Thursday, January 23, 2020

Listening to Prozac : The dangers behind the sirens seductive call :: Neurological Neurology Brain Essays

Listening to Prozac : The dangers behind the siren's seductive call "If the human brain were simple enough for us to understand, we would be too simple to understand it" (1). In his book Listening to Prozac, Dr. Peter Kramer thoroughly examines how Prozac has revolutionized the power of psychopharmacological medication and what it teaches us about the human self. Prozac has demonstrated the ability to transform a person's behavior, outlook, and conception of self through a neurological change of biology, thus providing more evidence that brain does indeed equal behavior. Perhaps more fascinating than the answers it provides about human neurobiology are the difficult questions, ironies, and problems its usage raises. The administration of Prozac challenges the model of healing through cognitive powers due to its purely biologic effectiveness. This success has widened the gap between the un-medicated and medicated human self. Which is the "true" reflection of a person? Do Prozac's transformations emulate an unnatural idealized social norm or release a healthy individual trapped in an unnatural state? How does this reflect or change our definitions of " illness" and "wellness"? Dr. Kramer's discussions hinge upon the idea that the nervous system controls behavior. The case studies he provides show people who, after taking Prozac, have remarkable "transformations" of multiple facets of behavior including perceptions, motivation, emotions, sense of choice, values, and personality (defined by given temperament as well as developed character). Prozac's ability to change a person so drastically on a biological level causes much apprehension because the change does not need to be processed cognitively or even consciously. Dr. Kramer asserts that this change need not coincide with any self-knowledge because it is "evidently not necessary"(32). His comment points to a desire among many that the conscious self (I-function) has a stronger influence on behavior than biology does because we intimately connect behavior with self-identity. Relying on a foreign substance to change biology (and self) without apprising and receiving sanction from the conscious-self first se ems unnatural. The utter reliance on biology without utilizing our human gift of cognition seems to be a violation of how humanity has separated itself from our own inner animal. Dr. Kramer dismisses claims that Prozac compromises our vision of humanity through changing behavior in psychobiological terms by saying, "biological models are not reductionistic but humanizing, in the sense that they restore scale and perspective and take into account the vast part of us that is not intellect" (143).

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

International Management Essay

Chapter 1 Q1. What are the differences between international, global, and multidomestic companies? Multinational company : An organization with multi country affiliates, each of which formulates its own business strategy based on perceived market differences. Global company : An organization that attempts to standardize and integrate operations worldwide in all functional areas. International company : Either a global or a multi domestic company Q2. Give examples to show how an international business manager might manipulate one of the controllable forces in answer to a change in the uncontrollable forces. Uncontrollable forces(External forces) : Physical/political/Sociocultural/Competitive/Economic/Socioeconomic/Distributive/Financial/Legal Manager can lobby for a changing a law and promoting a new product which requires changes in a cultural attitude. Q3. â€Å"A nation whose GNI is smaller than the sales volume of a global firm is in no position to enforce its wishes on the local subsidiary of that firm.† True or False? Explain. False. GNI is different from sales volume in terms of a calculation method. GNI is a measure of value added, not sales. And each subsidiary of global firms is also a local company that must comply with law in the country where it is located. Q4. Discuss the forces that are leading international firms to the globalization of their sourcing, production, and marketing. 5 major forces : Political, Technological, Market, Cost, and Competitive Followings are the five change-based drivers that are leading international firms to globalize their operations, with an example for each kind : (1)political-preferential trading agreements, (2)technological-advances in communications technology, (3)market-global firms become global customers, (4)cost-globalization of product line and production helps reduce costs by achieving economies of scale, and (5)competitive-firms are defending their home markets from foreign competitors by entering the foreign competitors’ markets. Q5. Business is business, and every firm has to produce and market its goods. Why, then, might managers be unable to apply the techniques and concepts they have learned in their own country to other areas of the world? Despite firms have knowledges and skills for business in own country, they might not be successful in foreign countries that have their own cultures and trends of consumption. Good example for this question is Wal-mart in Korea. The international environmental defined as the interactions (1)between the domestic environmental forces and the foreign environmental forces and (2)between the foreign environmental forces of two countries when an affiliate in one country does business with customers in another. Q6. What do you believe makes foreign business activities more complex than purely domestic ones? To make a decision in foreign country is more difficult than home country. They not only must take into account the domestic forces bot also must evaluate the influence of 10 foreign national environments. Q7. Discuss some possible conflicts between host governments and foreign-owned companies. I am the opinion that restrictions for subsidiaries of foreign companies are sensitive problems. For example, If a certain nation prohibits funding for foreign companies, conflicts will increase. And complains of foreign companies will also increase. On the other hands, If a certain nation is open to the funding for foreign companies, there will be some troubles with foreign companies about taxes and incentives. Q8. Why, in your opinion, do the authors regard the use of the self-reference criterion as â€Å"probably the biggest cause of international business blunders†? Can you think of an example? If I do business in overseas, I don’t know everything exactly concerning about foreign country’s culture, policy, social situations, economy, and trends. So, doing business well in foreign country is very difficult. Self-reference criterion means unconscious reference to one’s own cultural values when judging behaviors of others in a new and different environment. Managers’ unfamiliarity with other cultures, to make matters worse, some managers will ascribe to others their own preferences and reactions. For example, selling beefs by self-reference criterion business in Muslim countries will be failed. Q9. You have decided to take a job in your hometown after graduation. Why should you study international business? Owing to globalization trends in the worlds, and importance of relationship between domestic and foreign country, we have to study hard international business. I will take a job in home country. But I might have opportunities for business in overseas and meeting foreign buyers. Thus, to obtain other countries values, cultures, policies, and trends by studying international business is very important for me. Q10. Although forces in the foreign environment are the same as those in the domestic environment, they operate differently. Why is this so? I think that domestic environmental and foreign environmental are different in terms of domestic and foreign’s culture, and international environmental. When comparing with domestic environmental, operating company in the foreign country has different environments such as company’s market share, foreigner’s own culture, and growth in global. And domestic environmental is also originated in home country’s culture which effect on the companies. Q11. What examples of globalization can you identify within your community? How would you classify each of these examples(e.g., international investment, international trade)? – International investment : I could feel the globalization by watching the Coka-Cola in every super market. – International trade : FTA(Korea and Chile) is a good example for international trade. This free trade agreements is mutually profitable for each nations Q12. Why is there opposition to globalization of trade and integration of the world’s economy? Please assess the major arguments for and against such globalization efforts. I think that this argument against globalization is originated by the different people’s valules and concepts. This argument can be examined by three primary ones (1) that globalization has produced uneven results across nations and people (2) that globalization has had deleterious effects on labor and labor standards (3) that globalization has contributed to a decline in environmental and health conditions. Chapter 2 Q1. How large and important a role do small and mediumsize enterprises play in generating export sales? The proportion of generating export sales from the SMEs in the U.S.A increased constantly. According to the Exporter Data Base in the text book, Of total exporters, 218,382 were SMEs(small and medium-size enterprises). It is 97 percent of all U.S.A exporters. Q2. How has trade in merchandise and services changed over the past decade? What have been the major trends? How might this information be of value to a manager? Although the economic growth of global has slowdowned in the 2000, the absolute value of their merchandise exports increased, the proportion of exports coming from the regions of Latin America, Africa, and Middle East decreased between 1980 and 2004. The largest exporters and importers of merchandise are generally developed countries. The results of services exports are similar with merchandise exports. Regionalization of trade is increasing more and more. It is accounted for over 70 percent by 2005. Further, South and East Asia’s share of the world’s manufacturing value added has nearly quadrupled since 1980. From this information the managers may be prepared for the increased competition from exports to their own domestic markets. Q3. â€Å"The greater part of international trade consists of an exchange of raw materials from developing nations for manufactured goods from developed nations.† True? or false? Explain. False. This is correct partially. More than half the exports from developing nations go to developed countries. Also, over 70% of exports from developed economies go to other industrialized nations Q4. â€Å"The volume of exports has increased, but the ranking of U.S. trading partners in order of importance remains the same year after year.† True or false? Of what use in this information to a manager? False. Of the top 15 nations, 8 have remained on the list over the years listed, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Brazil. However, each nation’s ranking has changed over time, and some new nations have been added to replace other nations that have become relatively less important as trade partners. Q5. What is the value of analyzing foreign trade data? For example, what should the quadrupling in real terms of exports in less than 35 years indicate to managers? The analysis information would be helpful to anyone just starting to search outside the home market for new business opportunities by studying the general growth and direction of trade and analyzing major trading partners. Q6. Knowing that a nation is a major trading partner of another signifies what to a marketing analyst? There are advantages to focusing attention on a nation that is already a sizable purchaser of another country – The business climate in the importing nation is relatively favorable – Export and import regulations are not insurmountable – There should be no strong cultural objections to buying that nation’s good – Satisfactory transportation facilities have already been established Q7. What are the different components of foreign investment? Why has the distinction between them begun to blur in recent years? It can be divided into two components : First is portfolio investment and second is direct investment. 1. Portfolio investment : The purchase of stocks and bonds to obtain a return on the funds invested. 2. Direct investment : The purchase of sufficient stock in a firm to obtain significant management control. Because of globalization in recent years, the distinction beetween them begun to blur. Q8. How has the level and direction of FDI changed over the past decade, both overall and in terms of annual outflows and inflows? Why would this information be of relevance to managers? Annual FDI outflows hit a historical high in 2000-$1,201 billion. However, By 2002, the total was only $647 billion, only about 54 percent of the 2000  figure because of a subsequent decline in the overall level of annual FDI flows. Outflows significantly increased to $730 billion by 2004. The vast proportion of outward FDI, over 87 percent, originates from the developed countries. This data has been associated with mergers, acquisitions; purchasing of companies in other nations. In annual inflows’ case, developed countries have been alse occupying over 70 percent of annual FDI investments. Recently for managers, important issues related to inflows are trend that proportion of Asian FDI that has been directed to China and its territories. Their combined proportion of Asian FDI grew from 52.4 percent during 1985-1995 to 75 percent in 2004. Q9. Why has FDI historically followed foreign trade? What is it about the new international business environment that is causing this path to market expansion to change? Reason is that engaging in foreign trade is typically less costly and less risky than making a direct investment into foreign markets. Also, management can expand the business in small increments rather than through the considerably greater amounts of investment and market size that a foreign production facility requires. Generally, because the local market would not be large enough to support local production by all the firms exporting to it, the situation would become one of seeing who could begin manufacturing there first. Q10. Why has most foreign direct investment gone into acquiring existing companies rather than establishing new ones? 1) Corporate restructuring in the United States caused management to put on the market businesses or other assets. 2) Foreign companies wanted to gain rapid access in the United States to advanced technology, especially in computers and communications 3) Management of foreign firms felt that entrance into the large and prosperous American market could be more successful 4) Increased international competitive pressures also could be reasons for this question. Q11. What are the main reasons that a firm might enter into foreign markets? First reason is to increase their profits and sales (Enter new markets / Obtain greater profits / Test market) Second is to protect markets, profits, and sales (Protect domestic market / Attack in competitor’s home market / Protect foreign markets / Guarantee supply of raw materials / Acquire technology and management know-how / geographic diversification / Satisfy management’s desire for expansion) Q12. What are in-bond plants? Why might they be an attractive alternative for a manufacturing company? In-bond plants, often called maquiladoras, is production facilities in Mexico that temporarily import raw materials, components, or parts duty-free to be manufactured, processed, or assembled with less expensive local labor, after which the finished or semifinished product is exported. Because the Mexican government permitted duty-free importation of parts and materials from the USA within the in-bond plant, provided that the finished products were re-exported. Q13. How can a firm protect its domestic market by investing overseas? When companies face competitor which has lower price advantage in domestic, companies can break this difficult situation by using advantages of overseas investments.(cheap labor cost, raw material, and etc.) Q14. What are the seven dimensions along which management can globalize? How is it possible for a firm to be multidomesic on one dimension of globalization and global on another? There are at least seven dimensions : 1) product, 2) market, 3) promotion, 4) where value is added to the product, 5) competitive strategy, 6) use of non-home-country personnel, and 7) extent of global ownership in the firm. The possibilities range from zero standardization(multidomestic) to standardization along all seven dimensions(completely global). The challenge for company managers is to determine how far the firm should go with each one. Chapter 3 Q1. Describe mercantilism, and explain why mercantilism has been argued to be a poor approach to use in order to promote economic development and prosperity. Mercantilism is an economic system (Europe in 18th century) to increase a nation’s wealth by government regulation of all of the nation’s commercial interests. Mercantilism that stressed governments’ promotion of limitation of imports from other nations and internal economies in order to improve tax revenues; popular during 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The Paradox of Mercantilism is to be â€Å"rich† a country needed to have a lot of poor people. Mercantilism failed to understand the notions of absolute advantage and comparative advantage and the benefits of trade. For instance, Portugal was a far more efficient producer of wine than England, while in England it was relatively cheaper to produce cloth. Thus if Portugal specialized in wine and England in cloth, both states would end up better off if they traded. This is an example of the reciprocal benefits of trade due to a comparative advantage. In modern economic theory, trade is not a zero-sum game of competition, because both sides can benefit. Q2. a. Explain Adam Smith’s theory of absolute advantage. The ability of a country, individual, company or region to produce a good or service at a lower cost per unit than the cost at which any other entity produces that good or service. Entities with absolute advantages can produce something using a smaller number of inputs than another party producing the same product. As such, absolute advantage can reduce costs and boost profits. b. How does Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage differ from the theory of absolute advantage? Absolute advantage and comparative advantage are two basic concepts to international trade. Under absolute advantage, one country can produce more output per unit of productive input than another. With comparative advantage, if one country has an absolute (dis)advantage in every type of output, the other might benefit from specializing in and exporting those products, if any exist. A country has an absolute advantage economically over another, in a particular good, when it can produce that good at a lower cost. Using the same input of resources a country with an absolute advantage will have greater output. Assuming this one good is the only item in the market, beneficial trade is impossible. An absolute advantage is one where trade is not mutually beneficial, as opposed to a comparative advantage where trade is mutually beneficial. A country has a comparative advantage in the production of a good if it can produce that good at a lower opportunity cost relative to another country. The theory of comparative advantage explains why it can be beneficial for two parties (countries, regions, individuals and so on) to trade if one has a lower relative cost of producing some good. What matters is not the absolute cost of production but the opportunity cost, which measures how much production of one good, is reduced to produce one more unit of the other good. c. Using the example from the chapter, explain why no gains from specialization exist(and thus why two countries could not trade in a manner that benefits each) if there is no pattern of comparative advantage(if the ratios of soybeans to cloth production are the same in the two countries). China has an absolute advantage in producing both soybeans and cloth. If there is a trade between 2 countries according to comparative advantage theory, United States will have 4 tons of soybeans and 5 bolts of cloth. On the other hand, China will have 4 tons of soybeans and 5 bolts of cloth. Therefore, china will have a loss for their total soybeans compared with before trading the products. Q3. Consider the case in which a country does not have a comparative advantage in the production of a product, such as apples, because its soils or climate are not appropriate. Explain who would be likely to favor free trade, and who would be likely to oppose free trade, in this product. – Favor to free trade : countries which has a comparative advantage in production of a product, such as apples. – Opposite to free trade : countries which has a comparative disadvantage in production of a product, such as apples. Q4. What is the relationship between the Heckscher-Ohlin factor endowment theory and the theories in question 2? It builds on David Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage by predicting patterns of commerce and production based on the factor endowments of a trading region. The model essentially says that countries will export products that utilize their abundant and cheap factors of production and import products that utilize the countries’ scarce factors. Q5. Why were Leontief’s empirical results considered to be paradoxical? In 1954, Leontief found that the U.S. (the most capital-abundant country in the world by any criteria) exported labor-intensive commodities and imported capital-intensive commodities, in contradiction with Heckscher-Ohlin theory. Q6. Why does most of the world’s international trade take place between economies that are similar in their level of economic development? According to the Linder’s demand-oriented theory, The reason is 1) income levels of both nations 2) overlapping demand. Because an entrepreneur will produce goods to meet demand, the kinds of products manufactured reflect the country’s level of income per capital. Goods produced for domestic  consumption will eventually be exported, due to similarity of income levels and therefore demand in other countries. Q7. Name some products that you believe have passed through the four stages of the international product life cycle. Telegraphy. I read recently how Western Union sent the last telex / telegram in 2006, so that definitely qualifies to decline. You can literally see how this expanded based upon rail and cable laying; and didn’t start in all places on earth (let alone a single country) simultaneously; and continued to be a viable business in some countries long after voice, fax, then email and SMS replaced such. Q8. What factors increase the cost of trading goods and services across borders? Can these costs be reduced? How? I think that import/export tariffs, subsidies, expensive transaction costs, and etc are factors which increase the cost of trading goods and services across borders. This factors which occur costs can be reduced by free trade agreements(FTA) or regional trade agreements such as NAFTA, EU. It will reduce unnecessary costs and encourage trading among nations. Q9. It seems that free, unrestricted international trade, in which each nation produces and exports products for which it has a comparative advantage, will enable everyone to have a higher level of living. Why, then, does every country have import duty restrictions? Because many nation did not produce other nation’s product and the nation has lower qualities or a lot of cost better than other nation’s product. In case that many nation needs other nation’s product. At the trading among the nations, there are a lot of problems. For example, economical, historical problems, political and so on. If a nation has infant industry. For example, farming which is needed to develop for domestic market, The nation can be protect the industry from competitive companies by having import duty restrictions. And then, their nation’s infrastructure can be collapse. For  fair competition, nation have to improve the balance of the trading. Q10. â€Å"We certainly need defense industries, and we must protect them from import competition by placing restrictions on competitive imports.† True or false? Is there an alternative to trade restrictions that might make more economic sense? I think that it may be not true. All is not certainly, If nation’s competitive industry help income of nation that select and improve nation’s industry. A nation trading needs of basic infrastructure among the nations. And then, About tariff of the trading remove or a little portion levy. Q11. Suppose that a country negotiates an agreement with its trade partners to restrict its imports through voluntary export restrictions(VERs). What impacts might be expected from implementing such VERs? VER(Voluntary Export Restriction) mean’s that exporting nation restricted quantities of export and list of article. In case that at nation’s exporting product surplus or insufficiency in a given situation. In a surplus situation, nation should be restricted for their quantities. In a insufficiency situation, nation make some increasing demand and higher cost. Q12. â€Å"Workers are paid $20 an hour in the United States but only $4 in Taiwan. Of course we can’t compete. We need to protect our jobs from cheap foreign labor.† What are some possible problems with this statement? In a given situation, cheaper product come round in our nation. At the same time, our nation’s job of labor disappeared. LDC(Lower Develope Country) has cheaper wage that supply more profi better than industrialization nation. But Many industrialization nation has higher wage and lower productivity. Production costs may actually be higher in a low-wage. Q13. There are two general classifications of import duties : tariff and non-tariff barriers. a. Describe the various types of tariff barriers. An ad valorem tariff is a set percentage of the value of the good that is being imported. Sometimes these are problematic, as when the international price of a good falls, so does the tariff, and domestic industries become more vulnerable to competition. Conversely, when the price of a good rises on the international market so does the tariff, but a country is often less interested in protection when the price is higher. A specific tariff, is a tariff of a specific amount of money that does not vary with the price of the good. These tariffs are vulnerable to changes in the market or inflation unless updated periodically. A revenue tariff is a set of rates designed primarily to raise money for the government. A tariff on coffee imports imposed by countries where coffee cannot be grown, for example raises a steady flow of revenue. A protective tariff is intended to artificially inflate prices of imports and protect domestic industries from foreign competition (see also effective rate of protection,) especially from competitors whose host nations allow them to operate under conditions that are illegal in the protected nation, or who subsidize their exports. b. What are some of the nontariff barriers? Non-tariff barriers may also be in the form of product standards and technical regulations, which may dictate particular manufacturing guidelines or product specifications. If products do not meet the given requirements, they will face an import ban. Examples of this sort are the European Union restrictions on genetically-modified organisms or beef treated with growth hormones. Q14. â€Å"A firm entering the market first will soon dominate it, and the large market share it acquires will enable it to obtain the benefits of economies of scale.† True or false? Remember that there are at least two studies showing that first movers held large market shares. True. First-mover advantage theory is economic and strategic advantage gained by being the first company to enter an industry. However, If only the firm possess core strategies such as superior technology, knowledge about local market, and other advantages over indigenous firms. It could be failure that you awkwardly enter the market for the first mover without these strategies. This conclusion will bring about more advantage opportunities to the second mover who has been indirectly experienced the failure of first mover. It is never true that only the first mover strategy is the best theory. Q15. According to theories presented in this chapter, why do companies engage in foreign direct investment? For defensive reason, Refer to the international product life cycle theory. International investement as well as international trade. Refer to the eclectic theory of international production, the company must have location and ownership advantages to invest in a foreign plant. It will invest where it is most profitable in internalize. It is monopolistic advantage. Chapter 4 Q1. What are some reasons that business people should be aware of important international institutions? International institutions have resolved conflicts among nations. It is very important to make business internationally. International institutions has also valuable data which apply to business. Q2. Even though the UN is best known for peace keeping missions, it has many agencies involved in activities affecting business. In your judgement, do these activities justify support for the UN? Would it be better if the activities of these agencies were done by private entities such as trade groups? The UN has helped some countries which need support to make their industry by funding and teaching knowledges. This activities justify support for the UN because UN has a number of informations which is originated by connections of other counties. Q3. How did the WTO come into existence? What purpose does it serve? Would bilateral trading agreements work better than the multilateral WTO approach? The Bretton Woods Conference of 1944 proposed the creation of an International Trade Organization (ITO) to establish rules and regulations for trade between countries. The ITO charter was agreed at the UN Conference on Trade and Employment in Havana in March 1948, but was blocked by the U.S. Senate (WTO, 2004b). Some historians have argued that the failure may have resulted from fears within the American business community that the International Trade Organization could be used to regulate, rather than liberate, big business (Lisa Wilkins, 1997; Helen Milner 1993). Only one element of the ITO survived: the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Seven rounds of negotiations occurred under GATT before the eighth round – the Uruguay Round – concluded in 1995 with the establishment of the WTO as the GATT’s replacement. The GATT principles and agreements were adopted by the WTO, which was charged with administering and extending them. Unlike the GATT, the WTO has a substantial institutional structure. I think that the multilateral trading agreements is better than bilateral trading agreements because there will be no discrimination to all WTO members. Q4. What are the four main organs of the EU, and what is the purpose of each? 1. European Parliament: to pass European laws, voice of the European people in EU 2. Council of European Union: policy setting, voice of the member states, where decisions on foreign policy and security issues are made 3. European Commission: represents the interest of Europe as a whole, runs the day to day operations of EU 4. European Court of Justice: court that decides cases related to EU policies Q5. What is the impact of the EU on business? The European Union has had a significant influence on international trade, especially in respect of the countries that are member states in the Union. Internally, trading between the member states within the European Union has become less restrictive, because of the laws and regulations passed. Globally, the European Union has created a power that can compete internationally with superpowers such as the United States. Q6. The U.S. Congress approved the North American Free Trade Agreement despite strong opposition from organized labor. Why would labor have opposed NAFTA? I think a reason why is that they (organized labor) want to obtain working visa in North America. Q7. What is the importance of the OECD for business? OECD promotes economic expansion and provides a number of economic information/researches which can support and help its country members. Q8. Mercosur’s major trading partner is the EU rather than the United States. Why might this be the case? Mercosur is based on the EU and can trade several countries in the EU. Q9. How might a small business person in Des Moines, Iowa, who is exporting agricultural products find useful the international institutions and agreements that this chapter describes? 1. To find out which countries is available for a business person to export their productions. 2. To protect their products from other foreign competitors.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility As Risk Management

In the interviews with the five managers, the research found three made reasons being posited for engaging in CSR. These are similar to what Kytle Ruggie (2005) indicates in his study. The three reasons are discussed below: †¢ Philanthropy The structured interview session revealed that majority of the managers (5) prefer philanthropy as a direct and â€Å"least involving† CSR strategy. These managers admitted that they channel their financial contribution to various governmental or non-governmental organizations that act as implementing agencies of various programs in the society. This support model is the most preferable CSR concept as compared to other CSR strategies that have been discussed in this paper. This has been confirmed by Kytle†¦show more content†¦These entail the construction of schools by these corporates and paying fee for the learners. The respondents equally mentioned that they intend to be involved in supporting churches and other social institutions directly. The researcher also had discussions with the interviewees regarding the benefits that these CSR activities have brought to the organization. It was established that many organizations have a CSR Policy, which defines areas of concern and initiatives to improve relations with the people and environments affected by business operations (Bell, 2016). The interviewees agreed however that CSR is about more than environmental responsibility or having a recycling policy. Its initiatives take organizations beyond compliance with legislation and leads them to honor ethical values, respect people, communities and the natural environment. But most of all CSR is sustainable - involving activities that their organization can maintain without adversely affecting the business goals. Few benefits mentioned were; 1. Win new business 2. Increase customer retention 3. Develop and enhance relationships with customers, suppliers and networks 4. Save money on energy and operating costs and manage risk 5. Differentiate company from competitors 6. Improve the business reputation and standing 7. Generate positive publicity and media opportunities due to media interest in ethical business activities Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions related to

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Consequences Of Trade Restrictions And Tariffs Essay

Consequences of Trade Restrictions and Tariffs How does imposing trade restrictions affect a countrys macro economic objectives? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Nowadays all countries need to trade between themselves. Countries always lack of some type of good and the only way they can get them is by importing them from other countries which do produce the desired goods. However, countries many times import products they are able of producing and now, this isn ´t a matter of need; it ´s a matter of taste in order to give the consumers the possibility to choose. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Both imports and exports contribute, in different ways, to the development of a certain economy, for example the Peruvian one. Nowadays, Peru has an†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;When this occurrs, then national products are ready (or at least have more possibilities) to compete in international markets. Supposedly, now they should have a better quality, they should be cheaper and so, they are ready to be exported. When products are sold at international markets, then this brings more money into the peruvian economy; as exports are like the salary of a country (the most important source of money), then this is very positive for the peruvian economy because we can say that the national income has increased. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;So, we have seen how having imports and exports are very benefitial for any country. However, countries many times apply barriers to imports coming into the country in order to protect national products. The most common type of barrier applied are the tariffs. Tariffs are taxes applied to every imported product which comes into the country. In Peru, for example, the tariff rate has two values: one which is 15% of the original price (the most commonly applied) and the other one which is 25% of the original price (rarely applied, only for luxurious goods.) By applying this tariffs, then it may not be very profitable to bring certain products into the country, and, in this way, the national products are able to keep on in the same way, without worrying about having a powerfull competence. This type of barrier may allow certain nationalShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Free Trade775 Words   |  3 PagesFree trade is something that WTO encourages globally and ins ists that no government interference should take place in international trade and that this will be followed by specialisation and an increase in countries welfare. Countries however want a competitive advantage and to obtain this interference takes place in the form of restrictions. 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An exposition to foreign currency and a currency risk can make additional profits, and not just losses. However, being in an exposition to currency means relying on a case and most of businesspersons prefer not to allow their company being sensitive toRead MorePolitical Arguments and Rationale Behind Trade Intervention1319 Words   |  6 Pagesarguments for trade intervention and the rationale behind this. Firstly, what should be noted here is that international trade has been providing different benefits for firms as they may expand in different new markets and raise productivity by adopting different approaches. Given that nowadays marketplace is more dynamic and characterized by an interdependent economy, the volume of international trade has grown substantially in recent years, reducing the barriers to international trade. However, afterRead MoreTrade Blocks And Its Effects On Business And People Of Mexico1648 Words   |  7 PagesTrade blocks (for example, EU) also help countries in importing from other member countries freely or cheaply while restricting imports from non-member countries. European Economic Community developed custom union (1957-1992) and common market (1992) for allowing freedom of factor flows and developing a common set of external barriers. Additionally, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Association) including US, Canada and Mexico was founded to remove trade barriers that had significant impact on businessRead MoreCurrent State of the US Macroeconomy771 Words   |  3 PagesCurrent state of the U.S. macro economy Import surplus There can never be any country in the world which can survive on its own without being involved in international trade with other countries. Even the United States a super power can not have an economy which is growing or even raise the wages of our citizens unless we extend our trade beyond our borders and sell products and at the same time buy products from the rest of the population outside our country. We import a lot of goods from other countriesRead MoreThe Origin Of Mexico Financial Crisis1700 Words   |  7 PagesMexico was undergoing a number of reforms and deregulations that would protect its economy. In 1982, the Mexican government liberalized trade and allowed the international flow of capital into the country so that Mexico can integrate with the developed countries. President Miguel de la Madrid (1982-1988) lifted import tariffs under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). He also facilitated reforms that welcomed direct foreign investment in the country an d the increased growth of country’s financialRead MoreThe Impact Of International Business On Business Environment Essay1633 Words   |  7 Pagesto enter an international market, include the political, economic, legal and competitive risks. If these risks are successfully managed, it will lead to economic consistency, however, if they are unsuccessfully managed, this can have detrimental consequences for the government as well as the firm. Political risks include the likelihood that political forces will cause drastic changes in a countries business environment that adversely affects the profit and other goals of the firm. Economic risk is

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Concerns of Obesity Epidemic in the United States Essay

Social factors play very important role in our society,Through the influence of these factors, Obesity is one of main concern in US. The growing obesity rates in the US and its affect on consumer culture is debating towards our future. Studies have suggested that the obesity is social distributed , into different social groups, some other factors such as martial status is linked cross-sectionally with obesity ( Sobal J, Raushenbach BS, 1992 ). When applying obesity into racial profiles over 80% of black women over the age of forty are overweight and obese( Wang and beydou ,2007) compare to white and Latino woman’s. However, socio-demographic and one s racial profile shouldnt consist on growing obesity, Even though SES†¦show more content†¦However, â€Å" weight loss and prevention of excess gain have largely been failure and have influenced preduice agians fat people.(Firth, J. (2012).. The constant tug of war between food and drink industy and legal polices to make healthier choices in soceity,In which the latter mosl likey wins. â€Å" the food industry powerful motications to downlplay and distance themselves from concersn about excess weight.†( firth,J (2012). Whereas media and food industlries are taking great advantage on promoting unhealtheir food,The pharamcertical and weigh loss companies with health professions are promoting techniques to Reduce obesity in more strict manner, such as with bariratric surgery, Lipo suction and other Rigid weight loss programs.Wheras when the role of status plays, simply the society with higher statuts can affor theese regimans for their interest, while others with lower status uses more unexpensive methoods. The word â€Å"obese† is emotionaly challing to adhere to indviual in society, which leads to emotinal and socila distrupiton in ones image. In todays sociey, we have several campigns that promote to helatheri eating, Morver, Our beahviors and attit udes can emabarce healthy eating and excercise, Instead having Fast pace, one time fix to the problem with surgeries. â€Å"Where does it all start?†(, J Rooth, D. (2011) . In recen studies on devleoping obesity, childerens are more prone to developsShow MoreRelatedObesity Epidemic in America1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States of America is the fattest country in the world. Obesity in America has reach epidemic proportions. Obesity and weight gain has become major concern of public health in the United States. In every state, at least twenty percent of adults are obese, and in twelve of these states the obesity rate is above thirty percent. Mississippi currently holds the highest rate of obesity with 34.9 percent of its residents being obese. On the contrary, Colorado has the lowest rate of obesity withRead MoreThe Obesity Epidemic in America Essays1082 Words   |  5 Pages Obesity among Americans has been a growing issue in the United States predominantly over the past decade. Many may argue American’s are obese because of poor food choices, over-eating, genetic disposition, lack of exercise, or the environment which one lives, while others blame it all on fast-food chains and restaurants. Throughout my research I have come to find a lot of facts and statistics about fast food consumption causing obesity. Statistics show that without a doubt the United States isRead MoreThe Healthcare Delivery System of the United States: Obesity715 Words   |  3 Pages The healthcare delivery system of the United States: Obesity Introduction One of the primary health concerns in the United States is that of the obesity epidemic. Currently, more than one third of adults older than 20 years are obese (James et al 2012) This is of concern to all Americans because the United States healthcare system fuses both a public and private approach to healthcare. Most individuals with health insurance obtain healthcare through their employers; those that do not mustRead MoreThe Ideal Healthcare Delivery For Developing Countries On Proper Nutrition And Food Consumption Rates1121 Words   |  5 PagesDiabetes follows behind inactivity and obesity, both of which have increased during China’s economic boom. The nation has accepted the fact that we will have a high rise and development of cases of Diabetes in this century. Did you know that 20 million people have the disease, and that number is expected to double by 2025 (â€Å"Search Publications†)? A highly important control group in this disease is simply educating the countries on proper nutrition and food consumption rates. Another factor thatRead MoreDisease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Services Essay1457 Words   |  6 PagesAxia college 1/15/2012 Many health care professional have great concerns about the growth of the aging population, chronic disease and the epidemic of obesity, and how will the United States healthcare system prepared for this continuing epidemic. The fact that the aging population along with obesity epidemic is a global healthcare concern, many health cares’ professional is baffled about how to address the growing epidemic that many American’s will face. . According to the Centers for DiseaseRead MoreDoes Counseling Help Children with Issues of Obesity? Obesity in children is an epidemic that700 Words   |  3 PagesDoes Counseling Help Children with Issues of Obesity? Obesity in children is an epidemic that continues to be a serious problem in our nation. Over the past thirty years, childhood obesity rates in the United States have tripled, and currently, approximately one in three children in the U.S. are overweight or obese. High body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents is a public health concern in the United States (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb Flegal, 2010). According to the CentersRead MoreObesity : The Obesity Epidemic1711 Words   |  7 PagesThe obesity epidemic has now become one of the most pressing issues of our time. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) said â€Å"...obesity has more than doubled worldwide since 1980. In 2014, more than 1.9 billion adults (39 percent of Earth’s adult population) were overweight. That includes 600 million who were obese† (Kiener 2015). In the United States, slightly more than one third of adults are obese (FRAC 2016), and obesity-related deaths make up 18% of al l deaths, which is now more thanRead MoreObesity Is A Prevalent Public Health Epidemic979 Words   |  4 PagesObesity is a prevalent public health epidemic that we face today. Billions of dollars in the United States alone are being spent yearly to cover medical treatment for ailments triggered by this disease (Lee, Sheer, Lopez and Rosenbaum 2010). According to Public health Reports, federal and state governments currently are accountable for at least half of the medical expenses encountered from one being overweight and obese (Lee et al., 2010). Medicaid has the highest popularity of obese customersRead MoreThe Effects Of Obesity On American Adults And Children1213 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Obesity Obesity is on the rise in American adults and children. Over 78.6 million Americans are considered obese (CDC, 2014). Health experts believe the obesity crisis has become an epidemic that needs to be controlled. Today many efforts are being made by Federal and state governments and some major companies to combat obesity in adults and children. For example, some major companies are rewarding employees with cash incentives for exercising regularly and maintaining a healthyRead MoreChildhood Obesity And Its Effects On The United States Today1479 Words   |  6 Pagespediatric obesity now represents one of the most pressing nutritional problems facing children in the United States today. International population studies report comparable rates of increase, so that if current trends remain unchecked, childhood obesity is likely to challenge worldwide public health. Substantial consequences to physical and mental health, both short and long term, must be anticipated. Unfortunately, there is no uniform definition of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity has been

Friday, December 13, 2019

Week Progress Report Free Essays

Select one of the locations and prepare a comprehensive risk assessment for McBride management team. The risk assessment should identify the background and potential risks that could Impact the operation of the business. It will provide Background Possible Failure Scenarios Potential targets of terrorist activity such as government offices, law enforcement agencies, or politically sensitive businesses or services Public Imagine and Reputation Public transportation facilities that might handle the carriage of dangerous or hazardous substances, which could be Involved In major accidents Potential targets of criminal activity Safety and Environment The use of toxic chemicals In the violently of the business by manufacturing processes Industrial solvents, blue print machines, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Week Progress Report or any similar topic only for you Order Now Possible Risk Treatments Conclusion In conclusion, the paper was provided to References By Jasmine McBride Financial Services, one of the Virtual Organizations, is currently opening offices in Boise, Idaho and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Select one of the locations and assessment should identify the background and potential risks that could impact the hazardous substances, which could be involved in major accidents Potential targets The use of toxic chemicals in the vicinity of the business by manufacturing processes industrial solvents, blue print machines, etc. Possible Risk Treatments How to cite Week Progress Report, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Business and Corporation Law Australian Council of Law

Question: Describe about the Business and Corporation Law for Australian Council of Law. Answer: 1: Contract: An exchange of promise between the parties which is legally binding on the parties is known as contract. A promise made by one party to another party to do something or refrain from doing something and in exchange another party promise to do something or refrain from doing something. In Australia following elements are necessary for valid contract: Agreement- agreement is an important element for valid contract which includes offer, acceptance and also involves meeting of minds. Offer: there is no particular form of offer. It is a communication between the two persons, one party promise to do something if the other party to whom offer is given do or not do something. There is a company named Carbolic Smoke Ball Co which engaged in the production of carbolic smoke ball. Carbolic smoke ball is produced so that users can be prevented from influenza or disease which is similar in nature. An advertisement is issued by the company in which company grant reward of 100 pounds to any person who used the ball for two weeks at least 3 times a day by following the directions given to the user with the ball and even after using the ball suffering from the disease influenza, disease which is similar in nature or any disease caused by taking cold. By showing their sincerity company deposited amount of 1000 pounds with the Alliance Bank, Regent Street. Mrs Louisa Elizabeth Carlill, after seeing this advertisement purchased the ball and used it as per the directions from 20/11/1891 to 17/01/1892, even after using the balls as per directions she caught with the disease of influenza. She claimed for the reward which is mention in advertisement issued by the company and company refuses to pay the reward. Mrs Louisa Elizabeth Carlill sued the copany for award. Court held that award must be granted to Mrs carlill and company is bound to pay her because there is a valid contract between both the parties which includes offer (advertisement issued by company), acceptance (mrs carlill performed the conditions mention in the offer). All the essential elements of valid offer are mentioned, offer is made to the whole world, and company is sincere about the offer it was not mere a sales advertisement language of offer is clear. There is valid acceptance also because Mrs. carlill perform the directions mention in advertisement and there is no need to communicate the intention to the company. Consideration is an essential element of a valid contract, in this case problems suffered by Mrs Carlill is a sufficient consideration (Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co, n.d.) Acceptance- it is a statement by the person to whom offer is made for agreeing to the offer. It can be done orally, in written form or by conduct. Government of WA offered a reward which is monetary in nature to the person who gives information which results in arrest of people who are involved in the offence of the murder of police officers. Clarke was arrested by the police officers in charge of the murders and he made a statement which helps the police officers and his statement results in arrest of other person who involved in the case. After released from the custody of the police officers he claimed for the reward. In this case court held that no reward is grant to the clark from the government because he gave information for his own security, to secure his own release and not as response to the offer made by the government. There is no effective acceptance in this case (crown v Clarke, n.d.) Consideration- it is very essential element of a valid contract. Consideration means price paid by the parties in exchange of a promise. In many places consideration is not essential for valid contract, it is valid if it is binding on parties but in common law consideration must be present in contract otherwise it is not binding on parties, it must be in some kind it is a price determined by the promiser. It need not be in monetary terms or it can be in monetary terms as well. Consideration requires some damage on part of promise. For example in case of carlill court held that there is a proper consideration because Mrs. carlill suffer sufficient damage from using the balls of Carbolic Smoke Ball Co received and court conclude that even company also had benefit by sales. It is required that consideration must give by the promise and received by the promise. Consideration can be anything but it must not be illegal. There must be some value of the consideration in the eyes of the law. Intention intention of the parties must be to create legal relations. Capacity- for a valid contract parties must have contractual capacity. Following persons are not capable for a valid contract nad those are person who is mentally challenged, minor, bankrupts, etc. (Australian contract law, n.d.). There are three essential elements of a valid contract: offer, acceptance consideration. In this case Jane made an offer to jack for giving her sports car Jack accepts the offer. In this contract offer is there acceptance is there but there is no consideration, therefore it is not a valid contract. In contract law consideration is the compulsory for an enforceable contract. It is necessary for each party to the contract that is promisor and promisee and they must receive some benefit from the contract and also suffer any loss due to contract, any kind of damage and benefit related to contract can be considered as consideration. In case of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co court held that there is a proper consideration because Mrs. carlill suffer sufficient damage from using the balls of Carbolic Smoke Ball Co received and court conclude that even company also had benefit by sales. In this case only market value of the car that is $25000 is given but consideration is not given. Consideration is not present in this contract therefore Jack cannot enforce the contract. As abovementioned valid contract is one in which offer, acceptance and consideration is present and in this case Jane offers to give her sports car for $ 25000 to Jack and Jack accepts the offer, therefore it is a valid contract and jack can enforce the contract. Jane offers her car to Jack for $25000 that is consideration which is present in the contract. Consideration must be in nature that it moves from the promisee to the promisor. Consideration must be stipulate by promisor, consideration is not valid if it is decided by the promisee, but consideration decided by promisor must be legal. As we mention consideration must not be illegal and any illusionary undertaking is not falling under the definition of good consideration. It can be well understand with the case Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd v Pace in which pace sign a contract with the company in which company gives him option to participate in the scheme initiated by the company for the senior staff that is known as equity sharing scheme, but at the time or during the employment period of pace there is no such scheme issued by the company. pace sued the company for breach. Main issue in the case is whether consideration is illusionary and in this court held consideration is considered illusionary if it payment depends on the discretion of promisor (Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd v Pace, n.d.) In this case Jane offers her car for $ 2500 to Jack and Jack accepts the offer. In this contract there is offer, acceptance and consideration is present therefore it is an enforceable agreement. Market value of car is $ 25000 but Jane offers this car to Jack for $ 2500. Consideration for which car offers to jack is less than the market value of car but this reason does not results in invalidation of contract. As per contract act consideration must be legal and it has some market value. This statement can be understand with the help of case law that is Chappel v Nestle in which nestle make an advertisement for the promotion of chocolate sales in which company give record to the person who submit 3 chocolate wrappers and money. Main issue in the case was that whether chocolate wrappers are part of consideration or not. Lord Somervell of harrow held that condition for submitting the chocolate wrappers are part of the consideration. it is clearly shown in the advertisement that wrappers get hit recordings. Company argued that a wrapper has no value but court held it irrelevant. It is clear from the discussion that consideration can be anything stipulated by promisor (Chappell Co Ltd v Nestle Co Ltd, n.d.). So it is clear from the above example that if consideration is legal and less than the market value then the contract is valid and can be enforced by Jack. 2: It is necessary that parties to the contract mutually agreed on the terms and conditions of contract. Consent of the parties to the contract is must be genuine. Where genuine consent is not mention in the contract then the contract is not binding upon the parties. Following are the points from which consent is affected: Mistake-contract can be executed in case if mistake can be ignored by the parties and there is no effect on the execution of contract. But in case if mistake effect the execution of contract then in such case contract is void or voidable. Examples of such mistakes are: common mistake, mutual mistake, unilateral mistake Non est factum. False statements- as the name defines consequences of false statements are serious. Consequences flow on the seriousness of false statements. There are two factors which determine the level of seriousness in false statements which are : The false statement: a condition or a warranty? Or what type of false statement was made? There are three types of false statements: Fraudulent mispresentation Innocent mispresentation negligent misrepresentation Duress- when person enters into a contract but there is no free will and he enters under some threat. In case of duress there is no free will of the party for the contract. Such violence may be of some economic nature also. Undue influence-in this one party which is dominant takes advantage of weaker party. In this weaker party suffers disadvantage of specific nature (The Law Handbook 2016, n.d.). In this case the main issue is that whether buyer would succeed in recovering the extra amount paid or he can claim any relief by way of return. Buyer claimed that money paid by him was under protest and no mutual consent is present. It is stated that buyer is not freely give his will for the payment of extra amount to the shipbuilder. This case involves question of duress. Before discussing this case there is a very similar case North Ocean Shipping Co Ltd v Hyundai Construction Co Ltd[1979] in which facts are similar: MOCATTA J held that a particular amount was finalized as consideration. Later on, due to the devaluation of US dollar, the parties agreed that the consideration be raised there is a mutual agreement between the parties on the terms of consideration which is increased. So the validity of contract cannot be questioned on the basis of mutual agreement. There is a shared understanding between the parties, terms of contract were changed when parties agreed to the change. Next point considered by court is duress in which it was held that threat to break the contract can be considered as economic duress and any contract in which economic duress is present then such contract id void or voidable(North Ocean Shipping co ltd v Hyundai construction co ltd and another the atlantic baron, n.d.) In our current case buyer demand relief on the basis of economic duress which is a reasonable ground but court does not grant the relief to the buyer because of ignorance on the part of the buyer. Judge held that when contract is on the basis of economic duress, buyer had to take actions on immediate basis. The delay in filing for relief proves that economic duress is not present in the case. Therefore court refused the claim of the buyer. References: Australian Contract Law. Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co, Court of Appeal [1893] 1 QB 256; [1892] EWCA Civ 1. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.australiancontractlaw.com/cases/carlill.html. Australian Contract Law. Crown v Clarke. . Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.australiancontractlaw.com/cases/crown.html. Australian Contract Law. Overview of Australian Contract Law. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.australiancontractlaw.com/law.html. Doyles. Biotechnology Australia P/L V. Pace (1988) 15 NSWLR 130. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.doylesconstructionlawyers.com.au/public/casewatch/BIOTECHNOLOGY_AUSTRALIA_P-L_V._PACE_(1988)_15_NSWLR_130.pdf. https://www.icab.org. North Ocean Shipping Co Ltd V Hyundai Construction Co Ltd And Another The Atlantic Baron. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.icab.org.bd/images/stories/icab/campus/study_materials/knowledge_level/The%20Atlantic%20Baron%20Case%20QB%20.pdf. The Law Handbook 2016. Elements of a contract. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://www.lawhandbook.org.au/07_01_02_elements_of_a_contract/. Webstroke law. Chappel v Nestle [1960]. Retrieved on 20th august from: https://webstroke.co.uk/law/cases/chappel-v-nestle-1960.