Keeping Peace In The Future Essays - International Relations Theory

Keeping Peace In The Future In my opinion there are two main ways of securing peace in the up coming decades. The first way is that of a realist approach and a liberal one. In the eyes of a realist, national security can one hand only be reached by a destructive capability and the ability to intimidate anyone that defies or threatens national security. On the other, the realist will however not intervene if conflicts do not measure up with national interest. Either way, the realists believe this and this alone would maintain the peace for the future. The liberalists however believe that a more unified body with all peace-loving nations can be the best way of conflict management. They believe that any conflict in the world should be controlled before it can ever escalate in to a bigger one. To start of with the realists believe that a greater military body would create a balanced and therefor peaceful world. To achieve this the realists see possibilities of enlarging the power of NATO and other military, governmental organizations. To create more members and enlarging the firepower would in realistic eyes decrease countries to enter conflict. The liberalists find this a very poor argument. They find that with a possible expansion of NATO and increasing power of the organization that the third-world countries can be left out. Liberalists tend to think more in the format of the United Nations. They think with the Expansion of the Security Council, that global peace can be maintained in a more unified, universal manner. Also they believe that the General Assembly could increase in power and take a more serious role in international disputes and conflict resolving. By increasing this power it would call on a more responsible Secretary-General, and there as giving the United Nations as an inter-governmental body more strength, and possibly giving the world a better way of solutions. This in a realist approach is unacceptable. The unifying steps and the decreasing powers of states is not the solution for world peace. In fact they see this as a very big threat seeing that countries would be less cooperate. With this structure of the UN, it would also be much harder to strive for national interest. I believe in a combination of these two perspectives to be the key to global peace in the for coming decades and possibly centuries. If the UN would increase power, it would be vital that the United Nations would therefor create a separate body, a more secure military body that not only can be used for peace-keeping missions, but for offensive, defensive, humanitarian and finally collective security methods.

Core Competencies of Wal Mart and Honda Instruments for Their Growth Essay Example

Core Competencies of Wal Mart and Honda Instruments for Their Growth Essay Example Core Competencies of Wal Mart and Honda Instruments for Their Growth Paper Core Competencies of Wal Mart and Honda Instruments for Their Growth Paper Strategic Management Term Paper Core competencies of Wal mart and Honda Instruments for their Growth By: Hari Kiran Babu. G (0711) Naga Mounica. G (0723) Sai Krishna Chaitanya (0736) Surabhi Rajan (0749) Sobhan Pavan Tej . K (0641) Core Competencies Core competencies lead to the development of core products. Core products are not directly sold to end users; rather, they are used to build a larger number of end-user products. For example, motors are a core product that can be used in wide array of end products. The business units of the corporation each tap into the relatively few core products to develop a larger number of end user products based on the core product technology. The intersection of market opportunities with core competencies forms the basis for launching new businesses. By combining a set of core competencies in different ways and matching them to market opportunities, a corporation can launch a vast array of businesses. Without core competencies, a large corporation is just a collection of discrete businesses. Core competencies serve as the glue that bonds the business units together into a coherent portfolio. Core competencies arise from the integration of multiple technologies and the coordination of diverse production skills. Some examples include Wal Mart’s Logistics and Honda’s engines. There are three tests useful for identifying a core competence. A core competence should: Provide access to a wide variety of markets, and Contribute significantly to the ends of firms and some of their core products include: 3M substrates, coatings, and adhesives Canon laser printer subsystems Honda gasoline powered engines Wal Mart Core Competencies Core competencies play a major role in the success of the company. As far as Wal Mart is considered the following are the core competencies. They are as follows: Operational Ability Low Prices Quality Proximity Supply Chain The above core competencies can be explained as follows: Operational Ability: Wal-Marts core competencies are its operational ability to streamline the supply chain through cross-docking inventory systems and efficient means of communication through technology. Low Prices: This is the one of the important core competency of Wal Mart. It has its stores all around the globe. In all the stores the prices of the products are low when compared to the market prices. Quality: Though the prices are low also it maintains the quality of the products it sells to the customers. This is one of the key core competencies that the Wal Mart is having. Proximity: In US Wal Mart store is located at every 5 miles. This shows how it is deeply rooted in the US market. Not only in US but in the other countries also it is more over same. Supply Chain: Wal Mart is not having any warehouses. The stock in the stores is maintained in Just in Time (JIT). If the racks are empty in the stores means the goods will replace the empty racks with time. Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats of Wal Mart Strengths: Customer oriented SAM’S Club customers able to buy in bulk Super centers offer one stop shopping Satisfaction guaranteed programs promoting customer goodwill Buy from local merchants when possible Stock ownership and profit-sharing with employees Leads industry in information technology Ongoing development of its employees Strong community involvement Weaknesses: No formal mission statement Membership only for SAM’S Club Keep poor performing employees o n hand Old fashioned store policies Few women and minorities in top management The company is global, but has a presence in relatively few countries worldwide. Opportunities: Consumers want ease of shopping Internet shopping growing Dollar value increasing Similar shopping patterns worldwide Retail sales expected to increase Environment conscious consumers Elderly population growing Asian market virtually untapped by retail European Market untapped by retail Wal Mart can continue with its current strategy of large, super centres. Threats: Regulation of Wal-Mart pharmacies Small towns do not want entry of Wal-Mart Variety of competition nationally, regionally and locally Substitute products more easily because of intense competition Being global retailer means that you are exposed to political problems in the countries that you operate in. The cost of producing many consumer products tends to have fallen because of lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturing cost have fallen due to outs ourcing to low costs regions of the world. This has lead to price competition, resulting in price deflation in some ranges. Intense price competition is a threat. Growth Strategies: In the next five years, Retail Forward expects Wal-Mart to focus on five key growth strategies: 1. Food. Wal-Marts growth in the past decade was largely the result of its enormous foray into the food market. Although Wal-Mart is now the market leader, it still has a long way to go. Retail Forward predicts that, by 2006, there will be over 2,000 Wal-Mart Supercenters in the US and food sales at Wal-Mart Supercenters will account for approximately one-third of the national increase in spending on food. 2. Foreign. While further foreign acquisitions are expected, Wal-Mart will not be successful as a global retailer if its only advantage is price, Kalish comments. It must also provide a superior shopping experience, strong localized merchandising, and a clear differentiation from competitors, he adds. However, it is unlikely that Wal-Marts overseas expansion will move swiftly enough to fuel the companys growth engine. The companys most probable courses of action will be 1) to grow its existing businesses in the US, extending customer reach, and 2) to move into other businesses in the US with the same velocity it moved into food. 3. Fashion and Family. To get more out of existing stores, and to attract a more affluent consumer, Wal-Mart must ramp up efforts in apparel and home goods. Wal-Mart is already a major apparel force in certain categories, Retail Forwards annual shopper survey indicates. If Wal-Mart succeeds in convincing shoppers to view the retailer as a destination for fashion needs, it will have a huge impact on the market. Wal-Mart will need to focus on expanding its range of merchandise, improving the quality and variety of its non-food assortment, and developing strong private and exclusive labels, Kalish states. 4. Format. To reach more markets and more consumers, Wal-Mart will drive growth through multi-channel delivery of its core businesses. By opening smaller food stores, develo ping formats for urban shoppers, and potentially leveraging its strengths by developing drug, dollar, and convenience stores, Wal-Mart could overcome the limitations created by its Supercenter focus. 5. Fringe. Wal-Mart will seek to test the outer boundaries of what consumers are willing to allow Wal-Mart to be, Kalish comments. The company will seek to expand at the fringe of its core business by developing sales in highly new and unusual categories. Wal-Marts aggressive rollout of fueling stations could be followed closely with the company selling used cars, financial services, home improvement, and foodservice. IFE for Wal Mart: EFE For Wal Mart: TOWS for Wal Mart Strengths 1. Customer oriented 2. SAM’s Club consumers able to buy in bulk 3. Supercenters offer one stop shopping 4. Satisfaction guaranteed programs promoting customer goodwill 5. Buy from local merchants when possible 6. Stock ownership and profit-sharing with employees 7. Leads industry in information technology 8. Ongoing development of its employees 9. Strong community involvementWeaknesses 1. No formal mission statement 2. Membership only for SAM’S Club 3. Keep poor performing employees on hand 4. Old fashioned store policies 5. Few women and minorities in top management Opportunities 1. Consumers wan ease of shopping 2. Internet shopping growing 3. Dollar value increasing 4. Similar shopping patterns worldwide 5. Retail sales expected to increase 6. Environment conscious consumers 7. Elderly population growing . Asian Market virtually untapped by retail 9. European Market untapped by retailS-O Strategies 1. Advertise more for shopping on-line (S8, O2) 2. Expand internationally because of similar shopping patterns (S3, O4, O8) W-O Strategies 1. Improve employment techniques to hire and keep the best performing employees (W3, W5, O6) Threats 1. Regu lation of Wal-Mart pharmacies 2. Small towns do not want entry of Wal-Mart 3. Variety of competition nationally, regionally and locally 4. Substitute products more easily because of intense competitionS-T Strategies 1. Buy from local merchants to promote unity in the community (S5, T4) . Build more Supercenters for the increased demand for one stop shopping (S3, T4) W-T Strategies 1. Allow consumers to buy in smaller bulk without having membership to SAM’S Club (W2, T5) Honda Core Competencies: Honda’s core competencies are as follows: Expertise in Engines Manufacturing Capabilities Culture of innovation. Growth strategies of Honda 1) Integration of Honda channels to maximize customer joy and satisfaction. Honda established the current three-channel structure by creating Verno in 1978, Clio in 1984, and Primo in 1985, offering Honda products for customers with different lifestyles. Supported by growing automobile demand at that time, Honda continued to enhance its product line-up and increased sales and the number of dealers. At the same time, Honda began conducting the CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) survey in 1984, and strengthened initiatives which always put customer satisfaction at the core. Through these efforts, Honda steadily increased the number of Honda customers and made significant progress in achieving the autonomy of its dealers. The Japanese automobile market has now entered a stage of increasing maturity, and the surrounding society and marketplace are in a transition stage as well. In this increasingly competitive environment, the most important factor is to always continue improving the lifetime satisfaction level for the customers who have already chosen the Honda brand. Based on this concept, Honda decided to integrate its existing channels into one Honda channel where customers will be able to purchase and service any Honda brand automobile and to continue receiving high quality sales and service from the same dealer for future needs whether that be replacing their current vehicle or adding another one. Honda also aims to build a dealer network that places the Honda brand at the forefront by maximizing use of existing facilities and manpower and by optimizing the location of sales facilities. 2) Introducing Acura to create new value for the customer and to continue to achieve further growth and to take a big step forward in Japan. Introducing Acura to create new value for the customer and to continue to achieve further growth and to take a big step forward in Japan Recently, the values desired by the customer have become even more diverse and customer needs are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the automobile market. Honda will proactively respond to these changes by creating new value for the customer with the introduction of Acura, a luxury brand that will offer a distinctive driving experience and other unique characteristics. The Acura brand will start in fall 2008, with approximately 100 dealers in Japan. This also will enable Honda to achieve further growth and take a big step forward in its home market of Japan. With this new sales channel strategy, Honda will accelerate its effort to maximize customer joy and satisfaction, and by challenging in this new area Honda will pursue the goal of consistently achieving annual sales of more than 800,000 units. 3) American Manufacturing Capacity Expansion Honda announces plans to build a automobile plant in Decatur County, Indiana, southeast of Indianapolis. The plant will begin production of fuel efficient 4-cylinder vehicles by the fall of 2008 and will leverage its flexible manufacturing system. .In 2005, American Honda achieved record U. S. ales of 1,462,472 new Honda and Acura cars and light trucks, the ninth straight year of record annual sales. In order to meet growing demand, Honda plans to build the new Indiana plant in approximately 24 months, with construction expected to begin in fall 2006. Honda will announce additional details of its vehicle production plans at a later date. The new plant will have the same type of flexible New Manufact uring System that is found in Hondas other auto plants in the U. S. and Canada, with advanced technologies that provide the flexibility to produce different models more quickly and efficiently. Major processes performed at the Indiana plant will include stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding and assembly operations. Internal factor matrix Strengthsweightratingweighted score strong brand and reputation for producing high quality products from cars to motorcycle 0. 1540. 6 Automobiles are reliable and generally fuel effecient0. 0530. 15 wide range of products0. 1240. 48 good distribution network0. 1340. 52 Advertizing was given the key role in the invasion0. 0530. 15 Penetration pricing0. 130. 3 Weakness Honda products are fairly mild and inoffensive in terms of styling0. 310. 13 The sales of motor cycles are very low at the beginning0. 0510. 05 Their prices are high for non luxury vehicles than comparable modes by other manufacturers0. 120. 2 it is still just a niche market0. 1210. 12 Total12. 4 Interpretation: Company is trying to overcome its weaknesses and maintain its strengths. External factor matrix opportunities The image of motor cyclist is changed0. 0520. 1 To continue progressive low emission vehicles and alternative power sources0. 230. 6 An offering in a pick up type truck would be profitable0. 1530. 5 They can develop in india and china 0. 230. 6 Threats Highly competitive market0. 1520. 3 A non american product-Americans prefer the american products to foreign ones0. 0510. 05 Banks were reluctant to finance purchases for draft age buyers0. 220. 4 Total12. 5 Interpretation: Company is capable to respond to its external opportunities and threats. TOWS for Honda Strengths 1. Strong brand and reputation for producing high quality products from cars to motorcycle. 2. Automobiles are reliable and generally fuel efficient 3. Good distribution network 4. Advertising was given the key role in the invasionWeakness 1. Honda products are fairly mild and inoffensive in terms of styling. 2. The sales of motor cycles are very low at the beginning 3. Their prices are high for non luxury vehicles than comparable modes by other manufacturers 4. It is still just a niche market Opportunities 1. The image of motor cyclist is changed 2. To continue progressive low emission vehicles and alternative power sources 3. An offering in a pick up type truck would be profitable 4. They can develop in India and chinaSO Strategies . The company can enter into new variety of product i. e. trucks to make it profitable(s3,03) 2. Due to its good distribution network it can go to different nations like India and china where labour was cheap and transportation cost is low(s4,04) 3. As Honda vehicles are fuel efficient it can also go for low emission vehicles (s2,02)WO Strategies 1. It is just a niche market but when it enters into truck it can go for profitability (w4,o3) 2. In order to go for low emission vehicles it can go for solar vehicles and stylish vehicles also. (w1,02) Threats 1. Highly competitive market 2. A non American product-Americans prefer the American products to foreign ones ST Strategies 1. It can go for other countries rather than America or go for innovative products(s1,t2) WT strategies 1. It can enter into new markets(w4,t1) Conclusion: Wal Mart is expanding into many countries. India is one of them. It has succeeded in many countries, but it also failed in some countries like Germany with the same core competencies and strengths. It is mostly concentrated in North America only. Now it is entering in to new markets. The company’s core competencies and the growth strategies will play a key role in the success of the company in the new markets. As Honda is into automobile industry the threats form the competitors will be high. The innovations of Honda in respect to two wheelers and four wheelers can be duplicated by the other companies easily. But one of its core competencies is with the power generators and gasoline engines. As the competitors are investing more in the R, even Honda also have to invest more in its R to get an edge over the competitors. â€Å"Asimo† is the best example for its innovations.

TV over watch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

TV over watch - Essay Example This paragraph will talk about the negative health effects of watching excessive television. Excessive television viewing leads to slow increase in body fat of the viewer and ultimately the viewer experience the harsh conditions of obesity. Those children who spend time hours in front of the television end up gaining less physical activity and their physical development is tampered. A study was conducted on 89 children who aged between 2 years and 6 years (Jackson, 2009). During this study the researchers measured the energy that children waste while watching TV and its effect on their physical well-being was even measured. The parents of these white Scottish children were asked to fill out questionnaires related to the research. The outcome of the study was that there was a positive link between watching TV and changes in body weight. The study proved that 1 hour of viewing of television lead to increase of 2.2 pounds of body weight. The study even figured out that the eating habits that these children obtained while watching TV was damaging their physical condition. The researchers in the study stated that while watching television, the amount of sweat and high calorie intake increases and concentration on eating health food such as vegetables decreases. The previous paragraph focused on the negative health effects, this paragraph focuses on the addiction caused due to watching television. Excessive viewing of television ultimately leads to addition with television shows and this leads to behavioral constraints. Those individuals who spend too much time watching television provide insight that they are addicted to watching television. They state that watching television is liked by them. This is similar to the affect of drug abuse, when drug abusers are asked about their experience while they consume drugs, they state they like the sensation of

Import-export seafood to Canada Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Import-export seafood to Canada - Essay Example This was however 4% lower than the total value attained in 2007. These statistics bring into perspective the nature and scope of the trade in seafood in Canada, a major product in both imports and exports in Canada. This paper delves into the aspects of importation of seafood into Canada. Particular emphasis is placed on the kind of seafood imported into Canada, the export policies of the countries from which the seafood is imported from, the duties involved, the trade licenses and documentation required, the current major importers of seafood into Canada, as well as the price range for the products imported. Keywords: Imports, Exports, Species, Seafood, Fisheries Introduction The global trade in seafood is a daunting and complex task. This is due to the fact that there are a myriad of species of seafood that are available for commercial benefits. In comparison to the approximately 15 species of birds and mammals that provide commercial benefits, there are over 800 species of aquatic organisms providing the same benefit (Anderson, 2003). Additionally, there are numerous product forms of seafood with various species being packaged as dried, frozen, salted, smoked, breaded portions, canned, fresh, and boneless, and individually quick frozen products such as clam juice and fish meals and oils. To add to this complexity, there are at least 190 countries that are involved in the trade of seafood worldwide (Anderson, 2003). International trade in seafood has been heightened by a variety of factors. Key among them is the advancement in technology applied in the processes of harvesting, shipping, and processing; reduction of international trade barriers in the trade of seafood; and innovations of fisheries management systems. The development of aquaculture and aquaculture systems has also promoted the global trade in seafood, making it more competitive and diverse (Anderson, 2003). Importation of Seafood in Canada In Canada, in the 1970s and 1980s, the value of imports and exports of seafood increased progressively. However, in the 1990s the major species of ground-fish in the North Atlantic collapsed, leading to a major decline in the surplus that Canada posted in the trade. For instance, the rate of harvest of Atlantic cod had dropped from a high of 482,800 metric tons in 1989, to a low of 23,900 metric tons in 1994 (Anderson, 2003). The surplus had dropped to $1 billion in 1997. This figure however increased by an estimated 400 million by the year 2000, resulting in an overall increase in the value of the surplus to $1.4 billion (Anderson, 2003). The primary imports comprise of shrimps, canned tuna, and prawns, while the primary exports comprise of lobsters, frozen crabs, and farmed Atlantic salmon (Anderson, 2003). OECD states that the total quantity and value of seafood and fish imported into Canada lessened from 2007 to 2009. The main contributors to this occurrence were the global economic crisis and the resulting decline in the demand for seafood products in the Canadian market. Consumption of seafood products and fish decreased within this period, as they are mostly considered to be luxury commodities (2012). According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the three major categories of fish imported into Canada are; ground-fish such as cod fish, halibut, and haddock among others; pelagic fish such as tuna, farmed and wild salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel; and shellfish such as lobsters, prawns, shrimps,

Macro Econ Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macro Econ - Assignment Example Therefore, scarcity will limit individuals on the basis of limited income, manpower and natural resources, and this puts a limit to the amount of products people have at their disposal. An economy’s income must be equal to its spending so as to ensure that there is a favorable balance of payments in the economy. For every buyer of a product there must be a seller, and this means that GDP, which is utilized in measuring the levels of expenditure and incomes must be equal. If the expenditures are more than the incomes, there is unfavorable balance of payments, and this implies that the economy is falling apart. The GDP deflator is used to measure the tracks of all new products that are produced domestically and represents the total worth of products produced in an economy in a specific period. The GDP deflator will measure the ratio of current price GDP to the real GDP and will show how much the change in GDP from the specific year relies on the changes in prices of products. The consumer price index (CPI) is used to study the total output of the economy, and it is a cost of living indicator and measures the total cost of products purchased by consumers I a country. It helps in determining the purchasing power currency has and compares this to past years to see determine the status of the economy. Higher savings lead to higher standards of living because savings are the chief source of capital, which is to some extent the backbone of an economy. Savings will refer to accumulated funds, and this implies that an entrepreneur can use these funds to make an investment in the future. For example, when starting up a new venture, an entrepreneur will either use their savings or borrow from various institutions so as to fund the start up. If people could consume everything and not save, it implies that there will be no funds to be used in future in the event that an investment opportunity comes up. Moreover, when an

Effects of Temperature on Enzyme Amylase

Effects of Temperature on Enzyme Amylase Introduction Enzymatic reactions are very paramount in the body and in nature too as they ensure that any reactions including Biological processes are hastened in order to achieve the results within the shortest time possible. In the body, there are many enzymes and enzyme amylase is one of the most significant as it aids in degradation of complex carbohydrates into glucose molecules which are absorbable. Apart from natural salivary amylase, there are also industrial amylases which catalyze processes at different ecological environment varying from the body environments. However, whether natural or synthetic amylase, their catalysis is affected by temperatures and they only yield maximally at optimal temperature. The following report will discuss effects of different range of temperatures on synthetic reactions. Aims The aims of this practical were to investigate the effects of temperature on reaction of enzyme amylase. In addition, the practical investigated the possibility of industrial enzyme amylase to function at higher temperatures. Materials The materials and apparatus used included Spotting tile, water bath, test tube, starch solution amylase, iodine, and test tube rack. Procedure Two drops of iodine into each well put test tube.   2ml starch placed over water bath that was set at three different temperatures 40, 60, 80 degrees was allowed to remain there for 5 minutes. First tube contained 2ml of starch, second tube 4ml of amylase, and then they were mixed together. Finally, was introduced into few drops of the mixture into the well already containing iodine Results The results obtained indicated that industrial amylase functioned well at 40 degree Celsius. Starch was degraded into glucose hence the color of Iodine changed to blue-black when the test tube containing amylase at 40 degree Celsius. However, the color of iodine remained brown after introduction of amylase enzymes heated at 60 and 80 degree respectively. Discussion Amylase whether natural or industrial is proteins in nature. They are responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates into its smallest units called glucose. However, temperature has a very significant role in the reactions involving these enzymes . Lower temperatures deactivate the reaction of enzymes while higher temperatures above optimal temperatures destroy the enzymes by denaturing them hence reducing their reactions and eventually bring it into a halt . In this practical, the industrial amylase was found to function better at 40 degree which is optimal. This therefore did not denature the enzymes nor did this temperature deactivate them. The reactions here were constant and rapid. The enzyme amylase was able to work on starch solution in the well whereby it reduced the starch into glucose. Eventually, the color of resulting iodine remained brown. This indicated that there was no starch present in the solution. Iodine is the reagent that is commonly used to test the presence of starch in a food sample. Presence of starch is portrayed by the change of Iodine color from brown to blue-black Consequently, the amylase heated at 60 and introduced in other wells containing starch did not catalyze any reaction. This is because the high temperatures had already denatured the enzymes and completely destroying them. This led to changes in the color of iodine from brown to blue-black since the solutions contained starch. On the other hand, the reaction at 80 degree too did not show signify degradation of starch by enzyme amylase. Therefore, the color of iodine changed to blue-black from brown as it was evident in previous reaction at 60 degree. This therefore confirmed the denaturation of enzymes by high temperatures hence acted as a confirmatory test. Industrial amylase can withstand higher temperature hence optimal temperature was beyond the 37 degree which is the maximum optimal temperature in the human body where natural amylase if found . Conclusion In conclusion, the practical found that enzyme amylase is capable of degrading starch at optimal temperature. Enzymes are very important in many Biological reactions which are important in the production of important and helpful products. Knowledge about the optimal requirements is paramount in enzymatic reactions since its only at necessary environment that an enzyme is able to catalyze a reaction.

Despite several attempts to regulate campaign finance, money increasingly dominates the US electoral process

In recent years the increase in money poured into US elections has created a seemingly money dominated election with some arguing success relies on the highest level of campaign funding. As a result of the Watergate scandal The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 attempted to make a number of significant changes. However with the increased regulations there have been increased loopholes and many ways to get around these regulations, many donating large sums of money argue they are not the most important part of the campaign and the significance still lies with the Candidates strength and skills. But as the 2008 and 2012 hugely exceeded the expenditure of any previous election it is clearly to see money is playing an increasingly significant role. FECA of 1974 aimed to reduce candidates’ reliance on few wealthy donors and equalise money spent by the major parties. This law was however weakened by the Supreme #Court in the Buckley v Valeo ruling that limitations on what individuals or PACs could spend infringed the 1st amendment. In a similar case the 2010 Citizens united v FEC decision restrictions on corporations was removed leading to Super PACs. These played a significant role in the fundraising and spending in the 2012 presidential election. Supporters see them as a positive consequence of free speech, however many see that they are yet another outlet for unlimited money in electoral politics. It is evident to see that money is the arguably the most significant part of the election process due. Barack Obama has taken part is the two most expensive elections, with 1. 1 billion being raised by Obama in 2012, raising more than Romney and subsequently won the presidential election. The increasing importance of finance has been shown by Obama’s actions in 2008, when he rejected federal funding in order to avoid restrictions on his spending, aware of the advantage of large fundraising support. Indeed in 2012, neither Romney nor Obama took matching funds and neither did any of Romney’s rivals in the Republican primaries suggesting an end to the era of matching funds. Campaign finance has not been sufficiently regulated; this is partly why it is increasingly dominate in the electoral process. As the campaign increases in length, and the apparent non-stop campaigning of US politics, with the invisible primaries, primaries and mid-term elections it is increasingly essential that candidates receive financial support and the need for bigger and earlier funds to compete in all rounds of the election process. The need to campaign through increasingly expensive TV adverts is ever the more important, as these target a large audience and can be very effective in building up own support or knocking an oppositions support. Money is also the most important factor due to the diversity and size of the American electorate. Many interests need to be targeted and this relies on different angles of campaigning with different emphasises on differing policies for individual groups of the electorate. For example Obama in 2012 gained a significant proportion of Latin voters – a +44% advantage over Romney – and targeted these voters with information about immigration. The need to reach out to such a large demographic of voters further puts strains on the costing of elections. Many states require visits and this insures great travel costs for each of the candidates as they go on election tours and rallys. Obama in 2012 visited 4 states in one day in November – New Hampshire, Florida, Ohio and Colorado. As the elections become ever closer swing states also play a higher significance and winning these states have a higher impact on the outcome of the election, visiting these is of primary importance and more money in advertising is require for these states due to the difference undecided voters can make. As the campaign extends and increases more political advisers are typically hired by candidates, Romney in 2012 had 24 Foreign Policy advisors working with him throughout the campaign. However, although money plays a part in the campaign, especially from an administrative point of view it is not the main deciding factor in a candidate’s success. Despite the spending of Bush in 2004 he would have most likely won despite this funding, and Romney is 2008 was the highest spender in the Republican primaries but was not the eventual winner. The use of the free media by candidates is limited and this requires to be bought supporting the argument of the significance of finance, however commercials can backfire and if the candidate is not a strong candidate with wide support this can cost them an election e. g. Bush and Willie Horton. The influence adverts has shown a higher significance media has rather than money being most dominant. This can be supported by the Presidential TV debates, where verbal errors can be costly and have proved difficult for many candidates for example Mondale in 1984. Elections can be won or loss due to the outcome of these debates, debates often do more to confirm what voters already feel about candidates and can challenge and influence de-aligned voters and can convert passive audiences. However the significance of these can be questioned, very few debates have been controversial or change the course of election events out of 30 debates that have taken place. Media today allows for 24hr news on cable and network TV. Radio, websites, social media and smart phones also play an increasingly role with many crediting Obama’s success among younger voters to the influence of social media. The media set the agenda, amplify debate and frame debates and messages. The role of policy and a candidate’s personal strengths can be said to play the most significant part. Opinions on key issues such as the economy in 2012, views and actions to tackle these key issues are likely to change voters’ minds and capture undecided voters. For example the swing voters play a large impact on deciding who wins an election, many in 2012 believe Obama’s ‘Latin vote advantage’ won him the election over Mitt Romney, and in a Reuters poll 61% of mothers felt the country was on the wrong track favouring their vote against the incumbent president. In conclusion, money does not guarantee electoral success but it is increasingly difficult to win without large funds due to the financial demands of the elongated campaigns and reliance on advertising. It is capturing the vote of most Americans that is most essential and significant in the election, and although this can be easier done with financial backing, finance does not necessarily affect people’s opinions presidential candidates and key issues. But as elections get increasingly expensive the dominance of money may lead to a situation whereby only wealthy candidates are able to mount a successful attempt at winning the presidential election.

Marketing 300 Notes Essay

In the Summa Theologica, Thomas Aquinas uses the philosophical method to theology and addresses the question of whether God’s existence can be demonstrated as well as the question of whether we can know God completely. For Aquinas, the question of proving the existence of God is always bound up with the question of how, and to what extent, we can know God at all. St. Thomas Aquinas believes that yes, God’s existence can be demonstrated but that no we cannot know God completely. St. Thomas believes that God’s existence can in fact be demonstrated and that it can be done so in two ways. â€Å"One is through the cause, and is called â€Å"a priori†, and this is to argue from what is prior absolutely. The other is through the effect, and is called a demonstration â€Å"a posteriori†; this is to argue from what is prior relatively only to us† (Aquinas 15). In other words, to demonstrate that God exists is done in a cause and effect manner. For the question as to whether or not we can know God completely, St. Thomas answers that no, we cannot know God completely. According to St. Thomas one can know the essence of God, but to completely know God would be impossible. The differences between these two questions are that the question as to whether or not God’s existence can be demonstrated addresses God’s existence whereas the question on whether or not we can know God completely does not question God’s existence, just the amount of knowledge one can have on God. St. Thomas Aquinas proposed five proofs in which humans can use natural reason to prove the existence of God through extrinsic evidence. Through the use of natural reason we can logically conclude in the existence of God. Yet strictly speaking, God’s existence cannot be definitively proven through laboratory tests and experimental science. Experimental science and intrinsic evidence cannot definitively prove historical events, and yet by reason we know they have occurred. And surely were science falters and extrinsic evidence fail, reason and intrinsic evidence can prove the spiritual which cannot be measured by material sciences. The first way begins observing the movement all over the world and ends up asserting the existence of God as Immovable Motor; the second way observes the existence of causes in the world and concludes the existence of an ultimate Cause. The Third Way emphasizes one of the most important features of all finite objects, the radical insufficiency of their being, their contingency: the beings of the world exist but they could equally not exist, they have specific features which they could equally not have. If they do exist but could not then we can think of a time in which they didn’t; and if they were the only beings of the world, then nothing would have existed. As this is obviously not the case, then we should conclude that along with those contingent beings there must exist a necessary being, a being which has its origin in itself instead of in another being, and that being is God. St. Thomas states, â€Å"Therefore it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God† (Aquinas 16). In the next paragraph Aquinas says, â€Å"Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God† (Aquinas 17). Clearly, St. Thomas Aquinas is making his point that God is the source of everything. Since God is the cause we see the effects. The effects had to have come from a cause, which is God, and therefore God must exist. St. Thomas Aquinas starts off his discussion on whether or not one can know God by discussing the senses and their role in how humans know things. â€Å"Our natural knowledge begins from sense. Hence our natural knowledge can go as far as it can be led by sensible things† (Aquinas 86). St. Thomas states, â€Å"It is impossible for God to be seen by the sense of sight, or by any other sense, or faculty of the sensitive power† (Aquinas 74). What this passage is saying is that we cannot see God and because we cannot see God, it is impossible for us to know him. As humans we can know human beings because we can see them physically, however we cannot do this with God. Aquinas says, â€Å"when any created intellect sees the essence of God, the essence of God itself becomes the intelligible form on the intellect† (Aquinas 77) and this means that for what we can see with our human eyes that is what is going to portray to us what God is like. This means that we cannot fully know God and that we can only know of him or about him. God is an infinite being and we are finite beings which mean that we can only contain so much knowledge within us. Due to the fact that we are limited with our knowledge, it is impossible for humans to ever be able to fully encompass and know God because there is too much to know about Him. God is infinite, he has always been and humans cannot understand this because there is nothing else that we know of that has forever been and always will be. For these reasons, St. Aquinas believes that humans will never be able to fully know God like how they know one another. One can also compare these two questions not just by what they are based on (existence and knowledge) but also by looking at the differences between faith and knowledge. As stated previously when discussing whether or not we can know God completely, the basis of knowledge is derived from the senses. Knowledge has factual evidence from the world around you and has to do with reason and science. â€Å"We have a more perfect knowledge of God by grace than by natural reason†¦the knowledge which we have by natural reason contains two things: images derived from the sensible objects; and the natural intelligible light, enabling us to abstract from them intelligible conceptions. Now in both of these, human knowledge is assisted by the revelation of grace. For the intellect’s natural light is strengthened by the infusion of gratuitous light† (Aquinas__). On the other hand, Faith (or a belief) in something you take without question or evidence. An example of this is if someone is inside of a building and cannot see outside and someone comes in from being outside and tells the person that it is raining. Since the person inside has no way of knowing that it is raining outside since they cannot see or hear it, then they must believe the person telling them that it is raining. â€Å"Faith does not involve a search by natural reason to prove what is believed. But it does involve a form of inquiry unto things by which a person is led to belief, e. g. whether they are spoken by God and confirmed by miracles† (Aquinas__). Teachings by St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius agree with the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas about knowing God. All of them agree that it impossible to be able to fully and completely know God. Alternatively, the three of them believe that one can only know about and of God; knowing only the different aspects of God. Dionysius describes God as â€Å"wholly unknowable† and has as â€Å"incomprehensible presence† (Pseudo Dionysius 119) which is him saying that God cannot be understood completely. Dionysius also says that God is made up of infinite characteristics, which Dionysius combines to call the â€Å"Godlike oneness† (Pseudo Dionysius 36). He says that one can better know God through knowing that he has characteristics such as â€Å"good†, â€Å"fair†, and â€Å"existent† (Pseudo Dionysius 39-40) but that he is so much more than just these. This relates to St. Thomas Aquinas’ thoughts that through our senses, we can come to know more about God because of what he created, but it is still impossible to completely know God. Similarly with St. Augustine, he states that God is â€Å"high above all, uncontainable and immeasurable† (Augustine 32) which means that God is beyond our reach. Due to the face that we cannot see God, then it is impossible for us to know him fully. St. Augustine also states that God is â€Å"incorruptible, inviolable, and unchangeable’ (Augustine 90). The meaning of this passage states that God is perfect. If he were to be changed, he would no longer be perfect. This is a concept that humans cannot comprehend because humans are not perfect and perfection is an abstract thought. They can have an idea as to what perfection is, but it is impossible to fully understand. In conclusion, knowing that God exists and knowing God are two completely different questions. St. Thomas Aquinas states that one can know that God exists and that it can be proven philosophically through the effects. On the other hand he also states that one cannot know God, only aspects of Him. These two questions correlate with the different of faith and knowledge. Faith is associated with the question of knowing God (cannot be proven) and knowledge is associated with the question of knowing that God exists (can be proven philosophically). St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine and Pseudo Dionysius all state that it is impossible to fully know God. They all agree on the fact that it is possible to know aspects of God and know partially who he is through using our senses, yet God is still seen to be infinite so it is impossible for our human minds to fully comprehend God.

Shakespeares Tempest debating Civilized Man vs Natural Man

Shakespeares Tempest debating Civilized Man vs Natural Man Free Online Research Papers Shakespeare wrote many works in his life. One of his most famous works is the Tempest. In the Tempest there is a big debate on whether â€Å"civilized man† or the â€Å"natural man† was the superior one. At first people of the past thought of the natural man as being savage, brutal, and in his mind he was noble and had just as much control as the civilized man[Williams, p.171]. Later people thought the natural man as being uneffected by anything which earned him the term â€Å"noble savage†. He was also thought of as being corrupt and greatly effected by events[Williams, p.172]. Just as Montaigue says in his famous apologia for the natural man that it might be more barbaric to â€Å"mangle by tortures and torments a body full of lively sense under pretense of pietie and religion than to roast and eat him after he is dead†[Shakespeare, p.98]. Shakespeare does not take either side in the Tempest . The â€Å"natural man† is savage, intemperate, and brutal, incapable of higher reasoning and lacking the intelligence for nurture to â€Å"stick†[Barron, p.79]. While Shakespeare’s portrayal is not totally unsympathetic, Shakespeare is very far from being admirable and far from being a â€Å"noble savage†. However Shakespeare does show how Antonio’s conscious choice of evil even though he was suppose to have born of a â€Å"good womb† upbringing[Ching, p.147]. However Shakespeare does not show signs of corruption in the civilized world because that would suggest a side being taken to the argument. With all of this the debate between art and nature takes place. Art prefers to Prospero’s magic, which he uses to control nature. However while Prospero’s art can be said to imply the self-discipline, temperance, and virtue required to practice it, â€Å"Art† can also refer, in a wider sense, to the enlightened, refined intellect that can only be found with the advantages that civilization offers[Ching, p.165]. Because of this Antonio’s intelligence can be thought of as just as much form as Prospero’s which is more a form for self-interest, and to sense evil. Because of this art is thought of as more dangerous[Ching, p.166]. â€Å"So much more terrible is the sun of the nobleman who abrases below the natural†[Shakespeare, p.123], Antonio replies at the end of the piece of literature. Antonio is more evil then others such as Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo combined. Also not because of the way he grew up but because of his form of art h e must try to get Prospero good again as well[Barron, p.93]. Nature is shown in Caliban, even though he is to â€Å"indicate corruption and degeneracy in the civilized world†, and he is suppose to be a â€Å"virtuous shepherd of normal pastoral†, Caliban behaves in accordance with his instinctual urges[Ching, p.98]. But thankfully Caliban’s behavior is a lot less worrying then Antonio’s. He does not have any power or he will not when he is back in Milan. The same thing happens with Stephano and Trinculo, even though they are bound to â€Å"Nature†, there is not must intimidation by a butler and a jester. All three lack because they can so easily be controlled. Their â€Å"natural† tendencies are, moreover, less distressing than antonio’s taste for evil, since none had the advantages of birth and breeding[Ching, p.157]. Caliban, because of parenting alone is at a disadvantage because he born of an incubus and a witch. This is leading to Caliban not even being human[Ching, p.159]. They can be accused of a lot of things but being evil is certainly not one of them although you can not say the same thing about Antonio. This fact may perhaps partially account for Prospero’s acknowledgement of Caliban at the end of the play and his relatively cold treatment of Antonio, whom he forgives, but does not speak much to[Barron, p.99]. With all this, the Tempest presents â€Å"nature† as being far from the idealistic image created by Montaigne and those who thought similarly[Ching, p.203]. Although if you really look at art then you will see that it can be just as dangerous if misused. If art is used properly, however, it can control nature and curb its baser urges or at least prevent them from being carried out[Ching, p.204]. While the need for control over nature is shown , the ending suggests that art must come to terms with nature, as shown when at the end Caliban;s relationship with Prospero seems to be more stable and more reassuring than the resentment-filled extremely uneasy jailor-prisoner relationship shown earlier [Ching, p.204]. Besides from Shakespeare’s later life his early life is quite interesting also. He was the parish register of Holy Trinity Church, and was baptized there on April 26, 1564; his birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23. His father, John Shakespeare, was a burgess of the borough, who in 1565 was chosen an alderman and in 1568 bailiff. At the age of eighteen Shakespeare married â€Å"Anne Hathaway of Stratford†. Anne died after seven years of marriage. There are records that show that William had a daughter named Susanna, and later had twins named Hamnet and Judith [Gwinn, p.265]. In William’s private life he bought properties in London and Stratford. In 1605 he bought one-fifth of the Stratford tithes. Shakespeare’s will, which was made on March 25, 1616 is a very long and detailed document. Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 so there is some speculation that William was on his death bed at the time of the will being written. No name was in scribed on his gravestone in the channel of the parish church of Stratford-upon-Avon. Instead thes lines were inscribed on it â€Å" Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones. And curst be he that moves my bones† [Gwinn, p.266]. 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Other Peoples Money essays

Other People's Money essays "Other People's Money" explores the covetousness of an eccentric, yet prosperous venture capitalist, Larry Garfield (Danny DeVito) who has found a faltering New England Wire The very beginning of the movie depicts some of Larry Garfield's characteristics. Larry is the Chairman and CEO of Garfield Investments. He has an amazing overall attitude about himself. He is extremely wealthy, successful, and arrogant. His self-concept comes from an narcissistic state of mind. He is an egotist who feels he does not have to change his attitudes or behavior because he believes he is superior. Larry has a type-A personality because the flow of money through corporate acquisitions is the only thing that creates a euphoric environment for him. However, Larry the Liquidator is extremely intelligent and congenial which makes him intriguing. He may be extremely aggressive but he has a charming presence about him which may be the reason for his success. Although, another way he may have earned his place on Wall Street may be his uses of position power through two bases; coercive and legitimate powers. The extreme arrogance and aggressive behavior gives the impressio! The attorney who stands between him and New England Wire & Cable is Miss Kate Sullivan. She is a very assertive lawyer who is the daughter of Jorgy's ass...

International Human Rights and Social Justice Essay

International Human Rights and Social Justice - Essay Example Ernest Davies, a delegate of the UN stated It should not be forgotten ... that the war by its total disregard of the most fundamental rights was responsible for the declaration (Morsink, 2011). The war served as the precedent for these human rights when nations came together to prevent further war and destruction. Human rights thus became universal at a crucial time in history. While 48 nations accepted the Declaration during its initial phase, these rights were not mandatory on any nation. Rather they were voluntary and paved the way for acceptance in law in many other including Canada where UDHR is part of the legal framework of the country. While many have argued whether these rights are actually universal but they were declared universal because they reflected on the views of the strong Western Nations that came to dominate the world after the Second World War. Even non-western nations consider these rights to be universal since they represent the ideals that these nations strive for. The basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created by Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill as they represented two of the strongest Western nations- the United States and United Kingdom. The first draft for UDHR was created by John Peters Humphrey which was rewritten by Rene Cassin after minor changes was made. The Declaration was unanimously accepted by all 48 nations who were present during the vote of its acceptance. However, there were eight absenteeism in the form of Saudi Arabia, Soviet Union, Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Ukrainian SSR. Poland, Czechoslovakia, South Africa, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. The structure of the declaration was inspired by Code Napoleon which consisted of a preamble and general articles. The Declaration starts with a Preamble with seven paragraphs. This preamble lays down the reasons for the introduction of the declaration; thus serving as the foundation for the general

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Correlation between Self-Esteem and Memory - Research Proposal Example The study employed standardized measures constituting a Rosenberg Self-Esteem questionnaire given to participants to be completed in class; followed by a series of fifteen words read aloud to them and to be written down on a sheet of paper shortly afterward to test their memory. This experiment used a within-subject design where the researcher tested the participants independently and analyzed their results in SPSS, running a Pearson Correlation Test to find any correlation. Several specific studies have highlighted many cases that demonstrate how memories affect self-esteem both positively and negatively. Psychologists have long been studying "Self-esteem" as an independent concept in cognitive-behavioral therapy, mistaking it as something characteristic of maladjustment in one's social environment. It was until only recently that Social Scientists like Rubenstein (1999) defined self-esteem as the "belief" that one is capable of making competent and appropriate decisions about his life. (p. 76) This belief, Rubenstein explains, is based on how we evaluate our actions where such evaluation is, in turn, driven by concepts such as memory and self-concept. Healthy self-esteem is achieved when people are able to validate their actions positively. (p. 76) Constituting one of the four components of self-concept, Carpenito-Moyet (2007) state that self-esteem has many types and kinds depending on several factors that are driven by experiences and memory (p. 563). Psychologists have discovered that self-esteem fluctuates as life events range from positive to negative incidents, where negative life events predict lower self-esteem (e.g., Lakey, Tardiff, & Drew, 1994). Sternberg and Mio, discussing autobiographical memory; which is the memory of an individual's history, state that experiences in the life of an individual are constructive, wherein one does not recall exactly what happened but one's own construction or reconstruction of what happened. (p. 237) Which brings us to the concept of what one "believes" to be true about himself. These investigations about autobiographical memory show that memories affect self-esteem especially when the individual has a distorted recall. There are several studies highlighting many cases that demonstrate how memories affect self-esteem both positively and negatively. One such study is that of Uttl, Ohta and Siegenthaler's (2006) introduction and study of the so-called "self-defining memories". Their study showed that, in the case of mother-daughter bonding, daughters that were narrated more positive birth narratives showed higher self-esteem and those, with more frequently told and descriptive stories were closer to their mothers than those who weren't told any positive birth narratives. Uttl, Ohta and Siegenthaler found support from a similar research on SDMs conducted by Cohen and Conway. Their studies led them to the finding that these memories have links to personality styles. For instance, there was the case that reported the way students at the end of their third year of college have described and evaluated a significant life experience from the preceding 3 years and how these correlated with their personality,