Monday, November 25, 2019

Government and the Macroeconomy essays

Government and the Macroeconomy essays The countrys government plays a large role in the economy. Government policies on employment, taxes, and spending affect not only the economy of the nation, but also the economic stability of individuals and corporations. This report delves into these policies and how they may relate to a corporation. The corporation used in all comparisons is Domtar, Inc., a large producer of forest products, such as specialty and fine paper, in North America. Government Stabilization of the Economy The government, including the President of the United States, uses economists to aid in inventing a countercyclical policy, fiscal and/or monetary, to moderate the severity of the business cycle. These economists often arrive at different and conflicting conclusions and recommendations. Inflation and unemployment are the most demanding macroeconomic issues that these economists have to deal with. There are five basic schools of employment and inflation: Classical, Keynesian, Neo-Keynesian, Rational Expectations, and Supply Side. The classical economics school of thought emphasizes the natural tendency for an economy to move toward equilibrium at full employment without inflation and argues against government intervention. They believe that unemployment is temporary and is caused by wages above the equilibrium wage rate. For example, say the average worker makes $6/hr, and there are 10,000 available workers. Domtar offers $10/hr. At that rate, they can only afford to hire 6,000 workers, leaving 4,000 unemployed. If these 4,000 are willing to do the same work for only $6/hr, it would drive the pay rate down, and the company could hire more of the available workers. The end result: everyone who is willing to work at the equilibrium wage rate, will eventually find employment. Thus, no unemployment. However, Domtar is a union shop. Labor unions often use their power to increase wages. These increases can therefore actually cau...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Cause and effect on hunter-gatherer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cause and effect on hunter-gatherer - Essay Example Proto-science can be alternatively called as the pre-science period but it had nonetheless contributed a lot to the development of established scientific methods. Simple observations of the workings of nature ensured survival of primitive peoples. It could include things like when animals will gather, where these animals drink and the various shrubs, berries and fruits of trees that are edible or poisonous (Hassler & Wilcox, 2008, p. 8). It can be described that life back then was very precarious that depended mostly on Nature on how Man manages to adapt himself to Nature. Seasons and weather patterns likewise have to be predicted with a certain degree of accuracy in order for men to prepare themselves. This paper tries to examine how these primitive societies managed to survive from the rigors and challenges of Nature from which we are descended. It is quite interesting to note that due to this preoccupation with adjusting to Nature, men had learned almost by instinct on how to interpret the world to ensure survival. It had become second nature (pardon the pun) in which men at those times behaved resulting into an in-built bias that served as a very survival mechanism by relating the cause to its effect. This is the discussion in this paper. The hunter-gatherer societies existed before man learned to develop agriculture. Due to the very nature of being entirely dependent on the vagaries of Nature, man has no choice but to become nomadic whenever and wherever there is plentiful food supply and where it is relatively safe for him to obtain such food supplies. Because of man’s innate capacity to learn and learn quickly, observation of Nature alone is not sufficient for him to survive. To be able to make sense of the observed patterns in Nature, man has to construct a model. This model is then used to resolve the ambiguities often seen in Nature. As a result of this tendency to avoid ambiguity, our brain’s circuits are predisposed to

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Marketing Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing Management - Research Paper Example n which marketers try to adapt to the changing dynamics of the external environment, take valuable and crucial decisions related to product launch, its promotion, the key issues surrounding the product / service in question, as well as the various ways to address the same. Toyota Automobiles is a business segment of Toyota Industries Corporation, which was founded by Sakichi Toyoda in the year 1926. From the humble beginnings of a textile manufacturing firm to a multinational multi-million dollar company, Toyota Industries Corporation has come a long way. Such phenomenal success of the company could be mainly attributed to the strategic planning and detailed and timely execution of its plans. The company initiated diversification and expansion measures to include textile, machinery, automobiles, material handling equipment, electronics and logistics as a part of its organizational structure. Today, the company is regarded as the world’s best selling automaker and a world leader in the automobile industry. Toyota Motor Corporation deals in two broad categories of product / service which include: automotive and non-automotive products. The automotive products include major brands Toyota – the core brand which includes cars, trucks, SUVs as well as a range of automotive accessories; and Lexus – which is a luxury vehicle division of the Toyota Motor Corporation; while the non-automotive products / services include: housing, financial services, communications, marine vehicles, biotechnology etc among others (Toyota, 2010). The company aims to be a "good corporate citizen" by continuously striving to win the trust of its customers globally. The company is guided by the spirit of openness and fairness as its corporate philosophy and strives to develop cleaner and greener car technologies to make this planet a safe and better place to live (Toyota, 2010). This section includes detailed / comprehensive discussion of various aspects related to the Toyota Motor

Monday, November 18, 2019

Using more community service combined with probation we can eliminate Research Paper

Using more community service combined with probation we can eliminate the broken windows theory - Research Paper Example This may be a key policy issue for city management, which may be forced to weigh their options in an attempt to reach at the most effective method of dealing with crime. Would using more community service accompanied with probation prove effective in eliminating the â€Å"broken windows theory†? Does disorder actually spread in the neighbourhoods? Previous research has not offered a strong empirical support so far, and it is difficult to define what constitutes disorder, what may lead to its spread or which may be the most effective means of curbing disorder and crime (Harcourt, 2001). Using hypotheses generated about the systems of combating disorder and crime, we tested the hypotheses in a different field experiments. We found that when an offender was sentenced to more hours of community service and/or probation, people who observed them were less likely to indulge in violation of other rules or norms that may cause the disorder to spread, thus the theory of broken windows is eliminated. Law enforcement agencies have in the past adopted community service and probation as effective methods of reducing recidivism among offenders and supervision of offenders in the community. Community service is a form of alternative sentencing by courts in which individuals convicted of crimes are obliged to take part in compulsory unpaid work that is intended to be of social value, in place of serving a prison sentence, other sanctions and judicial remedies such as fines or incarceration. For instance, the court may reduce or write off offenders’ prison terms in exchange for a specified number of hours of community service, which the convict may be allowed to choose after which it is documented by credible agencies like NGOs. The sentencing may sometimes be specifically targeted to the offender’s crime. 4 Sometimes community service may be accompanied by probation-a court ordered sanction that permits an offender to stay free from detention subject to a prescribed perio d of proper behavior under the supervision of a probation officer. The types of supervision vary and include intensive, home detention, GPS monitoring, informal, standard or unsupervised probation. 4 2.Literature review 4 3.1 Introduction 4 Studies and available literature on community service and probation have stressed the significant role of developing effective and concrete strategies of eliminating the broken windows theory. This chapter will put forward what is already known regarding the use of community service accompanied with probation to eradicate the spread of disorder as proposed by the broken windows theory. We examine the core principles of effective community service and probation putting into account some of the research questions advanced in the introductory chapters- how effective is a community service and probation in eliminating the broken windows theory? There is plenty of research is available on what is considered to be effective in tackling the spread of di sorder. Essentially, there is an abundance of research focusing on a collection of approaches deemed to possess the most impact on convicts in helping them minimize or desist from more criminal behavior. In addition, this section also analyzes the approaches and community work skills commonly employed by probation officers, and also consider the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Developing Successful Strategic Alliances

Developing Successful Strategic Alliances The traditional relationship between the client, consultants, main contractor, subcontractors and suppliers within the construction industry using a traditional contract is in most cases but not all very contractual and adversarial one Blame Culture which is not productive in a business as it about relationships, where the client and consultants puts all of the risk on to the main contractor who in turn passes it down the line to their supplier chain i.e. Suppliers Subcontractors, due to the nature of the construction industry i.e. large and complex projects that need to be completed to unrealistic time frames, budget, quality, safety expectations, this is the direct opposite and goes against the grain of Strategic Alliances. Gomes-Casseres 2003 p.1213 combines elements of item 1 2 above Alliances are agreements between two or more separate firms that involve ongoing resource contributions from each to create joint value, are incomplete contracts where the terms of the agreement cannot be completely specified and agreed at the outset and joint decision making to manage the business and share value We will be adopting the characteristics of item 3 above in our business plan. Alliances (large and small) have been around in one form or another since the early 1990s, they are used in all different industries across the world and the construction and engineering industry is no exception some notable projects that have been completed around the world using alliances are: Burj Khalifa, Dubai UAE, the worlds tallest building was built by a Joint Venture (type of strategic alliance) by Samsung Engineering Construction (South Korea), Besix (Belgium) and Arabtec from UAE; The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE, the worlds largest retail development was built by a Joint Venture Partnership (type of strategic alliance) by Dutco Balfour Beatty (the author used to work for this company) Al Ghandi and Consolidated Contractors International Company (DBB/AG and CCC); and Gateway Bridge Duplication Upgrade Project, Brisbane, Australia, was built by Leighton Contractors Abigroup Joint Venture at a cost of AUS$1.88b it consisted of the duplication of Gateway Bridge and 20km upgrading of Gateway Motorway, including the Gateway Deviation. This business plan has be developed using the principles of leading alliances academics, experts practitioners in their field in particular Gomes-Casseres work to develop best practices that work, while recognising that each alliance is unique and there is no one size fits all approach. This document is a work in progress and we would be working with the potential partners after the business alliance strategy has been established by MCS Constructions, to jointly develop the alliance operating plan, this will construct a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. The topic of this report is Defining a Business Plan for a Potential Strategic Alliance, there are many possible interpretations of this topic as strategic alliances have been in existence since the early 90s, are used in across a variety of different industries, companies both large and small, on a domestic and international level which can range from very simple to the complex. Drawing upon my own life/work experiences, knowledge, skills and qualifications in the construction and engineering industry both local and international over the last 10 years plus (refer CV in Appendix ?), and considering I do not have access to relevant information on an existing alliance, I will be looking at the feasibility of developing a potential strategic alliance and defining a business plan which will include but not limited to the following areas as outlined in the elective assignment specification (refer appendix ?): This is drawn on the extensive life/work experiences, knowledge, skills and qualifications gained by the owner/director Mr. Matthew C. Smith in the construction and engineering industry both local and international over the last 10 years plus (refer CV in Appendix ?), which is evident in the business today. We are exploring the feasibility of setting up a Strategic Alliance with other trusted companies within the industry, to provide its clients (Public Private) with single-source of responsibility, a one-stop shop to complete its projects of various sizes and complexity on time, to budget, quality and safety that exceeds the clients expectations and objectives. In order to do this a strategic alliance would provide a vehicle with capital/finance, additional knowledge, skills, experiences, expertise from the potential partner companies (Consultants, Major Preferred Suppliers and Major Preferred Subcontractors) both local international, resources, connections, capabilities and competencies, where the clients projects require a broad range of expertise, some of which we may not have in-house. We would be looking at developing this alliance capability to enter the overseas and remote projects in developing and third world countries in particular Middle East / Africa / Asia etc. We would also welcome alliances closer to home (Australia) when needed and depending on our clients requirements. Is to provide its clients (Public Private) with a single-source of responsibility, a one-stop shop to complete its projects of various sizes and complexity on time, to budget, quality and safety that exceeds the clients expectations and objectives in an economic, efficient, ethical, environmental sustainable way. At this stage of the business plan we have not identified any particular companies as potential partner organisations but MCS Constructions would be looking to undertake a strategic alliance that consists of both local and international firms (large or small) within the construction and engineering industry supply chain both up and down the line. The rationale for MCS Constructions to partner with the supply chain (as outlined above) both up and down the line (forward and backward integration) for it to deliver the alliances clients within the construction and engineering industry, projects that are on time, to budget, quality and safety and exceeds the clients expectations and objectives. We offer our potential partners our core competency of Technological Know-How and Management Know-How within our chosen area of knowledge, skills, experiences and expertise in commercial construction i.e. new build, fit-out, refurbishment and heritage listed work. We would be looking for a potential partner with which would complement us and provide capital/financing, additional resources, capabilities, competences, skills, experiences, knowledge, connections, expertise etc. The anticipated benefits would be that MCS Constructions would be able to grow and expand its business overseas into new markets with the additional capital/financing, resources, capabilities, skills, experiences and expertise in their chosen area i.e. Consultancy, Major Preferred Suppliers and Major Preferred Subcontractors, to share risk/reward (Gain/Pain Share) and am opportunity to learn. Now we have made the decision to enter a strategic alliance, we have many choices to be made that relate to the design of the alliance, scope, goals, management processes including legal, tax, insurances, financing, structure etc. This will be outlined in a formal alliance agreement (refer to appendix ? for a sample copy). In relation to legal, tax and insurances, performance bonds/guarantees, profit etc. (for the purposes of this report is outside its scope) this will depend on the local jurisdiction that the strategic alliance is under i.e. Country that the alliance is operating in for example Dubai, UAE it is a requirement that international companies setup a joint venture to partner with a local company sponsor where 51% will been owned by the local company and 49% by the international company. The author used to work for Dutco Balfour Beatty LLC in Dubai, UAE which was 51% owned by the local company Dutco and 49% owned by Balfour Beatty the international company. On a separate note the author used to work for Balfour Beatty in the UK. There are three major forms of strategic alliances Joint Venture, Equity Strategic Alliance and Non-Equity Strategic Alliances, the final decision on the form will be negotiated between all parties to their mutual benefit, but it is envisaged that we will use a Non-Equity Strategic Alliance (refer to definitions section) which over time may develop into a Joint Venture. Stage 1: Utilise the alliance partners specialty in their chosen area, we will allocate tasks and responsibilities to each partner on the basis of what they do best, we will tender and bid for constructions and engineering projects in various target markets/segments, tendering and bidding for projects requires capital, resources, time, etc., if we are not successful at winning work we will continue to look for other opportunities, if we are successful at winning work then we will move into Stage 2; Stage 2: Once we have successfully won and been awarded the project/contract from the client we will enter the Project Stage where we will utilise the alliance partners specialty in their chosen area, we will allocate tasks and responsibilities to each partner on the basis of what they do best, the project stage will depending on the type, size, complexity of the project be broken down into various stages which will typically following a traditional matrix: Alliances Specific Strategy and Alliances Analysis Selection this will be undertaken be the Senior Management of MCS Constructions championed by the owner / director Mr. Matthew C. Smith but will including other internal resources HRM, Accounting / Finance / Legal and Operational Managers, as well as external consultants when required and needed such as Facilitator, Lawyer, Investment Bank, Strategic Alliance Management Consultants i.e. Vantage Partners to provide their expertise as this is the first strategic alliance for MCS Constructions. Alliance Value-Creating Negotiations, Operational Planning and Structuring this will be continued by the owner / director Mr. Matthew C. Smith and the senior management of the preferred potential partner once a MOUP has been enacted by all parties including a non-disclosure confidentiality agreement, this is to continue to build the relational capital and trust between the parties moving forward. According to (Gomes-Casseres 2003 p. 120 64% of poor or damaged relationships between firms are the foremost cause of alliance failure.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Environmental conservation Essay -- essays research papers fc

An Environmental Conservationist, which is also known as a conservation scientist, is an excellent job for anyone who loves nature and wants to preserve all of earth’s natural wonders. As a conservationist you need to, â€Å"Find your own ways to make less trash, and help others to learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle.† (EPA). The job is a hands-on job which means â€Å"spending a major portion of the workday outdoors without regard to weather.† (Easton 35) Though this doesn’t seem like a scientific job to most people it is because it involves calculating the outcome of certain things on the environment. The purpose of this career is to protect the environment and the people and wildlife that live in it. The profession of environmental conservationist can be narrowed to certain fields. Some people specialize in land water or soil conservation. There are others who live for â€Å"addressing ‘environmental racism’, or the tendency to condone poorer environmental conditions (hazardous waste dumps, illegal/abandoned dumps) in areas populated mainly by people of color.† (Morkes 187) It is required that you at least have a bachelors degree to hold this job. Many people have Masters as well. Generally, your pay depends on which degree you hold. Those who held doctorates has an average pay of 52,162 dollars. Those who held their Berry 2 doctorate in research for this field had a higher salary which has a median of 61,451 dollars. â€Å"In 2000, the median pay was $47,140† (Easton 90) This is a career which is neither gender nor location specific. People with this career tend to travel to where the problem areas are, which is why it isn‘t location specific. The problem areas depend on which field someone specializes in. Both men and women hold this job. There isn’t a part of the job which requires either a male or a female to perform its task. This job involves a lot of â€Å"treating, teaching, listening, counseling, problem solving/creativity, designing, inventing, drawing/writing, and developing ideas or programs.† (Easton 35) It obviously requires a lot of hands on work as well as mental work, which is demonstrated in the â€Å"problem solving/creativity, designing, inventing† Easton 35) In addition to the required hands-on work, this is not a job for someone who cann... ...bout the environment and about preserving our natural recourses. I feel especially strong about Environmental Racism because I feel it is something I have been subjected to all of my life. This is a job for me because I enjoy using things that the earth provides, like water and snow and I want to protect it because "there is a need to ensure that the cleanliness and environmental safety †¦ are not compromised." (Manila Bulletin) Works Cited 1. Easton, Thomas. Careers in Science. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. 2004 2. â€Å"Environmental Conservationists†. Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guide. 2003 3. â€Å"Women and Work† Fact Monster.  © 2000–2004 Pearson Education, publishing as Fact Monster. 15 Dec. 2004 http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0906934.html. 4. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Solid Waste and Emergency response (5305W). Washington: September 2002. 5. DoT promotes environmental conservation in surfing tilt. Jaser A. Marasigan.Dec 15, 2004. http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2004121724655.html