Democracy in Nigeria Essay

By May 2009, Nigeria’s nascent democracy should have been a decade. Thus, the thrust of this paper is an in depth analysis of the possibility of sustaining democratic values beyond any sudden reversal. The. paper however, takes a cursory look at the daunting challenges ahead and infers that unless the government increases social expenditure and truncate the current brazen corruption, the hope of democratic consolidation may eventually be a mirage. Key words: democracy, nascent, corruption, state law and order As rightly collated by Decalo1, the events in Africa took scholars by surprise, since most doubted Africa could move towards democracy. Even in the mid-1980’s, one argued that by reason of their poverty or the violence of their politics, African states were unlikely to move in a democratic direction. Another adding that â€Å"to have expected democracy to flourish would have been historical blindness†3, since ‘outside the core (industrialized states) democracy is a rarity, support for Tilly’s thesis ‘why Europe will not occur again – with a few exceptions, the limits of democratic development in the world may well have been reached4. However, despite the doubts and skepticisms openly expressed by scholars, Nigeria, like several other African countries, became democratic. On May 29, 1999 Nigeria became a ‘democratic’ state. Prior to 1999 political transition, Nigeria was under firm military autocracy and absolutism for close to 29 years (since 1966), when the military made their first incursion into Nigeria’s government and politics, following the collapse of the first republic5. It is vital to note that authoritarian governments were interrupted only by a brief period of civilian rule in the Second Republic (1979-1983)6. Thus, Nigeria’s march to constitutional democracy was a chequered one marked by anti-colonial struggles, crises, coups, counter-coups, and a thirty-month agonizing civil war between 1967 and 1970. So far, Nigeria has passed through several phases in her democratization bid viz: (a) era of colonial autocracy and absolutism, that is, period of formal colonialism till October 1st 1960, when the country gained ‘flag’ independence; (b) emergence of constitutional democracy – (1960-1966), (c) the return of military autocracy and absolutism – (1966-1979); (d) restoration of constitutional democracy – (1979-1983); and (e) the second coming of military autocracy and absolutism – (1983-1989) . 7 Since 1989, that Nwabueze made that observation, the polity has added more phases to her democratization bid. With the inglorious ‘stepping aside’ of General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration in 1993, an Interim National Government (ING) was put in place, headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan, handpicked by an unelected military President (General Babangida), thereby making the ING suffer a serious legitimacy crisis ab initio6. The interim contraption collapsed after eighty-two days, following the declaration that it was illegal by a Lagos High Court in a suit instituted by the assumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election – Chief M.  K. 0. Abiola. Cashing-in on the court verdict, General Sani Abacha staged a coup d’etat, dissolved all the extant democratic structures retained by the ING, and once again, returned the country to a fiilJ blown military dictatorship. It was in this state of confusion that Gen. Abacha died in June 8,’ 1998 in a mysterious circumstance. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who took over after the demise of Gen. Abacha, who h ad a transition programme reputed to be the shortest in the annals of military-midwife political transitions in Nigeria. Eventually, barring all odds, Gen. Abubakar handed over the reins of government to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (a retired general) in 1999. With the inauguration of Chief Obasanjo’s civilian administration in 1999, hopes were high once again that democracy would be sustained and consolidated. But alas, the military background of Chief Obasanjo became a serious liability on the system when the supposedly democratic government became a replica of dictatorship in its entire facet. By 2003, after the expiration of his first term, his administration conducted a general election, and handed over to itself. This election was generally perceived to have been massively rigged. 9 In 2007, at the expiration of his administration’s constitutionally mandated second term, another general election was conducted to usher in another civil government. This election was remarkable in a number of ways. First, it was after eight tumultuous years of democracy – the longest period since independence from the United Kingdom in I960. 0 Secondly, for the first time in the history of the country, there was a civilian-civilian transfer of power. It would have been even more remarkable if there had been a transfer of power from the ruling party to the opposition. † Meanwhile, the thrust of this paper is an indepth analysis of the major challenges facing the nascent democracy in Nigeria to prevent it from the threats of authoritarian repression or what David Beetham calls â€Å"reverse waves†. 2 It is to these anti-democratic forces that could lead to democratic reverse which had taken place in Mauritania recently via a military coup d’etat that we now turn to. (A) As I have argued elsewhere13, quantitative cross-national research on the economic determinants of democracy and democratization generally consistently reveals that a country’s level of economic development is associated positively and strongly with the extent to which the political systems manifest properties of democracy. There is, therefore, a two-way causal relationship between the economy and sustainable democracy; the state of the economy is the determinant of enduring democracy, but democracy is a key pre-requisite for sustainable economic transformation. The message is: ‘oroad-based economic prosperity sustains democracy, whereas widespread poverty and ignorance undermine it. To mimic President Clinton of U. S. when he was running for office in 1992, ‘it is the economy, full stop! ’14 No doubt. Nigeria is potentially Africa’s largest economy. Every year, the country produces over 200,000 graduates of tertiary institutions (including 65 universities), has the 6th largest gas reserves in the world, eighth largest oil producer (with abundant, but largely untapped natural resources – gold, limestone, among others), and with 60 percent of its arable land lying fallqw. In the words of Soludo (2005), Nigeria has also millions of its citizens in Diaspora (with estimated 100,000 Nigerian medical doctors and scientists abroad). Unfortunately, was not lucky in the first 40 years of its independence with sustained good political governance. In his perceptive public lecture, Charles Soludo, Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor,16 noted further that democracy has not been endured in Nigeria simply because the economic numbers did not add up; whereas, democracy and indeed any form of government must deliver tangible economic benefits to the generality of the citizenry to be credible and sustainable. In a seminal article on ‘What Makes Democracy Endure’, Prezeworski found the empirical evidence that: Once a country has a democratic regime; its level of economic development has a very strong effect on the probability that democracy will survive †¦ emocracy can be expected to last an average of about 8. 5 years in a country with per capita income under $2,000; 33 years between $2,000-$4,000 and 100 years between $4,000-$6,000 †¦ Above $6,000 democracies are to live forever. No democratic system has fallen in a country where per capita income exceeds $6,033. 17 Be that as it may, most African states have few economic potentials of any significance (many literally nothing) that could attract foreign risk capital, which is why entrepreneurs did not flock into them in the past, irrespective of ideology or level of democracy! And to rely on local capital to fuel development is to foredoom many to perpetual marginality. 18 Taking a cue from the same line of argument, Akintunde19, while rationalizing the reasons for the demise of democracy in the first republic, postulated that a democracy which is not founded upon a secure economic base is not likely to succeed because it lacks an essential condition of efficiency. It is unable to fulfill the expectations of its citizens; in the common parlance, it cannot deliver goods. So significant is the economic base that many people have surmised that even communist countries, as they become wealthier, will come to resemble western democracy more and more20. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, as in most of the developing countries, due largely to the poor economic base, the middle class is a very small minority of the population. Western democracy is, therefore, not securely founded because it lacks one of the essential ingredients of success – an influential middle class. This fact, which is sometimes a surprise to African leaders21, was well known to Aristotle more than two thousand years ago. According to Aristotle, ‘when democracies have no middle class and the poor are greatly superior in number, trouble ensues and they are speedily ruined’. The nexus between democracy and the strength of the economy reveals that those who are not rich usually confined to mere voting, political career thus become the privilege of those who are wealthy enough to afford the leisure to devote to politics in most western countries, until the advent of Trade Union M.  Ps. 23Thus, while blaming the politicians, it is worth repeating that, by embarking on western democracy on an inadequate economic base, the Fourth Republic was set on a death course, it was bound to be corrupt. 24 The same scenario is playing itself out in Nigeria presently. No doubt, it is a daunting task in the face of the aforementioned historical evidence to sustain democracy in an economy like Nigeria, where per capita income has been below the $1,000 mark. That, according to Prezeworsk25, poses a serious threat. Considering the nexus between democracy and the economy vis-a-vis the expectation of an average African, Claude Ake (of blessed memory) averred that: The ordinary people of Africa are supporting democracy as a second independence. This time they want independence not from the colonial masters, but from indigenous leaders. They want independence from leaders whose misrule has intensified their poverty and exploitation to the point of being life threatening. And they are convinced that they cannot now get material improvement without securing political empowerment and being better placed to bring public policy closer to social needs. [Nonetheless] democracy is being interpreted and supported in ways that defeat those aspirations and manifest no sensitivity to the social conditions of the ordinary people of Africa. Generally, the political elites who support democratization are those with no access to power and they invariably have no feeling for democratic values. They support democratization largely as a strategy of power†¦Ã‚  The people can (only) choose between oppressors and by the appearance of choice legitimize what is really their disempowerment. 26 In line with the above postulations, Jerry Gana (a one-time Information Minister) admitted, too, that: You know the mentality of our people. If democracy does not produce clean water, if democracy does not produce good roads, transform agriculture, cultivate industrial development, sanitise society, give us power supply, democracy will lose credibility and they may say, na democracy we go chop? 7 The caveat is that where democratic processes do not yield economic returns, a regression to dictatorship cannot be ruled out. This point is clearly stated by Larry Diamond thus: †¦ Many new democracies in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa will probably breakdown in the medium to long run unless they can reduce their often appalling levels of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, and through market oriented reforms lay the basis for sustainable growth. When this is juxtaposed with the admittance by the Central Bank in its 2008 firs’; quarter report released to the public29, the economy is in perpetual crisis. The Apex Bank attributed the high rate of inflation in the country to the erratic power supply. According to the report, the inflation rate on a year to year basis was 7. 8 percent, compared to 6. 6 percent and 5. 2 percent recorded in the preceding quarter and the corresponding period of 2007. The report noted further that inflation rate on a 12-month roving average basis for the first quarter was 5. 8 percent compared with 5. percent recorded in the preceding quarter. Indeed, nothing can be more soothing to the nation’s debilitating power crisis, largely fingered for stunting the economy, rendering it comatose and occasioning a declining industrial sector, whose capacity utilization nosedived to a paltry 20 percent by the end of 2006. Epileptic power supply, a very prohibitive business climate and in consistency in government policies, have combined to smother the country’s industrial sector leading to the closure of multinationals, like Michelin, Panalpina, and other notable firms. The shrinking of the textile sector from 170 in the 60s, 70s, and 80s to 10 in the 90s, also evinces the acute nature of the problem. The recent disclosure by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, which probed the power sector that the country now generates less than a pitiable 1,000 megawatts, makes mockery of the country’s vision of becoming one of the 20 largest and most resilient economies by 2020, compared to South Africa, a country of 42 million people, which generates over 42,000 megawatts. Much of Nigeria’s investment in the power sector has been enmeshed in corruption and enthralled in the lust of the political elite for primitive accumulation. 31 The concomitant effect of poor economy is lingering with the poverty problem. Nigeria’s poverty conundrum has assumed a frightening dimension. In the words of Dr. Magnus Kpakol, Senior Special Assistant to the President and National Coordinator of National Poverty Eradication Program, in a public lecture entitled â€Å"Poverty Solution: The Role of Government in Poverty Eradication† declared that: The number of poor Nigerians could be, put at an estimated figure of 70 million †¦ n 1980, the figure was 28. 1 million. 1985, 46. 3 million; 1992, 42. 7 million; 1996, 65. 6 million and 1999,70. 0 million, 2004,54. 4 million. 32 He gave the statistical breakdown along the six regional levels to be â€Å"North-East, 72. 2 percent; South-East, 26. 7 percent; South-South 31. 5 percent; South-West 43. 1 perc ent; North-Central 67. 0 percent; and North-West, 71. 2 percent†. 33 Undoubtedly, something must be wrong somewhere, for a critical official poverty statistics, which revealed that over half of Nigeria’s 150 million population are poor, is unexplainable going by the abundant human and material resources in the country. The economy was so gloomy that 2007/2008 United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) Human Development Index (HDI) ratings placed Nigeria at 158th position out of 177 countries. 34 No doubt, democracy is endangered in Nigeria more than ever before. Poverty, want, and squalor are anti-democratic forces in the polity. The only exception is Indian democracy, which has long baffled theorists of democracy. Democratic theory holds that poverty, widespread illiteracy, and a deeply hierarchical social structure are inhospitable conditions for the functioning of democracy. But the historical novelty of Indian democracy was noted by Barrington Moore: Economically (India) remains in the pre-industrial age †¦ But as a political specie, it does belong to the modern world. At the time of Nehru’s death in 1964, political democracy had existed for seventeen years. If imperfect, the democracy was no more sham †¦ Political democracy may seem strange both in an Asian setting and one without an industrial revolution. 36 To avert recapitulation, my earlier work glaringly with empirical data proved the pathetic downslide of Nigeria’s economy over the years with the attendant threat to democratic sustenance. 7 Bruce Baker too in his perceptive piece emphasized much the strength of the economy and sustainable democracy. As a corollary to the aforementioned weak economy, the state, in terms of being weak or strong, matters to the study of threats to democracy both from within and without, as well as one of the common modes of failure of democracy and democratization. 39 Perhaps, the greatest manifestation of a weak state vis-avis sustainable democracy is that it cannot successfully administer a true and fair credible election which is the kernel of democracy. No doubt, one of the. fundamental problems that post-colonial African states are facing is that of how to sustain and consolidate democracy through credible elections. 40 In the whole continent of Africa, few states could lay claim to having genuinely conducted free and fair elections as universally perceived. Hence, election administration that will attain governmental legitimacy after polls has always been a serious concern to electoral scholars. 41 The reason for this is not far-fetched. It is well known that most new states in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are too weak for the assignment. This is why state capacity is one of the major prerequisites for democratic nurturing, sustenance, and consolidation. In the extant literature on democratization and state capacity generally, five elements are crucial to the strength of the state vis: (a) monopoly of the coercive power of society, that is, control of instrument of coercion; (b) the right to improve tax and collect revenue; (c) the power of legal enactment, that is, power to make laws; (d) sovereignty over territory and society; and (e) control of the institutions of the state or state apparatus, i. . bureaucracy. 42 These five elements taken together constitutes the basis of state power and they endow the state with the status of statehood. However, it needs be emphasized that nation states which qualify for the status of statehood may differ in their degree of stateness; some are strong states, and others are weak. No doubt, Nigeria falls into the category of weak or soft states. Like others in her category, Nigeria runs a system, one in which formal rules (laws, officially stated administrative rules and practices, etc. are applied copiously and in a lax manner rather than rigorously and consistently. It is one in which private advantage can be gained and private bargains struck concerning the enforcement or non-enforcement of the rules as when a businessman bribes a tax official. Besides money, another inducement is kinship sentiment while another is the favour of superiors. The consequential effect is that in several cases, individuals may be too powerful than the state in which the rule of law is abused with impunity. Cases of such were too numerous to be mentioned during the last Nigeria’s general elections in April 2007. 43 In a nutshell, the stronger the state in all ramifications, the better for deepening of democratic values in Nigeria. This can be achieved via the entrenchment of state institutions cum congruent political behaviour by the political elite. Perhaps the most crucial of all imperatives for the consolidation of Nigeria’s nascent democracy is the restructuring of the lopsided and structurally imbalance federal arrangement. As rightly noted by Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth: At the heart of the several conflicts plaguing the Nigerian state today is the consequence of the failure of the practice of true federalism. The power shift debate that characterized the politics of transition from military to civil rule and which has persisted several months after, rose largely out of the frustration of large segments of the population with the structure of the political system that has shut significant sections out of the corridors of power for most of the post-independence period. 4 With Nigeria being one of the most complex societies in Africa, federalism was adopted to integrate the plural and divided societies. This is in line with the perception of early generation of students of inter-group relations or plural societies, which considered federalism an effective way of achieving and preserving both integration and stability in deeply divided societies. Whenever events seemed to demand that a compromise is affected between the necessity for unity and cooperation on a wide territorial basis, â€Å"the temptation is to proffer catch all management formula, such as federalism .. >>45 This tendency to see federalism as a magic wand that can channel irreconcilable inter-ethnic hostility into conciliation and federal cooperation was subscribed to by Carnell, thus: â€Å"in tropical area characterized by extreme cultural and ethnic diversity †¦ federalism comes as something of a political panacea†. 4 In a nutshell, federalism is considered the most appropriate framework for governing multi-ethnic societies. However, recent events in Nigeria clearly demonstrate that the polity is far from being a federation, or alternatively as has been suggested, that Nigeria is not a true or real federation. 47 Since 1954, when the foundation of classical federation for Nigeria was laid,48 the system is still far from being problem-free. The story is that of both ‘political and governmental instability’. 49 Worst still, Nigeria’s ethnic make-up remains what Furnival calls â€Å"in the strictest sense a medley (of people) for they mix but do not combine†.

Lm317 Adjustable Voltage Regulator

Research about LM317 Positive Adjustable Linear Voltage Regulator: The LM317T is a 3-terminal integrated circuit which can supply a load current of up to 1. 5 Amps with an output voltage of between 1. 2V and 37 Volts. It accepts an input voltage of between 3 and 40 volts. It can be used to regulate either current or voltage in situations where a fixed current or fixed voltage is required. The level of current or voltage required can be adjusted by connecting the chip in series with a fixed resistor and a potentiometer. The LM317 is also a popular variable voltage regulator.It was invented by Robert C. Dobkin and Robert J. Widlar in 1970 while they worked at National Semiconductor. Furthermore, both line and load regulation is better than standard fixed regulators. In addition to having higher performance than fixed regulators, this device includes on-chip current limiting, thermal overload protection, and safe operating-area protection. All overload protection remains fully functiona l, even if the adjust terminal is disconnected. The LM317 is versatile in its applications, including uses in programmable output regulation and local on-card regulation.Or, by connecting a fixed resistor between the adjust and output terminals, the LM317 can function as a precision current regulator. An optional output capacitor can be added to improve transient response. The adjust terminal can be bypassed to achieve very high ripple-rejection ratios, which are difficult to achieve with standard three-terminal regulators. LM317 Adjustable Voltage Regulator pin configuration. LM317 Adjustable Voltage Regulator Internal Block Diagram Operation of the LM317 Adjustable Voltage Regulator: A constant 1. 5V reference voltage (VREF) produces a constant current (IREF) through R1 regardless of the value of R2. IREF = VREF / R1 In operation, the LM317 develops a nominal 1. 25V reference voltage, VREF, between the output and adjustment terminal. The reference voltage is impressed across the r esistor R1 and, since the voltage is constant, a constant current I1 then flow through the output set resistor R2, giving an output voltage of: VOUT = VREF (1+ R2/R1) + IADJ R2 (The IADJ is typically a 50 Â µA; it is negligible in most applications and the input voltage should be 2-3V higher than with its output voltage. Application Information: NOTES: A. Ci is not required, but is recommended, particularly if the regulator is not in close proximity to the power-supply filter capacitors. A 0. 1-? F disc or 1-? F tantalum provides sufficient bypassing for most applications, especially when adjustment and output capacitors are used. B. CO improves transient response, but is not needed for stability. C. The Output Voltage (Because IAdj typically is 50 ? A, it is negligible in most applications. ) D. CADJ is used to improve ripple rejection; it prevents amplification of the ripple as the output voltage is adjusted higher.If CADJ is used, it is best to include protection diodes. E. If t he input is shorted to ground during a fault condition, protection diodes provide measures to prevent the possibility of external capacitors discharging through low-impedance paths in the IC. By providing low-impedance discharge paths for CO and CADJ, respectively, D1 and D2 prevent the capacitors from discharging into the output of the regulator. Schematic Diagram: Solving for IREF: IREF = VREF / R1 IREF = 1. 25V / 10000? IREF = 125mA Solving for VOUT(MIN) and VOUT(MAX):VOUT (MIN)/(MAX) = VREF (1+ R2/R1) + IADJ R2 VOUT(MIN) = 1. 25V (1+ 0? /10000? ) + 0. 000050A * 0? VOUT(MIN) = 1. 25V VOUT(MAX) = 1. 25V (1+ 50000? /10000? ) + 0. 000050A * 50000? VOUT(MAX) = 10V (Therefore, the minimum input voltage that in order to supply its maximum output voltage is 12V. ) List of Components: Name| Type| Symbol| Material| Description| LM317 (IC) | Adjustable Linear Voltage Regulator| | | It is an adjustable three-terminal positive voltage regulator capable of supplying more than 1. 5A over an ou tput-voltage range of 1. 5 V to 37 V. | Potentiometer| Variable Resistor| | | Informally, a pot, in electronics technology is a component, a three-terminal resistor with a sliding contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end and the wiper, it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. | Ceramic Capacitor| Unpolarized| | | It is a two-terminal non-polar device that is constructed of alternating layers of metal and ceramic, with the ceramic material acting as the dielectric. | Name| Type| Symbol| Material| Description|Electrolytic capacitor| Polarized| | | Formerly known as condenser, is a passive two-terminal electrical component used to store energy in an electric field. | Resistor| Carbon Film| | | It is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. The current through a resistor is in direct proportion to the voltage across the resistor's terminals. | Diode| Rectifier| | | It is a two-terminal electronic components that allow current to flow in only one direction, from an anode (+) to a cathode (-), and that convert AC to DC. Component Layout: PCB Design Layout: Conclusion: I observed that the output voltage of the regulator (LM317) is depend on the R1 and R2 because when the R2 is set to minimum output resistance, the output voltage decrease to its minimum value that is equal to the voltage reference (VREF) while it is set to the maximum resistance, its output voltage will increase and it will reach its maximum output voltage that it can supply. As I said, that the output voltage can control and set it to the value that you desired or enough to supply a load or a circuit.

Food Scarcity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Food Scarcity - Essay Example Hundreds of thousand of families in the Middle East are having a hard time coping with hunger, malnutrition and safety risks because they are forced to increase their spending money on food with high prices. Hence, poor families are further plunged into poverty since they cannot make ends meet. It was also noted that there is a serious humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to rising food prices, failed crops and market access that is menacing thousands of poor families. Once considered as the â€Å"largest refugee-hosting region in the world (Colin, et al, n.d.),† the Middle East at present regard basic staples like milk or fruit as luxuries. The increases of food prices will continually destabilized the region and make it more vulnerable to current surges of unrests and political conflicts that have been present as long as history can remember. The probable way to solve mass food problem in the Middle East is to develop the agricultural industry and secure sufficient wate r supply by introducing new technology under the support of international organizations and aid.

How do perception cognition and emotion affect negotiation Assignment

How do perception cognition and emotion affect negotiation - Assignment Example More often than not, perception can lead to various perceptual distortions that can affect the outcome of any negotiation and the times it can be in a negative way or error in subsequent communication. This is because perception depends on the perceiver’s present state of mind and comprehension Stereotyping, Halo effect, Selective Perception, and Projection are all perceptual distortions that in a given any negotiation environment and can lead to erroneous communication and build predispositions that will affect the outcome of a particular negotiation. Cognition is a common tendency to obtain process information by filtering it through a person’s own dislike, like and experiences. In other words, it is an irrational escalation of a commitment. Cognitive bias just like perception has a negative effect on negotiation, and a good negotiator should always develop skills to manage it. Negotiator should be aware that cognitive biases and misperceptions that occurs as he gather and process information and outline them in a structured manner within his team and with his counterparts. In addition, careful discussion of the issues during negotiation and preference can minimize the outcomes of perceptual biases. This is critical aspects and if not properly checked may lead to a negative outcome of a negotiation. In addition, it is important to consider when and how to interact in order think properly while trying to comprehend information around our environment to enhance negotiation. Closely related to these aspects are the various t ypes of cognitive biases that may result in an outcome of in negotiations: Irrational escalation of commitment, overconfidence, anchoring and adjustment, availability of information, issue framing and risk the winner’s curs, the law of small numbers, endowment effect, self-serving biases, reactive devaluation, ignoring others’ cognitions.

Evaluating an International Human Resource Strategy (Sarun) Essay

Evaluating an International Human Resource Strategy (Sarun) - Essay Example The report mentions PESTLE analysis, necessary to understand how and why they shape their HRM strategy in India. The report also looks into evaluating the main HRM models that are relevant to the recognized economic drivers for Starbucks. It studies how the interim strategy is benefiting the employees and helping them achieve their career goals. The HRM report also covers an analysis of different approaches of HRM globally and that are actually used at Starbucks and how they can be modified in India. The links identified between the business strategy and the interim strategy are crucial to the differences between international and local policies. The report of Starbucks and corporate also covers the successful impact of HRM policy on overall organizational performance. A section is specifically assigned towards recognizing the employee involvement and participation in how this creates a healthier work environment. The report also looks into the reward system as how Starbucks Corporat ion encourages their workforce to achieve better results. And finally based on the discussion from the literature and the practical examples of HRM in the Starbucks Corporation suggestions are given that will help improve the HRM strategy for their joint venture in India. Starbucks Corporation was established in 1971 Seattle, Washington. It grew to 55 stores in 1989 and today it has over 19,767 stores all over the world (Starbucks Company Profile, 2013). It started its overseas operations in 1996, starting from Tokyo (Bussing-Burks, 2009). The main products sold at the outlets include; ready-made coffee, whole coffee beans, beverages, pastries and other coffee related retail items. Starbucks Corporation belongs to the disposable income industry of food and beverages. Since 1990s the industry has seen tremendous growth, this also brings a lot of competition for Starbucks.

Distance Education (online education) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Distance Education (online education) - Essay Example However, it is to be born in mind that many of the distance learning systems also follow the semester system or quarter terms in terms of their academic schedule and the learners are asked to submit assignments and projects via Web or e-mail. Most of the online courses are either instructor-led or instructor-facilitated courses. Similarly, the online education system offers opportunity for the learners to receive timely instructions, clarifications and guidance from the instructors via internet. In the same way, the distance education emphasise that education is a continuous life long process and even learners who are unable to attend regular schooling or on-campus programs can achieve various degrees at the Associate, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels. This paper seeks to explore the various aspects of distance education and in doing so the paper also deals with the major advantages and disadvantages of distance education (online education). The success or failure of distance education depends on various components. As Helm & Helm point out, â€Å"the electronic mail (e-mail), scheduled internet relay chat, and the World Wide Web are considered internet based components to online distance learning courses† (Helm & Helm 2) and therefore it is imperative that aspirants who wish to join online courses should have the necessary infrastructure for the same. Similarly, knowledge of the technology and essential computer skills are the two necessary prerequisites for online education and as Johnson and Manning point out, online education benefits the learner the most as one can plan one’s own schedule, save time and money, can complete many courses sooner than the regular stream, and can get rid of all sorts of pettiness and bias that prevail in traditional classes (Johnson, & Manning 12). Convenience and flexibility are the two factors that attract many learners towards distance or online

Consultant Proposal (Quantitative management) Term Paper

Consultant Proposal (Quantitative management) - Term Paper Example ?Every night (or early morning) the dispatcher prepares a routeing schedule for the next day. Customers or sites to be visited are those based on calls from the previous day (regular-basis operations and one-time operations) or on complaints from sites that were not visited the day before owing to certain circumstances, e.g. breakdown of a truck, or traffic congestion. On a daily basis approximately 200 sites are to be visited and up to 20 different types of container are to be handled by a 27-truck fleet. The four types of waste can be transported to around ten waste processing facilities. Truck capacity is limited to one container unless a trailer is added. ?When scheduling the available trucks, several constraints have to be taken into account. Most of them are compatibility constraints such as: driver and truck should be seen as a combination; not all containers can be put on all trucks; driving with dangerous waste requires a special truck and a driver with an appropriate licenc e; there is a relation between waste type and waste processing facility; customers prefer certain types of container. ... ?[from Container Transport – a case study by D Cattrysse, K Geeroms, A Proost and C Van der Heyde] ASSIGNMENT TASKS ? †¢ Examine and present the problem (in your own words), determine what data you would need to collect to improve operations and where you would obtain this data, examine the literature and present a review, choose and describe an algorithm, model and/or approach that could be used to assist operations. Describe how this algorithm/model/approach could be implemented. ?†¢ Present your work in the form of a consultant’s proposal, that is, as if you were consultants who had been asked to assist the company improve operations. ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS ?†¢ Assignment Cover sheet. ?†¢ Consultant’s proposal. MARKING SCALE ?†¢ Presentation /2 ?†¢ Structure /3 ?†¢ Data description and source /2 ?†¢ Literature review /5 ?†¢ Solution method /5 ?†¢ Solution implementation /3 Total /20 marks QUOTES (TO BE USED IN PA PER) â€Å"There are promising consulting opportunities, mainly in†¦solid waste management† (Sam, 1999, pp. 92). â€Å"Integrated sustainable waste management is based on ‘good garbage governance,’ and its goal includes inclusive, financially sustainable and institutionally responsive waste management, which funcitons well for users and providers† (United Nations, 2010, pp. 141). BIBLIOGRAPHY Sam PA, 1999. International environmental consulting practice: how and where to take advantage of global opportunities. US: John Wiley & Sons. United Nations, 2010. Solid waste management in the world’s cities: water and sanitation in the world’s Cities 2010. UK: UN-HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements

Your opinion of the war against drugs (illegal drugs) Essay

Your opinion of the war against drugs (illegal drugs) - Essay Example Politicians understand that ‘tough talk’ on drugs gains votes by tapping into the parents’ natural instincts to protect their children. A politician’s promise to eradicate drugs is a popular sentiment amongst parents who wish to shield their kids from drugs. It is interesting that the debate on drug policies is simply that, drug policies, without distinction for the different types but youths certainly realize that there is a difference. This is evidenced by the fact that the great majority of youths who use illegal drugs choose the least harmful. The debate combines heroin with cannabis when attempting to find a solution to the problem but different drugs include widely different issues which require widely different solutions. America’s war against recreational drugs is an example of good intentions gone terribly wrong. While this country squanders over billions of dollars annually on the efforts to stop illegal drugs, trafficking and use continue as the related violence escalates. Those that want to continue the ‘war’ say that it is well worth the effort and money to try to stop the trafficking and use of illegal drugs because the practice increases criminal activity causes more pregnancies, suicide and disease especially for teens. The U.S. fights the ‘war on drugs’ by trying to inspect all cargo and passengers entering along any of the country’s 9,600 miles of land and sea borders, aboard any of the 200,000 ships, 900,000 aircraft, 135 million trucks, trains, buses or automobiles, in any of the 16 million containers or in some non-recorded boat, plane or other mode of entry (McCaffrey, 2005). It does this through search and seizure conducted by a variety of different agencies, depending upon the mode of transportation and port of entry. These agencies include the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Coast Guard as well as numerous state and local organizations and initiatives. Although it is reported that the

Merger and Acquisition in China Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Merger and Acquisition in China - Coursework Example This was undertaken in the form of a qualitative study as the author was obtaining subjective information relating to the failure of this merger/acquisition. This was undertaken in the form of primary research. The qualitative methods were also chosen as the information obtained was used to develop themes and form conclusions on the reasons behind the collapse of the DANONE and Wahaha Group deal (Cooper and Schindler 2003, Creswell 2003, Hair et al 2003, Saunders et al 2003) that will be useful for determining the advantages and disadvantages of establishing mergers and acquisitions in the Chinese market. The primary research with the head of Wahaha demonstrated the lack of openness or the no willingness to discuss this issue in great detail. The benefits derived by China from its merger and acquisitions activity with developed nations include increased development and economic activity. The benefits also include the acquisition of new technology, knowledge and skills, which would ha ve otherwise taken significantly longer to achieve, and for a relatively lower price. However, the main disadvantages are that of the lack of knowledge of mergers and acquisitions as they are mainly driven by the developed world. Mergers and acquisitions do occur in China regularly, but this is different to such activities with companies that are not Chinese. Table of Contents Table of Contents 4 1.0 Introduction 5 1.2 Significance of the study 10 1.3 Research objectives 11 1.5 Research model 12 2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions and the Stock Market 15 2.1.1 The merger and acquisition environment 16 2.2 Cross Border Mergers and Acquisitions 18 2.2.1 Cross Border problems faced by Chinese companies 20 2.2.2 Countermeasures faced by Chinese companies 22 2.4 Business Culture 26 2.5 Introduction to Case Study 27 3.0 Methodology 28 4.0 Results 33 4.1 Primary Research 33 4.2 Secondary Research 34 5.0 Discussion 49 6.0 Conclusion 56 6.1 Recommendations 59 6.2 Limitations 60 7.0 References 61 1.0 Introduction The open door policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in China in1992 with the intention to push forward China's economic progress brought in considerable wealth in the form of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) (Galbraith, 2000). This policy enabled institutional change (North 1990), which in turn created opportunities for investment into the Chinese economy. What was different about this policy was that it was a gradual change and not a sudden change as experienced in other developing countries, which led to bankruptcies and high costs (Campbell and Lindberg 1991). This policy also placed emphasis on foreign capital policy, the foreign exchange system, and it also offered promising conditions for foreign investors (Galbraith, 2000). This policy has since reaped dividends given that the main mode for FDI into the Chinese economy has been through foreign funded and joint venture companies. This has also reflected in figures which show that between 1990 and 1996, China managed to attract appr oximately $230 billion of foreign capital, with 20% of that amount coming from developing nations (Galbraith, 2000). However, the open door policy

Important People of History Essay Example for Free

Important People of History Essay Ancient Greece was known for many things, including great thinkers and philosophers. Many names come to mind from this period, including that of Socrates. Certainly, none are so colorful. He wrote nothing, but his impact was unmatched by others. His ideas were revolutionary, and caused enough controversy that he was finally put on trial in Athens, guaranteeing that his mark on history would be indelible. Socrates was born in 469 B. C. E. to Sophroniscus and Phaenarete. Little is known about him beyond what others wrote, since he resisted any urges to put words on paper. What is known about him comes from Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Plato, all of whom wrote about him. However, their narratives differ in some crucial ways, and so there are some things that will never be known about the enigmatic philosopher. Socrates was a firm believer in the power of the intellect. He insisted that â€Å"a man must order his life by the guidance of his own intellect,† believing that it was this above all that must be cultivated. He never hesitated in saying what he believed, and this tendency made him unpopular in many circles. However, he did not allow this to deter him from expressing these beliefs. Knowledge and truth were paramount to him, and he would not sacrifice these virtues for anything. When he was eighteen, Socrates was required to do the duty of every citizen, and this included training in the Athenian militia. He served the years that were expected of him, engaging in battle in 432 as a foot soldier to help put down a revolt. On the way home from the siege that followed, Socrates saved the life of Alcibiades during a subsequent battle near Spartolus, losing the battle. They returned to Athens in 429, where he was accused of helping the playwright Euripides to write his tragedies. Important People of History Page 2 of 5 Socrates next saw battle at Delium in 424. The Athenians saw defeat yet again, although Socrates distinguished himself once more. In another year, he was yet again immersed in battle, this time at Amphipolis. This ended in another defeat, and was also the last battle that Socrates fought. Peace was made between Athens and Sparta, and this is when Socrates could begin to concentrate in earnest on debates and discussions to pass on his ideas and beliefs. Education, democracy, and Mystery religion were key themes in this. During this time, Socrates married Xanthippe, and they would have two sons. Socrates perhaps became best known for the Socratic Method. This method was meant to help intellectuals come to correct conclusions, and it made definition the most essential point of this. In a desire to find the truth, Socrates believed that one must â€Å"require a standard of truth and an explanation of the causes of error. † The comparison of two ideas is necessary in making a judgment, and those ideas must be clear and not vague. This method lasted throughout the centuries, and is still practiced today. Socrates is also known as the founder of utilitarianism. Ethics and the process of applying his methods to them was a key interest of his, and this study led to utilitarian ideas. With this, he came to the conclusion that good is useful and â€Å"virtue is happiness. † This formed the core of his paradox, which is that men do not willingly commit wrongs, and that this is done only through ignorance. While Socrates wrote nothing, he spent a great deal of his life conversing with others. This was a major part of his Socratic method. He never attempted to teach, for he believed that he had no knowledge. He professed that he was only exceptional in the fact Important People of History Page 3 of 5 that he knew that he knew nothing. It was a goal of his to prove that popular ideas were inconsistent, and he wished to convince all to whom he spoke that their convictions could not stand up under examination. Socrates was well known for frequenting places such as marketplaces, where he would engage people in conversation. He enjoyed doing this with people of all ranks and stations, often putting off important people and gaining their animosity. His manner and lack of deference gained him many enemies; many resenting what they felt were his ridicule. There was nothing that Socrates felt was too sacred to question and criticize, and this included both religion and government. He was perhaps more agnostic than anything, and he had no compunctions about questioning and criticizing the gods. This added to feelings of animosity against him, as did the fact that he was also quite vocal against the ruling powers. It was this that was to lead to his arrest and subsequent trial, which is perhaps the pinnacle of his career. Socrates was arrested when he was seventy on charges that â€Å"he does not believe in the gods recognized by the city, but introduces strange supernatural beings; he is also guilty, because he corrupts the youth. † The political reasons were kept quiet, instead focusing on impiety, and the sentence proposed was that of death, although those who accused him had no real desire to put him to death, only to force him to leave and no longer be a thorn in their sides. However, Socrates refused to leave, instead remaining behind to face the charges against him. A life away from his interactions with the Athenians would not have suited him, and so he remained. Important People of History Page 4 of 5 Socrates faced a jury of 501 men. This jury, as all Athenian juries, would vote twice. Their first vote was on guilt or innocence, and their second vote was for the sentence. While Socrates expected that he would be convicted, he expressed surprise at â€Å"how closely the jury was split on the first and basic question. † It was a difference of six percent that would have turned the tide, acquitting him. Socrates had the chance to avoid a sentence of death once the verdict came in. It was a practice of the Athenian law system to allow the defendant to put forth another punishment, and the jury would choose between the two. However, the punishment that Socrates suggested was merely a small fine, which was so minuscule a punishment that the jury had little choice but to condemn him to death. It was not for thirty days after his trial that Socrates would meet his end. During that time, his friend Crito appealed to him to escape, but Socrates believed that the harm that would come from that would be a greater harm to the city than to allow himself to follow through with the sentence, and that it would have â€Å"brought shame on his family and friends. † Socrates did not seem to fear his death. In fact, on the day upon which he was scheduled to die, he seemed quite happy and pleasant. Death was perhaps another opportunity for him to learn and experience. He was also not alone when the end came, as his wife and younger son, as well as friends, were present. He spent his last day doing what he loved best, discussing philosophy and once more passing on his wisdom. Xanthippe was taken home before his actual death took place, leaving him with his Important People of History Page 5 of 5 friends and advising them to agree if they believed what he said was truth, and to oppose it if they did not, refusing to restrain themselves. To the end, he was determined to hold onto his ideals and beliefs, and insisted on others doing so as well. After bathing and then meeting with his family once more, he met with his executioners. He was given a glass of hemlock after having its effects explained to him. After this formality, he â€Å"cheerfully took the cup and drank. † Thus ended the life of one of the most profound leaders of philosophy. Socrates, through all of his life, lived up to the ideals and beliefs that he taught. He never compromised these, even up to the day that he died. To him, the importance of remaining true to himself and his teachings was paramount, and to do otherwise would be an injustice. He did not simply talk and hope that others learned from him; he lived by example and died by the same. His legacy proved to be quite enduring, and is still a cornerstone of philosophy to this day. His students, such as Plato, helped to preserve this and pass it on. Without Plato and others, little would be known today of Socrates. The impression he made was a lasting one, and a good example even today, encouraging people not to be afraid to question and discuss, because without these things, learning cannot be successful. Works Cited Bury, J. B. and Russell Meiggs. A History of Greece. London: Macmillan Education LTD, 1975. Nails, Debra. â€Å"Socrates. † Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 16 Sept. 2005. http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/socrates/. Stone, I. F. The Trial of Socrates. New York: Doubleday, 1989.

Analyze The Economy Of Mexico Economics Essay

Analyze The Economy Of Mexico Economics Essay Introduction In this report, we will analyze the economy of Mexico. The following steps would bring you to understand more about this place. According to those information, you will know how the economy growing in Mexico, the value of place and learn something from here. First, we would like to introduce the place about its information background. Then, we talk about the hospitality industry and leisure in the world and the hospitality industry and leisure in Mexico as well. The PESTLE analysis of Mexicos environment, investment in private and public also deal with and deep realize the income of Mexico that including the hospitality income, tourism income, personal income and employment price. To make the discuss that the economic development from 2000 until now. Then we will talk about the balance of payment and exchange rate. After that we will mention the globalization and sustainability with Mexico. Also to analyze the SWOT of Mexico, deal with the economy of Mexico weather this place has val ue to continue investment. Finally, we talk about three big issues in Mexico which are crime, pollution and climate. Those may bring the influence with Mexico economy. Background information Mexico Location Mexico is located in south part of North America and has 31 states and one federated area. Mexico links Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, those are bordered on the north of Mexico and south of Mexico are Guatemala. The size of Mexico is 1972550 square kilometers that included lots of uninhabited island. Its near one- fifth the size of the USA also three times the size of Texas. The Capital is Mexico City which is located the south of country. The economy of Mexico developed fast that is number 14 of order in IMF (International Monetary Fund). Population Mexico is the first Spanish Country which has the most populous and it is also the second number of population in Latin America. In 2003, United Nations counted the population of Mexico around 103,457,000. The number of population in the world is eleventh. It was about 5% of population over 65 year of age in this year and 33% of population under 15 year of age. The ratio of man to women is 24:25. The growth of population is 3.1 % which is highest rate in the world during 1970 to 1980. According the data from United Nations, the growth of population rate was 1.45% per year of 2000-2005 and the density of population was 52 per square kilometers within 2002. According to the statistics in 2010, the population was growing to 112,468,855. Culture Spanish is national official language cause by the colonization. But there are many languages combined into Spanish that is different than usual. In addition their official language, there are 62 indigenous languages. The culture of Mexico mixes the local legend and Spanish culture and arts. About the religion, there isnt set up the official religion in Mexico. Due to the colonization by Spanish cause Roman Catholicism which is brought from Spanish to be the main religion. According to the census data, there are 95% to believe Christian and 89 % are Roman Catholics. Resource The crude oil was abundant in Mexico which is the seventh largest producer in 2009. Its also the second large supplier of oil and gas for USA that is the largest income of Mexico comes from. Nowadays, there is a problem about the reserve of oil decline that may impact their economy. In addition to above resources, minerals are important. Mexico is one of the most geologically dynamic areas in the world. Such as the silver which is ranked fifth number in the world. Hospitality industry and leisure in the world The hospitality industry is growing fast and main service department in the world. There is lots of different service industries included in hospitality such as food service, hotels and tourism. According the research, we can know many of countries economy are come from the tourism which is mutual influence with the hotel industry. In this part, we will deeply deal with the hotels industry in the world. Then the follow information is talking about the different and special hotels in the world: Ÿ Shoe hotels: The feature of hotel is built into the giant shoe and this idea was come from the story Old woman live in the shoe. The largest shoe hotel is in Japan and the most popular shape is platform dancing shoe of women. Ÿ Ice and snow hotels: The feature of hotel is built with the ice, every winter they need to rebuild the hotel cause by melting in each spring. Ÿ Underwater hotels: The feature of hotel is building under the water; you may see the view of sea directly in the guest room. Hospitality industry and leisure in Mexico In Mexico, tourism is very important and large industry. The place is number one destination for foreign travelers in the area of Latin America and number two destination in the area of whole America. It is ranked number ten of international travelers visited destination. It had over 22.6 million traveler arrival Mexico. The economic contribution of tourism increase to 13.2% and GDP (Gross Domestic product) increase 8% in 2008. The GDP of hotel industry was 17%. There are two features of location in hotel industry, one is near the beaches and another is located in cities. The following information is about kind of hotel in Mexico: Ÿ Intelligent Hotels Ÿ Grand Tourism Ÿ Resort Hotels with Spa Ÿ Boutique Hotels Ÿ Hotels of Limited Services: Ÿ No Category hotels: Economic Development In this part, we will talk about the economy of development from the 2000 to now in Mexico. In beginning of 21 century, Mexico paid back all the debts to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and received the largest number of directly investment from other countries. Although the economy of Mexico declined cause the lower demand in 2001 and 2002. According to the economy program, the government tried to reach the goals of program and improved their financial states to raise high competitiveness and promote productivity in 2002. From the year to 2006, the government looked for some solutions to reduce the problem of financial deficit and public debts. Although the government planned to limit the costs, the social expenditure still needed and increased. In order to eliminating the issue of indigence, the government thought to change the tax reform and attracted more competitive by telecommunication, also allowed to invest by private in energy. Then Mexico joined in the WTO (World Trad e Organization) and the beginning of the Doha Trade also contained. A free trade was supported by government in the region of America. After in 2009, Barack Obama wanted large people of illegal immigrants in UAS to go down that might help the development of economy in Mexico by his aspect. The biggest important issue of economic development in Mexico is sustained flow of labor which keeps in northern area. And the flow of principal in southern area need to maintain stable, both would keep the economy running. Many of economic developments are based on reformation. Such as the free trade, NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement) had obvious benefits. But the price of raw materials was raised to influence the economic development that began the recession in this year. The period of 2010 and 2011 is recovery, with GDP growth of 5 ½ per cent in 2010 and 4  ½ per cent in 2011. Although the export would be slow this followed the exceptional rebound in 2010, the strong domestic deman d keep the recovery of Mexico. Environmental: PESTEL Political I. The important economic and trade policies in Mexico: included attracting foreign investment to create jobs, promote exports, encourage the development of high-tech industries and small enterprise; increased infrastructure, oil and natural gas investment, eliminate the state of drug abuse to maintain public security, and thus improve competitiveness, employment rate and tax reform to resolve the problem of tax evasion behavior. II. Important economic and trade measures in Mexico: Mexican government in September 2009 launched the economic plan of 2010 for to improve their economy, the plan can be divided into two section that one is fiscal Reform and one is competitive reform. The goals of fiscal reform section: To intensify the public finances in the short term, to create a stable income for supplanting dwindling oil taxes, motivate their economic recovery and growth. This fiscal reform measures to change the tax system, the involved tax including business income tax (ISR), cash deposits withholding tax (IDE), value added tax (IVA), the production and service at a special tax (IEPS) and a flat tax (IETU), and it also created a new tax in the tax system. The main measures include: Value-added tax (IVA): increased from 15% tax rate to 16% tax rate. Beer tax: increase the beer tax rate from 25% to 28% began in 2010 until 2012; the beer tax rate will decrease to 27% in 2013, in 2014 will decrease to 25%. Spirits tax: alcohol concentration exceeding 20 degrees of spirit that levied 3 Peso per liter for tax. Cigarette tax: levied 0.8 Peso per cigarette in 2010, in 2013 will increase to 2 Peso per cigarette. Lottery tax: from 20% tax rate increased to 30% tax rate. Communications tax: public network communications services tax rate was 4%. Personal and business income tax: the maximum tax rate will be increased from 28% to 30% began in 2010 to 2012, the maximum tax rate will decrease to 29% in 2013 and decrease to 28% in 2014. The maximum tax of primary industries changed to 21%. Cash deposit withholding tax: tax rate from 2% increased to 3%, the minimum deposit amount from 25 000 Peso decrease to 15,000 Peso. To reduce tax for poor people: to levied 2% tax to all of the sales goods and services, and the poor people no need to pay the tax of the export goods. Oil and natural gas extraction tax: tax rate from 20% dropped to 15%. Economic The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America published the â€Å"2010 survey of the economic situation in Latin America† report in 2010.12.23, the report indicated the Latin American economic growth of 6% in 2010 that reversed the trend of economic decline, the report estimated that Latin American economy will continue to grow in 2011 and the increase rate is 4.2%. In 2010, the South America was the fastest region where grew economies in Latin America and the growing rate was 6.6%; Mexico and Central American countries was the second where growing rate was 4.9%. The report also predicted that Mexican economic growth of 4.6% in 2011. In 2010, Mexican annual GDP growing rate was 5.5% that is the highest rate in the past ten years, data show that the fourth quarter of last year, Mexican manufacturing sector output value growth of 6%, construction output value growth of 4.3% and the hospitality sector growth of 5%. Mexican National Statistics indicated that Mexico has moved out from the economic recession which was brought by the global financial crisis in 2009. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicated Mexican GDP grow by 4.5% in 2011. Social Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country which also is the second most populous country in Latin America, entire country has about 60% population is Indo-European mestizos, 30% population is Indian descendant, 9% European descendant and 1% another nation. Mexico is a Catholic country, entire country has 89% of the population is Catholic, but there also has 6% of population believe in the various Protestant, the remaining 5% of the population believe in other religions or no religion. The total population of Mexico is 103.3 million, there is the third most of population in Americas, after the United States and Brazil and ranked eleventh in the world. There has 12,000 churches across the country, almost every three or four blocks there has a church, so Catholic has important influence in Mexico and effect Mexican habits directly, and Mexican realize purple is unlucky color. Technological Mexico has a technical standard for protect Mexicans and animal or plant life, environmental and consumer mandatory. Mexico is the member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The technical standards in Mexico divided into voluntary standard and mandatory standards. Mandatory standards (NOM) also known as the official Mexican standards, Its main purpose is to protect human and animal or plant life or health, environmental, or prevention of fraud on the goods, services or production. Voluntary standard also known as Mexico Standard(NMX), mainly used to guide consumers, producers as well as a tool improve the quality. Mexico Standard is composed by 6 private unite and 9 government departments Mexicos national standards system by the six private units and 9 government(Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Communications, Energy, Environmental Protection, Ministry of Health, Labor, Tourism and Social Development). Mexicos National Standardization Committee† to formulate policies, coordinates implementation of the standards, and by standardizing the annual plan. It is also responsible for the development and implementation of technical standards body, which represents the Mexican scientific research, industry, trade and consumer interests in standardization. Currently, the Mexican government thinks that the Mexican standard has gap with ISO or other international standards. In the electronics industry, the standard match rate with ISO or other international standards is 80%, but some industry only 10% or 20% (e.g. pollutant Emission standards, the determination of origin and travel services, etc.). Mexican Official Standard was about 65% co rrespond with international standards. Environmental (1) Geographical environment : Mexico situate in the south of the north America, its north side adjacent with U.S, the south side adjacent with Guatemala and Belize, the east side adjacent with Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, the west side adjacent with Pacific Ocean, so it became the geographical hub for connecting the North American and South American. Mexico became an attraction for the foreign investors because of its vast place, large population, abundant labor, low cost of labor and land and it also is a member in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (2) Energy: Mexico has abundant oil, water, electricity, natural gas and other energy supply. Mexico is the worlds sixth largest oil producer. Calderà ³n government announced a plan to cut the industrial electricity price rates in 2009 for promoting their economic (high-voltage decreased 20%, medium-voltage decrease 17%, low voltage and commercial power decrease 9%), and allow businesses to choose a fixed electricity rate for 12 months with the help manufacturers reduce costs. (3) Transportation: Mexicos transport and logistics facilities are fairly well developed, road network is 55,000 miles in length which connecting the nations major consumption and production areas, the railway network is about 20,000 in length. And there has a very efficient air services, there has about 40 domestic airports, 32 international airports; the main international airports are located at Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Leon, Acapulco, Cancun, Merida and so on. The major ports in east coast including Tampico, Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos and Progreso; the main ports in west coast including Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Guaymas, La Paz, Mazatlan and Salina Cruz. However, the national highway and railway network has not been established, high transportation costs. Legal When make an investment in Mexico, the labor law is an important law to be considered. Mexican labor laws and regulations formulated the provisions of labor contracts to protect the labor right, whether workers are Mexicans or foreigners, as long as he is in Mexico to provide labor to the companies or the individuals, their rights would be protected. In Mexico, the labor contract can have the following three types: formal labor contracts, temporary labor contracts and labor contracts on a project. Mexicos Federal Labor Act provides a provision for giving a minimum treatment to the labor. The provision including: morning shift should be within six a.m. to eight p.m., daily working hours up to 8 hours or 48 hours a week; night shift should be within 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., daily working hours up to 7 hours or 42 hours a week; daily working hours up to seven and half hours or 45 hours a week for mixed shift, but the night working hours cannot exceed three and a half hours. The break time cann ot be less than half hour in daily; overtime cannot more than three hours per day and not more than three times per week. Investment Mexican law does not allow foreign investment in the following areas: petroleum and petrochemical; electricity; nuclear energy; radioactive minerals; telegraph; wireless telegraphy; Post; small airports and heliports monitoring, fishery and fishing regulation. Following the economic field only allow Mexicans and Mexican enterprises to invest in business: inland transport including passenger and cargo, not including postal and courier services; gasoline retail; radio broadcasting services; credit unions; banking; specific professional performance and Technical services. Except as provided by law, foreign investment is not allow to involve in the above-mentioned economic activities directly, nor through cooperation, contract, partnership, or other means in operation of the business or control. Mexican law limits on the proportion of foreign investment: foreign investment can reach 10% in the production-oriented enterprises; 25% in domestic aviation and special air transport. Up to 49% foreign investment in the following areas: insurance companies, foreign exchange companies, bonded warehouses, financial leasing companies, agents; fixed asset investment company shares; investment company; pension companies; newspaper company; agriculture, large farms; freshwater, coastal and fishing in the exclusive economic zone, excluding fisheries; complete port management; engaged in the development of inland and coastal shipping business, do not include port Construction, preservation and operation of equipment; ships, aircraft, railway equipment, supplies of fuel and lubricants; telecommunications franchise companies. Limited liability Company: the number of shareholders required for the 2-50 people; required minimum capital of 3,000 pesos; shareholder liability is limited to the amount of money invested in the company; the name of the company has special requirements. Co., Ltd.: 2 or more the number of shareholders, but no upper limit; minimum capital amount of 50,000 pesos; shareholder liability is limited to their own funds to invest in the company; the name of the company has special requirements. Mexico Income In 2010, annual GDP is 13137.172 billion Pesos at current currency rate and increase 10.1%; 88607.03 billion Pesos at 2003 constant currency rate and increase 5.5%. Bank of Mexico indicated that the Mexican GDP change to the U.S. dollar on average exchange rates is about 1039.903 billion U.S. dollars. Mexicos oil revenues in 2011 expected to grow by 4.5%, total income was expected to rise 3.9%. Tourism Income According to statistics, the January to February in 2010, there were 18,506,000 visitors to travel to Mexico, it was a growth of 7.2% at the same period in 2009, and the total income was 9,831,000,000 U.S. dollars that compared with 9,181,000,000 U.S. dollars in 2009 which increased 650 million dollars. The total consumption of tourists in Mexico was 7,710,000,000 U.S. dollars and it was increase 10.3% compared with 2009. Among them, the cruise tourism generated 428 million U.S dollars revenue for Mexico and it was 22.1% increased that compared with 2009. The number of cruise passengers reached 493.6 million and it was 12.3% increased that compared with 2009. In 2010, the RevPAR of hotel in Mexico has 29.5% increased that compared with 2009 and it reached to 67.47 U.S. dollars. Globalization Economy In recent year, the world multi polarization and economic globalization develop become more faster. To facing the opportunities and challenges which are brought by economic globalization, Mexico tries to seek the profit, open wider to the outside world and it actives to cooperate with the other countries in the world. In the tide of globalization, Mexico firmly grasp the opportunity, early in 1992, Mexico sign up the North American Free Trade Agreement with United States and Canada, it comes into being 360 million consumers and the annual gross national product in Mexico is more than six trillion U.S. dollars in the world and it become the largest free trade area in the world. Mexico tries to utilize the advances technology and huge market in United States and Canada, to develop the export oriented enterprises. Otherwise, Mexico is mainly to focus on the foreign trade to promote economic development. This action can improve the Mexicos competitiveness in the international market and increase the foreign trade. According to Mexican government statistics, the Mexican foreign trade export volume is increased to 117.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1998 and the foreign trade export volume is 298.36 billion U.S. dollars in 2010. To compare the export volume in 2009, it has 29.8% increases in Mexico. Mexico is continued to maintain the biggest exporter status in Latin America. Until now, Mexico signed the Free Trade Agreement in twelve times and its involved with 44 countries in the world. These agreements constitute a multilateral trade network for the Mexico economy and it is a benefit for the competition in the globalization of trade and it offers more opportunities to develop in Mexico. However, the globalization economy also poses a challenge in Mexico. As Mexico is over reliance on the export trade, the outbreak of the Mexican financial crisis in 1994 make the negative GDP growth of 6.2% in Mexico and the inflation rate as high as 52% and there were 70 billion U.S. dollars economic loss. In 1997, the economy was also affect by the Asian and Russian financial crisis. Otherwise, globalization has made Mexico over dependent on the U.S. economy, the domestic polarization between rich and poor did not improve and it has made the trade in competition with the industrialized countries are still in a passive position. To enhance the ability to prevent and withstand risks, Mexican governments increase the opening to the outside world and cooperate with more international countries, Mexican government also encourage businesses to participate in the competition and strengthen their own protection. Otherwise, Mexican government is also accord to rectify the financial system, improve the laws of economic and the establishment of risk prevention mechanism to overcome the negative effects of globalization. Sustainability Economy Most of developing countries that are facing a big challenge that is millions of people are living in poverty such as Indonesia, India, China, Brazil and Mexico also. It is a relevant problem for the sustainable economy in Mexico. The policies of sustainability in Mexico in not only help the people to recover the acute fiscal crisis; it is also helpful to solve the most entrenched human problems. 1. Gain the competitiveness Mexico needs to increase more competitive on the world economy. Renovating the economy in Mexico is based on sustainable principles; it is mainly to focus on the effective use of resources. It is helpful to attract the talent and investment form the other countries and make the economy in Mexico become more important and stable. 2. Resources and environment protection As helping the poverty population and increase the profit are only a part of sustainable development that the main mission in sustainable development is decreasing the effects of global warming. Because of the poor and development countries are the most affected by global warmings disastrous effects such as flood and drought. For the example, Mexico suffered its worst drought and worst flood in 70 years in 2009. Otherwise, the protection of natural resources and environment in Mexico are also important. As the tourism industry is the third biggest industry in Mexico, because of this reason, protecting and keeping the resources and environment healthy is extremely important for the Mexican government and the Mexico economy. Elements affect Mexico Economy Crime The crime problem in Mexico is a large problem that is the most affective in Mexico economy and foreign investment. In 2008, there were more than 3000 people had been killed by the kidnapping, murder and the other organized crime in Mexico and 2700 people had been killed in 2007. Otherwise, the inflation problem made the low income families in Mexico had been going on strikes and demonstrations for several weeks in 2008, the middle class are also join the protest because of the frequent violence problems and they are usually targeted by criminals in Mexico. Because of the deteriorating of crime and security in Mexico, it may increase 5% to 10% cost in the companys operating. It may undermine the competitiveness of enterprises, reduce the employment opportunities and hinder the development of the national economy. In addition, the social environment is not stable in Mexico will also affect the confidence of foreign investors. Pollution The pollution in Mexico is famous in the world. Because of the rapid development of economy in Mexico, there are most of plants are uncontrolled to built around the capital in Mexico, in addition, because of the religious reasons that is oppose any contraceptive measures, it makes the population and the demand of car are increase, for this reason to lead the air pollution problem in Mexico. Air pollution problems in Mexico stem from the industrial and geographical factors, which includes: Due to the high altitude and low oxygen, fuel is not easy to burn and release the pollution substances. The destruction of forest land and available resources. Automotive significant increase in emissions. In 2010, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that makes a large scales of water pollution. Most of fishes, birds, marine life and even plants are affecting by the oil spill, it also makes a large affect for the fishing industries. Climate The climate in Mexico is not much difference in four seasons. But it is so unlucky that there are flood and drought in Mexico in 2009 and it is mainly depend on the problems of global warming. The drought in Mexico made more than 1.16 billion U.S. dollars in agricultural losses in 2009. Because of the unstable climate, it may affect the economy growth and the foreign investment. In 2010, there has a climate conference which is locate in Mexico and it is mainly to find out the solutions to prevent the global warming with other countries. S.W.O.T. analysis Strengths As Mexico is one of the most important economic hubs in Latin American and it is connect with America. The economy in Mexico is a free market economy with modern industries and agriculture. The Government in Mexico has implemented the privatization of economic and it is also encourage competition in the harbor, electricity, railway, gas and airport services etc. Because of the market in Mexico is open for the countries, it can attract more investors to open their industries and investment. Otherwise, Mexico is located near America that is easy to trade with American industries. Otherwise, the government in Mexico has sign North American Free Trade Agreement that can be easier to cooperate with the other countries and increasing the foreign investment. Weaknesses Because of the economy in Mexico is over reliance on the America, it may affect the trade in competition with the industrialized countries are still in a passive position. Otherwise, the open market in Mexico is easy to have the phenomenon of monopoly and oligopoly. It is happen in a variety of industries such as the telecommunications. As the large company controls the telecommunications industry, it may decrease the competitiveness and finally it may affect the economy in Mexico. Moreover, the problem of monopoly is also leaded the wealth gap problem and widening the income gap. As there are more than 100 million people in Mexico, but it is nearly half of people are the poor households. Because the rich persons control the political and economic in Mexico, the resulting is the poor do not have opportunities to development. Otherwise, the monopolies of rich people are also decrease the competitiveness and the foreign investment in the market in Mexico. Opportunities As Mexico is a free market economy, every investors are also have chance to invest and build their company in Mexico. In these few years, Mexican government is welcome the foreign investors and the government actively promote the industries on automobile, electronic, aerospace, the semi conductors and other high tech industries. In addition, the President in Mexico Calderon has been calling for investment in the public transport, expansion of port and airport, natural gas and power plant construction etc for the local investors. Because of the good location and the low labor cost, it is an opportunity for the investment and its easier to expand into new market in Mexico. But the problem of wealth gap leads the unemployment, crime and social security problems. Threats According to the research, there is 5.5% economic growth in Mexico in 2010. The economic recovery in America is also boost the growth of exports in Mexico. Although Mexicos economy become to reduce the reliance on foreign markets, but the economic growth in America and the Europe countries are still to be a threats and it may affect the growth of economic development in Mexico. Otherwise, the problems of crime and climate are still the large threats which may affect the growth of domestic economy and the confidence of foreign investments. Is Mexico fit for investment? As Mexico is one of the most important countries in Latin America and it is also open the market for the foreign investment, we are according to the PESTLE and analysis the economy environment then we find out the answer. Mexico is fit for investment. Although Mexico is facing most of problems such as crime, pollution and climate and it is also over reliance on the America economy, but the government is already has find out some solution to innovate their own problems. For the long term view, Mexic

Correlation Between Mental Illness and Violence and Crime Essay

Literature Analysis and Research Proposal of the Correlation between Mental Illness and Violence and Crime Over the past few decades, many researches have strived to test and explain the correlation between violence and crime and mental illness. Moore and Hiday (2006) assert that up 22% of inmates has a mental illness, sometimes containing more mental illness patients than many psychiatric units. Due to these statistics it is evident how important it is to understand the causes of the correlations between crime and violence and mental disorders. This proposal wishes to explain and understand the possible correlation and the reasons for such correlation between mental health illnesses and violence and crime. Further research to test these theories of crime and mental disorders will also be presented. Crime can be described combination between both behavior and mental factors. This will prove incredibly crucial in the definition of crime in relation to mental illness. Many of those that commit crimes are not convicted due to their illness so it is important to note, for the purpose of this analysis, that all illegal activity is considered crime, regardless of conviction (Monahan and Steadman 1983). It is evident that those with mental illnesses have an increased likelihood of committing crimes. It is important to note, however, that not all people with mental illnesses commit crimes or violent behavior so a cause is not evident. Substance abuse, a mental disorder, is also seen as a large risk in violent behavior (Silver 2006). Hiday (1995) asks the questions of the direction of this correlation. Does mental illness lead to violence or is it vice versa? THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS Silver (2006) asserts the importance of using t... ...s.† Law and Human Behavior 30(6):659-674. Powell, Thomas A., John C. Holt and Karen M. Fondacaro. 1997. â€Å"The Prevalence of Mental Illness among Inmates in a Rural State.† Law and Human Behavior 21(4):427-438. Robbins, Pamela Clark, John Monahan and Eric Silver. 2003. â€Å"Mental Disorder, Violence, and Gender.† Law and Human Behavior 27(6):561-571. Silver, Eric. 2006. â€Å"Understanding the Relationship between Mental Disorder and Violence: The Need for a Criminological Perspective.† Law and Human Behavior 30(6):685-706. Silver, Eric and Brent Teasdale. 2005. â€Å"Mental Disorder and Violence: An Examination of Stressful Life Events and Impaired Social Support.† Social Problems 52(1):62-78. Walsh, Zach and David S. Kosson. 2007. â€Å"Psychopathy and Violent Crime: A Prospective Study of the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity.† Law and Human Behavior 31(2):209-229.

Rhetorical Analysis of The Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” Essay

Rhetorical Analysis of The Talking Heads’ â€Å"Once in a Lifetime† Kenneth Burke’s Five Master Terms exist to bring to light the motivation behind, theoretically, any bit of text to which we care to apply them. The beauty of this Pentad is its fundamentality in regards to the motivations humans have in creating words and meaning using the tools of language available. This doesn’t just apply to long-winded theses regarding the nature of dramatistic meaning, though perhaps something like that would be more up Burke’s alley. No, in this case I plan to utilize his methods for a more seemingly mundane example, the motivations behind something as simple as song lyrics. I say song lyrics are simple, but in this case I am going to attempt a feat of rhetorical analysis few have considered possible by analyzing the song â€Å"Once in a Lifetime† by The Talking Heads. I emphasize the difficulty of this analysis because I fear that I am about to embark on a journey to make sense out of madness; a 1984 documentary of the band’s music is entitled Stop Making Sense, for one example. For another more drastic example, songwriter David Byrne was one of the most intentionally abstract lyricists of his time; in an early episode of apparent madness, he took to the stage of his college and shaved his hair and beard in front of the faculty to the accompaniment of piano accordion and a showgirl displaying phrases in Russian. He was promptly ejected from that school. Regardless, his song â€Å"Once in a Lifetime† is symbolic of the introspective, neurotic, and post-modern approach he often uses to create his lyrical identity. Though I at first fo und it to be a rough fit, I believe the Pentad can be successfully applied to describe the motivation ... ...it becomes clear that everything is unclear. I will summarize my application, however, for the sake of my own understanding. The dominant Term here is Act, the balance between essence and existence carefully held by Byrne’s dialectic of water and time as a unified sameness. Working symbiotically with Act is the idea of Agent, a theoretical character defined as finding, investigating, and determining a situation without Acting within it. Byrne’s purpose is to know right or wrong in the Scene of his lifetime. The Agency through which he defines truth within the Scene is time, which shares more than a fingers’ breadth of space with my first term, Act. I’ve come to the end of the analysis with a sense that I’ve just begun: a lot of fancy words to describe the futility of change. I did preface this application by noting The Talking Heads’ propensity to stop making sense.

The Kiss :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Kiss Mama hands me my last three dresses, packs my Sunday hat and stockins, and kisses my forehead. "You're a woman now, Elsa, and he'll take good care of you," she says. It's high time you build your own family." Papa kisses my cheek and closes the door of Nick's pick-up as I wave goodbye to my five brothers and sisters. With fifteen years of southern life as my platform, I plunge into the waters of reality by the skin of my teeth. Immediately I am a wife, forced to begin a family of my own†¦just like Mama. Every day Nick comes bouncin' through the front door ready for supper. "Wipe your feet," I always say, "and don't slam my door." With younguns' screamin' and fightin' I always manage to put a hot meal on the table, despite the fact that I'm six months pregnant. You see, Nick owns a seafood house. "Nick's Quality Seafood", that's what he calls it. He leaves at five thirty in the mornin' and comes home every day at six in the evenin'. Oysters are his specialty, and that's what's kept us alive. With him supportin' me and four kids at twenty years old, I figure this is the least I could do. Fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and corn bread are his favorites. I'm still workin' on them butter biscuits Mama taught me how to make, but the rest of my cookin' is pretty good. Supper time is the only time we ever really talk, so I look forward to six o'clock. Barbara Jean Carroll is her name. She weighs six pounds eleven ounces with a head full of hair, just like her daddy. We decided six was our lucky number and it was time for our family to stop growin'. Thank heavens! I see the doctor comin' down the hall with a heap of nurses around him. Dr. Johnson comes in with a strange look on his face. "Hello Mr. And Mrs. Carroll. Congratulations once again on your new baby girl", he says. The reason I'm back so soon is I wanted to talk to you about Barbara's illness. "Oh she's fine," Nick says, "and she ain't sick at all. She's perfect." With that, Dr. Johnson exited without another word. Let me explain. They told us just two months after she was born that she has Down syndrome and that many people consider giving there children up for adoption after learning of this disease.

Sterling Marking Products Case Study

I recommend that Sterling should consider a fully owned subsidiary as an entry mode into the U. K. market. However, we need to ensure U. K. laws permits 100 percent ownership and understand tax incentives applicability. In addition, as an organization we would need to internally develop a strategic road map in terms of our approach to international markets. The objective of the roadmap is to provide Sterling with some guidance and a broad approach to how we conduct business on a global scale, considering recent interest in our product from firms in other countries and possibility of pursuing those opportunities.As an organization, this is much needed to prevent some of the issues we experienced domestically while establishing our branches in Toronto and Windsor, as well as our recent challenges in the U. S. market with Julius Blumberg Inc.My recommendation for a fully owned subsidiary in the U. K. is based on the following: In Europe, U. K. is the only European country where seals ar e legally required for corporations, and the most populous country in that region (exhibit 1), this continues to make U. K.  the most attractive market in Europe for sales, regardless of whether seals might no longer be required in the future. Also, establishing a presence in the U. K. will place Sterling in a position to easily penetrate other European market for future expansion. Based on a qualitative cost & benefit analysis (exhibit 2), a wholly owned subsidiary provides the most advantage to Sterling. Although this requires the most capital and management commitment, the benefits it offers offsets such costs including full profitability as opposed to a shared profit in case of a joint venture (exhibit 3).Also, in terms of the goals, strategy, resources and organizational structure of Sterling, a subsidiary best enables the firm to reach its objectives (exhibit 4). Options open to Sterling with a subsidiary is either to purchase a U. K. seal producer (Jordan) or build a branch as a Greenfield project. Buying out a local producer will allow a speedy market entry and access to local workers. This will also give Sterling access to current customers of the local seal producer. For this reasons, a â€Å"buy-out’’ subsidiary will be preferred over building a new branch.The U.S. market is also one that is in need of a ‘turn around’ in terms of sales and profitability. Once our seven-month contract with Julius Blumberg Inc. is completed, I will suggest we change our method of entry into the U. S. Market. Our trial with Bloomberg sales force shows that a direct sales approach dramatically increases sales in this market, therefore we should continue to export and invest in a sales and distribution team locally in the U. S. to drive sales. This will also allow us to penetrate the market faster and minimize any additional capital cost.In terms of interest shown in our product by other countries, I will suggest we research into sales oppor tunities in Japan for the reasons that Japan has a high population and number of lawyers compared to most of the other countries, geographically Japan also allows us to establish a hub in Asia so that we can establish a footprint in this region. However, deciding on a method of entry into this market will require gathering special information and understanding the Japan market. This research will need to be done prior to deciding a similar method of entry as was suggested for the U. K. market.

Communication and Dialogue

Abstract: In this new era of globalisation wherein people from diverse culture and ethnicity have come together to work in an organisation, dialogue is indeed an important way of communication. Many researches have proved the fact that differences in culture may inculcate a difference in the thinking pattern or stem into differential analysis of a situation. In an organisation where values and growth are related  to each other, differences in opinion may lead to altercation and conflicts if not addressed well.Dialogue, a bidirectional flow of communication where emphasis is laid not only on saying but also on listening and understanding at the same time can be an useful tool in an organisation to resolve inter personal conflicts, conflicts within the department or conflicts between two different departments of the same organisation. The essay will highlight the importance of introduction of dialogue in a multicultural organisation and its use as a problem solving tool in multicultu ral organisation where cultural thinking act as an impediment among them.Also, it will review the role of dialogue in promoting organisational learning. Next it will explore some of the barriers in communication such as â€Å"Silo virus† and need for eliminations of those barriers, ending into a conclusion for the implication of dialogue in a multicultural organisation. Sequential Conversation or Unidirectional Flow of Communication versus Dialogic conversation A conversation is said to be sequential or unidirectional when there is a flow of information from the speaker to the listener (Eisenberg & Goodall, p. 27).This one way communication can be practically seen in classes where student completely rely on teachers lectures, also when managers or the instructor define the protocol of the work to the subordinates or receivers. In other words in a unidirectional or sequential communication listeners are passive and are uninvolved in constructing the ideas of the communication (Eisenberg & Goodall, p. 28)  . Traditionally communication between managers and employee were articulated as straightforward unidirectional flow of delivering management messages to employees and other constituencies (Tourish and Hargie 2009, p. ). However, dialogue provides equal opportunities to all who are involved in the communication. Everyone has the say to voice their opinion and give their feedback either in agreement or in opposition of the core matter. Dialogue in a working definition can be defined as a mindful conversation emphasising on equitable and empathetic transaction of opinions of the participants to create new opportunities for working together to produce new and innovative ideas (Eisenberg & Goodall, p. 40-45) Hence dialogue is a balance between creativity and constraints (Eisenberg & Goodall ,p. 0). Dialogue demands its participants should be able to critically reflect themselves i. e, they should be open to the fact that the perceptions made by them may no t always be accurate. â€Å"What we perceive is often based on our needs, our expectations, our projections, and, most of all, our culturally learned assumptions and categories of thought (Schein 1993,p. 33)†. Participants should be able to suspend the perceptions and feelings for some time to see the outcome of the dialogue (Schein 1993).By suspending the feelings the participants will allow the disagreements to fly off, hence will build mutual understanding and trust on each other. Higher the trust higher will be the effectiveness of the group. Participants will be open to voice their unfearful opinions, and will come up with more innovative and successful solutions. Dialogue as a problem solving tool in a multicultural organisation The definition of dialogue says that there should be equal sharing of perceptions, assumptions, thoughts and experiences to come to an radical conclusion (Schein 1993).Healthy communication connects the employee more strongly with the organisati on by eliminating the sense of isolation and dissatisfaction. Employee who communicate regularly with their managers and co-employees have a higher sense of job engagement than those who are reluctant to voice their opinion. There is a direct relation between the healthy communication, participation of the employees in decision making and growth of the organisation. Dialogue does not only mean that you are heard, but it also signifies that your voice matters in the decisions of the company.It gives a sense of belonging to the employee and burns out stress and discomfort. The organisation with the higher number of contented employee will have higher productivity both in number and innovations. â€Å"The quality of relationships with co-workers is a crucial factor in determining levels of job satisfaction† (Tourish & Hargie 2009, p. 16). Job satisfaction cannot only be guaranteed by successful completion of a task, but it involves many other vital factors too. Today when it is impossible to find an uncultured organisation, learning about the intercultural ommunication is an indispensable necessity (Crossman et al 2011, p. 57). Culture plays an prominent role in structuring human behaviour, ideas and thought process (Wood2011). Differences of thinking may lead to ambiguity at the work place which may end into conflicts. According to Ting-Toomey, the greater the difference between two cultures, the more that conflicts will arise in areas such as historical grievances, cultural world views and beliefs (Crossman et al 2011). Creating Coherence in Multicultural Organisation with dialogue Employees have different personal needs and hence different dimensions for the satisfaction.The organisation should know about the personnel needs of the employee and should work in a way to nurture good relationships among the employees (Tourish & Hargie 2009). Incorporating good communication practices such as regular group meetings, open house discussions or building new ch annels for communication sustains job engagement of the employee. Mangers should have expertise in intercultural communication skills to nurture an environment of tolerance to the ambiguity caused by incompatibility of cultural values and norms.As Brannen & Salk 1999, said working together to give fruitful result can only be achieved by compromising the ambiguity and confusion for quality issues. The practices like   an  open house group discussions  ,thought sharing and dialogues exchange with seniors and colleagues will help in bridging the gap of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Employees who have an access to information, organisation policies, new ventures and developments feel more secure and safe at work. Intercultural communications along with dialogue help in enhancing the process of organisational learning through group interaction.It helps in sharing of cultural ideas, values and beliefs. Cordial and happy relations at work place eliminate stress and burnout c aused by work pressure and thus benefits the employee with good concentration and higher thinking. Socially balanced work culture  breed  employee with better insights and hence result in collaborative thinking and exemplary innovations. However in a real business world where emphasis is laid more towards the successful completion of the task, is it realistic to preach dialogue at every stage of decision making?Is it possible for an organisation to understand the needs of every employee? Will it be correct to say that it  is the responsibility of a manager to inoculate good intercultural communication where the employees are reluctant to shift their values and paradigm? Implementing dialogue can be a laborious process for a manager. It is the Manager who bears the responsibility of accomplishing the targets with in the given time frame. Dialogue can only be successful when employees are ready to take the responsibility to change themselves, else it will only result in wastage of time.Dialogue is easy to preach in a likeminded group sharing similar values but difficult to express with those who are reluctant to change. Say for instance it is easy to teach a budding employee about the virtues of good communication. However,  the same could not be expressed to those highly experienced or talented employees who are reluctant to adapt to new changes. Also, it is difficult to bring employees out of their comfort zone and to speak up expressing their true feelings. Dialogue- the core of organisational learning Dialogue lies at the core of organizational learning, for without dialogue, individuals and groups cannot effectively exchange ideas, nor can they develop shared understanding† (Mazustis & Slawinski 2008, pg 438). Argyris said that there are two different modes of learning, Model 1 and Model II, best be summarized as single or double loop learning. He mentioned in his writing â€Å"Teaching Smart people how to learn†, highly skilled profess ional are good at single loop learning because of their vast experiences and success gained in those experiences.However, Argyris argue that it is difficult for them to admit their mistake,  and hence they adopt a defensive attitude wherein they start blaming others for the failure. Defensive reasoning can block learning. Model I learning behavior persists throughout the organization resulting in to win/lose dynamics in which individual avoid confrontation (Mazustis & Slawinski 2008). On contrast Model II which is based on open dialogue, self-reflection and double loop learning will help in bringing fundamental changes in organizational norms, priorities and behavior (Argyris and Schon1978).It is through dialogue that people share ideas with others. Integration of these ideas with others is only possible when a group has   a  common language and common thought process, which can only be built by dialogue(Mazustis & Slawinski 2008). Shared meaning can lead not only to the trans ference of knowledge, but also to the creation of new knowledge and understanding among participants (Mazustis & Slawinski 2008). Finally, the process get embedded into the organization. This process is what Crossan et al. (1999) refer to as institutionalizing. Dialogue is therefore at the core of the socio-psychological processes of the model of organizational learning (Crossan et al. , 1999)† (Mazustis & Slawinski 2008). Barriers to communication- Silos formation Advancement in technology and increase in complexity of organisation resulted in division of the organisation into different specialised departments or subunits. Employee in one department share same work language, technology and work terminology developing a subculture of its own. Different departments in an organisation work together to complete the task, failure of one may result in failure of others. Organisational effectiveness is therefore dependent on the valid communication across subculture boundaries† (Schein 1993,p. 41). Silo formation and Need to eliminate Silos Fragmentation of organisation into small departments may result in the formation of â€Å"silos† throughout the organisation. Individuals in silos share strong personnel bonds, common interests, abilities, work structure and relational bonds that differentiate them from others. Individuals in a silo interact more to each other than with the outside employees creating an atmosphere of alienation for those who are not part of the silo group.Silos act as a barrier to inter departmental flow of communication resulting in the  creation of isolation and hostility for others who are not  part of the group. Employees hesitate to co-operate with other departments thinking that the objective of their silo is different from that of other department. Interdepartmental competition may prevent the desire to transfer valuable information from one to other department. Communication breakdown can lead to errors and finger p ointing, lack of responsibilities and hence failure of the task or the department itself What is the role of a good manager in an organisation full of silos?Managers should learn to trust his team members and also should show respect their peers. Mutual trust, respect for each other structure and values will help in dissolving silos. Senior should preach the essential values of their organisation and not that of a single department. Organisation based on Hierarchical pyramid structure An organisation based on principals to maintain and respect hierarchical structure, could not support dialogue. Hierarchy do not support the idea of cross questioning your boss or voicing against the idea of your manager, it may lead to serious repercussions for the employee.Time constrain Time is again a vital factor to be considered while promoting dialogue. Every project is designed to be accomplished with in a limited time frame. Listening to every voice of the department may lead to wastage of tim e. Managers should be able to recognise the right time to implement debate and discussion instead of dialogue. Breaching the comfort zone of employee Dialogue demands empathy and tolerance to other and is a time consuming process. In this fast pace society where human beings are already over engaged with priorities it is difficult to maintain patience to listen to others.Highly experienced employee find it difficult to listen to a new employee, they do not want to change their work protocol and hesitate to adapt to new changes. It is difficult to breach the comfort zone of over experienced employees and sometimes they find it insulting too. Defensive Behaviour and lack of trust Individuals may engage into defensive routines where they hesitate to open a dialogue with the seniors fearing that may lead to some serious problems with the co-employees or the manager himself.Also, colleagues working in an organisation may feel competition with their  colleague, and thus, employee consci ously prevent flow of information to others creating a hostile environment for others. Lack of true Feedback Dialogue may be impeded by organisation norms such as the practice of only delivering good news to senior managers, and hiding distressing news. Individuals need  the  information to be able to detect and correct errors, but some organizational norms prevent such information from being discussed (Argyris and Schon, 1978). Baker et al. 2005: 425), for example, conclude that some ‘norms determine what can be said and not said, what and who is heard and not heard, who has  a  voice and who does not have  Ã‚  a  voice   who is in and who is out of the conversation’ (Mazustis & Slawinski 2008). These norms inhibit prevent knowledge from being shared openly across functional silos, divisions and levels. Conclusion Dialogue is no doubt an important tool of communication to bring changes in an organisation and to promote  a  higher degree of organisatio nal learning. Proper implementation of dialogue in an organisation will make employees more responsible to each other.It will also ensure trust, empathy, tolerance and engagement among the employees by creating a safe and secure work environment. Sharing of ideas, discussion about work and group thinking will inculcate high sense creativity and innovations. However, it is difficult to have an idealistic organisation working on the principals of dialogue. It  is a group endeavour and demands time and patience which are difficult to attain in this fast pace society. Human beings are primarily driven by their emotions and it is difficult to suspend feelings and emotions which is the demand to sustain a dialogue.Implications of dialogue are great but is difficult to practice. Books Crossman, J. , Bordia, S. & Mills, C. 2011 Business Communication : for the Global Age, McGraw-Hill, North Ryde, N. S. W. Eisenberg,M. , Goodall,H. L. & Trethewey,A. 2010, Organizational communication : bal ancing creativity and constraint, Boston : Bedford/St. Martin's Cheney,G. (ed. ) 2011, Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization : Issues, Reflection ; Practices, 2nd edition, Long Grove, Ill. : Waveland Press Cottrell, S. 011, Critical thinking skills : developing effective analysis and argument, Houndmills, Hampshire, UK : Palgrave Macmillan Ferraro, G. P. ; Briody, E. K. 2013, The cultural dimension of global business,7th ed. , Pearson, Boston, pp. 29-65. Hargie,O. ; Tourish,D. (ed). 2009, Auditing organizational communication : a handbook of research, theory and practice ,Imprint East Sussex : New York, NY Walker, R. 2011, Strategic management communication for leaders, Mason, Ohio : South-Western Cengage Learning Wood,J. 2011, Communication mosaics : an introduction to the field of communication,Boston, MA : WadsworthE journals Amy,H. 2008, ‘Leaders as facilitators of individual and organizational learning’ , Leadership ; Organization Development Jour nal, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 212-234 Argyris 1991, ‘Teaching smart people how to learn’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 69,no. 3,pp. 99-100 Argyris, C. and Schon, D. (1978), ‘Organizational Learning: A theory of action perspective’ Bloor,G. 1999, ‘Organisational culture: organisational learning and total quality management’ , Australian Health Review, Vol 22, no 3 Groysberg, B. ; Slind, M. 2012, ‘Leadership is a conversation', Harvard Business Review, 90(6):76-84. Mazutis,D. amp;Slawinski,N. 2008, ‘Leading organizational learning through authentic dialogue’ , Richard Ivey School of Business,The University of Western Ontario, Canada, Vol 39, pp. 437-456 Schein,E. 1993, ‘On dialogue, culture, and organizational learning’ ,Organisational Dynamics, Vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 40-51 Website Forbes, John Kotter, viewed on 26 March 2013, ;http://www. forbes. com/sites/johnkotter/2011/05/03/breaking-down-silos/;. Matthew Moore 2011, viewed 26 March 2013, ;http://www. improvementandinnovation. com/features/article/breaking-down-organisational-silos-why-its-important-collaboration-quality-and-gro/;.