Dell in China Strategic Rethinking - 1429 Words

I. Problems/Recommendations In 1995 Dell entered the Chinese computer vendor market. It initially focused at the low-priced end of the PC Market with direct sales. As competition grew and price wars at the low end consumer market began, Dell was unable to compete as their low end consumer model cost consumers twice as much as one of its competitors. Dell was also having trouble with their direct sales model, which led to complaints about slow delivery, service and support. Overall the industry began so see dramatic decreases in profit margins in the low-priced consumer sector. In order for Dell to profit in the Chinese computer vendor market it must be competitive in the low-priced consumer market, high-end consumer market, and†¦show more content†¦Also, like mentioned above only a small percentage of sales come from the internet and the majority of buyers in China like to test the product before buying. The JIT system may work in the United States, but the Chinese population has different needs and wants. Five main industries accounted for 50 percent of dells business: Government, education, telecoms, power, and finance. What is the other 50% allocated to? It seems Dell is fairly diversified within the industry. Diversification could cause Dell to lose focus on a growing market such as consumer PC’s. It may also reduce overall profit margins, since resources tend to get spread thin in high diversified companies. Also, state owned companies, MNC’s, and government and educational institutes accounted for most of the PC sales in China. Dell seems to have a decent market share in the corporate area, but growth is limited. Again, Dell should try to penetrate the consumer market due to the high potential for growth. In 2003 PC sales in China reached 22 million; second most after the United States. China’s population is four times larger than that of the United States. Not to mention only 6% of the Chinese population are internet users. With that being said the potential for growth in the Chinese market is unbelievable high. Assuming GDP continues to increase and unemployment is kept to a minimum. According to Gartner researchShow MoreRelatedEssay about Dell Erp7220 Words   |  29 Pagessupply chains and in the fast developing world of e-business and B2B electronic exchanges. Dell Computers success in reducing inefficiencies establishes it as a model for many other companies. The Dell Model Dells success is based on realizing the strategic power of the supply chain. The core of the Dell model is to deal directly with and sell directly to the customer, and build products to order. Dell collapses the value chain and eliminates two significant cost components: the retailers mark-upRead MoreDell Marketing Strategies14070 Words   |  57 PagesCONTENTS Product and Market Description 3 About Dell 4 Marketing Objectives of DELL 5 Products and Services 6 DELL’s Competitors and Market Players 7 Aggregate Market Forces 8 Microenvironment Analysis 10 Macro environment Analysis 13 Marketing Program, Strategy, and Tactics (4 Ps): 15 Dell Market Strategy 16 Value Chain Analysis 18 Differential Advantage for each company 20 Expected Future Strategies 22 Segmentation 23 Targeting 24 Positioning 24 Consumer Behavior 26 AssumptionsRead MoreOrganisational Behaviour4667 Words   |  19 Pagespolitics as well as conflict within an organization. Page 3 Organizational Behavior Operational Definition The term „organizational change‟ is primarily the adjustment of new ideas or behavior by an organization with many perspectives on strategic change and organizational development. Those changes range from technological to structural change including psychological transitioning and organizational downsizing (Choi, 1995). Organizational changes deal with both operational and transformationalRead MoreIt Management Essay6676 Words   |  27 Pagesand the information systems (i.e. do we have the capability to process inquires taken off of the web). Strategy is defined and the mission of the organization is covered (with several example mission statements (figure 1.2) and discussion of how Dell has creatively adjusted its business strategy to meet the rapidly changing computer industry. There are several ways to describe business strategy. This chapter summarizes 2 well-accepted models: the Porter generic strategies framework and theRead MoreBrand Orientation and Market Orientation — from Alternatives to Synergy8734 Words   |  35 Pagesinside-out, identity-driven approach that sees brands as a hub for an organization and its strategy. Similarly, market orientation is an outside-in, image-driven approach. Initially, brand orientation and market orientation appear to be two different strategic options. Though synergistic combinations are also possible, they are not explored in previous theories, nor labeled as part of branding practice and philosophy. A new type of orientation, a hybrid between brand and marketing orientation, is amongRead MoreAbcde12237 Words   |  49 Pagestaking a systems approach to supply chain management. Finally, because supply chain management revolves around efï ¬ cient integration of suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and stores, it encompasses the ï ¬ rm’s activities at many levels, from the strategic level through the tactical to the operational level. What about logistics management, or value chain management, or demand chain management? Various companies, consultants, and academics have developed a variety of terms and concepts to stressRead MoreOperations Management25115 Words   |  101 Pagesthat the customer perceives as adding value. False (Ten strategic decision of OM, moderate) 17. Most services are tangible; this factor determines how the ten decisions of operations management are handled differently for goods than for services. False (Ten strategic decisions of OM, moderate) 18. The relative importance of each of the ten operations decisions depends on the ratio of goods and services in an organization. True (Ten strategic decisions of OM, moderate) 19. Decisions that involveRead MoreSamsung Marketing11795 Words   |  48 PagesSamsung as a global business leader. It was the changes that followed from this initiative that saved the company during the Asian financial crisis and streamlined the company into a profitable enterprise. Throughout the 1990s, Lee demanded the rethinking of key fundamentals and set the stage for long-term commitment to investment in innovative, premium products and brand value. Following the chairman’s new management initiative and the appointment of Yun Jong Yong as vice chairman in 1997, the companyRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesemphasize the difficulties that accounting practices face in determining true performance costs and that forecasting programs confront in establishing the economic determinants of corporate planning? In addition to these challenges, many analytical and strategic evaluation approaches that are used in an attempt to identify and project how well a company is performing have been overwhelmed by the frequency and magnitude of these economic groundswells. In today’s competitive climate, where the changes outsideRead MoreTalent Management Issues and Challenges15913 Words   |  64 Pagesto its people management-driven strategies are the winners. In the midst of this ‘war for talent’, most importantly, it is only when an organisation is successfully able to convey the message that it cares for employees that retention becomes a strategic advantege. After all, business is a competitive endeavour and the employee lasts only as long as he is satisfied. Nobody owes anybody else a living. (This research based article is compiled by Rajlakshmi Saikia, IIPM Intelligence Unit) |    |

An Analysis of Poems 585 and 754 Essay - 992 Words

An Analysis of Poems 585 and 754 nbsp; Emily Dickinson’s use of poetic diction in poems 585 and 754 brings to life two inanimate objects, a train and a gun, both of which perform actions that are useful to man. Though these items cannot act on their own, Dickinson’s diction provides them with their own movements, characteristics, and feelings. In poem 585, a train’s daily journey is given a meaning beyond that of a cold, iron machine when Dickinson describes its animal qualities to show its strength, stubbornness, and perseverance. In poem 754, a gun is portrayed as a protective, devoted servant. In both of these poems, Emily Dickinson uses diction to give a train and a gun characteristics of animals to explain their behavior and†¦show more content†¦11-12) shows how the train points out that this is not easy. It is as if he is saying I am doing what you ask of me, but you are demanding a lot of me. I want to please you, but sometimes I have to let you know just how much you are asking of me. With the last stanza, Dickinson seems to be implying that the creature is an iron horse when the train neighs like Boanerges— (l. 14). During Emily Dickinson’s time, this statement could have been comparing industrial advancement to man’s more familiar way of transportation for many years. Just like a horse, the train is easily controlled despite being all-powerful as Dickinson points out by calling the train docile and omnipotent in line sixteen. With the use of docile, Dickinson reminds the reader that though it may appear to be alive, it still cannot move without the control of man. For many years man used loyal and strong horses to travel. Like an obedient horse, this iron horse will get to its destination on time, do what it is told, and accomplish great feats for its master. In the next poem, 754, Emily Dickinson gives living charactertics to a rifle with certain words that allow the reader to experience the cold, devoted side of man’s best friend. Dickinson explains first that this is the life of a Loaded Gun (l. 1) and that it waits In Corners—till a Day/The Owner passed—identified--/AndShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesof systematic study. Identify the major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to OB. Demonstrate why few absolutes apply to OB. Identify the challenges and opportunities managers have in applying OB concepts. Compare the three levels of analysis in this book’s OB model. MyManagementLab Access a host of interactive learning aids to help strengthen your understanding of the chapter concepts at www.mymanagementlab.com cott Nicholson sits alone in his parents’ house in suburban Boston

Gender Identity Paper Free Essays

Gender Identity Paper Melanie Johnson University of Phoenix PSY/340 December 2, 2012 Dr. W. Scott Benson Gender Identity Hormones play a crucial part in the determination of gender and development of male or female genitalia of an embryo. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Identity Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now The timing of the release of these hormones is also crucial. There are two ways hormones influence sex; (1) by influencing the development from conception to sexual maturity of anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that distinguish males and females, (2) by activating the reproduction-related behavior of sexually mature adults (Pinel, 2009). This paper will attempt to discuss some of the effects hormones, biological, and environmental factors have on an individual’s sexuality. When a baby is born usually the first statement out of the doctor’s mouth is â€Å"it is a boy† or â€Å"it is a girl†. Society has traditionally believed one is born either male or female. If one is born male he is expected to be masculine, be attracted to women, and to pursue hobbies and behaviors considered to be manly. If one is born female she is expected to be feminine, to be attracted to men, and to pursue hobbies and behaviors considered to be feminine. Occasionally an individual may be born with nonconforming gender identity. What this means is an individual may be born with male or female genitalia but actually have interest and behaviors of the opposite sex. For individuals with this conflicting belief life may be extremely painful. Society deems one either male or female and has developed certain schemas for each gender. However one’s emotional gender identity may be contrary to what society has deemed the individual. A single sperm cell which fertilizes an ovum, or egg, is called a zygote. A zygote contains all the information essential for the normal growth of a complete adult organism in its natural environment (Pinel, 2009). The zygote contains 23 pairs of chromosomes; half from the producer of the sperm and half from the producer of the egg. The cells of females only have the X chromosome, the cells of males have X and Y chromosomes; this means the male is responsible for the sex of the zygote (Pinel, 2009). A male zygote will have X and Y chromosomes while a female zygote will have only X chromosomes. Males and females produce the same hormones, androgens and estrogens, in different amounts. Males produce more testosterone, which is the most common androgen, and females produce more estradiol, which is the most common estrogen. Around the sixth week of gestation the Y chromosome of the male triggers the Sry protein which causes the primordial gonad to develop into a testis; in the absence of the Sry protein the primordial gonads automatically develop into ovaries (Pinel, 2009). Throughout the gestation period various other hormones are released to prompt the development of male or female genitalia. On occasion if the embryo is exposed to conflicting hormones there may be genital abnormalities. With the advances in medical technology it is possible for expectant parents to identify the sex of their unborn child. Once sex has been determined parents begin purchasing gender specific clothes, toys, and nursery items. This innocent act of the expectant parents begins the gender identity of an unborn child (Eliza, 2011). Traditional families, a mother, a father, and one or more children, is fast becoming a rarity in today’s society. Modern families may consist of two mothers, two fathers, a single parent male or female, or perhaps a grandparent. The environment in which a child is reared has some bearing on his or her sexual preference. A child reared in a traditional family, by grandparents, or perhaps by a single heterosexual parent may be encouraged to participate in gender specific play and to conform to gender specific roles. These children may also be corrected or disciplined when engaging in play or behaviors perceived to be in conflict with his or her gender. Whereas a child reared in a homosexual environment may be allowed or encouraged to explore his or her emotions of sexuality. Homosexuality has become more prevalent in today’s society; this could be a result in society’s tolerance of homosexuality and laws passed to ensure the equal treatment of homosexuals. The author tends to believe society’s tolerance of homosexuality has encouraged more individuals to express their homosexual tendencies. In times of the ancient Greek homosexuality and bisexuality were considered natural and normal. The increase in the popularity of Christianity was one of the major factors which affected society’s view of homosexuality. Christians considered homosexuality a sin and condemned the practice of homosexuality. However, the increase in gay rights and the implementation of policies which force society to tolerate homosexuality, such as laws against discrimination, has changed the view of homosexuality. Society has taken the subject of homosexuality away from being a moral issue and turned it into a personal preference. Through the readings of this course it is the author’s belief homosexuality is both a matter of choice and also an issue of biological abnormalities. The case studies found within the text indicate a stronger correlation between hormones and sexual preference. The case of the Twin Who Lost His Penis indicated the individual’s sexuality was imprinted from early childhood. The loss of his penis and his being forced to be raised as a girl had no bearing on his male tendencies. Despite the fact he was forced to live like a girl he always â€Å"felt† like a boy. It is the opinion of the author biological factors plays a stronger role in determining ones sexuality. Environmental factors such as society’s view of homosexuality have also played an important role in the acceptance of such behavior. Through the ages society has dictated the types of behaviors and actions which are acceptable and â€Å"normal†. A generation ago smoking was acceptable and homosexuality was considered abnormal. Today’s society says smoking is unacceptable and homosexuality is normal. It is not the author’s intention to pass judgment only to direct attention to the changes society has made throughout history. One may only speculate what changes the future holds. References Eliza, A. D. , Maria, R. S. , Amy, L. S. (2011). Childhood gender identity . . . disorder? developmental, cultural, and diagnostic concerns. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD,  89(3), 360-366. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/873035547? accountid=35812 Pinel, J. (2009). Biopsychology. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. How to cite Gender Identity Paper, Essay examples Gender Identity Paper Free Essays Gender Identity Paper PSY/340 Wendy Gray April 30, 2012 Kale Kirkland First let me start by trying to explain what gender identity is. Gender Identity is a sense of being either man or woman and you or a particular group such a male or female. When a person is confused about what gender they are than you have problems which arise such as a male thinking they should be a female and a male thinking they should be a female. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Identity Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hormones are a chemical messenger which produce in different glands then secreted to the necessary place which causes certain biological activity to take place. A hormone is a chemical release that alters the metabolism. There are certain hormones that are released by the pituitary gland or thyroid gland that are known to promote certain behavior. This can be seen in women mostly because the hormone will affect the way a women acts and can cause so mood changes which can be bad. Hormones have the capability to affect the neurons in the brain cells and in return this also can cause some certain behaviors. Hormones do play a huge role in the functioning of the body and the immune system. This area is a place where you can see the behavior change as a person gets older and things in the body start to change so does the levels of hormones. When a women is going through the change of life you can see such behavior as suspicion, anxiety which makes it hard to live and get along with this person. I feel that where and how a person grows up will and can affect the gender in which they believe they are. If a child that is a male and his family tries to raise him as a female this is going to affect this child and bring confusion about who he truly is. I feel it would be the same way is a female is raised a male it will confuse them in to thinking they are a male. Male and females brains are different and I do not think that people understand this and it causes confusion in the children so there in a fight trying to figure out what gender they are. Psychologists have found that children who are really smart at math were characterized with unusual physical attributes. You have to think biological things do not change as much as environmental things can. You an be in a place one minute and the next you are out so this can happen fast. Socialization can be another place where it will affect a person’s gender identity I know these days many kids can be cruel and say things to make others question who they really are. Society also plays a role in this because in this world you are to be a certain way and behavior a certain way. Society has defined who we are sometimes even if someone gets hurt in the process. I feel society does play to much of a role on how a male is to act and how a female is to act. Society also plays a role with the kind of work we are to have and it is no wonder we have so many people with the disorder gender identity disorder which is defined by strong feelings of identification with the opposite gender and not comfortable with one’s own assigned sex though not all people believe this disorder is even a disorder but a mental disorder. You have to understand that as a child trying to find out who you are you will be influenced by the people around you and they will imitate gender behaviors of the one’s they love the most, so if you are confused by who you are your child will mostly go through the same problem. Sexual differentiation is a biological process unlike gender identity. Gender identity is developed under influences of thins like environmental factors and social reinforcement also things like language and parental examples. The brain has a lot to do with who we are and how we work. Men and women have different brains and this cause as to define who we are different and when this is messed with it cause confusion. Children learn what is welcomed and what is not. They learn what behavior is acceptable and what will affect who they define themselves as. Rogers (Roberts, 2009) suggests that sex-differentiated behavior has more biological basis. He also feel that the environment can affect the brain and ultimately behavior. As one learns, feedbacks mechanisms and behavior are altered; the brain changes (Roberts, 2000). In all it will come down to whom we believe we are you see many people from TV who so not even know who they are because they have been altered to be a certain person. I think as a psychologist we can study all we want to and try to figure out how to get things like gender identity disorder fixed but still in the end it will be up to us. If a person is confused about what gender they are I fell it would be good for that person to get help and try to find out who they are. I do feel that TV and things like computers are making people confused about who they are. Let’s say you have someone on TV you want to be like and this could become so much that as a person you try to be who that TV star is. Psychologists still do not know to what extent that biological causes that may affect underline sex difference but the evidence is growing that such factors can be explained at least some behavioral differences between men and women. The brain plays a huge role on the sexual behavior of male and female. The hypothalamus and the amygdale are parts of the brain that control sexual functioning. It is also clear that your environment can have a critical effect in producing sex and gender differences. I feel have all the brain functioning as it should does help to make the right choice. The brain has so many parts and if something is off it can cause a person to not be able to function proper. I know if a person has emotional problems this will effect everything about that person even who they are. I feel if the person can get the right medication then they can begin to feel better and learn who they are. The effects of gender go beyond the mere biological fact because men and women do not have the same roles like a woman is stereotyped as a housewife, secretary and mother you do not see many men with this stereotype. In the world today this has changed some but it does still go on. To me I feel that the way you grow will be the strongest effect on what gender you choose because I know that parents are usually the example that a child will follow. I know that that may not always be the case but most times it is. If a child grows with parents that tell them all the time I wished you would have be a girl and you are a boy you will begin to hate who you are and want to change your gender to please your parents. Your mind will be so confused about your identity because your parents choose to remind you over and over and this does play with the mind of a child. In the end as a parent I feel we should be aware of what we are teaching our children so that when they grow up they are not facing with what to be a male or female. I feel we should give them the support and a loving environment they need to grow into a healthy adult. I understand that the brain can play a role in this also and that there are so many other factors that can effect a person who is trying to figure out what gender they are. Learning who you are can be hard if you are dealing with a disorder this is when I feel a psychologist should be brought in to help you understand what is going on in your References: Lazarre, S. (2008). Biological Foundation of Psychology. 11 University of Phoenix, Arizona Pinel, J. P. J. (2009). Biopsychology (7th ed. ). Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon. Roberts, C. (2000, Fall). Biological behavior? Hormonoes, psychology, and sex. Wickens, A (2005). Foundations of Biopsychology. (2nd ed. ). Harlow, England: Pearson Prentice Hall mind and give you medication if that is what is needed. How to cite Gender Identity Paper, Papers

Essay on About a Time - without Technology

Question: Write an Essay on about a time, without technology. Answer: Man and technology is inseparable from each other, as the first one is the inventor and the other is the invention made by him. However, there was once a time when man had to tackle all the hurdles without the help of the modern technology. When there was no alarm clock to wake us all and there were no modern ways to connect us to the virtual world. Life was full natural recourses; it was not so easy but was soothing (Gillespie, Boczkowski, and Foot 2014). The age without the help of the technology provided man the opportunity to connect to nature. People were more connected with the people rather than to their mobile phone. The days started with the chirping of the birds and ended with the owls cry. It was very difficult and at the same time very exciting to collect food for the day and to cook them. Woods were collected and fire was made with the help of the stones. There not a broad availability of the food items and a lot of time was devoted in the cooking process. The spare times were passed in the family gatherings and people in that age were more connected with their families. Before the invention of the modern technology, the social structure was different. Without much access to the outside world, the women were the the ones who managed the household and the most important task for them was to look after the children. Men were engaged in works. The works mostly included the agricultural and a lot of work force was required (Harding and Figueroa 2013).Without the technology, there was a very less amount of entertainment available. People then used to visit the parks and they used to stop by their friend or relatives places. The age without the technology enabled man to secure a close connection with the nature but it was an age full of difficulties. It was at that time very difficult to communicate with the people living far. The access to information was not only limited but also difficult. Another big challenge was to deal with the medication of the sick (Nakamura and Chow-White 2013).The transport system too was not well developed. It took days to reach a place. However in an age, which was free from the technological benefits, was an age where people were more active. There were face-to-face conversation and life was simple. The age was free from the complex family problems and there were more trust among the people. People knew the worth of hard work. People were equally able to perform their work it just took them more hard work and a bit more time to organise the environment (Perloff 2015). The human brain back then was more active than the computers. Therefore, to conclude it can be said that ev ery age had its advantages and the disadvantages so does the age without technologies, with its distinctive features. References: Gillespie, T., Boczkowski, P.J. and Foot, K.A., 2014.Media technologies: Essays on communication, materiality, and society. MIT Press. Harding, S. and Figueroa, R., 2013.Science and other cultures: Issues in philosophies of science and technology. Routledge. Nakamura, L. and Chow-White, P. eds., 2013.Race after the Internet. Routledge. Perloff, H.S., 2015.The quality of the urban environment: essays on" new resources" in an urban age. Routledge.

Analytical Paper for the White and Black Mans Burden Essay Example

Analytical Paper for the White and Black Mans Burden Essay What is the term White Man? What is the Black Man’s burden? What is the overall issue in both poems? In â€Å"The White Man’s Burden†, Rudyard Kipling presents a European view of the world, where non-European cultures are seen as childlike and extremely cruel. His view proposes that white people as a result have an obligation to rule, and encourage the cultural development of people from different cultural backgrounds. The white people should only rule until the â€Å"non-whites† can completely learn how to live their lives under the Western ways. The term the white mans burden can be taken to be racist. Others may say it is a disrespectful term to categorize everyone who is not European through their cultural and economic status. Kipling’s poem also can be viewed as that the rich have a moral duty and obligation to help the poor better themselves whether the poor want the help or not. On the other hand in â€Å"The Black Man’s Burden†, Edmund Morel presents a hurtful outcome of imperialism’s critical impact on Africa. His view presents how the European attempt to imperialized culture throughout the world, though their intentions where good within the European eyes, but failed in the end and destroyed Africa and their natives. The Africans suffered tremendously and in this response he describes how the abuse had fatal consequences and how they are permanently damaged within themselves. It has poisoned not only their bodies but also their souls. This is a very strong piece and brings one to see the harsh ship the Africans had to go through and what was done to them. We will write a custom essay sample on Analytical Paper for the White and Black Mans Burden specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Analytical Paper for the White and Black Mans Burden specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Analytical Paper for the White and Black Mans Burden specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Their traditions and cultures were ruined and they were forced to practice the lifestyles of the European imperialists and this slowly began to kill the Africans. One can compare the differences in the point of views of each writer. In â€Å"The White Man’s Burden† the view the writer had is that imperialism and colonization was an effective way for the Non-Europeans in the United States to live a decent life and live equally without much struggle. But as one see on the opposing side in â€Å"The Black Man’s Burden†, colonization and imperialism had a negative effect on African natives and their families. They were enslaved for the whites through force but still managed to survive while others tried to destruct them. Edmund Morel says, â€Å"In the process†¦ the white man has carved broad and bloody avenues†¦ . The African had resisted, and persisted. † (Page 600) This line one can say is powerful and strongly meaningful for it leads one to imagine the destruction that was caused in Africa during this time period of imperialism.

Cultural Globalization Essays

Cultural Globalization Essays Cultural Globalization Essay Cultural Globalization Essay while National Basely National movies re based on Islamic values, contraindicative, romantic and they turn to appeal and be watched more by Islamic countries. QUESTION 2 2 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS: According to the business dictionary economic environment is the totality of economic factors such as employment, income, inflation, interest rates, productivity and wealth that influences the buying behavior of consumers and institutions. The Nigerian economic environment is the biggest in Africa. It is also one of the fastest growing and robust economy in the world which will be suitable for selling the Nebulas Gal . GAL toothier. 2. Economic infrastructure: According to a study done by economy watch, Insignias economic structure suffers from a lack of infrastructure and poor regulation related to foreign and private investments. To encourage foreign direct investment in foreign direct investments, the country has aligned trade tariffs with the Economic Community of West African States (SHOWCASE) standards. Prior to 2005, trade tariffs were the second largest source of revenue for the country and this will give Karmic International Motors an advantage to migrate its motorbike business to Nigeria. 2. Standard of living: Still, for 80 percent of the Nigerian population, the cost of living is around USED 1 per day. And there is also a deteriorating infrastructure. Although there is a small but growing middle-class in Nigeria there remains a glaring absence of a middle class. The rich are filthy rich and the poor are dismally, irrevocably poor. Hence Karmic International Motors needs to consider these disparities for pricing. 2. 3 Economic infrastructure: Among its African peers, Nigeria has relatively advanced power, road, rail, and CIT networks that cover the national territory quite extensively. In the transport sector, Insignias road networks are in poor condition from lack of maintenance, and the country has a poor record on air transport safety which means that when Karmic International Motors should expert logistical challenges especially when transporting the motorbikes from the assembly plant to the show rooms. 5 | Page 2. 4 Per capita income: According to the World Bank national accounts data, and COED National Accounts data files, the latest value for GAP per capita (current SIS$) in Nigeria was $1,501. 72 as of 201 1 . Over the past 51 years, the value for this indicator has fluctuated be;en $1,501. In 201 1 and $91. 37 in 1960. This will affect the profit margins of Karmic International Motors especially taking into considerations all capital that has to be spent on running the business and looking at the time to make a return on investment. 2. 5 Exchange rate: according to the money converter the latest exchange rates is 1 South African Rand is equals 16. 1683 Nigerian Naira. This is a good thing because it means all assembling of the motorbike and logistics will be done in Nigeria for a very small amount then transported to other African states at a lower rate. It also means that the motorbike will be marketable nice oil prices are low in Nigeria. 3 CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT: is a set of beliefs, practices, customs and behaviors that are found to be common to everyone that is living within a certain population. Cultural environments shape the way that every person develops, influencing ideologies and personalities [o] 3. 1 Living standard: In Nigerian living in poverty has risen to nearly 61% over the past 5 years. Absolute poverty is measured by those who can afford only the bare essentials. According to WFM Poverty has risen in Nigeria, with almost 100 million people living on less than a $1 a day, despite economic growth. It is a concern for Karmic International Motors besides of doing business in Nigeria, CSS projects that will fit in to the standard of living must be considered to improve the standard of living. 3. 2 Gangue Although: English is the official language of Nigeria but Hausa, Your, Gobo are the some of the domino languages in Nigeria. For marketing the bike on different radio stations all of these languages have to be taken into considerations. 3. Lifestyle: Nigerian are outgoing and friendly. Unlike in South Africa, The motorbike is a very popular mode of transport used in different areas of remonstration in Nigeria. This is a pulling factor for Karmic International Motors to invest in Nigeria. 3. 4 Values: Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life. Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. These are the values that will be used by Karmic International Motors when they are running marketing campaigns to sell the motorbike. 3. 5 Taboos: Nigeria is a religious entry, the northern part of Nigeria is comprised Of conservative Muslims while the South has conservative Christians. Therefore it is taboo to eat in 6 | Page public during the month of fasting and this is one of the points that Karmic International Motors needs to put in mind when hiring some of the staff members. 3. 5 Norms and customs: Many Nigerian use gestures when communicating. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of money they do not know well. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Members of staff of Karmic International Motors who will be going to train and work in Nigeria from South Africa needs to be trained on the Norms and customs before departing. DEMOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT: According to business dictionary [o] this is the demographic factors of the market in which an organization operates, and which are used to segment the target population for effective marketing. 4. 1 Size of population: 173. 6 million in 2013 and over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Filial 29%, Your 21 Oh, Gobo (Bib) 18%, Jaw 10%, Kanji 4%, Bobbie 3. 5%, Tip 2. 5% ,Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%. This is a huge market for Karmic International Motors. The different demographic dynamics needs to be taken into consideration when setting up the business as well. 4. 2 Education level: The majority of curricula found in the international schools in Nigeria follow British, American or International Baccalaureate standards. The quality of education tends to be high, and students who are children of employees who decides to relocated there need not worry about ailing behind during their time abroad. Furthermore, many of the private schools are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and offer a healthy choice of extra-curricular activities. 3 Income level: The income levels are low however there is growing middle-class. The pricing of the motorbike should consider this fact. The Nebulas Gal . GAL motorbike needs to cater both the middle-class and the lower class. Furthermore this will also be at the advantage of Karmic International Motors when it hires staff from Nigeria. 4. 4 Employment rate: Although there is oil in Nigeria and other thriving sectors like farming by big business, however there is also a thriving small medium business enterprises. It also very much important for Karmic International Motors to note this because they will most of the time not be dealing with people who get monthly income but people who will be paying their installment at any given time in a month. 4. 5 Occupation distribution Incentives looking for work in Nigeria can average as much as 45 percent above basic pay, and range between about SAID 100,000 and USED 200,000 per annum. The average is about USED 123,000 a year, but is often quoted in terms of (approximately) USED 71 Page 00 per day. Very high-level senior management jobs in the oil sector will command higher salaries, sometimes as much as USED 450,000 a year. 5 CONCLUSION This assignment discussed different issues that entailed an in-depth look at the Exportability of global markets where issues such as the relationship between national culture and the film industry were explored on the first question. There was also a description of cultural globalization as a two-way street and a look as to why certain film genres do better in some cultures than in others.

How Can Play Promote the Learning of Science in the Foundation Stage Essay

How Can Play Promote the Learning of Science in the Foundation Stage - Essay Example The outdoor environment especially offers a wide and unrestrained range of possibilities to kindle children's inherent inquisitiveness. As the word foundation implies the foundation stage, as a statutory phase of the national curriculum for the United Kingdom, is vitally invested in the process of creating a solid basis for later learning skills as it operates to foster in children an enthusiastic commitment to the entire learning process. The heart of educational success is to inculcate in the child the lasting incentive for really wanting to listen, to figure out, to reflect, to go on questioning, and to work constructively and respectfully with peers. Carefully designed and engaging activity affords the best occasion for learning, whether indoors or outdoors (Hurst, V. 1997:76). For children to have rich and stimulating experiences, the learning environment must be well-planned and well-ordered. The curriculum suggests the ideal framework within which children are drawn to explore, test, devise, question, and reach decisions for themselves, enabling them to authentically learn, grow and expand their horizons. (Cu rriculum Guidance 2000:12) A competent practitioner understands how to design fully adaptable resources and settings that arouse children's inquisitiveness and then make the most of each child's individual show of interest by asking challenging questions, stimulating reflection and fostering investigation. Young children can be guided to quite thoroughly explore the natural world by making broad use of their fives senses, smelling things, feeling textures, listening to and identifying sounds, noting shapes and materials, and talking about and sharing their discoveries, as well as asking more questions and recording or illustrating their findings using a variety of skills (Wood, E. and Attfield, J. 1996:104). Well-thought-out play can be a strategic means by which children catch on delightedly and engage in the learning process with enthusiasm. The foundation stage also proposes to develop a sound early basis for future reading, writing, and math proficiency in preparation for key stage one of the national curriculum (Curriculum Guidance 2000:8-9) Some experienced practitioners are inclined to feel that, often enough, precious little play can be incorporated into early years settings when an undue amount of attention must be invested in the task of introducing and nurturing basic reading, writing and math skills (Wood, E. and Attfield, J. 1996:11). In extensive studies of early years practice, a number of educators have put forward serious concerns that the premature initiation of very young children to basic skills is not only liable to, but actually does, disaffect slower learners who find themselves struggling mightily with the effort. In fact, some practitioners assert that such undue demands on certain susceptible youngsters may result in significant harm to their self-esteem and future incentives to learn at all (Fish er, J. 1996:37). Ultimately, the actual mastery of required basics must depend not only on the practitioner's success in awakening children's interest in learning but in the added competence of being able to make each subject accessible with respect to a multiplicity of

Green Town Football Club Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Green Town Football Club - Assignment Example An Administrator also will be a part of the club's structure, his/her duties will include, assisting with the registrations, tournaments and also with the correspondence. Treasures also will be a part of the club and his/her major duties will include, looking after the financial matters of the club. Another important duty of his/her will be to maintain records of the financial activities of the club. Age coordinators will also feature in the part of the club's structure, their main role will be to - Since the club is a non - profit organization, the equipment will be sponsored by the sponsors. The Grounds men will take care of all the equipment and the last part which is communication will initially be done by memos. This structure is required because this is the easiest structure that can be adopted while forming a football club and the whole structure will be brought in effect gradually, which means that the interested people will be selected one by one depending on their capabilities. Commission for children and young people stresses upon the fact that, every child is a valued member of the society, this should be kept in mind all the time and all the coaches should make sure that no child is hurt in any manner off the pitch. "The child's views and wishes should be taken into account in a way that has regard to the child's age and maturity" (Legislation, 13 September 2008). This should be kept in mind and all the coaches should adhere to this strictly. All the children should be given a chance to play, no matter how good or bad they play. How they play should be secondary, the primary objective of the coaches should be to make sure that active participation takes place. There will be different coaches, handling the different age groups of children which will depend upon their experience and zeal. For the young children training will take place in the afternoons during the weekdays, the coaches should make sure that only the fittest players are selected as it would take the strongest children to bear the heat. Parents who will drop their children to training and who will leave after dropping their children, such children should be made comfortable and should be well taken care of by the coaches because the children will be the sole responsibility of the club during this period. Any mishap caused to them will ultimately affect the reputation of the club. Hence it should be made sure that the safety of such children is well taken care of by the coaches. Any kind of transportation requests by the parents should be turned down very politely; doing so will reduce the vulnerability of the children as far as the coaches are concerned. Clause This is to make some important things very clear, first of all soccer is an unpredictable game not only in the sense of result but also the consequences of crunching tackles, so this is to warn all the parents and guardians that the club will not be held responsible if any

UNIT MATH DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

UNIT MATH DB - Essay Example However, this approach of teaching is some times lacks as students are not motivated to remember (formulas) and it does not connect geometry to real life in the â€Å"real world†. There are different ways by which teaching of geometry, specifically surface area and volumes can be made more interesting. One way by giving students different types of shapes (cube, prism, cone, etc.) and asking them for calculating surface area and volume, or asking them how they will calculate. In another way, asking every student of class to explain calculating of surface area and volume of specific objects and let them choose the objects or it can be given to them by lottery systems. The most important aspect of teaching is to explain students how they can derive the formula they use for calculation. If a student knows, the basic idea behind the formula they use and how they are derived, than it will be lot easier for student to calculate surface area and volume of any other shapes or objects for which there is no formula given in textbook. Sometime we see different types of shapes that cannot be fit in any specific shapes such as cube, sphere, pyramid, or any other shape. Now , for calculating surface area and volume of these types of shapes (which do not have any specific shape), one must know the basic understanding of the subjects not just only remembering of formulas. In conclusion, there should be more emphasis on basic of the formula that are derived should be taught to students. In addition, students should be encouraged to find new shapes and study them and later discuss them with other classmates, whatever findings they come across. In addition, some types of projects should be given to students in which they make any specific types of shapes with the help of paper, cardboard, etc. and later calculate the surface area and volume of

The Importance Of Biodiversity And Effects Environmental Sciences Essay

The Importance Of Biodiversity And Effects Environmental Sciences Essay The importance of biodiversity has lack know by peoples. Human is actually relying on the biodiversity to survive because biodiversity provide useful and necessary resources such as food and raw material of medicine. Besides, the biodiversity is important role that working on ecosystem. It is kind of transportation of ecosystem service. The ecosystem provides services such as protection of soil thus the biodiversity loss is related to the reduction of ecosystem services. One of the main causes of biodiversity is deforestation. Deforestation rate increase day by day, the species lose their habitat and lack of food to survive. Human hew the forests to get the resources and also develop the human activities such as agriculture and tourism. More than fifty percent of Asian land area use to develop the agriculture. Human being should find out the solution to improve the biodiversity loss and reduction of ecosystem services. Reforestation improves the rate of deforestation but do not have effects on biodiversity loss. Therefore, human being should understand the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of biodiversity loss to increase the awareness and consideration of human to biodiversity issues. The importance of biodiversity and effects of deforestation on biodiversity loss Biodiversity means the species of life on our mother earth and the ecological processes that support the diversity of ecosystems. The goal of this research paper is to understand the importance of biodiversity and the effects of deforestation on biodiversity. The biodiversity and ecosystem issues compare to other environmental issues, peoples have less consideration to biodiversity issues. As the point above mentioned, the biodiversity is related to the condition of global ecosystem. The species of organisms on earth are facing the threat of habitat loss and extinction. If human do not take any action to improve this situation, we would lose many precious species. There are different areas of species of life in the world such as mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and plants. Each of the different species of life has few or more species already extinct. For examples, red colobus monkey, dodo, and phantom shiner. There have no scientists or study can tell us how many species of life are in the world because our mother earth is a complex world and the relevant organizations discover new species to science ceaselessly until now. Therefore, we do not know there is how many species we are losing exactly. There are some experts forecast that the speed of biodiversity loss nowadays is between thousand and ten thousand higher than the natural extinction rate. Human may not understand well the influence of biodiversity to the entire human race and global ecosystems. Human obtain many resources from biodiversity, such as food, timber, raw materials of medicine and souvenir. In addition of those basic provisions, the biodiversity play the important roles of maintaining the ecosystem of the world. It provides the important services, such as cleaning water resources, protection of soil, reduction of global diseases and dedication of maintain the stability of climate. Biodiversity also contributes social benefits to us like tourism and entertainment development. However, human pay attention to what and how many benefits they can get from the biodiversity and ecosystem, the value of biodiversity and ecosystem would neglected by human. Nowadays, science has better perceptive to the biodiversity effects and ecosystem services. There are several study of biodiversity effects show that the biodiversity loss is relevant with the reduction of ecosystem services (e.g., Balvanera et al.2006, Cardinale et al.2007, Thompson et al.2009 as cited in Thompson, Okabe, Tylianakis, Kumar, Brockerhoff, Schellhorn, Parrotta Nasi, 2011). Thompson and colleagues (2009) found that seventy six percent of twenty one studies states that there is direct relationship between the richness of species and the production of ecosystem services. Based on all these studies, the biodiversity play the role of transportation of ecosystem services. Therefore, the damage of biodiversity may influence the cycling of species, and the transportation of ecosystem services. When the ecosystem services reduce, the environmental issues such as climate change will be more serious. From the above points of view, we can understand how important the biodiversity are and human could not survive without biodiversity and ecosystem service. One of the main reasons that cause biodiversity loss is deforestation. The animals lose their habitat and the biodiversity of forests are damage when deforestation happens. The area which has the highest rate of deforestation is Southeast Asia. According to a study of land use change in Asia, fifty percent of the Asian land is under the development of agriculture or the development of human activities ( Zhao, Peng, Jiang, Tian, Lei Zhou, 2006) In South Asia, seventy three percent of the land area is used as the development of agriculture. Therefore, the animals have no habitats and enough food to survive. For example, Singapore has ninety five percent of deforestation rate over the past one hundred and eighty three thus there has more than twenty eight percent of species has eliminated. Another country that have high rate of biodiversity loss caused by deforestation is Thailand (Zhao et al., 2006). Brooks, Mittermeier, Fonseca, Rylands, Konstant, Flick, Pilgrim, Oldfield, Magin Taylor (2001) stated that Nearly half the worlds vascular plant species and one-third of terrestrial vertebrates are endemic to twenty five of hotspots of biodiversity, each of which has at least one thousand and five hundred endemic plant species. None of these hotspots have more than one-third of their pristine habitat remaining. Historically, they covered twelve percent of the lands surface, but today their intact habitat covers only one point four of the land. Based on this article, we can know that the endemic of hotspots are facing the problem of extinction because of the habitat loss. When the habitat areas decrease, the species have highest possibility of extinction problems. Discussion As we know that, the biodiversity loss is more and more serious nowadays. Human should find out the solution to reduce the biodiversity loss. To reduce the extinction of biodiversity, we should decrease the rate of deforestation of the world. One of the solutions of deforestation is reforestation. Although reforestation does improve the rate of deforestation, it does not fully renovate the species richness and ecosystem of a forest. There is a study about the value of plantation forests; it finds that the species richness of reforestation is not as abundant as the aboriginal forest (Gardner, Hernandez, Barlow Peres, 2008). In my opinion, the best way to decrease the rate of deforestation is improve the consideration and awareness of human being. Government and the relevant organization should encourage peoples to concern about this topic and let children have the concepts of biodiversity and deforestation. Peoples should know well about the seriousness and consequences of biodiversity loss and the reduction of ecosystem thus they will appreciate and conserve the nature. Besides, Government should be stricter in land management to prevent peoples or some companies over extract the forests to acquire self-benefits. In addition, we can use science to improve the biodiversity loss and reduction of ecosystem services. For example, Sustainable forest management (SFM) is ecosystem management that work on the conservation of environment, such as biodiversity issues. They try to use scientific method to find out the most effective way and translating it into policy to conserve and renovate the biodiversity loss and reduction of ecosystem services (Thompson et al., 2011). Finally, there are also simple solutions such as do not buy the souvenirs that made of animals, less use of air-conditioner and buy timber from the legal company. Although those simple ways look not as effective as scientific method, peoples should make contribution to environmental issues. Conclusion The biodiversity loss has facing the highest rate over the past years. The government and organization of environment should not be the only who responsible to the conservation of environment. Human should have more knowledge about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem service thus the awareness of human to biodiversity will increase. Human being should be more intelligent to maintain and protect our mother earth. If the rate of biodiversity loss and reduction of ecosystem continue increase, none of us can endure the consequences. Therefore, human being must be more consideration to this issue. Not only the government, should parents play a good role of model to their children to make the better environment for our next generation.

Rasmussens Encephalitis :: essays research papers

The human immune system is an amazing system that is constantly on the alert protecting us from sicknesses. Thousands of white blood cells travel in our circulatory system destroying all foreign substances that could cause harm to our body or to any of the millions of processes going on inside. Now imagine a condition where this awesome system turns against the most complex organ in the human body, the brain. Deadly as it is, this condition is known as Rasmussen’s encephalitis. The meaningful research on Rasmussen’s encephalitis was begun (unintentionally) by Scott Rogers and Lorise Gahring, two neurologists, who were at the time measuring the distribution of glutamate receptors in the brain. Later on when more provocative information was found they enlisted the help of James McNamara and Ian Andrews, epilepsy experts at Duke University Medical Center. The details on Rasmussen’s encephalitis were very bleak at the time when the men began their research. All that was known is that Rasmussen’s encephalitis was a degenerative disease of the brain that caused seizures, hemiparesis, and dementia normally in the first ten years of life. The seizures that were caused by Rasmussen’s encephalitis were unstoppable by normal anti-seizure drugs used conventionally. What the worst part of the disease was that the pathogenesis for it were not known and even worse was how it developed. The first clue was delivered when Rogers and Gahring were trying to register the distribution of the glutamate receptors using antibodies, that tag on to the receptor itself. The proteins that make up the glutamate receptors(GluR) are only found inside the blood brain barrier(BBB). Glutamate and a few related amino acids are the dominant form of excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals. If one of these GluRs happens to wander into the actual bloodstream, that is outside the BBB, it would be considered an outsider and destroyed immediately. So if these GluRs were put into the normal blood stream then the immune system would produce antibodies which could then be used in the searching for the glutamate receptors. In order to test this theory the researchers injected the GluRs into the blood stream of a normal healthy rabbit hoping to produce good results. At this point the experiment took a dramatic turn, after receiving a few doses of the protein two of the three rabbits began to twitch, as though they were suffering the pain of an epileptic seizure.

Cost-Quality Relationship Essay

There are three types of costs when quality considerations are made: Appraisal Costs, Prevention Costs, and Failure Costs. These costs are affiliated with the efforts of process improvement and are also known as quality costs or cost of quality. Appraisal costs are associated with measuring, evaluating or auditing products and services to satisfy quality and performance requirements set by the company. Examples of this cost include inspection and testing of purchases material, final inspections, audits for products and services, and testing equipment. Prevention costs are associated with all activities designed to prevent and stop poor quality in the products and services provided to the customers. Examples of this cost include new product review, supplier surveys, capability evaluations, improvement projects, education and training. Failure costs result from products and services that did not meet the quality standards and requirements set by the company. They divided into two categories: Internal Failure Costs and External Failure Costs. Internal failure costs occur before delivery and shipment of product and/or before services are performed to the customer. Examples of this cost include scrap,  rework, retesting, re-inspecting, reviewing the material and downgrading. External failure costs occur after delivery and during or after providing the service to the customer. Examples of this cost include reviewing and processing customer complaints, customer returns, claims based on warranty, and recalls. The total quality costs are the sum of the appraisal, prevention, and failure costs. This will represent the difference between the actual costs of the product and/or service. The trade-offs between the appraisal, prevention, and failure costs are relevant. Some believe when the prevention costs are increased , the appraisal and failure costs will decrease substantially. This means that the total costs will be lower. Others say that if they spend too much on quality, it will reduce the money available for other projects such as upgrades to technology.

Use of the Word Analogies in the ESL Classroom

Use of the Word Analogies in the ESL Classroom Using words analogies is a useful way of building vocabulary. Word analogies can be created using many different categories. Here is a simple example of a word analogy: Hot is to cold as up is to down OR hot - cold | up - down This is an example of a word analogy using antonyms. Here are a number of word analogies in a wide variety of categories.   Word Analogies: Antonyms or Opposites hot - cold | up - downblack - white | happy - sadlaugh - cry | rich - poorcrazy - sane | large - small Word Analogies: Relationships Expressing a Part of the Whole eye - head | finger - handcent - dollar | inch - footeraser - pencil | CPU - computerwheel - car | sink - plumbing Word Analogies: Relationships Between Numbers one - two | two - four1/2 - 1 | 10 - 20six - thirty-six | two - four100 - 1,000 | 1,000 - 10,000 Word Analogies: Sequences breakfast - lunch | morning - afternoonMonday - Tuesday | AM - PMwork - earn | plant - harvestleave - arrive | get up - go to sleep Word Analogies: Objects and Their Uses (noun - verb) pen - write | food - eatlawn - mow | coffee - drinksugar - sweeten | ball - throwbutton - push | letter - mail Word Analogies: Objects and Their Users (thing - person) library - student | computer - programmercar - driver | piano - musicianbrush - painter | football - quarterbackdoll - child | cell phone - teenager Word Analogies: Grammatical Relationships I - me | He - himdrive - driven | fly - flownto think - thinking | to shout - shoutingsome - any | already - yet Word Analogies: Group Relationships student - class | member - clubplayer - team | representative - congressjudge - court | policeman - police forceviolin player - orchestra | teller - bank Word Analogies: Cause and Effect (adjective - verb) thirsty - drink | tired - sleepdirty - wash | funny - laughwet - dry | hot - cool downcurious - ask | sad - cry

Analysis of Eu Yan Shang Essay Example

Analysis of Eu Yan Shang Essay Example Analysis of Eu Yan Shang Paper Analysis of Eu Yan Shang Paper Analysis of Eu Yan Sang (EYS) The strength of EYS from internal environment: Market Leader Eu Yan Sang is a market leader in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Their product quality and professional ethics have been regarded highly by its customers. They enable to charge premium price to customer because of their high quality products. EYS lay in its high brand equity that earned over a century and its renowned brand name and image. Core Competencies There are over 300 products under Eu Yan Sang brand name, but their core products to pump profits are Bak Fong Pills for women and Bo Ying Compound for infants. These two products are continuously to pump profits to EYS’s bottom line and have remained household names since the company opened its doors in 1909 in Hong Kong. Chinese believe that women need to regulate the menstrual function before and after menstruation period thus most of the Chinese women will consume Bak Fong Pills. Where else they also believe infants need to consume Bo Ying Compound before the age of one to prevent any disease. Supply Chain EYS able to control the total supply chain gives them an excellent competitive edge in the industry. To complement the new standard, EYS also developing a world first integrated online portal to keep track of traditional Chinese medicine herbs throughout the value chain. The weaknesses arise from Eu Yan Sang: Management Problem EYS’s management problems arise with different views over the operations of the business that resulted in disgruntled shareholders. They faced lack of vision for future growth strategies that may threaten its survival. Employees Performance According the respondent s’ feelings in the survey, salesperson were not particularly informative about certain products benefits and were unhelpful in recommending suitable products. They were perceived as being sloppily dressed in drab uniforms and displaying a rather indifferent attitude towards customers except when the latter were interested in the more expensive TCM products. The opportunities arise from external environment: Government The Hong Kong government had just unveiled a ten-year strategic plan in building Hong Kong into an international center for Chinese Medicine. They were ready to invest in and help local Chinese medicinal companies realizes their mission. Besides that, government also introduces a new degree program in TCM. Expand Market Besides the few countries, EYS also can expand to others Asia countries such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. These three countries still adapt Chinese medicine today. There is an opportunity for EYS to expand their markets and booms their profits. The threats of EYS: Prohibition The precious animal parts had to be taken off the shelf since the law was amended to prohibit the sales of parts of endangered species came into force in 1995. Competitors EYS face international and domestic competitors that had slackening their sales due to the environment changes. There was a huge influx of western vitamins and health supplementary. The domestic competitors are Tung Fung Hung and Wai Yuen Tong that launched similar convenience products lines. Issues and the Key Issue of EYS Issues: Health Authorities How if the employees dispense wrong medicine to customers? This is one of the issue problems that arise from EYS. Their training in dispensing medicine usually came from informal because there have been no regulation or registration required so far for practicing Chinese medicine. If the employees dispense wrong medicine to the customers, EYS will face a lot of problem such as responsible and penalty to the customers. Labeling Legislation The reason EYS delay stemed mainly from the reluctance to comply fully with the labeling legislation. They need to full disclosure of all ingredients that required by the stringent labeling law. This may cause EYS to disclose their secret family formulate. If the ingredients disclosure to public, there must be a lot of competitors launched the same products. There is a threat to EYS. Competitors Exists The main competitors Tung Fong Hung expand rapidly in the recent years. They adopted a penetrative pricing strategy and was about 8% to 10% below that of EYS. TFH is the only traditional Chinese medicine listed on the stock exchange with a healthy daily turnover. Key Issue: Extensive Reach We can easily purchased EYS products in Malaysia because of their extensive distribution network, comprising over 150 EYS branded retail outlets in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau and China. EYS also provides a holistic approach in healthcare practices. EYS also can expand to others countries in Asia such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam to achieve higher performance.

Macro economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Macro economics - Research Paper Example China’s main industries consist of mining iron, coal, aluminum and other metals, armament manufacturing, machine building, petroleum, textiles, automobiles, aircraft, communications and telecommunications, food processing and all sorts of consumer product manufacturing to name just a few. 1.2. Exchange rate. The official currency of the PRC is called Renmimbi which means â€Å"people’s money. It has an ISO 4217 code and symbol of ?. The Renmimbi has been traditionally pegged to the U.S. Dollar. The devaluation of the currency in 1980s to stimulate Chinese exports caused the currency decline from 1.50 in 1980 to 8.62 Yuan to a dollar in 1994. CIA reported following status of YUAN: In July 2005, China revalued its currency by 2.1% against the US dollar and moved to an exchange system that references a basket of currencies From 2005 to late 2008, cumulative appreciation of the renmimbi against US dollar was more than 20% China’s exchange rate remained pegged to the dollar from onset of global crisis In June 2010, Beijing allowed resumption of a gradual appreciation of renmimbi Source: CIA World Factbook Fig. 2. USDCNY Exchange rate Fig. 2 shows the Chinese Yuan Exchange Rate Chart (USDCNY) presenting the depreciation by 4.33 percent during the last 12 months. Source: Trading Economics.com Renminbi yuan (RMB) per US dollar - 6.7852 (2010) 6.8314 (2009) 6.9385 (2008) 7.61 (2007) 7.97 (2006) 1.3 Inflation rate. Report of Inflation in China as of March 2011 is 5.4 percent, a rise from previous 4.90. Record shows that from 1994 to 2010, the average inflation rate in China was 4.25 percent that went up to its highest rate of 27.70 percent in October of 1994 and a... This paper is one of the best examples of comparison of the recent performances of economies of China and India. The World Bank considers China and India as emerging markets ,whose economic growth has been accompanied by even more rapid growth in their trade that will affect their relations with other trading partners. Based on the GDP performances of China and India, it is clear that these countries have taken their lead in the economy and could rightly belong to be called an emerging economy. Its big population has been an asset instead of a destabilizing factor in the economy. China still has to resolve issues concerning its devaluation policy that many countries are against. China has experienced rapid expansion of economy after it changed from a centrally planned system to the open market structure. In 2010 China became the world’s biggest exporter, and on the basis stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US. In China, a country in transition from a closed system to an open market system, government policies stabilizes its economy through monetary reforms. In India, a lot of infrastructure support for technological development is observed to become the leader in IT services. Services and industry have improved in India, but agriculture has been left behind in terms of share in GDP. While the economies of both countries are improving, its internal effect to domestic consumption has problems. Unemployment rate is still high and poverty level must be addressed by the government.

Business Law - Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Law - - Term Paper Example The basic premise of this Act is to maintain good competition in the business life of the corporates. Competition Act aims at regulating the competition and defeating the acts by people who have tried to thwart competition in their respective jurisdictions. It has aimed at attempting to draw a line in anti-competitive activities. The Act has been designed in order to pave a way for the extinguishment of anti-competitive activities. The Act had been at the centre of curbing anti-competitive practices which have been performed by the companies who have been trading on in the business circle. â€Å"Legislation enacted by the federal and various state governments to regulate trade and commerce by preventing unlawful restraints, price-fixing, and monopolies; to promote competition; and to encourage the production of quality goods and services at the lowest prices, with the primary goal of safeguarding public welfare by ensuring that consumer demands will be met by the manufacture and sale of goods at reasonable prices.† The new Act defines a ‘dominant position’ ; what constitutes an abuse of such a dominant position and how are they interrelated. As mentioned in the Competition Act, being of the nature of a dominant enterprise does not constitute to an anti-competitive practice, but the fact when such dominant undertakings misuses their power in the competition to restrict it or to have a negative impact on it amounts to an anti-competitive practice which is prohibited in the Indian competition laws. In the case of N. V. Netherlands Banden Industrie Michelin v. Commission of the European Communities , the question arose to the court as to whether or not an enterprise which is dominant in nature leads to the violation of competition laws prevalent in the EU. It was held that â€Å"an undertaking having a dominant position is not a recrimination but simply means that irrespective of the reasons for which it has such a dominant position,

Discussion Questions Week 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion Questions Week 1 - Essay Example For instance, it might be determined that a 4-year degree at a technical school will provide a $100,000 income while a 2-year degree at a specialty school will only provide a $60,000 income after graduation. A person must determine the steps involved in getting an education and determine which option will be the most valuable long-term. A person making $60,000 will have less financial capabilities than another who earns $100,000, making it harder to contribute to charitable or community organizations. However, the time investment should be considered as part of economics because family members will be affected, as well as the whole of a person’s lifestyle, depending on which decision is made. The biggest question which should be asked is how decision-making will impact the self, the household, the local community and even the broader society as part of economics in daily life. From an organizational viewpoint, economics determines how specific activities impact other activities in a society. A manufacturing business will determine the cost of raw materials, the labor and investment necessary to produce them, and consider whether customers will want to buy these products. As a single organization, micro-level business activities and various departments work together in the pursuit of generating a final product. Each division or business unit maintains a unique function, however each contributes to the whole of the organization, creating an entire unit of economic activities. In the business environment, it is a common theme to recognize aspects of sales and marketing, such as knowing your consumer and their basic demographics such as income, social lifestyle and cultural values. From a macro-level perspective, social systems work together with their own unique functions, creating a solid society where each action by each group impacts the other group. This is no different in business as the

The French artist Gustave Courbet Essay Example for Free

The French artist Gustave Courbet Essay In the late nineteenth century faith in science and technology reflected a growing sense that people could observe the facts of everyday life carefully, understand them, and use the understanding to control the world more successfully than ever before. The artists also closely observed contemporary life in their paintings. During the second half of the century their focus included the methods of science and the realities of urban life. The romanticism of the early-nineteenth-century culture – which had idealized love, religion, and the exotic – gave way to a gritty sense of realism. Realists felt free to look modern life full in the face and both praise its successes and criticize its failings. Innovative painters turned to realistic depictions of life on their canvases. The French artist Gustave Courbet (1819-77) who believed that the artist should â€Å"never permit the sentiment to overthrow logic† led the attack on the romantic art by painting sober senses of urban life and rural labor. Gustave Courbet is today known as a â€Å"realist† for his essentially unsentimental portrayal of life in the mid-nineteenth century. One of the most famous of his early works is his vast A burial at Ornans (fig. 1) of 1849. Its acute description of this simple yet profound ceremony seems to have provoked very specific, sometimes vehement, responses in the years immediately after its unveiling, and as a result the realism was thought to be motivated by little more than socialist concerns. The negative reaction to this subject matter should not come as a surprise, as throughout the history of western art few artists had ever considered the plight and devoting of the peasant as a topic worthy of serious attention – other than for overtly sentimental or moralizing reasons . But it would be misleading to view Courbet as principally a politically motivated painter; instead, his work asserts a very modern notion that an artist is first and foremost a social barometer of the age and context. Courbet’s painting technique is not easy to describe because of its variety and disregard for the academic rules governing composition. He often inserted his figures as if they were removable set pieces. In spite of this ‘collage’ technique, many of his pictures look as if they had been painted at a single sitting because of their unity of color. They were in fact often produced very quickly. Courbet prided himself on being able to paint a picture in two hours as well as produce several versions of equal quality. On the other hand Courbet’s pictures frequently form a closed world: landscapes can give the impression of being locked away, and, though they are at close quarters, people may turn away from the viewer like in The Stone-breakers. Thus a stiff composition is often found in conjunction with a fluid use of color. The special quality of Courbet’s work is really achieved by means of color. Courbet initially imitated 17th-century Dutch and Spanish painters (Rembrandt, Hals, Velazquez, Ribera) from whom he derived the use of black as the starting-point. He employed a dark ground throughout his life, but the treatment of surfaces changed. Courbet resorted more and more to using broad brushes: he rejected detailed academic painting. By working increasingly with a spatula and palette knife he gave color a special, substantial quality, which influenced van Gogh and Cezanne . In 1861 Courbet wrote: â€Å"An epoch can be reproduced only by its own artists. I mean artists who have lived in it. I hold that the artists of the century are fundamentally incompetent to represent the things of a past or future century†¦ It is in this sense that I deny the existence of an historical art applied to the past. † This was, of course, an affront to the academic standards of Neo-Classicism, but it also was an artistic call to arms for expression tied directly to the events, traumas, and psychology of the age – art as a dynamic if sometimes uncertain voice within culture, rather than a decorative or didactic tool. This opinion did not go over very well in critical circles, since most influential writers and â€Å"taste-makers† still viewed art as a tool for moral elevation and profound teaching, and consequently saw everyday events as simplistic and unworthy subject matter. As a result, Burial at Ornans was rejected at the Universal Exposition of 1855 . Courbet responded by setting up his own show in a tent next to the official exhibition. In the process, the always flamboyant Courbet sealed his reputation as a master of self-promotion, again a posture considered unworthy of an artist in earlier times, and a politically astute artist. Some critics assert that a dramatically different view of art can alter the way in which the artist, and thus the viewer, comes to appreciate an artwork’s meaning . It is known that there is an important reciprocal relationship between contemporary ideas in other fields of human inquiry and those in the visual arts. If one attentively considers Courbet’s The stone Breakers (fig. 2) of 1849 one can understand that the relationship between form and content is no less important to Courbet, but his choice of conventions to accentuate his message is telling. Though Courbet understood and even utilized a number of traditional compositional devices in his execution of work, the seemingly natural gestures of the figures give the impression of an authentic and perhaps more â€Å"natural† space. Rather than developing an architectural framework or other mathematically derived pictorial structure, Courbet’s painting enables the viewer to enter into the scene with few external or otherwise presumed considerations other that the labors of the two man. As a result, one’s concentration is thrust upon these two solitary figures and their brute activity; if there is any heroism present, it must rest with the travails of the workers, and the elevation of the here and now. The two men’s tattered clothing and averted faces make them seem anonymous and therefore representative of many other workers. While there is dignity in their work, Courbet does not glorify either the stonebreakers or nature. The scene, like the men’s lives, is harsh. Painted only a year after the 1848 revolt in France, it speaks of an art for the masses and a creative process intimately linked to the stresses of the street. This is what â€Å"realism† meant to Courbet. Courbet like other realistic artists depicted everyday life on large canvases, and thereby earned the wrath of those artists and critics who believed that only paintings of historical, mythological religious or exotic scenes should be considered great art. Figure 1 Courbet, Gustave A Burial at Ornans 1849-1850 Oil on canvas 10 3 1/2 x 21 9 (314 x 663 cm) Musee dOrsay, Paris Figure 2 Courbet, Gustave The Stone Breakers 1849 Oil on canvas 10 3 x 8 6 (160 x 259 cm) Formerly Gemaeldegalerie, Dresden (Destroyed 1945) Bibliography Berger, K. â€Å"Courbet in his Century†, Gazette des Beaux-Arts, II (1943): pp. 19–40 Joseph C. Sloane â€Å"The Tradition of Figure Painting and Concepts of Modern Art in France from 1845 to 1870† The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, Vol. 7, No. 1 (Sep. , 1948), pp. 1-29 Novotny, Fritz. Painting and Sculpture in Europe, 1780 to 1880. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1960. Schapiro M. â€Å"Courbet and Popular Imagery. An Essay on Realism and Naivete†, Journal of the Warburg Courtauld Institutes, IV (1941): pp. 164–91 Weir, David. Anarchy Culture: The Aesthetic Politics of Modernism. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press, 1997.

Two Cross-National Lessons for Pontevedro

Two Cross-National Lessons for Pontevedro 1. Introduction This report implements cross-national lesson drawing in order to suggest two lessons for the improvement of Pontevedro’s planning system. For these two lessons to be successfully transferred they must be ideas that fulfil Pontevedro’s needs, and how a policy works in the ‘exporter jurisdiction’ must be understood (Rose 1991). A lesson is then created, but importantly, one has to understand if the conditions that make the lesson ‘work’ in the ‘exporter jurisdiction’ also exist in the ‘importer jurisdiction’ (Rose 1991). The first lesson for transfer comes from France and its policy on regions and the second from Vancouver and its policy on zoning. These two, I believe, would do the most to improve Pontevedros planning system. However, the report will remain realistic and critical about the scope for transfer. 2. A regional policy lesson 2.1 Pontevedro in context Currently Pontevedro has a population around 78,100 with a quarter to a half of the island’s people living in the capital Letinje. Pontevedro is divided into communes of different sizes, from the smallest, Govenska parish with a population of only 356, to the largest, Letinje City Council (Cowell 2013). These communes administer their own budget and are economically independent. Each commune imposes their own local taxation, with no support from central finances (Cowell 2013). Consequently, there is a big gap in financial proficiency between the various authorities (Cowell 2013). Moreover, there are issues with the allocation of resources due to the communes being wholly responsible for service provisions such as transport infrastructure modernisation, waste collection and waste disposal (Cowell 2013). Thus a lot of the smaller communes are forced to contract these jobs out to private enterprises. For instance, waste disposal and water sanitisation in the south side of the isl and are carried out by ‘Merdeaway’, a French water company (Cowell 2013). This disposal process is considered uneconomical, rudimentary and could be organised and executed much more efficiently. 2.2 The French regional system In order to combat these concerns with resources, lessons can be drawn from the French planning system. The French system was always strongly based at national level; this means that like Pontevedro there have been issues with fragmentation (Booth et al. 2007). This problem was handled by the creation of various modifications that have altered the allocation of planning powers. It is an amalgamation of two of these modifications which would provide a useful and successful ‘policy transfer’ (Rose 1993) for Pontevedro’s planning system. The first modification affected the regional level of hierarchy due to changes in centralisation which led to the formation of a new level of government (Newman and Thornley 1996). This new level of legislation saw twenty-two new planning regions established in 1964, each of which revolved around the recognised administrative boundaries (Newman and Thornley 1996). This new successful regional level was created mainly for economic planning reasons and since the 1960s the involvement of the state at this new level has progressively increased (Newman and Thornley 1996). Furthermore, all twenty-two regions possess the ability to produce strategic regional plans as well as economic development controls. The second relevant modification affected the communal level of government and was known as the ‘syndicat de communes’ (Booth 1993). Communes that were not self-sufficient in terms of efficiently providing services were encouraged to forge partnerships with each other. Thus by sharing resources the communes could provide better services (Booth 1993). These modifications of the French system assisted in the resolving of the significant problems with fragmentation of a heavily centralised government and has meant that planning responsibilities have been redistributed to where they are more successfully controlled (Booth et al. 2007). 2.3 The application of the lesson As was the case in France, the smaller communes in Pontevedro find it hard to provide particular services effectively, such as road maintenance (Cowell 2013). Therefore, as was done in France, the creation of partnerships between communes in order to provide better services would be an effective way of tackling this issue. In addition, rather than simply forming collaborations between communes it is suggested that this be combined with the creation of a new level of government where particular planning abilities and service provision are operated. This would mean certain powers and duties would be shifted from the communes to this new level and would generate a four regions structure. In all four regions there would be sufficient resources in terms of finance and workers that could address the problems effectively. The four regions would also construct regional plans which would take care of development in the area. This four regions policy would be successful as the regions would be able to amalgamate all the resources from the communes of which they consist, and provide quality services for each commune irrespective of resources or size. 2.4 The issues with decentralisation There are, however, some underlying issues with decentralisation and the creation of a regional level. De Mello and Barenstein (2001) argue that decentralisation can cause irresponsible spending and corruption as well as creating a strain on state budgets, as an increase in regional staff may not be matched by a cutback at the central level. Mello and Barenstein (2001) also highlight that central and regional government need equal attention with a suitable balance of centralisation and decentralisation. This is particularly important in issues such as the unequal geographic distribution of resources, people and poverty, which requires redistribution policies that only the central government can guarantee. Finally, one of the reasons for the decentralisation of France was because it is a large country of around 547,030 km2 (Encyclopedia of the Nations 2013) making it difficult to effectively manage all areas of the country (Treisman 2006). In contrast Pontevedro is only around 1, 144 km2 (Cowell 2013) thus the geographical size of the island could also play a factor. 3. A zoning policy lesson 3.1 Pontevedro in context Since Pontevedro has a constitutional system (Cowell 2013), there appears to be one clear mechanism for determining where development will take place in these regions. Through cross-national lesson drawing one can observe that all countries that have their basis in Roman law control development through the mechanism of zoning. As Pontevedro is based on Roman law (Cowell 2013), zoning would seem the best system to employ. Nonetheless, as to which country inspiration should be drawn from still needs to be resolved. 3.2 The Vancouver zoning system The zoning system from which ‘policy transfer’ (Rose 1993) appears to be most successful for Pontevedro is that of the city of Vancouver. The Vancouver zoning mechanism has developed to incorporate a discretionary component (Leary and McCarthy 2013). This innovative element tackles the problems in the majority of modern day zoning systems (Punter 2002). This notion of discretionary controls combined with zoning is present in a number of Canadian cities; however Vancouver possesses an international status as a city with high quality design (Punter 2003) and is known as one of the top destinations to live in the world (Punter 2002). It must be noted that the notion of discretion and zoning can be identified as contradictory, as discretion infers an aspect of leniency, and zoning is perceived as an inherently fixed concept (Cullingworth 1993). However, Booth (1996, p.110) states that, â€Å"Discretion is rarely absolute, but must operate within limits.† This illustrates that zoning can contain a discretionary element within its regulatory restrictions. This has been accomplished in Vancouver because of its advanced planning system and urban design policies, as well as refined guidelines, processes and procedures (Punter 2002). This sophisticated system came into being due to the natural geography of the city, the concept of good design and the high emphasis on aesthetic quality (Leary and McCarthy 2013). Furthermore, the Vancouver Charter, passed in 1953, permitted the creation of individual administrative systems detached from provincial controls (Brunet-Jailly 2008). This meant that there was significant delegation of planning powers to the Directors of Planning, in order to prevent the interference of councillors in permit processing affairs; therefore skilled development planners had the top control posts (Punter 2002). The primary discretionary feature of Vancouver’s successful zoning system is one where zoning has become design-led (Punter 2003). In Vancouver, the development plan procedure is operated by the zoning bylaws; these convert general planning ideologies and design ideologies into regulations (Punter 2003). These regulations control building heights, floor space and land use. They then correspond with the discretionary components, in this instance, design guidelines (Punter 2003). What makes Vancouver stand out from other zoning systems is its policy to give incentives for good design (Punter 2003). If the applicant obeys the design standards, then that applicant will receive an incentive of additional floor space, thus raising the profit potential available to them from that development. As a result, the fundamental negative control system of zoning has a positive element and encourages good design (Punter 2003). 3.3 The application of the lesson When applying the Vancouver system, an element of design quality can be integrated into new development within Pontevedro, this would subsequently respect and enrich the island’s built environment. Therefore Vancouver’s system is applicable to Pontevedro, especially given Pontevedro’s desire to preserve their culture and heritage, as witnessed with the displeasure at the demolition of the Gavno landmark (Pontevedro Sun-Herald 2007). Additionally, the Vancouver system will succeed with the constitution in place in Pontevedro because Vancouver shares the same constitution. One of the issues with the current system is that there is a problem with sporadic development of houses along segments of the coastline, ribbon development near main roads and demand for new housing. Drawing influence from Vancouver’s zoning policy should be beneficial in the struggle with these problems; however at the same time there are issues when implementing this policy. 3.4 The issues with zoning Zoning can cause concerns due to the fact it does not include every aspect of development. For instance, zoning can be inclined to concentrate on individual lots instead of focusing on the impacts of development in general (Cullingworth 1993). This is a result of two ideas. Firstly, zoning seldom is concerned with timing or the presence of infrastructure (Cullingworth 1993). Essentially, a development project can be proposed, which although complies with the zoning regulations, is isolated in terms of infrastructure, amenities and other developments. Secondly, the usual opinion of municipalities is that they support development (Cullingworth 1993). Cullingworth (1993, p.167) highlights this development-led idea when he observes: Instead of asking â€Å"is the proposed development desirable in the public interest at this place at this point in time?† The typical municipality starts from the presumption that any development is good and, in any case, it is unfair to penalise a particular owner with a refusal. Consequently it is difficult for zoning to be consistent with other planning matters. Therefore it is important that the Pontevedro government consider the application of mechanisms to control urban growth, as well as reflecting on development on a larger scale. According to Cullingworth (1993), there are several ways this can be done, such as zone regulations, urban growth limits, restricted subdivision, phasing development as well as infrastructure provision and land preservation for particular use, such as protecting farmland. Moreover, zoning is characterised by inflexibility and rigidity in terms of apportionment of land for development. Therefore, it can be flawed when there are changing conditions, such as the requirement for a new type of development (as seen with Pontevedro’s flourishing financial sector) or for controlling aspects such as traffic infrastructure (also seen in Pontevedro), and the aesthetics and design of development (Cullingworth 1993). Additionally, zoning can be vulnerable to corruption and favouritism (Cullingworth 1993). Even though this is the case in many systems that utilise zoning as a device to control development, there are places that overcome these problems (Cullingworth 1993). 4. Conclusion This report has outlined two of the policy transfers for the creation of a new Pontevedro planning system. Even though these lessons deal with some of the major issues they do not provide a comprehensive planning system by themselves. However, the chosen lessons do constitute what is essentially the basis of the new planning system, focusing on the planning structure and procedure for delivering and regulating development. The creation of regions by the merging of communes, as done in France, will deal with the issue of service provision and will generate a more effective system to the pre-existing one. Zoning, although it has its limitations, was suggested as an instrument for development control because Pontevedro is a constitutional state. Vancouver provides a useful policy transfer that handles issues existing in most zoning systems, implants a level of design quality and improves the island’s built environment; as well as providing a starting point for the preservation of cultural. Both of these policies can be transferred to Pontevedro’s new proposed planning system because they have succeeded in their own and other countries, they solve certain issues found in Pontevedro and due to some similarities between the two countries the policies can be applied to Pontevedro. 5. Bibliography Booth, P. 1993. The cultural dimension in comparative research: making sense of development control in France. European Planning studies 7 (1), pp.1-26. Booth, P. 1996. Controlling Development: Certainty, Discretion And Accountability. London: Routledge. Booth, P., Breuillard, M., Fraser, C. and Paris, D. 2007. Spatial Planning Systems of Britain and France: A Comparative Analysis. London: Taylor and Francis. Brunet-Jailly, E. 2008. Vancouver: A Sustainable City. Journal of Urban Affairs 30 (4), pp. 375-388. Cowell, R. 2013. Pontevedro: General Description. Available at: https://learningcentral.cf.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Courseid=_331353_1url= [Accessed: 10 December 2013] Cullingworth, J. 1993. The political culture of planning: American land use planning in comparative perspective. New York: Routledge. De Mello, L. and Barenstein, M. 2001. Fiscal Decentralization and Governance: A Cross-country Analysis. IMF Working Paper 01/71. Washington DC: International Monetary Fund. Encyclopedia of the Nations. 2013. France – Location, Size, and Extent. Available at: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/France-LOCATION-SIZE-AND-EXTENT.html [Accessed: 17 December 2013] Leary, M. and McCarthy, J. 2013. The Routledge Companion to Urban Regeneration. London: Routledge. Newman, P. and Thornley, A. 1996. Urban Planning in Europe: International Competition, National Systems and Planning Projects. London: Routledge. Pontevedro Sun-Herald. 2007. ‘Demolition of Well Known Gavno Landmark’. Pontevedro Sun-Herald. 6 October, pp.1-3. Punter, J. 2002. Urban Design as Public Policy: Evaluating the Design Dimension of Vancouvers Planning System. International Planning Studies 7 (4), pp. 265-282. Punter, J. 2003. The Vancouver Achievement: Urban Planning and Design. Vancouver: UBC press. Rose, R. 1991. What is lesson drawing? Journal of Public Policy 11 (3), pp.1-30. Rose, R. 1993. Lesson-Drawing in Public Policy. Chatham, NJ: Chatham House Publishers. Triesman, D. 2006. Explaining fiscal decentralisation: geography, colonial history, economic development, and political institutions. Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics 44 (3), pp. 283-288. Word count: 1, 992 1 | Page