of complaints through negotiated settlements; Investigating and resolving matters relating to unfair business practices; Prosecuting Offenders ITAC ITAC was established through an Act of Parliament, the International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002, which came into force on 1 June 2003. The aim of ITAC, as stated in the Act, is to foster economic growth and development in order to raise incomes and promote investment and employment in South Africa and within the Common Customs Union Area by establishing an efficient and effective system for the administration of international trade subject to this Act and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement. The core functions are: customs tariff investigations; trade remedies; and import and export control. Legal Environment In the context of Macro Environment analysis a legal system is the mechanism for creating, interpreting and enforcing the laws in a specified jurisdiction. The South African Retail environment is a regulated one exhibiting elements of constitutional law, criminal, civil and commercial laws. According to (International Business Environments and Operations 12th Edition, Daniels, Radebaugh, Sullivan; Pg 158) The constitution of a country is designed to guarantee an open and just political order, the criminal law is designed to safeguard the social order, the civil and commercial laws ensure fairness and efficiency of business transactions. Aspects of all three components bear on the decisions made by managers and investors. This accurately describes the legal environment in which the South African Retail market operates. The legislation applicable in the country is a method used by the government to regulate retail business practices, defining acceptable practices for conducting business transactions, to specific the rights and obligations of parties engaged in the business transactions and to afford legal redress when needed.(Int. bus Environ Operations) The South African legal climate is that of a democratic mixed legal system, engaging, common law, civil laws codified in various legislation, regulations and customary law. South Africa offers a balanced legal and political system safeguarding the interest of consumers as well as corporations, small medium enterprises. The political climate as well as the social environment is stable. The legal environment is derived partly from the political climate in a country and has three distinct dimensions to it: The domestic laws of home country; the domestic laws of foreign markets; International law in general. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Domestic laws govern marketing within a country, e.g. the physical attributes of a product will be influenced by laws (designed to protect consumers) relating to the purity, safety or performance of the product. Domestic laws might also constrain marketers in the areas of product packaging, marking and labeling, and contracts with agents. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) South Africas commercial legal system has been influenced by English law. English courts create and follow precedents just as South African courts do. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Central to all commercial activities is the contract. The purpose of a contract is to specify the respective rights and obligations of the parties to an agreement and outline specific procedures or actions that must take place. Buyers and sellers are at times also subject to international law, which may be defined as that body of rules which regulates relationships between countries or other international legal persons. There is neither an international parliament empowered to create international law; nor an international police force to enforce it. The principal sources of international law are treaties and conventions. Other sources of international law are custom (i.e. international practice that is accepted as law) and the general principles of law recognised by civilized nations or natural law (the basis of human co-existence). The Incoterms (2000), as published by the International Chamber of Commerce, are not, strictly speaking, part of international law. Another area in which international law plays an important role is in controlling the use of the sea and the environment outside the territorial waters of countries. The control of international air travel by organisations such as IATA (International Airline Transport Association), or structures such as The Hague-Visby Rules in relation to ocean freight, may also be regarded as part of international law. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Legislation affecting the Retail Market in South Africa:- Labour Laws in South Africa (Department of Labour South Africa)[5] (Employing Workers) Workers in the retail sector are protected by a plethora of legislation (listed below). Notably the protection afforded by legislation and regulations deals with: wages,, hours of work, leave, prohibition of child labor and termination of employment. Amended Labour Relations Act; Basic Conditions of Employment (Amendment) Act, 2002 ; Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997; Basic Conditions of Employment Act Labour Relations Act ; Labour Relations amendment Act 2002; Employment Equity ; Employment Equity Act ; Skills Development Act ; Unemployment Insurance Fund; Rules for the conduct of proceedings before the CCMA; Skills Development Act; Sectoral Determination: 9: Wholesale and retail sector; No. 85 of 1993: Occupational Health and Safety Act as amended by Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 181 Of 1993 Labour Regulations There is a plethora of regulations impacting the SA Retail labor and some of these are:-Driven machinery, Electrical Machinery, Construction ,Asbestos ,Lift escalator and passenger conveyer, Electrical Installation, Environmental regulation for workplaces, Facilities, Certificate of competency. South African Paint Manufacturers Association: Guide to Health Safety in the workplace Employment Equity: Code of good practice: Employment Equity, EEA 2: Employment Equity report, EEA 4: Income differential statement, EEA 10: Occupational categories, Technical Assistance Guidelines on the employment of people with disabilities) Land and Building Laws (Dealing with Licenses, Registering Property) Construction Industry Development Board Act, 2000; National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977); Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act Tax Laws (Paying Taxes) Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 1999; Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 2004; Value-Added Tax Act, 1991 See discussion on Tax below. Constitution of South Africa Commercial and Company Laws (Starting a Business, Protecting Investors, Closing a Business) Companies Amendment Act, 2004; Companies Act, 1973; Competition Act, 1998 Civil Procedure Codes (Enforcing Contracts, Closing a Business, Protecting Investors) Magistrates Courts Rules of Court Banking and Credit Laws (Getting Credit, Protecting Investors) Banks Act, 1990; Insolvency Act Unfair Business Practices Act no 71 of 1988 EXCHANGE CONTROLS (SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK) Financial Regulations (Financial Services Board) Consumer Protection Act no 68 of 2008 (Data to follow) Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practises) Act 71 of 1988 The act deals with unfair business practise which is defined as any businesses practice which directly or indirectly has, or is likely to have, the effect of harming relations between business and consumers, unreasonably prejudicing any consumer, deceiving any consumer or unfairly affecting any consumer. Competition Amendment Bill, 2008[6] In 2006 DT reviewed the current competition regulatory framework. The review of the existing competition law regime was informed by a need to respond to the industrial policy objectives such as promotion of competitiveness; Observations on the challenges of the competition authorities in dealing with uncompetitive outcomes resulting in artificially high prices to the detriment of consumers; e.g. competition problems resulting from complex monopolies or multi-firm conduct; To strengthen efforts on cartel enforcement by introducing personal liability on directors who cause their firms to engage in cartel activities. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) To address these, the dti proposes to introduce Competition Amendment Bill, 2008 (Bill). The Bill is not intended to overhaul the current competition regime but is focused on key areas aimed at Strengthening the existing provisions of the Competition Act; Providing the competition authorities with extra powers to deal robustly with uncompetitive practices; and Enabling the Competition Commission to play a more proactive role in investigating markets and take measures to ensure market transparency. Competition Commission Act[7] 1998 (Werksmans Publications) The Competition Act affects every business operating in South Africa, and the serious consequences of contravention necessitate a sound understanding of its basic principles. An overarching law, the Competition Act, prohibits anti-competitive behavior such as price-fixing and collusion between competitors, and the abuse of dominance. The Act also provides for a merger control regime in terms of which the prior approval of the competition authorities must be obtained for certain mergers and acquisitions. South African competition law differs from foreign models in that the focus is not purely on competition issues, but also on certain public interest and social goals such as the promotion of small businesses, the interests of employees and black economic empowerment. South Africa has a well-developed and regulated competition regime based on best international practice. South Africas economic system is predominantly based on free market principles. However, as in most developed economies, competition is controlled. The Act fundamentally reformed the countrys competition legislation, substantially strengthening the powers of the competition authorities along the lines of the European Union, US and Canadian models. The Act provides for various prohibitions on anti-competitive conduct, restrictive practices (such as price fixing, predatory pricing and collusive tendering) and abuses by dominant firms (firms with a market share of 35% or more). South African authorities embarked on a major overhaul of competition policy, which led to the formulation of a new policy, the Competition Act, No. 89 of 1998, which seeks to achieve the following objectives: To promote the efficiency, adaptability and development of the economy; To provide consumers with competitive prices and product choices; To promote employment and advance the social and economic welfare of South Africans; To expand opportunities for South African participation in world markets and recognise the role of foreign competition in the Republic; To ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have an equitable opportunity to participate in the economy; and To promote a greater spread of ownership, in particular to increase the ownership stakes of historically disadvantaged persons (HDIs). Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act No 53 of 2003[8] Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a specific government policy to advance economic transformation and enhance the economic participation of black people in the South African economy. The Department of Trade and Industrys (the dtis) growth strategy includes a focus on broadening participation, equity and access to redress for all economic citizens, particularly those previously marginalised. The Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act, No. 53 of 2003, facilitates the dtis work in this area by establishing a legislative framework for the promotion of BEE; empowering the Minister to issue Codes of Good Practice and publishing Transformation Charters; establishing the BEE Advisory Council; and making provision for matters connected therewith. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) International Trade Administration Act 71 of 2002, The object of the Act is to foster economic growth and development in order to raise incomes and promote investment and employment in the Republic and within the Common Customs Area by establishing an efficient and effective system for the administration of international trade subject to this Act and the SACU agreement. (Department of Trade and Industry South Africa) Intellectual Property Rights[9] South Africa has a developed system of intellectual property law covering patents, industrial designs, copyright and trademarks. It is also a signatory to most of the international conventions in this field. Environmental Regulation In terms of Section 24 of the Constitution and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is to take care that a sound balance is maintained between environmental and socio-economic aspects in all policies, plans, programmes and decisions, including the encouragement of investment, granting of incentives and all other interventions. the dti encourages existing industries to implement Cleaner Production (CP) as an internationally adopted tool that incurs savings, increases competitiveness and elevates companies to higher levels of resource and energy efficiency. the dti at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development established the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), which implements CP in priority sectors, focusing on textiles, agro-processing and chemicals. NCPC sector projects are conducted in terms of Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) Customised Sector Programmes (CSP). POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) The political environment has an impact on the attractiveness of economic prospects of a particular country or region, also a companys international activities. The decision on whether or on to transact will be influenced by various factors including financial penalties on a company or if unanticipated events in the political arena lead to the loss of income-generating assets. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) The greater the level of involvement in a foreign markets, the greater the need to monitor the political climate of the countries business is conducted. Changes in government often result in changes in policy and attitudes towards foreign business. Bearing in mind that a foreign company operates in a host country at the discretion of the government concerned, the government can either encourage foreign activities by offering attractive opportunities for investment and trade, or discourage its activities by imposing restrictions such as import quotas, etc. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za).Companies should therefore continually adjust their policies accordingly. Nearly all governments today play active roles in their countries economies. Although evident to a greater or lesser extent in most countries, government ownership of economic activities is still prevalent in the former centrally planned economies, as well as in certain developing countries which lack a sufficiently well developed private sector to support a free market system. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Reflected in a governments attitudes and policies towards business are its ideas about how best to promote national interest in the light of the countrys economic and political resources and objectives. Foreign products and investment seen to be vital to the growth and development of the economy often receive favourable treatment from the government in the form of reduced tax, exemption from quotas, etc. On the other hand, products considered by a government to be non-essential, undesirable, or a threat to local industry are frequently subjected to a variety of import restrictions such as quotas and tariffs. It is also important to be aware of the nature of the relationship between South Africa and the foreign target market. This was a major consideration during South Africas political isolation. Fortunately, South Africas international relations have normalised and today South Africa is viewed very favourably, from a political perspective, by the rest of the world. The political environment is connected to the international business environment through the concept of political risk. Political risk is determined differently for different companies, as not all of them will be equally affected by political changes. Political risk is of a macro nature when politically inspired environmental changes affect all foreign investment. It is of a micro nature when the environmental changes are intended to affect only selected fields of business activity or foreign firms with specific characteristics, (possibly by expropriation). When business is conducted in developing countries, the risks of greatest concern are civil disorder, war and expropriation. When business is conducted in industrialised countries, labour disruptions and price controls are generally seen to pose the greatest threats to a companys profitability. (http://www.exporthelp.co.za) Government Policies As in any other industry, the retail trader has to follow and honour laws and regulations of the host country and central regulations. At some level of the state, the retailer has to pay licence fees, and comply with community health and fire, safety standards, as well as zoning and building codes. At the point of the government and central controls can have a variety from pricing to employee hiring to the insurance of credit (Stewart Abbott. 1993, P. 115). South Africa operates an open market economy often retailers have challenges with compliance with the technical standards, regulatory and conformity assessment regimes are substantial, even when they are transparent. (Koch)(Technical Barriers to trade Barriers Faced by South African SMMES Michael A Peet Steven F Koch) Government regulation comes in many forms, such as tax regulation, labour regulation and regulations concerning the import and export of goods. These regulations have both costs and benefits, which government must balance. Regulation is a broad area that impacts on companies in many different ways. A study conducted and using data gathered from a number of South African Company surveys to investigate how government regulations impact on firms showed the following findings:- Funding, grants and initiatives Sources of funding for Companies or individuals doing business in South Africa are mainly from Commercial Banks. Funding from Bank Loans affords tax efficient benefits where the funds are used for the purpose of trade and in the production of income. The interest paid on the loan is tax deductible, subject to the transfer pricing and thin capitalization provisions. (DTI, 2009) Local borrowing virtually includes all forms of borrowing and financing facilities, e.g. bank loans, overdrafts, facilities and finance leases, credit extended to local suppliers of goods and services, borrowing limits are set on pre-set formula. Types of loans (DTI, 2009) include:- Mortgage Loans: each commercial bank applies its own policies; Unsecured loans: to finance working capital through overdrafts, depending on good standing of the company. Alternatively the banks can require security in the form of personal guarantees by the directors, physical security such as bond over unbounded property, or a cession of the book debts of the company. Discounting and factoring: discounting of e.g. foreign bills, trade bills, bankers acceptances or promissory notes. Corporate Finance: for medium sized companies, tailor made solutions for larger or more complex needs.; Export Finance and Guarantees State Assistance: The state owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) finances the private sector to facilitate commercially sustainable industrial development and innovation to the benefit of South Africa and Southern Africa. Finance is in the form of equity, quasi equity and medium tern loan finance. Interest rates are competitive and risk related and based on the prime bank overdraft rate. T

Will the European Union Survive? :: European Union Essays

"Europe must prevent Greece from becoming an out-and-out catastrophe and make sure that the same fiscal 'remedy' is not applied to other weak economies" -- Franziska Brantner. The EU (European Union) has gone thru many changes. For some countries it has been a blessing and a huge success. For others adapting to a single currency and marketplace has been quite a struggle. The EU hopes to expand even further with the introduction of more states and become one of the largest marketplaces in the world. But will the EU survive in the long term? Is it really of benefit to its members? The EU was established in 1993. It was the EEC (European Economic Community) before that in 1967 and the ECSC (European Coal and Steal Community) in 1951. Its main focus has been for the economic development of its members. Now it seems to be more focused on government, social and legal issues. But the primary reason for the EU was to create a united states of Europe. The objective for this union is to create free trade among member states creating a more competitive market place thus developing competition and in doing so giving a better standard of living for its people. This could be said true for one of its members, Ireland. Ireland has been a textbook case for the EU. Obviously each country in the EU has its different experiences with membership. Ireland has been quite the model EU member in its ability to adapt to the concept of the EU and has seen its GDP almost double in size. Currently Ireland holds the presidency for the EU and will play host to the introduction of the newer members this summer. But has Ireland really benefited from its membership or is its success due to its nearest neighbor west, America. Since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1940 Ireland has had to establish its own economy independent from British rule. Prior to this time being a part of the British Empire guaranteed commercialism for ones country. Although it could be said to be one-sided the British Empire relied on its colonies for trade. In some respects Ireland was not an industrialist nation and was predominantly an agricultural country. In order to succeed and further develop itself she had to change its way of doing business. One of the first orders of business was to introduce a better educational system.

Symbols, Symbolism, and Metaphor in The Great Gatsby Essay -- Great Ga

Metaphors and Symbolisms in The Great Gatsby    In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many different metaphors and symbolisms to express his point.   In this essay the point that I wish to make is how Fitzgerald uses colors to develop image, feelings, and scenery depiction to let the reader feel the emotions and other aspects being portrayed in that particular part in the book.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like every other essay one must address the major points that will be addressed.  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay suggests the hopefulness of Nick's venture in the East and of Gatsby's dream to win Daisy.   Fitzgerald uses the colors of white and green as suggestions of future promise.   As the novel unfolds and the uselessness of the dream is developed, the colors become garish shades such as gold, silver, and pink.      Ã‚  Ã‚   White and green are shown throughout the beginning of the novel, first, through green and white luminous light.   Daisy is constantly shown in white. When Nick first sees his cousin (Daisy), she is wearing a white dress.   In my mind, white depicts virginity, innocence, honesty, wealth, and the appearance of cleanliness.   Later on I will discuss how this image of Daisy is false. She is extremely corrupt, and all her actions are based on self-gratitude. Green is also portrayed in the earlier parts of this novel.   It is a symbol of hope.   This probably is referring to Gatsby's second chance at romance with Daisy, and his dream with America being able to make all your dreams come true.   Gatsby believes that there is hope for his future relationship with Daisy.   We view his r... ... being swollen with silver, as if to say that it was done in a bad way.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The last color portrayed heavily when discussing the character of Gatsby is pink.   Pink is a sign of embarrassment.   When Gatsby states that Daisy never loved Tom, she has always been in love with him, he was shocked to hear from her own mouth that she loved both of them.   This placed Gatsby in a very uncomfortable situation and   this event finally brought him over the edge.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Over the course of this novel we saw how the plot slowly changes from the rich and exquisite life of the wealthy, to the stubborn, arrogant, and selfish values that each of these characters possessed, especially Gatsby. Corruption reigned so high in their society; it was viewed as something to be of usual nature.    Symbols, Symbolism, and Metaphor in The Great Gatsby Essay -- Great Ga Metaphors and Symbolisms in The Great Gatsby    In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many different metaphors and symbolisms to express his point.   In this essay the point that I wish to make is how Fitzgerald uses colors to develop image, feelings, and scenery depiction to let the reader feel the emotions and other aspects being portrayed in that particular part in the book.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like every other essay one must address the major points that will be addressed.  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay suggests the hopefulness of Nick's venture in the East and of Gatsby's dream to win Daisy.   Fitzgerald uses the colors of white and green as suggestions of future promise.   As the novel unfolds and the uselessness of the dream is developed, the colors become garish shades such as gold, silver, and pink.      Ã‚  Ã‚   White and green are shown throughout the beginning of the novel, first, through green and white luminous light.   Daisy is constantly shown in white. When Nick first sees his cousin (Daisy), she is wearing a white dress.   In my mind, white depicts virginity, innocence, honesty, wealth, and the appearance of cleanliness.   Later on I will discuss how this image of Daisy is false. She is extremely corrupt, and all her actions are based on self-gratitude. Green is also portrayed in the earlier parts of this novel.   It is a symbol of hope.   This probably is referring to Gatsby's second chance at romance with Daisy, and his dream with America being able to make all your dreams come true.   Gatsby believes that there is hope for his future relationship with Daisy.   We view his r... ... being swollen with silver, as if to say that it was done in a bad way.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The last color portrayed heavily when discussing the character of Gatsby is pink.   Pink is a sign of embarrassment.   When Gatsby states that Daisy never loved Tom, she has always been in love with him, he was shocked to hear from her own mouth that she loved both of them.   This placed Gatsby in a very uncomfortable situation and   this event finally brought him over the edge.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Over the course of this novel we saw how the plot slowly changes from the rich and exquisite life of the wealthy, to the stubborn, arrogant, and selfish values that each of these characters possessed, especially Gatsby. Corruption reigned so high in their society; it was viewed as something to be of usual nature.   

Global economic development Essay

Evaluation of Gwlad’s position within the global economic environment Swot analysis (Hewings, 1995) Strengths – Gwlad as a country should focus on its administrative strength in the public sector. This would allow the country to delivery better services to the public in terms of quick processing of documentary and information needed by the citizens. Secondly, the country has seems to be one of the states in Western Europe which has highest number of population with diverse cultural activities. The Gwlad country’s population diverse cultural work attracts a number of tourists. Weakness- the country offers low level services. It also shows that it has low manufacturing productions. In the overall results, the country has not developed to high production scale hence there is relatively low gross domestic productivity per head. Threats-the fact that the country has no ties with the other neighboring countries is vulnerable to incur high import and exports taxes. Other threats that may exits are those associated with shortages of vital good which are not produced locally. Opportunities- the country being in the region of Western Europe is most likely to be having advanced technology. This means that the wealthy in technology based activity can be worked to increase both the level of manufacturing as well as GDP per head within the country. Suggested policies to follow (Trogen, 1999) Technological policy- the group needs to utilize this policy in curbing the problem associated with the low productivity. In such a policy, the teams must emphasis both on innovation and invention work. Still many efforts should seek technical assistance from part of the globe where possible. Competition policy- in every kind of economic growth of region, amicable environment which allows competition is a must for spurring economic growth and development. This means that the local competition environment should be bestowed to all potential citizens in every particular sector of production. Apart from the local competitors, the policy should encompass other issues that would allow the external competition as part of initiating news ways of economic growth. activity2: yes! The issues that Dai has identified part of the main issues to look when deciding, marketing of Gwlad. It is clear that Dai has taken location, distance and labor as the main factors to consider in this marketing strategy. However, it should be known that security and resources available within the country plays important role in economic developments. Furthermore, the means of communicating available and the accessibility of they location goes hand in hand in determining the attraction external investors to come and invest in a particulars region. Overall, it would be very important to first consider the costs involved in the marketing of the Gwlad to the external world. While business activities are diverse, they entail a lot of interwoven interaction of many sectors. Any decision made within the government directly and indirectly affects the performance of the business. This form the fundamental issues as the governance procedure are final on business prosperity or failure. Hence, incentives and subsidiaries that are offered by the government in Gwlad perhaps would make the citizens and the foreigners’ interest to invest much aroused. Politics and policies enacted in the Gwlad also have enormous impact to business. Services and the rate at which they are available to interested business operators are also major part of marketing the state. This is because delay and bureaucracies in service and information acquisition are both derailing factors in business operations. Activity 3- (Meier, 2004): (I)-no! I do not agree that technological advances are the only key factors to economic development. There are other issues which are also of great importance. This is because economic development focuses on three or more area in its development. One of the focuses is the government policies. In such a field, economist examines issues which are concerned with price stabilities, employment and taxation as well as the policies set to have sustainable growth. as the economic development protocols are integrations of several factors, government operates on many areas which are directly in connection with economic development such monetary policies, trade transaction and taxation policies together with regulation pertaining to financial institutions. The second major area determining the economic development of a place or region is the manner in which policies dealing with services and infrastructures are set. These include highways, housing, security and still parks. Thirdly and the final section in which economic developments is determined is directed to policies of job creation, retention and expansion, technology transfers and marketing as well as neighborhood development. In such consideration, it is vivid that the economic development is not achieved only through technology advancement. Certain factors are physical factors which are needed for the operations of certain economical activities. Other factors are human based availabilities like policy making that affects the economic growth of an area. For instance, trade restriction may be major factor contributing to low rates of economic developments due to lack of competitive environments. Abolition o such trade restrictions create a better environment for potential foreign investors. Financial factors have been seen as prominent factors that enable economic developments as can be revealed in most developing and underdeveloped countries. Their economics developed rates are not associated with inadequate funding for projects based on economic development and projects on research work which brings about technical advances. Thus, human policy factors, financial status factors and technical factors are all attribute to economic development As from the above revelation, I do not agree the three sectors are the core that economic policy should concentrate in. Energy; environmental, telecommunication and ICT are not the core that can bring economic growth in a country without integrating changes in governance. Management of any organization/ institutions is vital. Thus the inclusion of effective management and services delivery would enhance proper utilization of the resources available in the three sectors which would lead to economic growth. Activity4-(Isard, 1985): analysis of inward investment attraction, domestic company development and combination strategies Inward investment Strengths- depending on the financial ability of the surrounding neighbor countries, this form one of the greatest strong hold in which the foreigners can capitalized in. this means that they would be able to provided financial services and their products. Weakness- the fact that the country has got no ties in trade transactions such as free trades areas with the neighboring states, many inwards investments are likely to be heavily taxed and barred in their operations. Generally, unfair treatment to the inward investors is likely to cause low rate of investment. Opportunities- the fact that most neighbors have advanced technology and also they are able to having greater GDP than the Gwlad, it means that the inwards investment would be able to replicate similar productivity phenomenon making trading a competitive issue in the country. This means that the inward investors would enjoy the advantages of large scale production (Pleeter,1990) Threats- following the inwards investors interacting with the locals, there is that possible of technology transfer which the local would gain an advantage of learning the new techniques and therefore begin producing local products that would halt the utilization of the investors’s products Domestic company development: strength- the country seems to be lagging behind in all the areas. This implies it has very limited strengths on which it can take an advantage over its neighbors. (Peterson, 2001) Weakness- the country is portrayed to lag behind in general productivity which implies that their is low trade activities in the regions Opportunities- the country having a score of learned individuals within its boundaries can be utilized both in the management level to bring technology to its required standards enhancing production which is a core to level of trade activities in country. Threats- the domestic company development are likely to be threaten when the country goes to inwards investment. The inward investors being more competitive than the domestic companies would render the local companies uncompetitive in terms of quality of products, price and in marketing strategies. For the above consideration of the analysis, I would choose the combined strategy the main reason for choosing this particular mode is because, with proper policy formulation and enactment for both internal and external investor companies, there are high chances of mutual benefits. Technology advancement, financial investment availability leading to higher production of the products would enhance the general growth of the economy of the country. Activity 5:- (Bulmer-Thomas, 1992, Leistritz, 1991): the GDEAD’s members are supposed to come up with policies which would enable low cost in the supply chains. These policies includes:- The policy of strategic vision and concrete actions in cooperating in the supply of the material and the distribution of the products to all parts on the country Reduction of taxes in the products produced locally the investors Development of local infrastructures that will enhance logistics from one area to another Recruitment and training of human resources to enable smooth distribution of the products Policies to enable persuasion of U. S multinationals in financing, marketing and R&D in Gwlad The GDEAD must come with policy that allows globalization of market in Gwlad The team should use merger systems of the a few industries so that they begin venturing in to the same market in which the multinationals are operating to break monopoly of the U. S automotive companies. The team should advocate for new methods of technology in information and communication to enhance global advertising both from local and multinational companies. Activity 6:- (Dewhurst, 1991) Pros of the EU are that the EU members have several methods in which its negotiations and terms are based. First, the EU group has strong negotiating power than any other union. This means that the pooling together of efforts in the negotiating process makes the members to have great influence in international trade. Its members are said to be first in the leading in foreign direct investment. The united stated are depicted as the second while they remain the first for foreign investment. While the EU operations are undertaken within the 130 countries, it commands a relative open economy that accounts over 14% of the international trade of its gross domestic products. In comparison with the United States gross domestic products, it commands of 12%. It implies that the EU association with the Gwlads is of more advantageous than joining any other of the above state. (Bull, 1995) I would make arrangements of integration type in joining EU for the Gwlad. This because the EU integration would protect the local first and then from the integration the other collaborating states would have an influence in Gwlad in political, security, technology and other areas in which economic issues are connected. He Gwlad would be changed in its institutions through the established rules and regulations of the EU integration that sets the culture and philosophical basis of government as well as other authoritative bodies which could change economic Institutions. However, free trade would definitely bring in unfair competitions to the locals industries and communities leading to the poorly performing ones. (Dewhurst, 1991) Activity7:- (Grady, 1989) The clusters economic development established in this region is not of best nature. Locating an economic zone far 100km from each other is like creation of monopoly of the various institutions established. Secondly, the interaction of the various institutions when they are far from one and yet they are no quicker means of communication implies less information transfers/ ineffectiveness or delay actions would be frequent. This implies especial in the health, bioscience, financial services/ products and professional services. Similar disadvantages would exist in creative, automotive and aerospace zone. However, the distance would be of advantage to automotive and aerospace in advancing the technological world as this would be determined by increased needs to travel from one zone to another. In organizing the above sectors, I will use different policy as they all differ in the application of creating and reduction economic growth. While the bioscience and the health sectors are there for the purpose of ensuring fitness of the community, the automotives and aerospace are established for saving time in production. Thus health and bioscience would policies towards health facilities and proper nutrition while the latter two would venture policy on technology of speedy safer means. Activity8:- (Grady, 1989, Brace, 1993) Costs and benefits of meeting the demands of the aerospace industry The costs of the meeting the demands of the aerospace industry involves the productions costs. This would require importation of new materials for the manufacture of the aerospace device. Second is the maintenance cost, which will be cut through the use of the correct quality materials. Thirdly is the training cost which will be an essence in having potential skilled human resources and engineers who work on the technological manufacture of the aero plane as well As maintaining them. Finally, the country would have to invest in R &D that would enhance development of modern aerospace using the most advanced technologies than any other competing companies Suggested policy to GDEAD: (Hunter, 1999, Walsh, 1996) The GDEAD should come u p with a policy for which given the current financial situation, it would be able to meet the same demands, but through institution establishment and collaboration with the industry, it would support them in the research work. Reference: Brace, P. (1993). State government and economic performance: Johns Bull, A. (1995): The economics of travel and tourism: Longman. Bulmer-Thomas, V. (1992): Input-output analysis in developing countries: Wiley Dewhurst, J. (1991): Regional input-output modeling / new development and interpretation: Avebury Grady, D. (1989): Governors and economic development policy: vol. 17, pp 870-84 Hewings, G. (1995): Regional input-output analysis, Beverly Hills: Sage Publications Hopkins University Press Hunter, K. (1999): Interest groups and state economic development policies: Praeger Publishers Isard, W. (1985): Introduction to regional science: Prentice Hall. Leistritz, F. (1991): The socioeconomic impact of resource development: Westview Press. Meier, G. (2004): Leading issues in economic development. Oxford Peterson, W. (2001): technology, planning, and Development: Oxford University Press. Pleeter, Saul (1990). Economic impact analysis: Boston: Maritinus Nijhoff Publishing Trogen, P. (1999): Which economic development policies work: retrieved from http:// University Press Walsh, R. (1996): Recreation economic decisions: Venture Publishing, Inc www. spaef. com, on 1st December 2008