Saturday, December 28, 2019

Intercultural Analysis of My Big Fat Greek Wedding Essay

An Intercultural Analysis of My Big Fat Greek Wedding GDUFS SEIB1104 Nicole Guan As a typical intercultural movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is about Toula, a lower middle class Greek American woman who fell in love with a non-Greek upper middle class â€Å"white Anglo-Saxon Protestant† Ian Miller. They overcame a series of difficulties and eventually held a big fat Greek wedding. This movie shows us how Greek Americans live, reflecting the conflicts between Greek culture and American culture in a humorous way. Guided by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, this paper mainly explores how Greeks and American handle the cultural conflicts, and how they integrate into each other’s culture. Therefore, we will arrange the paper in three†¦show more content†¦In Toula’s family, her father lies in the top rank and he is the boss, so he has absolutely the largest power among all the family members. They tend to accept the father’s power and authority simply on the basis of the father’s position in the hierarchy and to re spect the father’s right to that power. Authority is inherent in their position within this hierarchy. Everyone must listen to him and he is expected to make decisions autocratically. In the following part, four examples will be given to better illustrate the high power distance in Greek family: 1 Although Toula was 30 years old, she had to ask for his father’s permission timidly when she wanted to learn computer. 2 Toula would like to work in her aunt’s travel agency, but she had no power to make the decision on her own, even her aunt. Finally, her mother, her aunt and she cooperated together and worked out a good idea that helped Toula realize her dream. 3 When Toula was dating Ian, she didn’t dare to tell her father because she knew that he would ask her to marry a Greek. 4 When Ian first came to visit Toula’s family, Toula’s father even told Ian that Ian didn’t ask for his permission to date Toula. On the contrary, in small power distance countries there is limited dependence of subordinates on bosses, and a preference for consultation. The emotional distance between hierarchies will tend to be relatively small:Show MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesDiversity Management Strategies 56 Attracting, Selecting, Developing, and Retaining Diverse Employees 56 †¢ Diversity in Groups 58 †¢ Effective Diversity Programs 58 Summary and Implications for Managers 60 S A L Self-Assessment Library What’s My Attitude Toward Older People? 40 Myth or Science? â€Å"Dual-Career Couples Divorce Less† 47 An Ethical Choice Religious Tattoos 51 glOBalization! Images of Diversity from Around the Globe 54 Point/Counterpoint Men Have More Mathematical Ability Than WomenRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesmass-production techniques. The next change in management thinking about car assembly occurred in Japan when Ohno Taiichi, a Toyota production engineer, pioneered the development of lean manufacturing in the 1960s after touring the U.S. plants of the Big Three car companies. The management philosophy behind lean manufacturing is to continuously ï ¬ nd methods to improve the efï ¬ ciency of the production process in order to reduce costs, increase quality, and reduce car assembly time. Lean production is based

Friday, December 20, 2019

Ford Motor Company Essay - 6355 Words

Abstract This paper is about Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company has managed to stay ahead of their competitors, GM and Chrysler. In spite of the hike in the gas prices, the slump in the economy, and the housing fiasco, they have managed to survive in this tough economy. The strategies Ford Motor Company uses to conduct business consist of consumer focus, creativity, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Ford Motor Company is a leader in environmental responsibility and they strive to make a positive contribution to society (Ford.com 2010). Ford Motor Company strives to improve in everything it does, which in turn provides superior returns to stakeholders. Ford Motor Company research and technology goes behind every single†¦show more content†¦There are five levels a product can occupy and Ford Motor Company products meet all five levels. Ford Motor Company is expanding their line to meet the demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Quality has been a central focus for Ford . High quality is critical to Fords drive to stabilize and grow U.S. retail market share, as well as their efforts to expand sales in other markets. Ford improves quality at the early design stage by â€Å"building vehicles on a virtual assembly line. Ford is raising the stakes and redefining what it means to deliver a quality product by giving consumers more than just defect-free cars and trucks (Sustaining Report, 2007/08). Product life cycle is important in today’s market. The product life cycle describes the stages a product goes through from when it is first introduce to the market, until it is removed from the market. Some products continue to grow, while other product rise and fall. There are four stages a product can go through, the introduction stage, the growth stage, the maturity stage and the decline stage (Keller Kotler, 2009). Product life cycle helps a company understand it’s positioning in the market, helps compared their products to competitors, and whether the products will success or failure. It is important for a Ford Motor Company to understand and realize when it is time to introduce their product or when it is time to withdraw a productShow MoreRelatedFord Motor Company2304 Words   |  10 PagesFord Motor Company GROUP PROJECT ACC 505 - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 12/01/96 TABLE OF CONTENTS DESCRIPTION PAGE INTRODUCTION........................................................1 LIQUIDITY...........................................................1-3 Working Capital...................................................1 Current Ratio Quick Ratio.......................................2 Receivable Turnover Average Days Sales UncollectedRead MoreFord Motor Company1426 Words   |  6 PagesFord Motor Company Supply Chain Strategy Background In 1913, Henry Ford revolutionized product manufacturing by introducing the first assembly line to the automotive industry. Ford s hallmark of achievement proved to be a key competence for the motor company as the low cost of the Model T attracted a broader, new range of prospective car-owners. However, after many decades of success, customers have become harder to find. Due to relatively new threats to the industry, increasing numbersRead MoreFord Motor Company1853 Words   |  8 PagesFord Motor Company Corrie Madison-White MGT/521 August 13, 2011 Andrew Rosenberg Abstract A mutual funds manager is trying to decide whether or not they would be willing to invest in the Ford Motor Company. In order to make an informed decision the potential mutual funds manager will look at how recent economic trends are influencing the business, strategies the company has used or could use for adapting to changing markets, tactics the company has implemented to achieve theirRead MoreFord Motor Company1971 Words   |  8 PagesFord Motor Company Ford Motor Co. Benefits from Service Parts Software from SAP Mary Ann Tindall Steve Balaj Manager, Business Technology Renewal IT Manager, Business Technology Slide 2 Confidential SAPPHIRE 08 OR3349 Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Co. Benefits from Service Parts Software from SAP Mary Ann Tindall Steve Balaj Manager, Business Technology Renewal IT Manager, Business Technology Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader basedRead MoreFord Motor Company5077 Words   |  21 PagesCASE ASSIGNMENT Faced with an overwhelmingly complex situation, Alan Mulally has been brought in as Ford Motor Companys new president and CEO. As diverse global dynamics confront the company and competitive pressures continue to build, he has the challenging task of improving Fords brand image and returning the company to profitability. Mulally has invited your consulting firm to advise his management team on restoring the companys reputation and viability. Assigned to the project, you haveRead MoreFord Motor Company1787 Words   |  8 PagesFord Motor Company’s Value Enhancement 1. Does Ford have too much cash? The amount of cash that Ford is carrying on its balance sheet is too much considering that additional money not used for the advancement of the company belongs to the owners of the firm, the shareholders. Having too much cash on its balance sheet will be a disincentive to Ford’s employees who consequently will feel not feel an urgency to perform and add value to the company. Notwithstanding the fact that the companyRead MoreThe Ford Motor Company And General Motors1851 Words   |  8 Pagesdestructions riddled throughout Canada’s history? This is the Canadian automotive industry and it is enormous and powerful yet so threatened by politics. Two of the largest players in the automotive industry are the Ford Motor Company and General Motors. By comparing the two paths both parallel companies have taken throughout over one hundred years of operations (Dykes, 2015), we can expose proper and improper business strategies within Canada. We can adventure through the strengt hs built up by management,Read MoreThe Legacy Of The Ford Motor Company1023 Words   |  5 PagesOn June 17, 1903 the Ford Motor Company was organized. The date is the day the deal started for Henry Ford not because the company had his name, the day all his hard work would start to payoff. To look at the deal from just one day would not do justice to the brilliant way and intertwined ways Henry Ford took the world by storm. From the start in Ford’s garage to the offices of lawyers, and then on to control of the largest automotive companies in the world one can see the deal was just a key toRead MoreThe Invention Of The Ford Motor Company1279 Words   |  6 Pagesincome for Americans meant that they were able to afford more appliances like a toaster or a car. Prices dropped with industrial innovations like the moving assembly line. With these new prices, people could buy more per dollar. Henry Ford’s, The Ford Motor Company is an example of a business that prospered i n the 1920s. The innovation of Ford’s Model T allowed many Americans to explore the country and experience being on the road. Along with these new products and appliances, businesses made a new formRead MoreFord Motor Company Essay760 Words   |  4 PagesFord motor company: The Ford Empire was almost a century old. After a series of great growth periods and high revenues, the company from early 2004 to 2008 has been hit by the recession and very challenging times. The decision to invite an outsider as the CEO of Ford motors was to take a fresh and rather novel view of Ford operations and to look at it unbiased. Ford appears on the list of the world’s most ethical companies its commitment to stakeholder engagement, corporate governance, sustainability

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Managing People at Work County Medical Society

Question: Discuss about the Managing People at Work for County Medical Society. Answer: Introduction This report introduces the scenario at County Medical Society Answering Service where an employee named Grace Reed is facing problems to manage her subordinates after being promoted to a shift supervisor. The report introduces about the suggestions for better understanding of those subordinates motivation. Such suggestions are required to restore the good relationship among Grace Reed and her friends who are currently her subordinates. A discussion on a group decision-making technique has been elaborated here. Some suggestions are been given to develop the leadership abilities so that Grace Reed can better handle her subordinates along with improving her emotional intelligence to understand them in better way. Body Suggestions for better understanding of the employees motivation The various motivational theories provide a path to Grace Reed for understanding the motivation of her subordinates in a better way. It has been realized that the interpersonal relationships and supervision are the vital motivators for employees in an organization. The theorists of motivation have told that people normally are motivated through self interest for the economic gain for providing necessities in their life (Shayganfar, Rich Sidner, 2016). Motivation is the emphasized cooperation between the labor and management for increasing the profit. It makes the representation of the reasons for the actions, desires and needs of the people. It can also direct a persons behavior or make him to do the behavior repeatedly. Grace Reed has to make a proper utilization of the factor so that she can rebuild a good relationship with her subordinates to make them follow her instructions obediently without having any objections. The Maslows need hierarchy theory says that a person gets motivated if the needs of that person are fulfilled from lower to higher orders (Schunk Zimmerman, 2012). The esteem needs of an employee if gets fulfilled then he can be motivated to work and move to fulfill his self actualization need. Therefore, if Grace Reed appraises the performance of her subordinates whatever they do then it can motivate them to give a better delivery onwards. The assumptions of McGregor states that people of two types can be motivated by lower and higher order needs respectively. The first category that does minimal work, lacks ambition, resistive towards change is self centered. They are motivated by Theory X. Theory Y gives the assumptions to motivate the people who are not resistant to change, innately able for performing and dependent on the management for the manifestation of performance (Derlaga Berg, 2013). Grace Reed should apply those assumptions to understand her subordinates to categorize them and provide work accordingly. The Herzbergs two factor theory states that certain factors in the workplace lead to job satisfaction but if they are not present does not result to dissatisfaction in an employees mind. They are motivators and hygiene factors respectively (Patrick Williams, 2012). The motivators such as challenging work, responsibility or recognition provides positive satisfaction whereas the hygiene factors such as job security, salary or fringe benefits if become absent then results to demotivation. Grace Reed should think to provide challenges and additional responsibilities so that her subordinates get motivated and also offer good salary with added benefits to avoid demoralization. The latest ideas on motivation states about eustress, which makes an encouragement of hope, health and optimism (Derlega Grzelak, 2013). It actually helps a person to control his response to a situation, which is already out of his control. The individual gets motivated from their own mental energy and makes a sustainable performance. This energy is required for Grace Reed as she is currently in a situation, which is out of her control. The social exchange and equity theory states that the various social processes have the ability to influence human motivation whereas Adams theory of inequity states that getting involved in the situations, which are unfair makes people to be motivated (Hwang Lin, 2012). Grace Reed has also become motivated as she is currently involved in a situation, which is critical and she wants to build a good social relationship with her subordinates to motivate them. She should make strategies to remove the inequities through rationalization. Vrooms expectancy theory states that people have expectation outcomes from their performance and behavior. The keys of the theory are valence, expectancy and instrumentality, which states that effort, leads to performance which is related to rewards. Even after applying those theories in the situation, Grace Reed will still find motivational problems in some of her subordinates who believe that their effort will not make an improvement of performance or will not give them rewards (Xia, Xu Chen, 2013). It will also make her realize that moral maturity makes people to follow ethics whereas immature people will behave on egocentric motivations. Discussion of a group decision making technique for assisting a team There are several techniques that can be used for group decision making which include Nominal Group Technique, Brainstorming and Delphi Technique. The Nominal Group Technique is considered here for discussion where the members do not make the discussion of the issue and the potential solutions in verbal terms (Chai, Liu Ngai, 2013). It is a process, which involves identification of the problem, generation of the solution and making a decision. This technique says the following steps to carry on, State the subject to be brainstormed. Make the clarification of the statement which is required until everyone has a proper understanding about the matter. Every member thinks in a silent manner and notes down their maximum ideas in a given time frame (Saaty Peniwati, 2013). The members elaborate their ideas in their turn which is recorded by the facilitator. The ideas can be from the member written list or from further thinking. The members can pass his turn if he has not to say anything relevant to the problem. He can provide ideas in the subsequent turns. The process will have a continuation throughout the group till the end of the agreed upon time where all members provide their views (Yu, 2013). Each ideas recorded should be discussed in turn. The wording of those ideas can be changed only on the agreement of the ideas originator. The members should aim to discuss for clarification of the meanings of every statements. They should logically analyze and explain each matter. They should raise and answer the questions regarding agreement or disagreement of opinions. There should be an equal balance of all the ideas in the discussion and the facilitator should control the discussion for not being to be an argument (Liu, 2013). All the ideas should be made visible in multiple flipcharts around the room to everyone. Grace Reed should apply this technique to discuss the problems regarding disobedience of her subordinates with her superiors to resolve the issue. Suggestions on the development of leadership skills on the basis of a leadership theory Lewins theory of leadership comes under the traditional behavioral theories which states that leadership is of three styles. The first one is the autocratic style, which makes the leaders to use strong, controlling and directive actions for enforcing the activities, regulations, rules and the relationships (Nohria Khurana, 2013). In such case, there is a nominal influence of his followers or subordinates. The second one is the democratic style, which makes the leader to be collaborative with his followers in performing actions. In such situation, the followers have an influence of higher degree. The third one is the Laissez-Faire style where the leader becomes failure for accepting his positional responsibilities (Dinh et al., 2014). In such cases, he creates a chaotic situation in the environment where he works. The model of managerial grid is based on behavioral theory, which provides five different styles that a leader can adopt for achieving his goal. Figure 1: Diagrammatic representation of managerial grid model (Source: Liu, 2013) The five styles include country club style, impoverished style, middle of the road style, produce or perish style and team style (Parris Peachey, 2013). Those styles are termed on the basis of the value combinations of the leaders concern for production and people. To develop any of the leadership skills, Grace Reed firstly has to understand the situation properly and the nature of her followers or subordinates. If she feels to dominate those people due to their disobedient nature to make them work under her supervision then she should be an autocratic leader without any doubt (Druskat, Mount Sala, 2013). If she notices that there are opportunities to make a collaborative discussion with them to sort out the issues then she should be democratic. In such case, she should let her subordinates to put their opinions for making a solution such as providing paid leaves during absence or paying extra remuneration for overtime work (George, 2012). If she notices that a messy situation has taken place which is out of control then she should look for Laissez-Faire style where she will not take her responsibilities due to her failure to control them. According to the management grid model, Grace Reed should adopt the leadership style which will create a proper trade off of her concern towards the people and production of her organization. Suggestions for improvement of emotional intelligence for better management of employees The emotional intelligence is a critical indicator, which indicates the ability of a manager for dealing a conflict (Druskat, Mount Sala, 2013). As Grace Reed has been promoted to a shift supervisor, she has a managerial role to resolve the conflict that she is currently facing in her subordinates. Those subordinates were previously her colleagues cum friends who are currently not obeying her as their senior authority. In such case, the emotional intelligence is a tool to get through the problem. The emotional intelligence consists of perceiving the emotion in other people, managing the adversity, power for controlling a persons emotion and adaptation to change (Parris Peachey, 2013). There are certain suggestions to improve the emotional intelligence so that the employees can be managed in a better way. They are as follows, Increasing the self awareness. Developing the skills for listening. Showing a genuine interest in the people to whom leading is required. Developing the ability for managing others emotions. Developing a strong appreciation sense (Dinh et al., 2014). Grace Reed if enhances her self-awareness then she will be able to understand the exact position of her between her subordinates. If she listens carefully her subordinates opinion then she will be able to grab their intentions. Showing interest to the subordinates tastes can make those people emotionally attached to her and they will obey her. If she becomes able to manage others emotions then she will be able to change their decisions in her favor (Nohria Khurana, 2014). If she makes appreciation of whatever her subordinates do then they will feel a sense of recognition and will go accordingly as per her given directions. Recommendations From the above discussions, the following recommendations can be made to achieve optimum level of success. Proper motivation of the subordinates through effective leadership Grace Reed should motivate her employees through motivational speech so that they obey her and work under her supervision with a happy mind. Proper discussion of the issues and sorting out solutions Grace Reed should discuss the issues regarding her authority to her superiors in an extensive manner so that the loopholes of her management can be easily identified and fixed with convincing solutions by the management. Parameters for promotion should be made fixed There should be certain performance measurement scales which will state the level of performance of each subordinates of Grace Reed. They will be promoted to higher positions if they prove themselves to be high scoring in the imposed parameters. This will motivate them to perform more effectively. Arrangement of refreshment events The Company should arrange parties so that the employees can maintain a friendly relationship among them apart from the professional relationship based on the authority in the corporate life. Conclusion The County Medical Society Answering Service Company provides support over phone to their patients and other customers whenever required. Certain quality issues in their end have made their clients such as doctors to hire expert callers personally. Grace Reed being a dedicated caller had been promoted to shift supervisor. She had felt the need to make her subordinates to be of that level of expertise so that her company gets more calls leading to more revenue. But she has faced issues regarding authority. If she becomes able to apply the motivational tools and group decision techniques to create enthusiasm in them with emotional attachment then she will surely lead the company to prosperity with a happy work life. References Chai, J., Liu, J. N., Ngai, E. W. (2013). Application of decision-making techniques in supplier selection: A systematic review of literature.Expert Systems with Applications,40(10), 3872-3885. Derlaga, V. J., Berg, J. H. (Eds.). (2013).Self-disclosure: Theory, research, and therapy. Springer Science Business Media. Derlega, V. J., Grzelak, J. (Eds.). (2013).Cooperation and helping behavior: Theories and research. Academic press. Dinh, J. E., Lord, R. G., Gardner, W. L., Meuser, J. D., Liden, R. C., Hu, J. (2014). Leadership theory and research in the new millennium: Current theoretical trends and changing perspectives.The Leadership Quarterly,25(1), 36-62. Druskat, V. U., Mount, G., Sala, F. (2013).Linking emotional intelligence and performance at work: Current research evidence with individuals and groups. Psychology Press. George, J. (2012). Promoting Emotional Intelligence of Students: The Teachers Role.EDUCATION FOR NATIONAL AND EMOTIONAL INTEGRATION, 147. Hwang, C. L., Lin, M. J. (2012).Group decision making under multiple criteria: methods and applications(Vol. 281). Springer Science Business Media. Liu, P. (2013). Some generalized dependent aggregation operators with intuitionistic linguistic numbers and their application to group decision making.Journal of Computer and System Sciences,79(1), 131-143. Nohria, N., Khurana, R. (Eds.). (2013).Handbook of leadership theory and practice: An HBS centennial colloquium on advancing leadership. Harvard Business Press. Parris, D. L., Peachey, J. W. (2013). A systematic literature review of servant leadership theory in organizational contexts.Journal of business ethics,113(3), 377-393. Patrick, H., Williams, G. C. (2012). Self-determination theory: its application to health behavior and complementarity with motivational interviewing.Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act,9(18), b35. Saaty, T. L., Peniwati, K. (2013).Group decision making: drawing out and reconciling differences. RWS publications. Schunk, D. H., Zimmerman, B. J. (Eds.). (2012).Motivation and self-regulated learning: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge. Shayganfar, M., Rich, C., Sidner, C. L. (2016, March). An overview of affective motivational collaboration theory. InWorkshops at the Thirtieth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Xia, M., Xu, Z., Chen, N. (2013). Some hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators with their application in group decision making.Group Decision and Negotiation,22(2), 259-279. Yu, P. L. (2013).Multiple-criteria decision making: concepts, techniques, and extensions(Vol. 30). Springer Science Business Media.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Marge Piercy Essay Example For Students

Marge Piercy Essay Young versus old. Death versus eternal life. The positive effects of societyspressure versus the negative. Marge Piercys Barbie Doll and DickSchneiders Youths Progress are a study in the themes mentionedabove. There are many obvious similarities in the chronological structure andirony of the two works. However, the reader will find that there are morethought-provoking contrasts than initially meet the eye. Not surprisingly, thepoems follow the natural course of chronological time: beginning to end, youngto old. Both poems unfold with birth, continue through the growing upyears, but do not surpass adulthood. The separation of stanzas in both worksindicates a new stage of life, though Piercy leaves the reader to guess theactual age of the girlchild in Barbie Doll. The reader will notethat a major theme of both poems is the long-term effect of outside pressure onthe subjects from birth. Piercy employs the stylistic device of irony throughoutthe entirety of her poem. It required the magic of puberty for a child topoint out the negative aspects of a physical body. A healthy, intelligent andstrong woman is compelled by society to bustle to and fro apologizing,apologizing for failing to mirror the image of the Barbie-like woman the worldseems to want. Though she attempts to defy these expectations by cutting off hergreat big nose and fat legs, in her death the woman is displayed inher casket, cosmetics painted on and a beautiful turned-up putty nose. Finally,she fits the mold cut for her by society. Our way of life has hardly changedsince a wheel first whetted a knife. While Youths Progresschronicles the growth of the subject with specific years and ages, BarbieDoll simply accounts for the passing of time in a story-tellers fashion ofmemories. Barbie Doll ends with the tragedy of a woman who, because shedidnt live up to the unrealistic standard created for her, resorts tosuicide. Youths Progress concludes with the exhortation of publicapproval and the sense of eternal life in exchange for submitting to theunofficial rules of social acceptance, eager to fit the mold. To some, theimmortalized life of Schneider is preferable to the tragic death of Piercysgirlchild Young versus old. Death versus eternal life. The positive effects ofsocietys pressure versus the negative. The course a life will take isultimately decided by the individual, the sum of his choices and reactions tothe cards dealt to him by Life. The choice is yours.BibliographyBowland, Eavan. Its a Womans World, 1982.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Economic development and the structure of Egypts economy

Egypt is one of the World’s economically diversified middle-income countries with both the private and public sectors contributing to the growth of its GDP. The country has good prospects for the medium term growth based on continual structural reforms. The country also has substantial natural resources including oil and gas and rich agricultural and manufacturing sectors.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economic development and the structure of Egypt’s economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The country is strategically located along the Suez Canal and utilizes its tourist industry to increase on foreign exchange earnings. The growth of the GDP in the first quarter of the year 2012 was recorded at 5.2% which was an increase from previous years. However, the GDP growth was determined to be below the average growth of 6% amidst severe political unrest that was experienced (HKTDC, 2012). The competit iveness of Egyptian economy was enhanced by the government’s implementation of floating exchange rate and the frequent depreciation of the currency. The Egyptian pound was floated in the year 2003 leading to drastic depreciation in the exchange rate. However, the government managed to avert the effects by introducing some form of control. Unified and flexible exchange rate system was enabled through establishment of what was referred to as self-regulatory inter-bank foreign exchange market. This has helped in the creation of a liquid foreign exchange market leading to stabilization of the Egyptian pound and consolidation of parallel market rates (HKTDC, 2012). The country has experienced increased export of goods between the year 2001 and 2006. The rate increased from 8% to 17% of GDP respectively. Such rate of recovery is attributed to the impacts caused by depreciation in exchange rates and recovery within the global economy. The level of import also recorded high rates bet ween the years 2001 and 2006, rising from 16% to 28% respectively (Krugman and Obstfeld, 2011). This revealed that imports were valued at higher prices. However, the effects of higher import prices could be experienced in the nature of deficit within the merchandise trade balance (HKTDC, 2012). The recent case on recession, led to the easing of Egypt’s inflation rate from 20% in 2008 to 9% in first quarter of 2012. Despite the recorded decrease over previous years, there is high expectation of increase in the rates in the near future. This is speculated from the nature of price increase on goods experienced within the global market.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Various challenges contributing to weaknesses within the global market poses a big threat to Egypt’s economy (HKTDC, 2012). Additionally, the current political instability poses a major challenge to t he economy. The recent political unrest experienced in the country made investors to shy away owing to disruption of flow of goods from manufacturing and tourism sectors. The economic policymaking may encounter significant draw-backs owing to conflict amongst various groups with arms of government. Trade Policies Egypt has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 1995 and this has helped the country to operate under liberal trade policies. The country also revamped their tariff regime upholding new tariff structure which promoted the removal of service fees and import surcharges not in agreement with WTO policies. Such move contributed towards the reduction of official tariff rates charged on commodities. Additionally, the Egyptian government made a liberating move by cutting duties for over one thousand items in the year 2007. This made the weighted rate to fall to 6.9%, making over 90% of agricultural products and approximately 85% of non- agricultural products to be ch arged less than 15%. The government highly protects automotive and textile industries, with 40% tariff being charged on imported vehicles (Krugman and Obstfeld, 2011). However, the country experienced a set-back in the agricultural sector with the government banning export of rice owing to escalating food prices in 2008(HKTDC, 2012). One of the strategies used by Egyptian government to restore sanity within its market is introducing restrictive labelling rule on imported food products. This ensures use of appropriate packages which are health conscious and at the same time capable of preserving the product’s characteristics. The labelling should be done in Egyptian national language. Such labelling include; the type of product and its brand name, country of manufacture, both dates of production and expiry, also included should be instructions and prescriptions on the usage of the product (HKTDC, 2012). The country is divided into a number of free trade zones such as Cairo, Al exandria, and Port Said amongst others. Where all commodities moving in and out of the zones are not taxed. This also applies to all exports including machinery and other equipment from the zones.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economic development and the structure of Egypt’s economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The European Union and the United States are some of the biggest trading partners of Egypt (HKTDC, 2012). The import volume in Egypt recorded a 24% increase in the year 2009. However, the country experiences trade imbalances due to surplus imports. The major items of import for Egypt include; food, equipment, wood products and commodities with the United States recorded as the largest import partner of Egypt followed by China (Hill, 2006). Agricultural sector The share value of GDP from Agricultural sector is valued at 14% since 2006. The sector caters for a good percentage of the labour for ce and substantial foreign exchange earnings. Crops mostly cultivated within the agricultural regions include; cotton, wheat, rice, beans and clover. The implementation of price liberation policies gave the sector a boost making it an important player on Egypt’s economy. However, arable land is limited in Egypt despite the government plans of reclaiming minimum of 63000 hectares annually. The average demand for agricultural products has increased over the years. This is attributed to high population growth rate and also need for additional earnings from export. Over 90% of the agricultural sector in Egypt is in private hands, the public sector is mostly involved in agriculture marketing and distribution while the private sector hold big share in food distribution (Hill, 2006). Conclusion The country has given priority to industrial upgrading and technology transfer, and at the same time. The growth of the GDP in the first quarter of the year 2012 was recorded at 5.2% which wa s an increase from the previous year. However, the GDP growth was determined to be below the average growth of 6% amidst severe political unrest that was experienced improving the credibility attached to public policies. The government adopted a program known as Industrial Modernization Program (IMP), used in the upgrading of the industrial sector and assist in diversifying the country’s economy. This program is also essential for preparing the industrial sector for the challenges within the global market. Currently the industrial sector contributes averagely 20% of the GDP, hence one of the main contributors to the county’s economy. References Hill, C. W. (2006).  Global business today  (4th ed. p. 449). Boston: McGraw Hill/Irwin HKTDC. (2012). Egypt Market Profile. Retrieved from http://emerging-markets-research.hktdc.com/Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Krugman, P.R. Obstfeld, M. (2011). International Economics: Theory and Policy. (9th Edition). New York, NY: Pearson This essay on Economic development and the structure of Egypt’s economy was written and submitted by user Hallie Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Rupert Murdoch The Cost Of A Good Story

Rupert Murdoch The Cost Of A Good Story There was a time in the history of news reporting when factual information and accuracy in information dissemination were of the utmost importance not only to the reporter, but to the reader as well. But as technological advancements such as 24 hour cable news networks, internet newspapers, blogging, and papparazi / ambush news reporting slowly gained ground, the way that a news report is presented to the public has become haphazard and slanted.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Rupert Murdoch: The Cost Of A Good Story specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Maybe it is because the world has become a more serious place now, or perhaps it is because people no longer have the time to sit down and analyze the information being thrown at us by the news media, whatever the reason, news reporting has deteriorated to the point wherein there is no longer such a thing as a good news story. Rupert Murdoch, the American born media mogul made his fortune by changing the way the news is reported to the people. His only concern was getting the story before any other newspaper or television news network. Accuracy was never the name of his game and he made sure that his foot soldiers knew it. Of course they were only too happy to follow this kind of template. It made their job easier after all. They could say whatever they want and publish a retraction later or correction to the data contained in their report if it became necessary to do so. The media is a very powerful tool of social consciousness. Rupert Murdoch admitted as much in his interview during at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland when he attended a forum there in 2005 (Murdoch Of Fox News Admits Manipulating The News For Agenda, 2005). He described how newspapers and channels can actually set the political agenda and make people either feel a deep concern for issues, or simply disdain and disgust. It is hard to say that Rupert Murdoch is the onl y news media head to told his staff to disregard accuracy of information and simply do whatever they have to do, and that includes, phone hacking, tapping, surveillance, etc, in order to get the scoop on a hot story. Do what you have to do to get the story ahead of the competition. The more explosive the story, the more questionable the information gathered, the easier the news item becomes to manipulate and slant towards a specific agenda. People like Rupert Murdoch have brought the news world to its knees. Those who emulate his style are also to blame for the continued decline and growing public distrust of the news media be it in electronic, television, or printed form. Carl Bernstein (Murdiochs Watergate?, 2011) has tried to explain how Murdoch did this through the print media using the once respectable New York Times:Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Page Six , emblematic in its carelessness about accuracy or truth or context- but oh-so-readable- became the model for the gossipization of an American press previously resistant to even considering publishing its like. (Murdoch accomplished a similar debasement of the airwaves in the 1990s with the- tame by today’s far-lower standards- tabloid television show A Current Affair.) In a world that continues to value information security and identity theft more and more everyday, it would seem that the the very same public that wishes to remain informed are the very reason that the news media has began to violate the privacy of high profile individuals. It is because of this over interest in news personalities and the insistence on getting into the nitty gritty of a story that the news media found an opening to violate privacy laws. All in the name of news reporting. News and news personalities these days all play a highly explosive game of Im right, youre wrong. Political parties use the news networks to divide the people by presenting news that presents the positive side of their agenda and the totally negative side of the other agenda. In other words, CNN is a Democrat station and Fox is a Republican station. They do not have a middle ground. The networks do not care if the information that comes out of their anchors mouths are correct. They only care about getting their agenda out there and embedded in the minds of their supporters. Rupert Murdoch, was the master of that game. According to Forbes Magazine (Rupert Murdoch, 2011) Murdochs Fox News generated $700 million in operating profit in 2010, crushed the competition in ratings and may have put the Republicans over the top in the midterms. It is truly a sad day when the very people whom we rely on to keep us informed, the people whom we look at as the Guardians of Truth and the harbingers of peace and understanding become the very people whom we should fear the most. These days, news reports suffer from a sev ere lack of judgement and respect for the rights of the people they are reporting about. They have become very callous individuals who are only after the money that their news article, be it accurate or not, can bring in. They no longer care about reputations and destroying lives. The dollar sign has become the more dominant force in the issue. The Rupert Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal has shown us that the media is truly out of control now. They have lost all sense of decency and need to be reined in somehow. Just as the rights of the media to access information is important, the method by which this information is obtained must also be secured.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Rupert Murdoch: The Cost Of A Good Story specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Punishments must be enacted for anybody shown to be in violation of privacy rights. Press Freedom is one thing, but they have shown that they do not know how to handle t hat freedom. Therefore, it should be well within the rights of legislators to curtail that particular freedom. It has been overly abused and it will not stop. It will only escalate further. Unless somebody stands up and tells the news media that enough is enough. References Bernstein, Carl. (2011). Murdochs Watergate?. Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/carl-bernstein-phone-hacking-scandal-murdochs-watergate-68411 n.a. (2011). Rupert Murdoch. Forbes.com. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/profile/rupert-murdoch/#72c308aeb1af rayzer42. (Producer). (Jan.15, 2008). Murdoch of Fox News Admits Manipulating the News for Agenda. Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K2pLo8JV5Y

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Mentoring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Mentoring - Essay Example As the paper declares in several aspects, modern day relationships of mentoring are different from the past. In old times, the main objective of mentoring was just one-way transfer of extensive amount of information and awareness. The mentee used to be just a recipient and most of the times had little control or authority in this relationship. Their relationship used to last for certain days or months, and one mentee was only allowed to have one mentor. Moreover, Mentoring used to happen on only face-to-face basis. According to the report findings majority of the schools conduct number of extracurricular activities like swimming, baseball, football or soccer etc., there is no school with an extracurricular lab for computer having a computer coach to maintain it. The reactions towards various attempts to introduce mentoring for students of high schools have been spoilt with everything from lack of sympathy to opposition. An individual needs to have a teaching certificate in order to join a school as a teacher and not some new ideas or motivation. Another major barrier that female mentors come across everyday is gender barrier. From both physiological and social point of view female mentors are highly discouraged by the society. School districts with effective mentor programs actively seek accomplished veteran staff members to serve as mentors. Several stakeholders should discuss and contribute to the construction of a profile of the kind of person who would serve as a mentor. Several sources sug gest the kind of qualities to look for in a mentor.