Government Job vs Private Job Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Government Job vs Private Job - Research Paper Example The â€Å"game† presents no investment in the future of the company or corporation, its merle an exchange of wealth. This scenario contributes many problems to the current operating business atmosphere. Mergers bring about immediate economic problems that include, loss of markets to foreign competitors, continuing trade deficits, inadequate operating capital, declining productivity, debt-heavy corporations, and loss of many jobs. The debt is due mainly to financing in order to carry out the merger. These problems plus lagging research and development add to the complications of business operations after the merger is finalized. Another factor that has played a significant role in the situation of state and federal government budgets now are government financial bailouts. The first of these was the Savings and Loan Bailout of 1989 due to more than half of America’s Savings and Loans failing between 1986 and 1989. This was primarily due to lax government lending policies. These business bailouts have directly affected the budget, deficits, and economic stability of our federal and state governments. The US passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act in October 2008 for a $700 billion financial sector bailout. This resulted in the bank rescue of 2008, which called for a $250 billion cash infusion into the banking system. The bailout of Bear Stearns in April 2008 ended in lending the firm $29 billion to JP Morgan to buy the troubled firm. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac collapsed in the late summer of 2008. The federal government committed up to $200 billion to save both these giant mortgage lenders. Also, $100 billion in cash credits was guaranteed to each of them to prevent bankruptcy. American International Group (AIG), who was one of the largest insurance companies in the world. The government took control of the company and guaranteed them $85 billion in loans.

Academia and Classroom Essay Example for Free

Academia and Classroom Essay Question 1 1. 1 Conflict The practice of recognizing and dealing with disputes in a rational, balanced and effective way. Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scare resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. † 1. 2 Decision- making Is the choice of the most suitable way of solving a problem or handling a situation . 1. 3 Communication Is a means by which the teacher and pupils’ different needs, feelings and attitudes are conveyed to each other in order to establish cooperation and achieve goals. 1. 4 Motivation Is the process by means of which motives are provided by, amongst others, a manager or situation in order to bring about certain actions and thus to achieve certain goals. 1. 5 Leadership Leadership consists of actions that help the group to complete its tasks successfully and maintain effective working relationships among its members. Leadership is a set of skills that anyone can acquire Question 2 2. 1. 1 AUTOCRATIC CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STYLE When dealing with pupil behaviour the teacher will intervene and try to control the behaviour of the pupils. The teacher is mainly interested in the pupils completion of tasks and learning performance . Pupils participation in the classroom situation is limited to listening, working and doing. The following are some advantages of this approach: ? Some pupils may feel secure in this kind of situation. ? Because the teacher lays down fixed rules and procedures, pupils know what is expected of them and what they can expect in the classroom. The following are some disadvantages of this approach: ? The classroom atmosphere is characterised by competition, unwillingness to work together and poor discipline when pupils are left unsupervised. ? Creative thinking is suppressed. ? There is no cooperation. ? Pupils may develop a negative attitude towards the subject. 1 Student no : 43713009 EDA 201W Ass no : 2 719493 2. 1. 2 DEMOCRATIC CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STYLE A democratic style of classroom management correlates with an interactive teaching style. This teaching style requires that teachers should have a sound knowledge of their subject and of human nature so that they can encourage their pupils to participate actively and meaningfully in teaching and learning activities. The control of pupil behaviour in the classroom is jointly controlled by the pupils and the teacher. As a management style it requires the teacher to maintain a balance between the task aspect and the human aspect of the classroom situation. Teaching and learning tasks are completed with the pupils willing cooperation and co responsibility which are the hallmarks of democratic classroom management. The following are some advantages: ? ? ? Pupils participate confidently in classroom activities. It encourages initiative and creativity. The classroom atmosphere is relaxed, yet productive. ? Pupils feel that they are involved in teaching activities. 2. 2 Five styles of conflict management ? Avoidance: avoiding conflict is a short-term solution because the conflict will not go away. Sometimes, however, avoidance could be a temporary measure to calm emotions. ? Giving in or accommodating: teachers who badly want the pupils to accept them use this style. With this style the real differences are underemphasized. Sometimes teachers have to give in to avoid hostility in the classroom and to ensure that the work can get done. ? Domination: teachers who want to impose their will on pupils use this style. In the long run this style is seldom effective, although teachers sometimes have to dominate. ? Compromise or settle: this style is marked by a search for compromises and settlement. The teacher will try to meet everyone halfway and to let the majority view prevail. Because a settlement might not satisfy everybody, the dissatisfaction could again cause conflict at a later stage. ? Integrate or collaborate: this style is also known as the problem-solving approach. The parties cooperate in order to find a satisfactory solution. 2. 3 A proper balance between the: task-oriented and the human relations aspects, required in every teaching-learning situation , enables teachers to create a teaching-learning situation with a positive atmosphere. Maintaining a balance between the structural (formal) and human relations (informal) aspects requires a holistic approach to classroom management. The combination and integration of these two dimensions represent the actual structure of the classroom situation, which includes all areas of the teachers management task. These studies revealed a clear correlation between classroom atmosphere and pupil performance of grade 9 and grade 10 pupils in 12 secondary schools in Ontario as follows: ? Classroom atmosphere has a significant influence on pupil performance. ? Although the personal and social characteristics of pupils are important factors in their school performance, classroom atmosphere is sometimes more important. ? The psychosocial and academic aspects of teaching are interrelated. 2 Student no : 43713009 EDA 201W Ass no : 2. 719493 ? Variables that relate directly to teaching-learning activities in the classroom have a special, unique influence on pupil performance. The following are the guidelines for teachers to cultivate positive attitudes in their pupils: ? Put the pupils in the centre. ? Respect pupils opinions and treat all pupils respectfully. ? Give pupils a group feeling. ? Help pupils to feel secure in school. ? Make sure that pupils understand their assignments. ? Realise that pupils are children, not adults.? Deal with individual behaviour problems in private interviews with the pupil rather than in front of the whole class. ? Involve pupils in decision making where appropriate. ? Do not label pupils. 3 Student no : 43713009 EDA 201W Ass no : 2 719493 2. 4 CLASSROOM POLICY 1. In all instances, civility and respect for classmates and the instructor are expected. 2. Book bags, briefcases, etc. are not allowed on your desk during class. They must remain on the floor near your chair. 3. You may not use cell phones in class. a. All ringers must be turned off. b. You may not text message, place or answer calls. c. All earphones, headphones, headsets or any other accessory for your cell phone may not be used in class – that means, out of sight and not on your head or in your ear. 4. You may not use any device (for example, IPod, MP3 player) to listen to or view music or other programming in class. 5. You will be asked to leave class if you disregard classroom policy. ATTENDANCE / WITHDRAWAL POLICY 1. Since the course is conducted in a seminar format, your attendance is mandatory. 2. You will sign the Attendance Signature sheet at the beginning of each class. 3. Your class participation points may be reduced from if you are late in class. 4. You may be withdrawn from COS 133 if you are absent from 20% of the class. LATE WORK 1. No late work will be accepted. MAKE-UP QUIZ POLICY 1. There are no quiz make-ups. No exemptions. GRADING POLICY 1. Your grade for COS 133 will be based on the points you accumulate for assignments, quizzes, and class participation. 2. Your grade for COS 133 is calculated as follows: Topic 1. Assignments 2. Quizzes 3. Classroom Participation Weight 30% 55% 15% 4 Student no : 43713009 EDA 201W Ass no : 2 719493 Topic Weight A 94 -100 1. Assignments 30% A- 90 93 2. Quizzes 55% B+ 87 89 3. Classroom Participation 15% B 84 86 B- 80 83 C+ 77 79 C 74 76 C- 70 73 D+ 67 69 D 64 66 D- 60 63 F 60 1. Assignments = 30 Points COS assignments consist of a variety of activities designed to promote a successful college experience at MCC. Your assignments will consist of reading textbook chapters and answering related exercise questions. In addition, you may be using your MCC student email to submit Web assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class. However, you may submit your assignments before the due date. Distribution of points are as follows: 10 textbook assignments (3 points each) = 30 points 2. Quizzes = 55 Points Quizzes are based on your chapter reading assignments. o You may use your textbook to answer the questions. However, be well prepared for a very challenging quiz. o If you are late for class and miss the quiz, you will receive a zero for the quiz. Distribution of points is as follows: o 11 textbook quizzes (5 points each) = 55 points 3. Classroom Participation = 15 Points Classroom participation points are earned by behaviors that demonstrate o prompt attendance for class 3 o active listening o positive involvement in small group work o thoughtful contributions during whole class discussions o civility and respect for classmates and the instructor Distribution of points is as follows: o 1 point per week = 15 points o You cannot earn classroom participation points if you are absent. MCC REGULATIONS AND POLICIES Academic Honesty Policy In the academic process, it is assumed that intellectual honesty and integrity are basic responsibilities of any student. However, faculty members should accept their correlative 5 Student no : 43713009 EDA 201W Ass no : 2 719493 responsibility to regulate academic work and to conduct examination procedures in such a manner as not to invite violations of academic honesty. Such violations consist mainly of cheating and plagiarism. For more details regarding MCC’s Academic Honesty policy regarding definitions, disciplinary action, and procedure for appeal check the MCC Catalog and Student Handbook or MCC Website. Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment 1. Monroe Community College strives to recognize human dignity and therefore does not tolerate sexual harassment or any other type of harassment within or connected to this institution. 2. Sexual harassment is illegal and unfairly interferes with the opportunity for all persons, regardless of gender, to have a comfortable and productive education and work environment. 3. We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and to discipline those who do harass. Code of Conduct The following actions or conducts are prohibited. 1. The obstruction or disruption of any College function or activity, including the classroom instructional environment, administration of the parking program and service functions and activities. 2. The detention, physical abuse or intimidation of any person, or threat thereof, or any 4 conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or welfare of any person on College-owned or operated property or at College-sponsored activities. 3. The use of obscene or abusive language or any other means of expression, language, or action which may reasonably be expected to provoke  or encourage physical violence by other persons. 4. The refusal to obey any reasonable or lawful request, order, or directive of a College public safety officer, a teacher, College administrator, or any other identified representative of the College. MCC LEARNING CENTERS 1. Monroe Community College has a number of Learning Centers at Brighton (for example, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Writing, the Electronic Learning Center, etc. ) and at Damon (for example, the Integrated Learning Center, Electronic Learning Center, etc. ). 2. Learning centers are staffed with instructional personnel and may be equipped with computers and software to assist students. 3. It is recommended that students use the Learning Centers to get additional help with concepts learned in the classroom and with their homework. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 1. Students with a documented learning difficulty should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities on the Brighton or Damon Campus to arrange for support services. 2. All deaf or hard of hearing students should contact the Counseling and Advising Center. 3. You must provide the instructor with appropriate documentation regarding accommodations within the first two weeks of class. EMERGENCY CLOSINGS 1. If the College is closed due to inclement weather or some other emergency, all Rochester area radio and television stations will be notified no later than 5:30 a. m. 2. In addition, the homepage on the MCC website (www. monroecc. edu) will display a message indicating the College is closed. 3. Please do not call the College to avoid overloading the telephone lines. 5 6 Student no : 43713009. EDA 201W Ass no : 2 719493 CLASS CANCELLATION To access a list of daily class cancellations, you may 1. Call the Public Safety Department (292-2066) at MCC, press 1 for a list of cancelled classes at Brighton and press 2 for a list of cancelled classes at Damon; 2. Go to the Internet, access MCC, go to the A-Z listing to C for Class Cancellations and see the list of cancellations; 3. Check your student email for a cancellation notice from your instructor 6 COURSE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT Detach and return this signed sheet to Professor Rodriguez. ______________________________________ M00______________________ Student’s Printed Name Student MCC College ID Number COS 133 Section Number: _________ Semester / Year: _____________ The Course Syllabus 1. The Course Syllabus (course information sheet) is a written legal covenant between you and your professor. 2. It clarifies the professor’s expectations and your responsibilities. Your professor expects you to meet deadlines for assignments, papers, projects and tests. 3. It is your responsibility to review the course syllabus and clarify any aspect of the syllabus. Therefore, read it carefully and ask questions you may have about its content. Check the appropriate box. I have read the course information sheet for COS 133 Introduction to College Studies. I understand my responsibilities for this course. I do not have any questions. I do not understand the requirements stated in the COS 133 Course Information Sheet. I will schedule an appointment to discuss my questions with my professor. List your questions for discussion here: ______________________________________ _____________________ Signature Date 7.

Shakespeares Macbeth as a Tragic Hero :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth as a Tragic Hero For Macbeth to be considered a â€Å"Tragic Hero†, he must have some potential nobility, some good qualities that make his downfall terrifying. He must be examined as a human being with human weaknesses. Is he one who, as Lady Macbeth says, Act I, Sc. v, "is too full of the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way" or is he the "butcher" that Malcolm considers him to be in the final scene of the play? Or is he a victim of his ambition or of moral weaknesses or of his limited concept of manliness, or even of a combination of circumstances that cause him to fall? From the opening scene Macbeth is chosen as a target for temptation; the witches, as agents of evil plan their trap; so the stage is set for his downfall. One good quality of Macbeth is his bravery. We learn of his physical prowess and bravery on the battlefield - "brave Macbeth", "valour's minion", "valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!", he is an eagle, a lion, "Bellona's bridegroom". These are the outward signs as seen by the Captain, Duncan and Ross, Act I, Sc.ii. Unfortunately, Macbeth is prone to temptation. In the following scene we observe his interest in the Witches' predictions. He is tempted - "Your children shall be Kings" ; but temptation is not guilt. When Ross tells him he has been made Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth asks, "why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" Does this suggest that, at this stage, he wants no honors that are not rightfully his? * A Materialist - In this soliloquy (aside) in Act I,Sc. iii we see how the fulfillment of the first prediction is working on him. Does he show himself to be a materialist here, looking for success and closing his eyes to the fact that achievement and goodness do not necessarily go together? Is this what Lady Macbeth sees in him when she says in Act I, Sc. v, "wouldst not play false And yet wouldst wrongly win?" * Virtuous or Hypocrite - He is aware of his duties as a subject "...and our duties Are to your throne and state children and servants, Which do but what they should, by doing every thing Safe toward your love and honor." Is this an inclination of his virtue, or is it hypocrisy? * Conscience?

Reversals :: essays papers

Reversals "Youth is wasted on the young." And "if I only knew then what I know now!" In my teen years I couldn't be bothered with trying to understand those cryptic phrases; didn't I already know everything I needed to know? I never dreamed that the decisions I made in my relatively youthful years would have such an impact on my future. I always felt that I would never look back upon my life and say "I wish I had taken more time in considering my choices." But I have found myself doing just that. If I were able to rewrite history, I would pick a different career when I reenlisted in the Army, I would seek out opportunities to enhance my future job options, and finally, I would have done better while in high school. To begin with, it's understandable that I wouldn't know what I was getting into when I first enlisted into the Army. But when the time came for me to reenlist, I knew to research my options better than what I really did. Instead of choosing a new career in the Medic Corps like I knew I should, I elected to keep the same job. Given a second chance, I would choose to be an X-ray Specialist. After I graduated my class, I would take the Florida State certification exam so I could become licensed to work in Florida; by the time I completed my second enlistment, I would have developed very marketable job experience. Secondly, I would have gone to college more while I was in the service. As I've just begun the long walk toward my goal of a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, I can't help but kick myself for not starting sooner. The military pays for seventy-five percent of a college course; after paying my tuition last term, I realized just what a great deal that really was. I also would have taken all the medical correspondence courses that the Army offers. While the courses aren't of much practical use, the points earned for the completion of each course helps greatly when trying to get promoted to Sargent. Instead of just coasting, waiting for opportunity to come knocking, I would go out and tackle that elusive rascal by the ankles. Finally, if I could do it again, I would do better in high school. As a teenager, I was tired of school; I felt I already knew everything I needed to know to carry with my life.

Established Strategy for Leadership Essay

Leadership, as defined in the book Leadership Challenge (1995), is a set of practices that is observable and learnable. It is not something mystifying and sublime by which common and ordinary people cannot understand. If a person is bestowed with an opportunity for feedback and practice, and has the desire to lead and to make a difference, he can considerably develop his abilities to do so (Kouzes and Posner 1995: iv) and be a leader. On the contrary, strategy is a plan of action which results from the intended and determined to achieve a specific goal (Farlex 2009). There are a lot of known leaders in the world because they make a change and a difference. They are pioneers for a certain movement that, for instance, bring peace and freedom in their land. Or sometimes, they are the reasons why their company has been saved from bankruptcy or collapsed. There may be a myriad of well-known people in the realm of leadership and yet, anyone, even in their own little ways can be a leader and can definitely be called as leader. One of the leaders whom I know is the vice-president of a women’s organization. She is a scholar and a consistent honor student since her freshman in college. She may not be that famous in the whole university but she does exist. The organization where she belongs is already out of number and their President has not showed up since she is not currently enrolled thus she does not have the privilege to rule and to take a lead in the organization. Definitely, being the vice president in the roster of officers means that she has to carry out all the responsibilities of the president. Presently, the organization is composed of ten members: seven of them are members of the Executive Committee, where faction exists due to political reasons and belief. Being the vice-president, who needs not be biased with the existing division in the group, how did she manage to merge the faction, to increase the number of their members and to carry out all their organizational activities with a limited number of cooperating people? Being in the position, she has the power to lead the members. In order to comprehend the nature of leadership, one must understand the essence of power, because leadership is a special form of power (Burns 1978:12). The way she exercises her power as a vice-president as well as a president has something to do with her motives and resources—her goal for the organization and for her members. According to Burns, motives and resources are two vital factors of leadership for they are interrelated. If a person lacks motive, the resource diminishes. If one lacks resource, motive becomes idle. Thus, lacking either one, power subsides and disintegrates (1978: 12). On the other hand, the faction in the group has something to do with politics, the essence and exercise of power. If the past leaders of the organization have used their power for self-interest and dominance in the group, the current vice-president is different. She just manages and organizes meetings, as well as ideas. But those ideas, for example, for a certain activity that needs to be carried out, come from the members of the group. Everyone is entitled to speak out and to share their thoughts. There might be a division in the proposed ideas, but definitely, those propositions that are not chosen, are still in line for possible alternatives if the chosen proposal has not worked out. On the contrary, the decision-making in the organization is put into action by means of votes and quorum. Everyone is entitled to cooperate. If there are oppositions, those oppositions will be heard. The demands with her as the leader of the group may seem high, but she has achieved to manage all the predicaments because in everything she does, she is driven by her motivation to uplift the organization. Her enthusiasm with her work and responsibility has spread among its members that definitely help in the cooperation; the faction in the group has disintegrated, and thus, the recruitment of members has been done. Definitely, the members have increased its number. Furthermore, whoever the next leader that will be elected, she is certainly been defied to do her best and to rule for her members and for the organization, not for her self-interest and fulfillment, but for the group. List of References: Burns, J. (1978) Leadership. New York: Harper Torchbooks. Farlex (2009) The Free Dictionary. [online] available from http://www. thefreedictionary. com/strategy. Kousez J. and Posner, B. (1995) An Instructor’s Guide to the Leadership Challenge. New York: Jossey-Bass Publisher.

WWII5 essays

WWII5 essays Pursuant to the agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. Under the terms of this agreement, China has promised that under its "one country, two systems" formula its socialist economic system will not be practiced in Hong Kong, and that Hong Kong shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs. Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China The Hong Kong Region Lies on the Eastern side of the Pearl River Estuary, facing Macau across the river, bordering on the South China Sea and bounded by 3 Special Economic Zone on the north. Its railway distance is 140 Kilometers to the city center of Guangzhou in GuangDong Province. (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Macau will ultimately form a very vital triangle in the Pearl River Delta making this region one of the strongest is the world economically.) The area of Hong Kong today consists of three parts: 1) Hong Kong Island (79 square kilometers) which was ceded to Britain by the Nanjing Treaty as the result of the First Opium War in 1842. 2)The Kowloon Peninsula (10 square kilometers) with its border on the north called "The Boundary Street", which was ceded to Britain by the Convention of Beijing as the result of the Second Opium War in 1860. 3) The New Territory covers an area of nearly 1,000 square kilometers between the Boundary Street on the South & the Shenzhen River to the North, making up about 91% of the total area of Hong Kong today. It was leased to Britain according to a. special treaty (The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong of 1898.) for 99 years so that this year 1997 is the end of the treaty. The following is the historic background of the event, which added more humiliation to the Chinese nation. Near the end of the 19th century, the western powers and Japan scrambled for their spheres of influence in...

Story of An Hour †English 3 Page Essay

Story of An Hour – English 3 Page Essay Free Online Research Papers Story of An Hour English 3 Page Essay An unknown author once said, †Dont cry because it’s over, smile because it happened†. This is how Mrs. Mallard looked upon the news of her husband’s death. She did not cry, but rejoiced at her newfound freedom. This was her chance to redo her life and move on. In the short story â€Å"The Story of an Hour† by Kate Chopin, Mrs. Mallard gets the news of her husband’s death in a train accident. There is a pattern in the story of Mrs. Mallards new freedom around her and coming out from the darkness. The imagery in the story describes the vivid picture of an open window and peaks of blue sky to help her realize the potential in this situation. She weeps at first, feeling alone and dark in her house but realizes that this occurrence has given her the freedom she strives for. She moves from the house that is holding her back to a new life. Mrs. Mallard lives in a dull, gray house, which has its comforts but does not satisfy her needs. After hearing of her husband’s death, â€Å"she went away to her room alone. She would have no one to follow her† (45). Her view of the world had changed; she now had a â€Å"dull stare in her eyes† (46). She was trapped in a room slowly encapsulating her. In the room there was only on thing to give her comfort was a â€Å"comfortable, roomy armchair† which faced an open window, a window that would be her escape. Everything seemed to be going wrong until something came to her. â€Å"She felt it, creeping out of the sky, reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air. This line, full of imagery, is extremely important because after this point Mrs. Mallard realizes her life has begun again. The symbols and images used by Kate Chopin to give the reader a sense of Mrs. Mallard’s new life appearing before her, come through her view of the open window. Mrs. Mallard could see â€Å"the tops of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life [and†¦] The delicious breath of rain was in the air† (45). She could hear â€Å"the notes of a distant song which someone was singing† (45). And â€Å"there were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds† (45). The imagery of blossoming spring life in Chopin’s story is a sign of Mrs. Mallard’s new life as well. She was trapped in darkness all alone but an open window brought her her new sense of freedom. Mrs. Mallard felt overwhelmed by her day’s happenings until she felt a rush come upon her. â€Å"When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped through her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!’† (46). She felt overjoyed all of a sudden about the news of her husband’s death. â€Å"Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body† (46). She realizes that this event is her chances to get away and live her life the way she wants to. It is not that she did not love her husband it is that â€Å"she loved him – sometimes† (47). Kate Chopin uses these images to show Mrs. Mallard’s surroundings as one with her feelings. Mrs. Mallard feels trapped and alone in her room until she realizes the true potential of what has happened through the open window that showed her the world outside her dull, gray life. â€Å"She was drinking the very elixir of life through that open window† (47). Chopin, Kate. â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. The Seagull Reader: Stories. Ed. Joseph Kelly. New York: W. W. Norton Company, Inc, 2001. 45 – 47. â€Å"Quotes of the Heart: Life Quotes and Proverbs†. HeartMath. 10 Apr 2005. Research Papers on Story of An Hour - English 3 Page EssayThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsMind TravelTrailblazing by Eric AndersonThe Spring and AutumnBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XHip-Hop is ArtHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Essay19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementCapital Punishment

Dying vs. Dyeing

Dying vs. Dyeing Dying vs. Dyeing Dying vs. Dyeing By Maeve Maddox A reader sent me this example of the incorrect use of dying for dyeing: This term [technicolor] was coined by the company of the same name, and the trademarked term described the company’s process of dying film to create a color print from black-and-white originals, replacing the time-consuming hand-coloring method. Mixing up the verbs dye and die and their participles dyeing and dying in modern English is comical, but before the nineteenth century, the spelling distinctions were not always observed. For example, in his dictionary (1755), Dr. Johnson (1709-1784) spelled the words for both meanings as die. Joseph Addison (1672-1719), on the other hand, rendered both words as dye. Nowadays, however, the spellings die and dying are reserved for the sense of â€Å"cease/ceasing to live,† while dye and dyeing have to do with coloring or staining something. The words are often the source of punning. For example, the headline, â€Å"Dyeing to Succeed† refers to dyeing one’s hair in the attempt to overcome age discrimination in the workplace. A common expression with the word dye is â€Å"dyed-in-the-wool,† meaning â€Å"unchangeable in one’s feelings or beliefs,† for example, Never ever get involved with a dyed-in-the-wool feminist. Fran Klein, a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, voted for Barack Obama in 2008. Frederick Douglass [said] â€Å"I am a  Republican, a black, dyed-in-the-wool  Republican† I am a dyed-in-the-wool, diehard, 1000-percent Trekkie, and I say Trekkie, not Trekker, and I don’t care what the nomenclature has become. Akiva Goldsman The expression comes from the fact that when dye is applied to a substance in its raw state, such as wool before it is spun, the resulting color is deeper and more lasting. The dyeing process produced another expression, more commonly heard in earlier times, but not entirely defunct: â€Å"scoundrel of the deepest dye,† meaning, â€Å"an out-and-out rogue.† You have proved yourself a scoundrel of the deepest dye, by maliciously interfering in matters which do not in the least concern you, to the detriment of some of our citizens.† from a letter addressed to Hamilton Wilcox Pierson (1817-1888) The man with the good personality may be a scoundrel of deepest dye, and the one with no personality may have the strongest character of the lot. from a handbook for Christian missionaries (1954) At other times, when he [Rudolph Valentino] portrayed a scoundrel of the deepest dye, he was made up to look quite repellent from a 2003 feature in The Guardian The distinction between die/dying and dye/dyeing is firmly established in modern usage, so you will want to avoid such gaffes as, â€Å"When did Eminem die his hair black?† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Synonyms for â€Å"Leader†What is Dative Case?Confusion of Subjective and Objective Pronouns

Human Resource Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Human Resource Management - Assignment Example It will gradually evolve into a value adding area for any organization if proper research and education is provided in the field (Plessis et al., 2007, p. 279). Human resource management evolvement, relationship with the organisation and environment, and human resource planning i) The first record of HRM can be traced back to 1780s where the various handymen like carpenters and masons formed an alliance in England to increase their bargaining power and get standard wages for their work. The industrial revolution paved way for set up of huge factories. Various welfare workers who took care of both the men and women workers needs were appointed in the factories. A team led by Elton Mayo carried out the famous Hawthorne studies which serve as a major, pioneering research in HRM during the 1920s. Trade unions started to appear after the Second World War era. Separate departments with a group of people handling various activities related to workers welfare like payroll and grievance handl ing started to appear by the First World War. Contemporary Human Resource Management took its place as prominent department of a company by 1960s (Pravin, 2010). They gained much wider fame and importance in the next two decades as various MNC’s started to appear. (Pravin, 2010) Personnel management is considered as the forerunner of HRM as it involves recruiting, training and firing people. It is often viewed as a tool to organize the manpower in a company rather than a strategic management technique like HRM. Personnel management is different from HRM in the following ways. (Sreenath, 2009) ii) The evolution of any process leaves its mark significantly on the current version of the strategy. HRM as a discipline views people as an asset and its operative functions include procuring employees, developing their skills, providing proper compensation for them, integration, maintenance as well as separation or laying them off. The industrial revolution concepts paved way for a se parate department concerned to labour welfare. Personnel management streamlined the managerial functions of HRM like organizing the hiring process, directing the training and controlling the employees. HRM as a strategy paved way for various researches and well defined techniques to follow in hiring and training huge number of employees. Concepts like Michigan School Framework and Harvard Frame work paved way for smooth flow of employee management in huge MNC's with thousands of workers (Salaman et al., 2005). HRM will facilitate the growth of organizational competencies which will yield competitive advantage over other peers through strategic management of employees (Lado & Wilson, 1994). Companies started to see workers as an asset and harvesting their brain power as their major goal instead of training them to perform monotonous jobs as it was during the industrial revolution era using these frameworks. (Sreenath, 2009) (Sreenath, 2009) Line managers are quite important for TQB a s the concerned branches falls under their direct controls. If the HR department motivates them properly with promised perks in terms of power and money, they will serve as a very positive influence on the workers communicating directly with the customers in the new branches. TQB’s goal to attract potential customers in the new branches will become much easier if the HR manager maintains a good personal relationship with the line managers, heed ears to their personal issues, help them achieve their

Captain Vere Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Captain Vere - Essay Example although he felt that Budd’s crime is a result of Caggart’s provocation and false accusations, he placed Budd in trial and eventually chose to hang the man. This is quite similar to Pontius Pilate’s decision as to Jesus. Captain Vere believed too much that law can bring order, and that no one and nothing is above it. As he claimed that his â€Å"vowed responsibility† was to follow the law. Melville states about him: â€Å"however pitilessly that law may operate, (he) adhere(s) to it and administer(s) it† (124). He argues that even if â€Å"Budd neither purposed any mutiny or homicide,† Budd still committed an act against their laws and he needs to be punished as stated by the law, which was death (111). In the light of Captain Vere’s decision, he made a good point. No one and nothing is above the law no matter how innocent the intentions of the accused might be. He justifies his decision by arguing that â€Å"Budd’s intent or non-intent is nothing to the purpose† (108). Captain Vere is clearly an intellectual person who doesn’t like peace to be shattered. Understanding his argument, you can clearly see that he wanted his crew to know that they cannot just strike death to a person without facing its consequences. The law is there to ensure that there will always be order on the ship. If Budd is exonerated, his crew will question the laws he broke. This will shatter the trust, confidence and order on the ship. And this will pose a bigger problem in managing the ship. Captain Vere only adhered to the law because he knew that not imposing the punishment will make his crew question his leadership. What he didn’t think about was how his crew would think about his morals. Captain Vere may have been successful in keeping the ship in strict order. He may have been successful showing his crew that even innocent men, like Budd, he who commits an act against their laws will be punished. He may have shown his crew his tough shell, that no matter how he liked Budd

Marketing for Construction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Marketing for Construction - Essay Example Marketing decision variables play a central role in the retailing company's overall strategy. There are a range of priorities for the businesses which need to prioritised according to the business philosophy of the business. In fact, market segmentation and opportunity prioritization go hand in hand. Construction related products like houses cannot be replaced as frequently as FMCG goods. Therefore, the company in FMCG sector requires to be regularly in touch with the customers and take care of their future needs as well. While in FMCG the packaging of the products holds a significant value proposition, in construction business, packaging doesn't hold much significance. Instead, the quality of the construction material is more crucial for the customer In the FMCG sector, in order to bring about a difference in product, the research and development activities are always on the lookout for a product or system, which can deliver better value for money. But the construction sector being capital intensive doesn't require such frequent upgrades. What needs to be ensured is that the building material being supplied happens to be of the best quality. ii. A1b. What do you believe are the main reasons for the differences that you identified in Ans: The main reasons for the difference in marketing approach are; i. The nature of product: While a majority of the products from FMCG sector are meant to be discarded after using it for a while, the product from construction sector last really long. ii. Consumption pattern: While making use of a product from FMCG, the consumer realises the time spent with the product, value delivered by the product etc. but in case of a house, if the consumer is getting good value for the money spent, then such a realisation seldom comes. iii. There has been a marked shift in the treatment of a supply chain over the last couple of decades, especially in retail and grocery markets. It is widely accepted that the most influential members of marketing channels for FMCGs are now the retail supermarkets (Stem and El-Ansary, 1992). But there are no such outlets for the construction sector as yet. iv. While the constructed house or property can be easily customised to suit the specific needs of the customer even after the purchase, by adding or altering the construction. But such customisation is not easily possible for FMCG products. A1c. Identify three (3) marketing activities common to leading FMCG companies that you believe are; (i.)

Service Marketing of UAE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Service Marketing of UAE - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that UAE is one of the developed countries of the world. It has a high-income level which contributes a lot to the development of this country. Different industries have established in this country which enhances its economic development. UAE has diversified economic condition. Its large population supports the growth of a different industry. Political and social stability of this country has a strong impact on its industrial development. The country has experienced a high growth in its services industry segment. Different types of service industry are present in this country. UAE has a large number of labor forces who perform different activities of service industry for enhancing its growth. Major Service industries of this country are the airline, hospitality, telecommunication, banking and financial services. Many companies have established their business in service industry segment. UAE has different types of telecommunication service. The country has various types of rules and regulations which controls this service industry. Internet and telephone play a major role in this industry segment. In banking and financial industry, the country provides corporate and retail financial service to its customers. This industrial sector of the country is highly developed. Many famous airline companies are present in UAE. It is one of the important service industries of this country. Excellent quality of service is provided by companies in the airline's industry. UAE has many big hotels and hospitals are present in UAE which contributes a lot to the industrial development of this country. Emirates airline is based in Dubai. It is the largest airline company in the Middle East. This airline is a subsidiary company of The Emirates Group. The company is owned by Dubai’s government. The Emirates was founded in 1985. Its main hub is Dubai International Airport. The company operates around 3500 flights in a week in approxima tely 78 countries of the world. This airline company is among top ten flight companies in the world in terms of kilometers and passengers. The company earns a huge amount of revenue for providing excellent quality of services to customers. Emirates also operates its flight service in four longest routes of the world. It provides nonstop commercial flight services to those destinations. The company provides world-class flight service to its customers with many modern facilities and benefits. The tangible element of this company is its flights. The flights of Emirates are divided into many classes which give different types of services to its customers. The company has received many rewards for provides excellent quality of airlines service.

Assume you are employed in a small restaurant in Bolton and your Essay

Assume you are employed in a small restaurant in Bolton and your manager ask you to prepare a report describing following conce - Essay Example The major factors affecting the restaurant business are the price and quality. The price and quality are in turn determined by several factors such as demand and supply. This paper focuses on how different factors and concepts can affect the operations of a restaurant business located in Bolton. The concepts that will be considered include market demand and supply, concepts of elasticity of demand and supply, determination of equilibrium, business organisation and behavior, and the market structure. Market Demand and Supply Analysis of demand and supply gives insights into how markets operate. Additionally, the demand and supply concepts explain how sellers are able to allocate prices to goods and services. Restaurant businesses deal with provision of goods and services. The restaurant industry is greatly influenced by the supply and demand forces. In a restaurant business, there is a need for balancing of resources, which are often scarce. Understanding supply and demand factors and their application in the restaurant business is crucial since it affects the sales and purchases and, hence, crucial decisions in a business. Supply and demand varies from place to place as well as with time (Parsa, et al., 2005; Taylor and Weerapana, 2011). The supply in a restaurant business is determined by several factors, which include the price of the goods. Tastes and preference of the consumers is another factor affecting the restaurant business. The number of consumers varies and this determines the quantity of foods that restaurants require to make. Additionally, the income level of people living around the restaurant, who comprise the prospective customers, determines the quantities of foods restaurants require to prepare. In Bolton, the number of restaurants is quite high. The commodity price, which is in this case food, is determined by both supply and demand. The commodity prices greatly affect the profitability of restaurants. Commodities such as vegetables and meat are affected by food production. When the prices for commodities are low, restaurants can reduce the prices of their foods without compromising on the profitability of the business. However, when commodity prices are high, it becomes hard to attract customers through price reduction since this would lead to losses (Greco, 2005; Taylor and Weerapana, 2011). The supply and demand affect the price of commodities in restaurant business. If the supply of raw food is less, the demand will be more resulting in increased prices. High prices for raw foods will reflect in the restaurant menu. For the restaurant at Bolton, the manager must assess how the price of the different ingredients required will affect the sales. Additionally, the manager must consider the economic statues of the customers to determine the ingredients to use. If the customers are willing to pay much, the manager should focus on upgrading the ingredients to improve the quality. In Bolton, the economic situation is consid erably good and people are willing to spend much at eating out. Therefore, it would be advisable for the manager to focus on quality. Customers are likely to be interested more in the quality than in the price (McEachern, 2011). There must be ways of attracting customers and retaining them. Since the number of restaurants is considerably high, consumers will be tempted to try out different outlets. Therefore, a

Service Marketing of UAE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Service Marketing of UAE - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that UAE is one of the developed countries of the world. It has a high-income level which contributes a lot to the development of this country. Different industries have established in this country which enhances its economic development. UAE has diversified economic condition. Its large population supports the growth of a different industry. Political and social stability of this country has a strong impact on its industrial development. The country has experienced a high growth in its services industry segment. Different types of service industry are present in this country. UAE has a large number of labor forces who perform different activities of service industry for enhancing its growth. Major Service industries of this country are the airline, hospitality, telecommunication, banking and financial services. Many companies have established their business in service industry segment. UAE has different types of telecommunication service. The country has various types of rules and regulations which controls this service industry. Internet and telephone play a major role in this industry segment. In banking and financial industry, the country provides corporate and retail financial service to its customers. This industrial sector of the country is highly developed. Many famous airline companies are present in UAE. It is one of the important service industries of this country. Excellent quality of service is provided by companies in the airline's industry. UAE has many big hotels and hospitals are present in UAE which contributes a lot to the industrial development of this country. Emirates airline is based in Dubai. It is the largest airline company in the Middle East. This airline is a subsidiary company of The Emirates Group. The company is owned by Dubai’s government. The Emirates was founded in 1985. Its main hub is Dubai International Airport. The company operates around 3500 flights in a week in approxima tely 78 countries of the world. This airline company is among top ten flight companies in the world in terms of kilometers and passengers. The company earns a huge amount of revenue for providing excellent quality of services to customers. Emirates also operates its flight service in four longest routes of the world. It provides nonstop commercial flight services to those destinations. The company provides world-class flight service to its customers with many modern facilities and benefits. The tangible element of this company is its flights. The flights of Emirates are divided into many classes which give different types of services to its customers. The company has received many rewards for provides excellent quality of airlines service.

Financial System of France Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial System of France - Essay Example French banking system is composed of approximately 450 banking business entities, which operate close to 40,000 branches. With this magnitude banking institutions, approximately 60 million people are considered as the banked segment. One of the defining characteristics of French banking system is the proximity of financial and non-financial institutions to the customers, which provide adequate banking services and products. Nonetheless, all organizations providing banking services operate under authorized establishments. Authorization of establishments defines the scope of banking activities. The establishments authorized include general-purpose credit institutions, investment service providers, and specialized credit institutions. All the commercial banks and other financial institutions within France are regulated and controlled by Banque de France, the French Central Bank. Linked to the European Central Bank, Banque de France has been effective in administering monetary policies and ensuring compliance amongst financial organizations. Some of the core functions of Banque de France are formulation and implementation of monetary and credit policies, issuance of currency, ensuring financial stability, monitoring French’s financial markets, and controlling all the foreign reserves. Banque de France is usually administered by a General Council having the responsibility of developing and carrying out all activities that relate to monetary policies. French financial (stock) market has primary and secondary markets. Primary markets provide vistas for introduction of new securities while secondary markets are involved in the actual trading. Paris Stock Exchange market had four markets prior to 2005; first, second, new, and free markets. The trading on stock had to be done across these four markets. Paris, Bruzelles, and Amsterdam Stock Exchange markets merged into Euronext Stock Exchange Market, which led to free market being subsisted and replacement of other markets by the Eurolist market. Due to increasing volume of transactions, Euronext Stock Market expanded to cover Portugal and United Kingdom in 2003 though still under the control of Euronext Paris. Currently, Euronext, having a volume of approximately US$1.9 trillion (Yahoo Finance) by trading, has all the French and foreign companies that subscribe their shares to the public. Importantly, Euronext through merger with New York Stock Exchange in 2006 led to the establishmen t of the current NYSE Euronext. Within Euronext, the main stock indices relate to either market or activity with the main one being the CAC 40 belonging to SBF 120. Amazingly, CAC 40 makes up 75% of all the stock exchange transactions. On the other hand, blue chips of CAC 40 such as Air France KLM, Arcelormittal, and AXA amongst others are indicated in the appendices. French financial market is composed

Servicing customers in Global market Essay Example for Free

Servicing customers in Global market Essay Servicing customers in Global market Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marketing communications are the channels used by businesses in the endeavor of persuading, informing and reminding clients about their brands that they sell. Firms can use different promotional tools to reach clients either directly or indirectly. Marketing communication can involve non-personal or personal communication channels. Marketing communication enables firms to acquire new clients for their products by encouraging trial and building awareness. It also enables them retain their clients by supporting their purchase activities by offering supplementary information regarding brand benefits. The rationale of this paper is to compare and contrast different tools of communication and how they use consumer behavior theory successfully to achieve their objectives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several items of communication such as website, TV advert, poster, direct mail brochure, billboard and magazine advert. I will focus on television advertising and web marketing. Website is very vital firms marketing policy. Websites help clients to find firms and advertisers brands from those firms. Marketing through website will enable firms to improve their customer care through e-commerce website. Website is a medium where many customers spend a lot of time especially due to technology advancement. Through websites, firms can reach national and international clients in a cost effective manner (Juon Buerkle, 2011). On the other hand, television advertising is another effective tool in a firm’s marketing strategy. Television is a medium where clients spend most considerate time. Report indicates that the average television viewing lasts for about five to six hours. This elaborates why it is used as a gigantic advertiseme nt instrument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Television is a significant marketing tool because it offers the greatest possibility for creative advertising. Web advertising and television advertising has a lot of similarities in common, and they also share some differences. They are the marketing strategies that a firm can use to reach large audiences, low cost of advertising, and it is easy to reach a targeted audience through these two approaches. Website advertising is less expensive as compared to television advertisements. In addition, websites can be created with the aim of targeting a particular audience than TV commercials. The two items of marketing are effective, but the one that best fits a given firm will rely on their goals and target market. Firms can also use more than one items of marketing since they support each other. I chose these two items of marketing because they are a giant in advertising media and also giant in advertising costs as well. They have proven thei r capacity to control human activities over and over. Television advertising is mostly used in outbound marketing where firms direct marketing activities at the client. On the other hand, websites are used in inbound marketing where clients search for brands that can meet their needs (Carroll, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Firms place their marketing in websites so that clients can find out more regarding brands and services. Website advertising has more flexibility as compared to TV commercials. Television advertising has one objective of convincing clients to buy products, but websites can help firms to reach clients easily as they enjoy other entertaining and educational services. The crucial message to the advertisers willing to use website and television advertising is that they should choose the strategy that matches their goals and their target market. Both website and television advertising are crucial to the firms, and they can be used interchangeably. In other instances, either of the items can help and support other digital strategies used by a firm (Percy, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is very vital for firms to understand their customers’ psychology so that they can be able to come up with appropriate strategies that will help them realize their objectives. Consumer behavior is the conduct of clients in regard to using, disposing and acquiring services, experiences, ideas, and products. Consumer behavior also includes use and acquisition of information. Therefore, communication with clients and getting response for them is a vital part of consumer behavior which is every firm’s greatest interest. Consumer psychology is the study of client’s mental processes and behavior. Understanding of theories of customer psychology will help businesses to learn different types of customers. There are various reasons as to why businesses should understand customers. First, customer behavior is very crucial in daily living because people mostly spend a lot of time shopping. Secondly, consumer behavior is signif icant in decision making. For example, while setting prices, firms must consider their clients. In other cases, business decisions might be influenced by expected actions or behavior (Hoyer MacInnis, 2010). Application of consumer behavior   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consumer behavior research can help firms increase their success rate because they will understand their customer’s needs that will enable them to realize profits. Understanding customer behavior will enable businesses to evaluate their strategies because they will be able to understand customer feedback regarding their latest products and services (Hoyer MacInnis, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marketing application areas of consumer behavior is in; market-opportunity analysis where the firm examine conditions and trends in the marketplace to discover client needs that are not being fully fulfilled. Target market selection is whereby firms wish to discover different groupings of consumers who have exceptional needs. It also involves the assortment of sections that merges firm’s potency and offer enhanced opportunities. The third area of application is marketing-mix determination. It involves creation and implementation a strategy that will ensure delivery of an appropriate combination of need-satisfying characteristics to clients within the target market. Marketing mix involves price, place, promotion and product. Understanding of customer behavior is also required in tactical marketing operations. Successful regulatory strategy in regard of marketing practices calls for an extensive knowledge of consumer behavior.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social marketing also calls for an extensive understanding of customer behavior. Social marketing is where firms apply marketing tactics and strategies to create or alter behaviors that have constructive impact to the target audience or the society in general. Social marketing through websites and television is conducted in endeavors of encouraging environmental friendly behaviors, reduce smoking, encourage timely vaccination of children, reduce activities likely to cause AIDS, reduce substance abuse, encourage charitable organizations among other substantial activities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Personality is a factor that affects people’s feedback regarding advertisements. It can also happen the other way round where messages from marketing can affect people’s attitudes. Behavioral approach is a strategy which focuses on the measurable and observable features of human conduct. Human behavior can only be analyzed through their reaction, actions and how they conduct themselves. Behavioral approach maintains that personal behavior is affected by their environment. Cognitive behavior assumes that if researchers wish to understand human conduct, they should focus on the internal processes of their mind. Cognitive approach examine how people treat the information they receive and how their treatment result to feedbacks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In determining which item to apply for marketing, firms will apply behavioral approach where they will analyze how clients think about either television advertisement or websites. On the other hand, firms will apply cognitive approach while determining how clients will react when they receive messages through television or websites (McLeod, 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, there are several items of marketing communication such as website, television advertising, billboard, poster, magazine advert and direst mail brochure. Television advertising is habitually used in outbound marketing where businesses direct marketing activities at the client. On the other hand, websites are commonly used in inbound marketing where clients search for brands that can meet their needs. These two items are very vital in marketing strategy of a firm since they will reach a great number of their target audience at lower cost. Firms should understand customer behavior which will enable them to choose the marketing tool that will fit their customer’s needs. Through appropriate marketing, firms will be able to retain customers, attract new customers by notifying them with the latest information regarding their brands. Firms can also choose to use various items of marketing communication since they help and sup port other marketing mix strategies. There are two approaches in analysis of consumer behavior; behavioral approach and cognitive approach. References Behavioral Approach Behavioral Psychology Psychologist World. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.psychologistworld.com/issues/behavioralapproach.php Carroll,  J. (2006). Television. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Cognitive Approach | Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html Hoyer,  W.  D., MacInnis,  D.  J. (2010). Consumer behavior. U.st: South-Western Centage Learning. Juon,  C., Greiling,  D., Buerkle,  C. (2011). Internet marketing, start-to-finish. Indianapolis, IN: Que. Percy,  L. (2008). Strategic integrated marketing communication: Theory and practice. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann. Source document

Water transportation through a ship dock

Water transportation through a ship dock Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Research Background A port can be simply defined as a location where ship can dock and move personnel or cargo to or from land. in the last 50 years, ports have evolved from this definition, and have acquired a vital place in value-driven logistic-chain systems. They now are international logistic platforms forming a common boundary between production and consumption centres .Being an international logistic platform port sector deals with the volatile world market and are influenced by political factors, international trade, and overall world economic conditions than other sectors. These complex environments in port sector has made the port planning and port development into a very challenging task (Taneha,2010).Port functions can be compared to a self sustaining industry with domestic and international trade. As a part of supply chain management they also act as foreign exchange earner by providing logistics services to the industry. Thus while expansion of an existing port or planning of a green fiel d project, ports can be treated as an industry. Water transportation is a relatively energy-saving and environment friendly way of transporting many goods. However, coastal zones are particularly sensitive regions, and coastal ecosystems often are very fragile. Planning of an industry is driven by lot of factors such as demand and supply, institutional framework, application of technology, marketing strategy and ultimately economic impact analysis for the development and implementation of a project. The vigorous development of waterways in promoting sustainable development of transportation could potentially lead to negative environmental impacts on ports and the waters surrounding around ports ,and hence planning of a port should not only be concerned on simply demand and supply but need to pay more attention the importance of port environmental protection and planning 1.2 The reason of the choice of this subject There have been a lot of researches and papers done on port planning but much of these researches were dominated by financial-economic aspects of port planning. .Author being a port management aspirant believes that focusing on other factors in port planning may contribute to the acceptance of the port activities and the sustainable development. The planning of a port should not only be concerned on simply demand and supply but need to pay more attention to the issues such as environmental factors ,safety and security, local mobility, noise, pollution, etc of the port area The Existing Doha port has become somewhat hemmed in by all the development going on around the citys waterfront, and thus a new Doha port is under construction. it has already been recognized that the location of the new port is close to environmentally sensitive coastal areas and the government has already ensured that the environmental impacts of the project, during both construction and the subsequent operation of the port will be mitigated to the maximum extent possible .Author consider this as opportunity to attain practical knowledge apart from theoretical studies on environmental considerations in port planning. Since the author has lived and visited Qatar several times he was able to generate some personal relationships which he believes to be vital in doing this thesis. 1.2 Overall Aim The aim of this research is to investigate the role of Environmental factors in strategic port planning and development .The research will be done taking new Doha port as case study 1.3 The objectives of this research include: Analyzing the role of Institutional framework in def ining the Port ownership model and hence to define the objectives of port To evaluate the power and influences of stakeholder in port development and planning process To investigate the limitations of port Planning in terms of environmental considerations To provided an overview of proposed new Doha port 1.3 Propose Methodology Research will be done by using both primary and secondary data .The secondary data will be collected from book, journal, company report and website which will be used to construct the framework of this research. Primary data will be collected from the ports and port authority in the form of documents, questionnaires and interview. After that, the findings from primary and secondary data together with the literature review will be employed to conclude this thesis. 1.4 Research Overview Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Introduction There is relatively little academic literature concerning planning perspective of environmental management within ports .The literature review will first cover a comprehensive summary of the basic features of strategic port planning including the definition, with the emphasis on the importance of port environmental protection, planning and management. Thorough analysis of the environmental issues related to ports will be conducted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of port environmental protection in New Doha port. A review will also be done in analysing the present methods followed in mitigating existing problems. Secondly an outline of the new Doha port will be done involving Qatars new policy and the reasons for conceiving the new port. 2.2 Strategic Port Planning Planning and development of ports requires extensive organization and collaboration .Strategic planning in port can be defined as â€Å"systematic and continuing process which enables a port and its management to clearly determine mission, direction and activities† (AAPA,1998). One of the key principles to be followed on planning a seaport is that it should be flexible to accommodate the periodic emerging changes happening in the technology of ships and cargo handling. Therefore identifying the factors that effects the port in the future including an appraisal of the port s external and internal environment can be considered as a top priority objective in strategic port planning . The major function of environment appraisal is to utilize the identified opportunities by developing appropriate responses and to act upon the counter threats in its market share. To evaluate the strategic investment required in terms of human resources, training, facilities and infrastructure, a clear assessment of ports strength and weakness is essential. It is imperative for a port to identify its environment and its competition, its vision and mission and its strategies. Ideally a port is designed according the demands of the objectives of the port, which in turn depends on the mission statement. Mission statement includes four elements purpose, strategy, behaviour standards and values. The purpose elements explains why the company exits, strategy explains the competitive position and distinctive competence of company, values suggests why the company exits and behaviour standards look in to the policies and behaviour patterns that underpins the distinctive competence and the value system of company. (Gaur,2009) An ideal single typology for port planning can rarely be achieved.The facilities which a port provides is designed by considering ships which uses them, the land transport and the port facilities at the other end of the route-that is, as part of an integrated transport system. A planner should always consider the problems in the port, in the context of the larger transport system of which the port is a part. He should also be aware of that fact that that strategic and social considerations play an important role in the location of a new port. Within these limits he should, however must be able to encourage and assist the industrial planners to search for the overall optimum economic resolution. Port development and planning is largely influenced by numerous factors such as demand, competition, changes in trade patterns,port management, cargo handling technology ,environmental pressures etc. Environmental Issues of Port Sea ports are very multifaceted system when viewed from environmental point of view. The, the very existence of ports, as well as any expansion can always results in a certain loss of habitat .In fact most of the elements including construction and operation of ports in one way or another way can be associated with environmental impact. Pollution in ports can take place either under normal conditions or accidentally(Darbra et al., 2004). The constant and movement of ships in a limited and compact area can lead to collisions between ships or between ships and the coast at frequent intervals, following risk the of the release of hazardous materials (Trozzi andVaccaro, 2000).Ports faces with different environmental issues and is greatly influenced by the characteristics of each port (Casal, et al., 1999). Table 2-1 (A) summarizes the ranking of the major environmental issues in sea ports, according to the results obtained from the Europe Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) The have been a lot of changes occurred over the thirteen years ase shown in the table .Port waste which not even present in the 1996 top 10 ranking was able achieve the first placed in 2003.In 2009 pollution caused by noise topped the chart. These changes can be considered as the result of increased environmental awareness in ports and the actions carried out as a result of increasing pressure from environmental legislation. Contributions of Port Activities in Pollution A wide range activities in port and harbour including dredging operations, materials disposal, shore zone development, increased maritime traffic and vehicular traffic in the port has an outcome in the form of anthropogenic contaminants to the environment (Trozzi and Vaccaro, 2000). Pollution problems caused by port activities can be characterized into the following: Destruction of coastal habitats and silting of navigational channels due to causeway construction and land reclamation; Unregulated mariculture activities in the port and harbour areas may threaten navigation safety; Surface water quality deterioration can happen during the construction and operation phases; Operations in port and harbour can generate sewage, bilge wastes, solid waste and leakage of harmful materials both from shore and ships; Contamination of coastal water by urban effluent discharge can affect the human and fish health Pollution caused by oil due to the port/harbour and shipping operations is one of the major environmental hazards . This includes bilge oil released from commercial ships handling non-oil cargo as well as the more common threat from oil tankers Air pollutant emissions due to ship emissions, loading and unloading activities, construction emission and emissions due to vehicular movement. Gupta et al. (2002, p. 199) Air Pollution The major air pollutants related to port activities are particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone, and sulphur oxides (SOx). Other pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, heavy metals, dioxins, and pesticides can cause problems as well (Bailey and Solomon, 2004).Construction and vapours, gas oil produced during oil product transport, emissions of transport vehicles are considered to be major sources of air pollution in ports. Specific analysis is as follows (Bailey, 2004): A mixture of lime dust is produce during port construction which involves land piling, excavation, road resurfacing, materials transport, and cement casting .These have a definite impact on the air in the port area. Another source causing air pollution is the dust released during the process of handling and transporting of coal, ore, grain and other substances.The secondary stirring of dust may also occur whenever natural wind blow are produced with storage of similar merchandises bulk yards. Atmospheric dust pollution may result from the fuel used in assisted lifting facilities; Gases produced during port operation also causes serious air pollution.During the loading, transporting and storing of oil products and liquids at oil ports and container zones exhaust gases are emitted .These gases are referred as oil gases.Exhaust gases are also emitted from freight trucks and transportation vehicles. (Bailey, 2004). Another source includes indirect GHG emissions associated with the import and consumption of purchased electricity by a port for port-owned buildings and operations http://iaphtoolbox.wpci.nl/GreenG_strategies.html The largest emission sources within ports are from marine vessels, trucks and cargo handling equipment. Together they account for over 90% of emissions at ports. Figure 2-2 shows the PM emissions and NOx emissions (Bailey, 2004). Largest Emission Sources within Ports (PM Emissions and NOx Emissions)Sourceï ¼Å¡Bailey, 2004. Noise Pollution Noise can be transferred through waterborne, airborne and structureborne. Most of the noise pollution is the airborne noise and it can influence related area nearby ports (Trozzi and Vaccaro, 2000) Theory of ergonomics states that ‘when the noise operating environment is more than a certain threshold the operating efficiency will decline sharply. it will lead operation errors then cause security incidents Noise in the shore:Construction and operation of a port are the main sources of noise pollution In port areas.This include the noise of construction machinery, traffic noise , mechanical noise of loading and unloading and other shipping activities. Ship noise includes the noise of ship operation, cabin mechanical impacting, air flow vibration, which can seriously affected staffs physical and mental health.. Water Pollution Port activities and development process have larger contribution in water pollution. Major pollutants include direct pollutants during construction and operation phases and indirect pollutant occurring from the port under development. Construction of a new port or development includes building of Cofferdam, land reclamation, waterway dredging which can result in sea water turbidity; and the possible discharge of hazardous substances in sediments at the surface of water cause secondary pollution; Port activities causing water pollution are listed below: Ballast water, washing process of oil tankers, cabin water, gas stations on shore, repair machinery and moving machinery wash water are example of wastewater containing oil by products; Runoff water from storm sewers and coal storage iron ore, non-metallic ore, the terminal yard, the wash water of the terminal surface, the belt corridor and other places, and the leaked sewage water from coal and or mines Toxic, hazardous materials and bulk liquid from containers and transport ships can bepresent in the cleaning sewage Port region and ship sewage, mainly from local canteens, bathrooms, toilets, office buildings and other ships anchored in port; and,Industrial wastewaters produced from the nearby port industrial zone. Mishandling and breakage of cargo process ,fault in machine or fault of stevedores and lack of maintenance can lead to leakage of oils, fuels, chemical substances, toxic material and liquids International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), 1999): 2.3 Environmental Planning and Management in Ports The purpose of environmental management is to protect environment and natural resources systems in the port surrounding area and to ensure the sustainability of development efforts over a long-term basis(Environmental Impact Assessment of Irrigation and DrainageProjects,1995).Throughout the history of port planning there has been only a little attention paid to the major environmental aspects Planning process at ports is basically in the hands of civil engineers and surveyors (Anon,1997) and hence the priority has always been on technical standards and land values. The environmental aspects considered during port development have generally been the by-products of related legislation, such as Health and Safety regulations, dangerous goods area spacing, waste reception and disposal, and traffic planning for ship safety (Couper, 1999).

Human Resource Management :: Business Management

One could suggest that common sense tells us Human Resource Management matters. So many challenges and successes in business are due to the actions of firms' human resources, especially since service is becoming a distinguishing competitive advantage; naturally the management of such resources would be vital. Productivity, efficiency and supremacy can be attributed to human resources. In the same respect, human resources can also be to blame for idleness, incompetence and other hindrances. When prompted about the importance of HR, Kevin Wheeler, founder of Global Learning Resources, Inc. and The Future of Talent Institute, argues, â€Å"If we believe, as I do, that innovative and engaged people will be the most important raw material of future organizational and national prosperity, the answer is obviously 'yes.' No corporate function represents people, advocates for people, or develops strategies to improve people other than HR† (Wheeler). Susan Heathfield goes on to say â€Å"No matter what other work I am doing with a company, employee performance – or the need to change or improve employee performance – is always part of the discussion.† As a member of the Society for Human Resources Management and an HR consultant, Ms. Heathfield has facilitated over 2,000 training sessions, thus demonstrating the importance of investment in human capital (Heathfield). More precisely, Human Resources Management serves to guide, benefit and protect several parties. Corporations, managers, employees, the market and the end consumer can experience an elevation in welfare due to HR Management. Corporations benefit and are inherently protected by many of the guidelines and literature in Human Resource Management. This includes workplace issues regarding organizational relationships, retention, risk management, safety and health in regards to the work environment, disaster preparedness, and union dealings. Understanding these guidelines allows for corporate policies to be created and understood prior to their need or development. For example, Human Resource Management actively trains employees on disaster preparedness and respective corporate policies if such an occasion should arise. A disaster policy would do little justice if created after such an event, despite the fact that it would aid in recurrences of disasters. Similarly, managers benefit and are guided by many HR practices, such as understanding their employee advocate and strategic roles, recognizing the value of the planning process, cultivating and predicting employee effectiveness, fostering a high-quality recruitment method, developing and integrating continuous training, and accurately and appropriately conducting performance appraisals.

The Death Of A Salesman: The Reality Evasion Drug :: essays research papers

Never does one go through their life without having to deal with some sort of personal conflict. The manner in which people deal with these conflicts vary as much as the prints on a person's finger. Some try and solve the problem and get rid of it, while others will try and put it aside for as long as possible. Willy Loman's method in Arthur Miller's play, The Death of a Salesman, is very dangerous and builds to harsh results. Willy never tries to help the circumstances, he only flees to his great memories of the better days, when his life's predicaments were very limited. He uses this evasion tool as though it were an addictive narcotic, and as the story unfolds, the audience soon discovers the lethality of the drug. Willy's first flash to the past was when his son, Biff, returns home from the west. Willy discusses his disappointment in Biff with his dear wife Linda. When Willy fails to cope with this misfortune successfully, he returns in his head to a time when everything was going well and life was more fortunate to him. It is perfectly normal for one to remember more fortunate days at the more dispirited times of life, as long as they can return to the present and deal with the reality of the situation. However, Willy never does return to the original problem, he just continues on with life, fleeing from the troubles that cross his path. His refusal to acknowledge reality becomes so significant, that he honestly believes the past, and he lives his entire life through a false identity never looking at the truth of his life. Willy becomes more and more dependent on his drug as the story progresses. His next allusion to the past was during a conversation with his wife. Willy is downhearted about his failure to provide for his family, his looks, and basically his whole life in general. He begins to see some of the truth in his life: "I know it when they walk in. They seem to laugh at me."(Miller; The Death of a Salesman; pg. 23) By trying to see the reality in life, for once, he depresses himself so awfully, that he has a rendezvous in his head with his women that he sees on the side. He only uses this women to lift his spirits and to evade the truths that nearly scare him into his own grave.

Industrial Relations Practices Essay

This chapter seeks to review the thoughts of other experts on industrial relations practices in state owned organisations. The purpose is to have a reference in terms of what others believe and perceive in relation to industrial relation and its practices in state owned organizations using Ghana as a case study. State-Business Relations and Economic Performance in Ghana by Charles Ackah, Ernest Aryeetey, Joseph Ayee & Ezekiel Clottey In their executive summary, Charles Ackah, Ernest Aryeetey, Joseph Ayee & Ezekiel Clottey, talked about the fact that relationship between the state and business community in Ghana had varied since independence. Though each government has had distinct relations with business and private sectors, civilian governments have generally promoted and enjoyed good rapport with the business community while military governments especially in the 1980s have tended to have confrontations with the private sector. Their study used a multi-disciplinary approach that included both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, history, sociology and organizational management. They were seeking to understand what constitutes effective state-business relations, and to assess how state-business relations are related to economic performance, their study relied on historical institutionalist inductive theories- comparative historical analysis and path-dependence, among others. For their analysis, their study relied on both primary data, from interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana, and their secondary data were derived from a review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, Codes, Contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. Their purpose was to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of foreign and indigenous businesses, how these have evolved over time and how they may have impacted economic performance. For their quantitative economic analysis, their study used a panel of 256 Ghanaian manufacturing firms over the period 1991-2002 to analyze the extent to which an effective state-business relationship is beneficial to economic performance. Focusing on total factor productivity, they found out that an effective State Business Relations (SBR) or a sound investment climate correlates positively with better firm performance, possibly channeled via a more optimal allocation of resources in the economy. Concerning the effect of the investment climate indicators, their results showed that an ‘unfriendly’ investment climate illustrated through firms’ perceptions about economic and regulatory policy uncertainty affecting their operations and growth are negatively correlated with productivity. With regards to the SBR measures, they found that social networks as indicated through the extent to which firms or their managers have close contacts within the government or bureaucracy had a statistically positive correlation with firm performance. Their results indicated that being well connected with those who make and implement government policy increases the chances of being able to lobby to overcome some of the difficulties confronting normal business enterprises, such as the number of procedures it takes to obtain licenses and permits and the number of days it takes to clear imported goods from the port. Narrative analysis of state agencies and Private Enterprises Foundation’s perceptions of SBRs in Ghana from 1992 to 2008 which also coincides and extends beyond the period of econometric analysis of SBRs on firm performance confirms the results discussed above. Both state and BAs agree on a shift from a predominantly ad hoc and informal clientelistic relationship to a more formal and synergistic SBRs in Ghana since 1992. Formal and regularized meetings between state agencies and businesses have positively impacted on firm productivity. They conclude for instance, PEF’s formal advocacy role and function resulted in the use of GCNET to expedite clearing of imported goods. Business concerns of firms are channeled more often through formal by BAs to state agencies. Firms through their BAs make inputs into budget and other policy on formalized basis. Moreover, strong formal relationship between the executive and BAs such as the investors advisory council have helped firms stay close to government and bureaucracy. Overall, their findings contribute to understanding that link between an effective state business relations and economic performance. Their paper adds to the work done by Qureshi and te Velde (2007) by investigating the key determinants of firm performance and also assessing the relationship between an effective SBR and firm productivity in Ghana. The results of their study stress the need for an enabling environment for the private sector. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinges on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. Markets are good but are not without flaws. Thus, in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the private sector from responding effectively to market incentives are removed, complemented with an increased effectiveness of government involvement in supporting private sector activities. Apart from the positive effect of SBRs on economic performance, the other lesson which can be drawn from their paper is that even though successive governments in Ghana have shown some commitment to supporting a viable private sector that commitment has, at the same time, been undermined by governments’ own fear of a strong private sector acting as a countervailing force and thereby weakening their monopoly over neo-patrimonialism. Consequently, the commitment may be seen as a public relations hoax. An effective SBR in Ghana requires sustained formalized political commitment to policies that sees the private sector as a catalyst and initiator of pro-poor growth and development. In their Introduction, they pointed out a number of theoretical models which provides many compelling reasons why effective SBRs would stimulate economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic growth has been an important topic of discussion in almost every economy for a very long time. Previous research has found steady increases in investment and productivity to be crucial to a country’s long-run economic growth and poverty reduction. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinge on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. The economic reform programmes introduced in many developing countries during the 1980’s stressed the need for a propitious enabling environment for the private sector. Initially there were high expectations that a package of macroeconomic reforms (‘getting the prices right’) would give quick dividends in terms of economic growth. There has been growing disappointment with the growth record in many developing countries. Increased globalization and trade liberalization have led to a realization of the huge potential for the private sector but has also led to a considerable shift in the relationship between the public and private sector actors. Empirically, the size and role of the private sector is clearly evolving with globalization. Many high-growth nations have relied on markets to allocate resources. Markets, however, are not without flaws. And in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the poor from responding effectively to market incentives are removed. A well-functioning market system, underpinned by strong institutions, with adequate protection of intellectual and physical property rights, and ‘smart’ interventions by the state, provides an enabling environment for businesses and individuals to innovate, compete and create value for all. This encapsulates the paramount importance of inclusive growth, i. e. , creating economic opportunities through sustainable growth and making the opportunities available to all including the poor. The relationship between the state and business in forging economic growth and development has been an enduring area of research for both economists and political scientists since the Industrial Revolution of the 17th Century. Literature and research findings have emphasized both the positive and negative roles of the state in promoting markets and economic developments. By the early 1980s, many interventionist states had been judged to have failed in their quest to directly promote economic development. The public sector in most states became big and excessive, while government control of economic activities was counterproductive as pricing and subsidies favoured the urban few. Among developing countries, Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) misallocated resources, discouraged exports and limited importation or transfer of much needed technology (Kohli, 2000). Quite contrary to the neo-liberal economic views held by most international development agencies that state interventions in economic growth and development was counterproductive, the role of states in development and the enhancement of pro-poor growth cannot be overstated (Amsden, 1989; Wade, 1990). Notable examples of states like Japan, South Korea in the 1980s and most recently China and India in the late 1990s show the positive role states can play in promoting development and poverty reduction among developing economies. Chalmers (1982) shows that in the case of Japan the state’s ability to prioritize areas for economic development, support private entrepreneurs and undertake direct and indirect interventions in economy promoted economic development. Such developmental states positively alter market incentive structures, manage conflicts, reduce risks and give direction to entrepreneurs (Kohli, 2000). Similarly, the World Bank Report of 1997 acknowledged the important roles of both the state and market, saying that â€Å"an effective state is vital for the provision of goods and services that allow markets to flourish and people to lead healthier, happier lives† (World Bank 1997:1). In short, the state also needs to establish and maintain the institutions that encourage or allow growth-related economic activity. While neoliberal growth theorists officially support a minimal role for government in economic affairs, it is still the case that economic growth generally depends upon a strong government and also relies on the state to construct and organize markets (MacEvan 1999:2-19). Since independence in 1957, Ghana has been making slow and unsteady progress in achieving structural change and economic transformation. Successive Ghanaian governments have undertaken a number of reforms targeted at improving the investment climate and promoting private sector participation in the economy. In 1992, when the Fourth Republican Constitution was promulgated to usher in multi-party democracy, several other development policies were introduced to augment market interventions for sustainable private sector development. The country adopted and implemented neoliberal structural adjustment programmes and market reforms. Apart from pursuing a vigorous free-market economic, industrial and trade policy, it also adopted a liberalized investment policy, with the goal of attracting foreign investment as well as promoting joint ventures between foreign and local investors. Certain social, political and economic patterns of change have emerged, such as, an expanding private sector and the establishment of legal and regulatory structures. Some improvements have also been attained in the provision of infrastructure, health and education, macroeconomic stability, and ongoing reforms in the financial sector. These changes, however, are unlikely to guarantee the needs of the private sector in today’s complex globalized world. Fundamental problems in the political and administrative system still persist despite many attempts at reform. Problems remain in relation to formalizing business operations in the country and corruption continues to be a problematic factor for doing business in Ghana. Many private companies encounter difficulties with regulations and continuing administrative inertia and corruption. A fairly high percentage of companies surveyed by the World Bank and IFC Enterprise Survey in 2007 report that they expect to pay informal payments to public officials to ‘get things done’ such as securing an operating license, meeting tax obligations and securing government contract. The survey also indicates that the burden of customs procedures in Ghana is quite cumbersome and constitutes a competitive disadvantage. Delays in customs procedures are sometimes deliberate as they create opportunities for officials to request unofficial payments. Against this backdrop, the purpose of their study was to examine the efficacy or otherwise of institutional arrangements put in place by various governments since to promote state business relations aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The main objectives of their study were to: †¢? ssess the political and economic factors that have either promoted or undermined the effective functioning of private sector growth in Ghana; †¢? identify and discuss the influence of formal and informal institutions on pro-poor policy decision- making and implementation; and †¢? examine the key determinants of state-business relations (SBRs) and their effects on corporate performance in Ghana. Their study too k a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, and organizational management. Primary data include interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana. Secondary data included review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, codes, contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. Their purpose here is to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of businesses, how these have evolved over time, and how they may have impacted on economic performance. For the quantitative economic analysis, the study uses micro-econometric methods based on firm level data to investigate the linkages between measures of SBRs and firm performance. Cross-sectional and panel data regression analyses were employed to analyze how measures of effective SBRs relate to firm-level productivity. In their conceptualizing state-business relations, they highlighted that, most development theories that emerged in the early 19th century discussed economic and political relations among both developed and developing countries. Many theorists commented on the relations between the state and society which also comprised economic groups. While development remained the overarching focus of such studies, much of what was discussed had direct bearings on the relationship between emergent states in the developing world and how economic agents interacted. Then, the relationship between states and markets were conceived in ideological terms. Capitalists who wrote after Adam Smith emphasized the importance of markets in generating wealth. Most commentators claimed markets can self-regulate. Marxists writers on the other hand introduced class relations in how state and markets operate with claims that dominant classes who control wealth creation in most polities capture the state to pass laws and institutions that favour their cause. In between these two extreme positions on state and markets, many variant views were suggested to explain specific circumstances. Conventional economic theorists see the state as â€Å"an important initiator and catalyst of growth and development† (Martinussen, 1997:220). What still remains contentious is how states are conceptualised. Martinussen (1997:222) lists two major approaches and four dimensions of the state. A ‘society-centred’ approach attaches much importance to societal structures and social forces that exert greater impact on what become the state such that state power, apparatus and functions derive from economic agents and social forces of societies (Poulantzas, 1978). State-centred’ approaches give greater autonomy to state apparatuses and state personnel who act independently of economic agents, social classes or interest groups (Clark and Dear, 1984). Myrdal’s point about discretionary powers of political leaders is shared by dialectic modernization theorists like Jackson and Rosberg (1982) who noted that African rulers’ personality takes precedence ov er rules. State-business relations take place in such political environments where patron-client relationships exist throughout Africa (Sandbrook, 1985). In the absence of a legal framework that ensures security of property; impartial public services that directly facilitate production; and the regulation of foreign economic relations that maximises national interest, informal ties like blood relations, ethnic origins and personal access to political leadership dictate the pace of SBR in many parts of Africa. More recently since the early 1980s, following the monumental role played by states in Asia to transform third world economies into developed states, many theorists have offered explanations on the role of states and markets (Johnson, 1987, Evans, 1995). Conclusions made by such scholars indirectly places emphasis on the ‘magical’ blend between the developmental goals of the state and the profit maximization drive of private sector institutions in Asia. On macroeconomic impacts, the articles revealed the factors responsible for market failure are the existence of monopoly, public goods (goods which are non-rival and non-excludable) and externalities. Others include imperfect and asymmetric information and increasing returns to scale. These factors disturb the optimal allocation of resources in the economy necessitating government intervention. For example, firms in their activities generate an externality which may end up affecting other firms or individuals with the cost or benefit of doing so not reflected in the value of their transactions. Similarly, these firms in the absence of training and adequate knowledge on the importance of investing in transferable worker skills, may under- invest in the skills and capacity of its general workers. The government or public sector is also not exempt from failures. Government failure is said to occur when government action results in a less efficient allocation of resources. As such government intervention though necessary, may not be sufficient in addressing the failures in the market. This is because often, particularly in developing economies, governments lack the institutional and structural capabilities such as perfect information, practical and feasible development plans, essential logistics and structures that are required for addressing the failures which arise from the market. Also, government intervention in the market may result in crowding out which occurs when the government expands its borrowing more to finance increased expenditure or tax cuts in excess of revenue, crowding out private sector investment by way of higher interest rates. Similarly, government intervention activities may suffer intense lobbying and rent-seeking activities especially in countries with high records of corruption, eventually resulting in the misallocation of resources in the economy. With this background, it is obvious that a SBR is extremely essential. Such a relationship provides the solution to state, market and coordination failures. In principle, business associations play a significant role in facilitating the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of economic policies and provision of feedback to the government (Hisahiro, 2005). In addition, such a relationship between the state and the private sector plays a central role in providing a bridge between the business community and political circles. Further, these relations establish communication links between the government and businesses to exchange wide-range economic information, such as on industrial development, export markets and research and development (R;D). In short, by establishing networks between the state and the market, concrete and practical data on industries, markets and technologies are obtained and shared which may serve as an important information bureau for effective industrial and state policies. Harriss (2006) argues that a favorable collaboration between the state and business may have positive consequences for the growth of the economy as a whole, as long as certain mechanisms are in place which facilitate the following: transparency- the flow of accurate and reliable information, both ways, between the business and government; reciprocity between the business and the government; credibility- such that the market is able to believe what the state actors say and; high levels of trust through transparency, reciprocity and credibility. Hence, appropriate government policies, necessary for promoting economic growth in general and private sector development in particular are made possible by an efficient and fruitful state business relations and dialogues. On microeconomic impacts, the article suggested that, a well-structured, organized and effective relationship between the state and the market which satisfies the conditions of transparency, reciprocity, credibility and trust enhances the productivity of the firm in so many important ways. Firstly, an effective SBR helps to reduce policy uncertainties in the economy. Expectations play a major role in the activities of firms and investors particularly when it comes to savings decisions, the type of investment to undertake or the type of goods to produce, the period of production, the quantities to be produced, the technology to be used, how and where to market what has been produced and even how pricing of the commodities should be done. All these decisions are taken based on anticipated market conditions and expected profitability. As such any uncertainty in the economy tends to affect the activities of these firms, the level of investment and consequently the level of economic activity, which translates into economic growth. The absence of clear policies causes these firms to operate in uncertain environments, exposing their businesses to undue risks and resource shortages. Dixit and Pindyck (1994) argue that uncertainty tends to have significant negative effects on investment, especially when investment involves large sunk and irreversible costs. Against this backdrop, it is quite clear that businesses which have a better and effective relationship with the government may not be in the dark when it comes to policy decisions. Several studies confirm the negative effect that uncertainty has on investment. For instance, Bonds and Cummins (2004), in a survey of publicly-traded US companies, found that uncertainty has a negative effect on investment in both the short- and the long -run. Similarly, Ghosal (2003) was also able to show that periods of greater uncertainty have a crucial effect on industry dynamics and thus results in a decrease in the number of small firms and establishments and also a marginal increase in industrial concentration. In short, a greater correspondence and interaction between the state and the business enhances the free flow of information on prospective policies and reduce the level of uncertainty in the business environment, which is expected to result in a greater business confidence, quick firm-decision making and more accurate forecasting. Secondly, an effective liaison between the state and the market results in tailor-made, accurate and efficient government policies and institutions. In other words, an effective SBR will ensure that government policies towards businesses are appropriate and of good quality. This is because, in the presence of such an effective relationship between the state and the market, the design of government policies will be done, among other things, using the input of and in consultation with the private sector. Regular interactions and sharing of information will ensure that the private sector objectives coincide with public action and that local level issues are inputted into the centralized policy processes. The private sector through that will be able to identify opportunities and constraints, as well as possible policy options for creating incentives, lowering investment risks and reducing the cost of doing business. This result in more efficient and convenient government regulations and policies such as tax regimes, licensing requirements and propriety rights obtained through policy dialogues and advocacy which will go a long way to reduce the risks and costs faced by firms and eventually enhance their productivity. Finally, a good relationship between the state and businesses brings about an improvement in the quality, relevance and appropriateness of government taxing and spending plans. An effective relationship will help to ensure that certain facilities and mechanisms necessary for the survival of businesses are available and operational. This is because what motivates a firm to take risks, innovate and improve its performance depends crucially on the availability of certain services, much as it may depend on the private incentive facing the firm. Examples of these public services are good infrastructural system, information and communication technology, legal and judicial services, defense and security, availability of finance as well as the availability of human and physical capital. These facilities and systems affect the firms’ productivity both directly and indirectly. For example, the provision of basic amenities like water and electricity affect productivity directly by facilitating the smooth running of businesses. On the other hand, the provision of infrastructure though may not directly affect productivity will indirectly enhance the transportation of inputs and output to and from the production sites which will enhance the speed of production and also the quality of marketed products and eventually enhance their productivity. The efficient delivery of these public services require an active participation of the private sector which will be responsible for lobbying the government to increase its spending in those areas, creating a more favorable environment for investment. Again, a good SBR is also able to stimulate and sustain innovation. Schumpeter (1940) explains that innovation is one of main forces behind firm dynamics and economic growth. Also, sometimes such collaboration between the government and businesses may result in the government taking the lead to encourage and motivate the private sector to engage in research and development by providing incentives, venture capital for new enterprises and also appropriate property rights. All these activities by the government affect the productivity of the firms directly and encourage further investment. In effect, effective and sustained SBR can ameliorate both market and government failures, which are pervasive in most developing countries, and consequently bring about an increase in the growth of the economy. In conclusion and policy implications, they concluded that the relationship between states and businesses in forging economic growth and development has been an enduring area of research for economists and political scientists since the Industrial Revolution of the 17th Century. The relationship between the state and business community in Ghana has varied since independence. Though each government has had distinct relations with business and private sector, civilian governments have generally promoted and enjoyed good rapport with the business community while military governments especially in the 1980s have tended to have confrontations with the private sector. This study used a multi-disciplinary approach that included both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, history, sociology and organizational management. To seek to understand what constitutes effective SBR, and to assess how SBR are related to economic performance, the study relied on historical institutionalist inductive theories- comparative historical analysis and path-dependence, among others. For this analysis, the study relied on both primary data, from interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana, and secondary data derived from a review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, Codes, Contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. The purpose here was to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of foreign and indigenous businesses, how these have evolved over time and how they may have impacted conomic performance. For the quantitative economic analysis, the study used a panel of 256 Ghanaian manufacturing firms over the period 1991-2002 to analyze the extent to which an effective SBR is beneficial to economic performance. Focusing on total factor productivity, we have found that an effective SBR or a sound investment climate correlates positively with better firm performanc e, possibly channelled via a more optimal allocation of resources in the economy. Concerning the effect of the investment climate indicators, our results show that an ‘unfriendly’ investment climate illustrated through firms’ perceptions about economic and regulatory policy uncertainty affecting their operations and growth are negatively are negatively correlated with productivity, while social networks as indicated through the extent to which firms or their managers have close contacts within the government or bureaucracy have a statistically positive correlation with firm performance. These results indicate that being well connected with those who make and implement government policy increases the chances of being able to lobby to overcome some of the difficulties confronting normal business enterprises, such as the number of procedures it takes to obtain licenses and permits and the number of days it takes to clear imported goods from the port. Narrative analysis of state agencies and PEF’s perceptions of SBRs in Ghana from 1992 to 2008 which also coincides and extends beyond the period of econometric analysis of SBRs on firm performance confirms the results discussed above. Both state and BAs agree on a shift from a predominantly ad hoc and informal clientelistic relationship to a more formal and synergistic SBRs in Ghana since 1992. Formal and regularized meetings between state agencies and businesses have positively impacted on firm productivity. For instance, PEF’s formal advocacy role and function resulted in the use of GCNET to expedite clearing of imported goods. Business concerns of firms are channeled more often through formal by BAs to state agencies. Firms through their BAs make inputs into budget and other policy on formalized basis. Moreover, strong formal relationship between the executive and BAs such as the investors advisory council have helped firms stay close to government and bureaucracy. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the link between an effective SBR and economic performance. This paper adds to the work done by Qureshi and te Velde (2007) by investigating the key determinants of firm performance and also assessing the relationship between an effective SBR and firm productivity in Ghana. The results of the study stress the need for an enabling environment for the private sector. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinges on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. Markets are good but are not without flaws. Thus, in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the private sector from responding effectively to market incentives are removed, complemented with an increased effectiveness of government involvement in supporting private sector activities. Apart from the positive effect of SBRs on economic performance, the other lesson which can be drawn from the paper is that even though successive governments in Ghana have shown some commitment to supporting a viable private sector that commitment has, at the same time, been undermined by governments’ own fear of a strong private sector acting as a countervailing force and thereby weakening their monopoly over neopatrimonialism. Consequently, the commitment may be seen as a public relations hoax. An effective SBR in Ghana requires sustained formalized political commitment to policies that sees the private sector as a catalyst and initiator of pro-poor growth and development.