St. Jerome as Cardinal essays

Designing for organizational Effectiveness Essay

Structuring for hierarchical Effectiveness - Essay Example Organizations can receive association viability strategy as a parameter to evaluate development and the rate at which objectives are achieved. There are various strategies that can be utilized to conceptualize how associations work. For example, Gareth Morgan depicted a model that can be utilized to consider association adequacy. In the model, Gareth utilizes representations to consider hierarchical viability; that is, machine, living being and cerebrum (Morgan 17). Machine in utilized as an illustration for clarifying the mechanical part of hierarchical adequacy. It looks to research issues, for example, multifaceted nature in structure, rivalry and irregular changes that happen in the organization’s outer condition. Identify that the arrangement of order inside an association impacts its viability. Likewise, the working of an association is subject to its structure. Complex structures and frameworks of order are in some cases confounding and, in this way, bring about bleak execution of an association (Daft 79). Structures inside an association ought to be straightforward and simple to work with so as to help effectiveness and execution. Generally, investigate has demonstrated that administration in authoritative structure is a center determinate of execution in any endeavor. Association structures that encourage great client relations and helpful workplace have end up being the best in the executives. In any case, extraordinary hierarchical structures fit various associations. In such manner, ventures should lead far reaching research when choosing the kind of structure to receive. Rivalry in the market exceptionally impacts the exhibition of a venture. For an association to get by in a serious domain, certain estimates must be set up to guarantee that tasks are not intruded. It is fundamental for an association to contemplate the general condit ion subjectively all together

Humans Have A Tremendous Capacity For Compassion And Hatred, Peace And

Humans Have A Tremendous Capacity For Compassion And Hatred, Peace And Humans Have A Tremendous Capacity For Compassion And Hatred, Peace And War, Harmony And Conflict â€" Essay Example > Social Behaviour and Human NatureHumans have a tremendous capacity for compassion and hatred, peace and war, harmony and conflict. [To err is human, to forgive is divine](Alexander Pope)Conflict and variability of ideas is the realm of this world. No two people are ever the same due to different opinions and experiences. Hence, no two persons can have the similar kind of minds. As self interest is unavoidable, along with scarcity of resources the conflict is somehow natural. Similarly the intense emotions like kindness, disgust, peace, war, agreement and conflict are in human instinct. Human beings have a natural push for move from the physical needs to psychological needs. As a community of human beings expand, the desire for security increases. As the need to survive is fulfilled, the need to communicate becomes apparent. Every human has some natural traits, a set of qualities in his self. Everyone possesses these set of traits with varying intensity. But the urge to rule and or der, compassion and hatred, peace and war, harmony and conflict can be seen in all human beings, at individual as well as on community level. When a community becomes powerful, without any concern with the individual differences and mutual conflicts, it goes to conquer the so called enemy. It is evident from history that communities had been on wars for natural resources, conflicting ideologies and urge to show power and many other reasons. But in the present era the trend of wars has changed. The civilization and modernization has made people realize that wars are a source of destruction and loss of valuable human lives. The more a nation is develops, the more it values individual life. To protect humanity and peace in the world, after World War II, the United States along with developed nations, established United Nations organization which aimed at the protection of world from war in future. UNO is the well established institution on which the whole world nations trust. Since i ts establishment, it is providing valuable services to the world by maintaining peace and prosperity. The United States of America, today’s sole world power, has always emphasized the importance of human life and dignity. It has been supporting the developing nations since World War II for their betterment. After the breakup of USSR, a non state actor called Taliban emerged on the world politics. As this network of Taliban gained power, it became a threat to the peace for the world. After 9/11 incident, USA started taking serious action against Al Qaida or Taliban network. As its human nature that human being cannot forgive a loss of his life. Surely he has a tremendous capacity for sympathy and hatred, peace and war, harmony and conflict. USA has been very kind to the developing countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Gulf States. It has been helping the countries financially, socially and for scientific and educational development but the terrorists situated in Asian region t argeted New York and turned USA infuriated. The attack on a developed nation will obviously result in defensive attacks on the suspected regions. When US was compassionate for the world, it left no stone unturned to help the poor nations but when it was offended by 9/11 attacks, the quest of security made president bush to act for the security of the united states. As Pope Alexander said beautifully that to make a mistake is human nature but to forgive is divine. This never happened after the offence of 9/11. The actual terrorists deserved severe punishment but in order to rebuke them, many innocents were killed perhaps unintentionally by USA.

Prevention Of Diabetes And Pre Diabetes Essay - 1604 Words

Type II diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in the United States and is also a disease that is continually growing in numbers. The cost of the individual and national health care systems is also a number that is growing. Policy for prevention of diabetes and pre-diabetes is something that while has changed some in the past, has been basically the same for the past 20-25 yeas. This disease affects many throughout the country, but effects those in the middle and lower classes due to the cost of eating healthier being greater than the alternative and also due to the fact that these groups are less likely to go for routine health care. Education for the providers and patients both need to be more accessible. Providers education for screening, and implementation of a policy to set better guidelines for screening, needs to be created so that patients at risk can be educated soon rather than later on lifestyle changes. The education for patients needs to be more exten sive in the office and also in the community where individuals are more likely to ask questions and be in an environment where they are more comfortable. Prevention of Type II Diabetes Policy Gap Analysis Type II Diabetes is a growing disease that according to Ley, Ardisson Korat, Qi, Tobias, Cuilin, Lu and ... Hu (2016) approximately 415 million adults are affected by this disease worldwide and in the United States in 2015, $348 million dollars was spent on treatment forShow MoreRelatedPrevention Of Type II Diabetes Policy Gap Analysis Essay1576 Words   |  7 Pagesalso a disease that is continually growing in numbers. The cost on the individual and national health care systems is also a number that is growing. Policy for prevention of diabetes and pre-diabetes is something that while has changed some in the past, has been basically the same for the past 20-25 yeas. This disease effects many throughout the country but effects those in the middle and lower classes due to the cost of eating healthier being greater than the alternative and also due to the factRead MoreEssay about Global Health and Diabetes1323 Words   |  6 Page ssocial justice, grounded in science, focused on prevention and control of diseases, and linked to governments and public policy (Merson, Black, Mills, 2006). This writer is aware of the need to improve the health of the global community and hopes to use this paper to do the following: (a) Elaborate on why this writer was drawn towards a global health career and discuss plans for her future in this area, and (b) Discuss the pressing issue of global diabetes and propose remedial actions that could beRead MoreEpidemiologic Evidence Paper1464 Words   |  6 PagesEpidemiologic evidence that is related to the prevention of diabetes in for adults can be found in many places in the literature. Some issues that come up are how according to Patel, Misra, and Balasubramanyam (2017) the increase in diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in developing countries has escalated rapidly due to an increase in populations, overall aging of the population, urbanization, and increase prevalence of obesity. P atel, Misra, and Balasubramanyam (2017) also projects that the number ofRead MoreStudy Design : Material And Methods892 Words   |  4 Pagesrepresents around 52% ( individual) Sample size: The size of the sample has been calculated using the following formula Using earlier published prevalence data from study done in Saudi Arabia in jedda by Bahijri .S.M and et al found prevalence of pre-diabetes is 10.2 % among adult and will use the confidence level 95% with chance error 5% ,and by formula the size of sample is 138 participants. Sample selection: The sample selection technique is stratified systemic random sampling technique where eachRead MoreEssay On The Road To Health With Prediabetes1205 Words   |  5 Pagesnot high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Despite advances in medical technology, treatments, and diagnoses, uncontrolled diabetes continues to rise in the United States (US) (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2016). Between 2012-2014, 33.9 % of the US population were diagnosed with prediabetes (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). According to the ADA (2016) in 2010 18.8 million of the population was diagnosed with diabetes, 7 million were undiagnosed, compared toRead MoreA Research Study On Diabetes1304 Words   |  6 PagesDiabetes is chronic long term group of health condition with high level of blood sugar which can lead to serious health consequences. Basically diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism. Insulin is a hormone that plays major role in glucose metabolism. Food co ntains carbohydrates which metabolize into glucose and with help of insulin glucose enters into cells. There are two main types of diabetes. When an individual’s body is unable to make enough insulin or body is unable to use its own insulinRead MoreTheory To Practice Case Study896 Words   |  4 PagesKayla Tomasauckas Theory to Practice Case Study Paper October 3rd, 2017 The prevalence of pre diabetes is a primary issue. Pre-diabetes can lead to Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) if the individual is not careful. T2DM can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammation, and oxidative stress (de la Monte Wands, 2008). Previous studies researched the effects of over the counter supplementation of carnosine in animals and limited human studies. Strategies in previous studies foundRead MoreA Brief Note On Diabetes And High Level Of Blood Sugar1318 Words   |  6 PagesDiabetes is chronic long term group of health condition with high level of blood sugar which can lead to serious health consequences. Basically diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism. Insulin is a hormone that plays major role in glucose metabolism. Food contains carbohydrates which metabolize into glucose and with help of insulin glucose enters into cells. There are two main types of diabetes. When an individual’s body is unable to make enough insulin or body is una ble to use its own insulinRead MoreDiabetes Is A Serious Health Problem Gaining Increasing Global Attention From Governments Public Health Organizations1446 Words   |  6 PagesDiabetes is a serious health problem gaining increasing global attention from governments public health organisations. This global attention can be attributed to the increasing implications diabetes has on public health (CDC, 2016). Every six seconds a person dies from diabetes (IDF, 2016). Despite the measures to prevent and treat this disease, its prevalence is still on the increase, especially in middle- and low-income countries; more so, health professionals envisage it will rise drasticallyRead MoreDiabetes : A Common Chronic Disease1230 Words   |  5 PagesDiabetes is a common chronic disease that causes problems in the way the blood uses food. The inability of the body to transform the sugar into energy is called diabetes. Glucose, a simple sugar, is the primary source of fuel for our bodies. Wh en food is digested, some of the food will be converted into glucose which is then transferred from the blood into the cells however, insulin, which is produced by beta cells in the pancreas is needed. In individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired

Political Sociology Reading List And Rationale - 855 Words

Political Sociology Reading List and Rationale The purpose of this comprehensive exam is to give me an opportunity to demonstrate mastery over relevant debates, theories, and empirical findings in the major issues of political sociology. I will also examine theoretical and empirical approaches to classic and contemporary fundamental questions of political sociology. My primary goal here is to learn how to think critically like a political sociologist and be able to understand and use the major concepts, frameworks and representatives of political sociology for my doctoral project. Political sociology is a very broad and multi dimensional discipline. Thus, to examine the mentioned issues, I will primarily look at the various cases and hot debates around the intersection of Islam and politics in the modern world. I organized my reading list at five parts that match the scope of my doctoral research as well as expanding my expertise within political sociology. My subfields consist of (1) the overview of political sociology, (2) Islam and Muslim politics, (3) Islam and modernity debates (4) multiple modernities, and (5) religion and immigration: Islam and Muslim in the western societies. These subsections will be particularly useful for me because my research project is developing within political sociology, Islam and politics and multiple modernity perspectives. The section of overview of political sociology will provide me to become familiar with and capable of engaging withShow MoreRelatedOrganizational Behaviour Analysis28615 Words   |  115 PagesCultural (Anthropological) Metaphor The Political Metaphor The Psychic Prison Metaphor Flux and Transformation The Dominance Metaphor Using the Metaphors References and bibliography Workshop Aims Workshop Objectives Reading Lists Core Texts 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 7 10 10 13 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 28 28 30 30 Organisational Analysis: Notes and Essays Page iii Supplementary Texts Extended Reading List Directed Readings Frameworks of Reality: Prediction ControlRead MoreSocial Causes and Consequences of Inequalities Based on Race, Class, Gender, and Sexual Orientation2854 Words   |  11 Pagesconstantly being depicted as the culprits and the prime suspects in any crime. Muslim are always associated with fascism, Blacks are always associated with thugs, Mexicans are always depicted as illegal immigrants or drug cartels, Russians as spies and the list goes on. However, the White people are depicted as victims and innocents. Unfortunately, this false depiction of generalizing racial attributes leads to a false image in the eyes of the majority. It is due to this reason that racial profiling in theRead MoreLiability of Foreigness8530 Words   |  35 Pagesantecedents and consequences of this liability holistically, we argue that accurate reading of the complex and volatile IBE, formulation of a compatible strategy and its effective implemen tation together contribute to good performance. As the resource-based perspective suggests the degree to which firms develop such tacit skills, differentially affects their performance. Firms that excel in these environment-reading skills and are agile enough to quickly adapt to its changes can transform this liabilityRead MoreWhat Does Organizational Change Mean?17842 Words   |  72 Pagesorganizational space and time are unique and linear. The paper takes issue with this and argues that ‘a-centred organizations’ and ‘drift’ should replace conventional definitions of organizations and change. The arguments are inspired by the arguments of the sociology of translation and constructivism, and insights from two case studies of Enterprise Resource Planning system implementations in large multinational organizations. The latter illustrate how defining change is problematic—as new systems gave rise toRead MoreMens Rea The Writing Style and Feminism of Lakambini Sitoy7010 Words   |  29 PagesCONTENTS ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii ABSTRACT iv Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Scope Rationale of the Study 1 Statement of the Problem 2 Significance of the Study 2 Theoretical Background of the Study 2 Scope and Limitations of the Study 6 Definition of Terms 6 2 Review of Related Readings Review of Related Literature 8 Review of Related Studies 12 3 Literary Research Methodology MethodRead MoreEssay on Criminological Theories13456 Words   |  54 Pagesnet Website: www.roxbury.net 2 Table of Contents Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6. Chapter 7. Chapter 8. Chapter 9. Chapter 10. Chapter 11. Chapter 12. 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Professor Renà © Tissen, Nyenrode Business U niversity, The NetherlandsRead MoreTeaching Notes Robert Grant - Strategy 4th Edition51665 Words   |  207 PagesSuch a decision focus invigorates the class by placing students in the positions of senior managers. However, probably the most important learning comes from the understanding that students gain of the strategic circumstances of companies and the rationale for the strategies that they adopt. †¢ Our aim in developing these cases has been to reconcile richness and brevity. By focusing the case around a limited number of issues, we have attempted to keep the cases down to less than 25 pages, includingRead MoreDeveloping Effective Research Proposals49428 Words   |  198 Pages(pbk) Library of Congress catalog record available Typeset by Type Study, Scarborough, North Yorkshire Printed in Great Britain by The Cromwell Press Ltd, Trowbridge, Wiltshire previous page page_iii next page Page v Contents List of Figures List of Boxes and Tables Preface 1 Introduction 1.1 Research proposals – purpose and use of this book 1.2 Background to this book 1.2.1 Empirical research – data 1.2.2 Quantitative and qualitative data 1.2.3 Relaxing the quantitative–qualitativeRead MoreMarketing Plan Basics9903 Words   |  40 Pagesproducts, financial position, technical and research capabilities, partnership/supply chain relations, others o Environment #61607; Consider the conditions in which company operates including: #61607; physical (e.g., facilities), equipment, political regulatory, competitive, economic, technological, others Part 2: Situational Analysis The situational analysis is designed to take a snapshot of where things stand at the time the plan is presented. It covers much of the same ground covered

Expansion of NATO Free Essays

string(96) " face and more responsible and comprehensive attitude in the post-Cold War world affairs\[15\]\." Introduction North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed on 4th April 1949 after the Second World War as a realization of the importance of close ties between United States of America and Europe for the stability and security of world [1]. It was a watershed event in both the US history and in the history of 20th century, as it marked the isolationist strategy that had characterized US foreign policy since more than 2 centuries [2]. The alliance was seen as a counter strategy to protect Western European democracies against the growing threat of communism under USSR[3]. We will write a custom essay sample on Expansion of NATO or any similar topic only for you Order Now Later on this strategic-military alliance proved an important tool in the wake of Cold War between USA and USSR where it was seen as only safeguard for US and its allies against the expansionist designs of communist countries spearheaded by USSR. However with the disintegration of USSR, unification of Germany and end of Cold War in 1989-1991, the functional utility of NATO were re-examined to decide its future role in the new world order. However, end of the Cold War did not signify end of role of NATO and soon it witnessed the wide ethnic and religious conflicts in the Eastern Europe, especially in Balkan nations [4]. By 1995, NATO was required to intervene directly in many of these affairs as well as play the role of peacekeeper in the newly independent countries. Later on in the decade, the issue of terrorism raised its head, and presented further challenges to roles, responsibilities and scope of NATO’s future strategies [5]. Through the entire decade of 1990s NATO was shaping up its own future action course and on June 8-9, 1997, it took decision to expand and include new democracies of The Czech Republic, Hungry, and Poland, all former USSR allies, as part of NATO[6]. Since this decision has risen much debated and heat over its contextual application in the changed world order, and criticisms have been abundant on the merit of expansionist strategy of NATO in the 21st century world [7]. This paper shall examine the various issues involved with expansion strategy along with their merits and demerits. The debate against the expansion The decision to expand the NATO has created heated debates and arguments, both in favor and against of the decision. Many hold the opinion that an expanded NATO would be beneficial for world order, global peace and security and economic development and free trade, while others view threats of greater regional tension and hegemony of certain nations if NATO continues to expand[8]. The Expansion of NATO is generally opposed on following four grounds[9] 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The expansion involves huge expenditure to protect the allied countries. Estimates have put the expenditure at more than $125 billion annually if US goes ahead with the expansion strategy. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dangerously high level of commitments on part of US of protecting the newly enrolled allied countries. Western European countries themselves have demonstrated little interest in the expansion program as they consider it primarily an American objective. Thus it falls back entirely on USA to shield the its allies which may be a daunting and horrific task given the complex geo-political relation they share with each other as well as USA’s former nemesis USSR. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The third problem is a modification of second problem which involves conflicting nature of relations among even new entrants in   NATO. Further, some of the Central and Eastern European countries such as Hungry and Poland are embroiled centuries long feuds with their neighbors and a conflict, even though on limited scale would make it mandatory for US to assist the member country, thereby widening the scope of the conflict. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The last concern presented relates to the possibility that expansion may forever engage NATO as a peacekeeping authority in the extreme Eastern Europe where situation among several countries, including Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungry, is so volatile that repeated conflicts can break out over a number of years. The expansion and responsible factors   The expansion of NATO came after long negotiations with former communist nations that included Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union. NATO took a series of steps, such as formation of North Atlantic Cooperation Council in 1991 and NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994 to develop an amicable and peaceful environment for effective interaction and cooperation for these countries[10]. The decision to finally include Czech Republic, Hungry and Poland came after long deliberations and amidst a growing consensus that these nascent democracies needed to be integrated in the western democratic framework to help them achieve rapid and lasting economic development[11]. Although the debate on this expansion has been widely across political and strategic spectrum, it should be noted that it was not for the first time that NATO had expanded. Article 10 of NATO’s foundation document has given it implicit rights to include new members on their meeting certain criteria[12]. As one of the central premises of NATO is that attack on any of its member would be considered as attack against all and hence NATO would be s justified in taking military action against the aggressor, it attracted many European non members to the organization to safeguard their democratic values, freedom, heritage and civilization[13]. Thus NATO has undergone three major expansions since its formation to fulfill its commitment to stability and continued growth of economy and trade in the member countries. By 1990s most of the eastern European nations were convinced that in joining NATO remained their only hope to protect their integrity, and ensure their survival in an increasingly chaotic political order. On its part, NATO was also eager to embrace these countries has it perceived that most of problems afflicting Europe were occurring in non NATO member countries and therefore by increasing the scope of alliance, NATO would contribute towards increasing the stability and security in the Eastern Europe[14]. Further, the new responsibilities gave NATO the much-required opportunity to present a changed face and more responsible and comprehensive attitude in the post-Cold War world affairs[15]. You read "Expansion of NATO" in category "Essay examples" In wake of these developments, notwithstanding the criticism and debates surrounding the earlier expansion strategy to include the three former communist nations, USA has confirmed its commitment to further expansion of NATO in the coming years[16]. European security and future expansion strategy of NATO As the Cold War ended in 1989, it became apparent that Eastern Europe was headed for comprehensive restructuring and reformulating the strategies that were no longer applicable in the new context[17]. Abatement of hostilities between Western and Eastern Europe provided an unprecedented opportunity to policy makers to work towards attainment of long standing objective of European unification, in which NATO was considered as a powerful catalyst. NATO provided the vital platform where the political, economic and military interests of both Western and Eastern Europe came together and its own regional development took priority with view to strengthen the economic and strategic coalition of European states[18].   NATO was the instrument that facilitated this ideological and strategic unification of Europe. In the view of changed political order in Europe and risks of terrorism, NATO has formed a long term future expansion strategy that makes it open to every European country which seeks NATO’s help in protecting its identity and culture while making transition towards democracy[19]. Although the immediate and pressing needs of any plan of expansion have receded, especially after the successful handling of Balkan crisis by NATO and demonstration of its continued relevance as a capable peacemaker. Also, the latest enlargement, as discussed before, addressed one of the pressing issues on NATO, to form an active collaboration with former USSR supporting countries. Yet the future expansion of NATO is inevitable, as many non –NATO European countries would begin to meet the conditions for entry into the Alliance and may question its commitment to peacekeeping if denied admittance[20]. Therefore considering the requirement of expansion, NATO has planned the procedure in distinct steps, with no-surprise strategy. Aspirants may request for membership two years before the decision making years that are set as 2002, 2008-09, and 2012-14. As strategist point out that these expansions would be limited to introduction of maximum one or two nations at a time, rather than multiple entry[21]. These expansions would increase the membership of NATO to 25 countries, making it one of the most organized and important military alliances in the modern times. The future expansion strategy of NATO comprises of five steps 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Development of military cooperation with the newly joined state under Partnership for Peace (PfP) initiative 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Greater PfP coordination and cooperation to meet expectations and aspirations of new members 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Formation of rules and guidelines that assess a given country’s eligibility for consideration of NATO membership 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assessment and scrutiny of a given country’s standing in fulfilling NATO’s commitment if accepted as member 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Deciding the time frame for new country to join the Alliance. Conclusion Expansion of NATO has to be seen from a broader and longer perspective. NATO has become an indispensable tool, especially in the changing nature of terrorism that is taking global dimension. As once the free democracies of Western Europe and USA combined to thwart designs of Communism, its equally vital in the present scenario for them and the new members to form an alliance that thwarts evil purpose of global terrorism for which an armed, military equipped and strategically capable military authority is necessary. NATO, by expanding its membership, is in the process of gaining that crucial strategic leverage, as well as create conditions in the first place that would prevent many countries to be affected by menace of terrorism in the changed world strategic order. Reference Alexander Moens, Lenard J.Cohen, Allen G.Sens .NATO and European Security: Alliance Politics from the End of the Cold War to the Age of Terrorism.: Praeger.: Westport, CT. 2003 Barany, Z. The Future of NATO Expansion: Four Case Studies. Cambridge University Press.: Cambridge, England.: 2003 Carpenter T.G and Barbara C. NATO Enlargement: Illusions and Reality. Cato Institute.: Washington, DC.: 2001 Gardener, H..   NATO for a New Century: Atlanticism and European Security. Editor:   Carl C. Hodge. Praeger.: Westport, CT: 2002. Kaplna, L.S. The Long Entanglement: NATO’s First Fifty Years. Praeger.: Westport, CT. 1999 Lepgold, J.   NATO’s Post-Cold War Collective Action Problem, International Security, 23:1 (Summer 1998): 78–106 Millar A and Plesch D.T. Pushing the Envelope Too Far? Technology’s Impact on NATO Expansion. Journal of International Affairs. Volume: 51. Issue: 2.: 1998. Page Number: 641. Seidelmann, R. NATO for a New Century: Atlanticism and European Security. Editor:   Carl C. Hodge. Praeger.: Westport, CT: 2002. Simon, J.   Central European Civil-Military Relations and NATO Expansion Washington, D.C.: National Defense University, McNair Paper 39, 1995 Solomons, G.B. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997: The Blessings of Liberty.: Praeger.: Westport, CT.: 1998. Szayna, T.S. NATO Enlargement, 2000-2015: Determinants and Implications for Defense Planning and Shaping. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. [1] A. Millar and D.T   Plesch. Pushing the technology too far?   Journal of International Affairs. [2] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 1 [3] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 2 [4] A. Moens, L. J.Cohen, A. G.Sens.   NATO and European security.   Praeger. 2003. [5] A. Moens, L. J.Cohen, A. G.Sens.   NATO and European security.   Praeger. 2003. [6] G.B. Solomons. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997. Praeger. P 1. [7] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003. [8] H. Gardner. NATO for a New Century: Editor.   C. Hodge. Praeger. Westport, CT. 2002. P: 23. [9] T.G. Carpenter and A.B. Conry. NATO Enlargement: Illusions and Reality. Cato Institute. Washington DC. 2001. [10] Jeffrey Simon, Central European Civil-Military Relations and NATO Expansion (Washington, D.C.: National Defense University, McNair Paper 39, 1995) [11] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 8 [12] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [13] G.B. Solomons. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997. Praeger. P 2. [14] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [15] Joseph Lepgold, NATO’s Post-Cold War Collective Action Problem, † International Security, 23:1 (Summer 1998): 78–106 [16] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [17] R. Seidelmann, NATO for a New Century. Edit. Carl C. Hodge 2002. p- 47 [18] R. Seidelmann, NATO for a New Century. Edit. Carl C. Hodge 2002. p- 48 [19] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-41. [20] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-42. [21] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-42 How to cite Expansion of NATO, Essay examples Expansion of NATO Free Essays string(87) " more responsible and comprehensive attitude in the post-Cold War world affairs\[15\]\." North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed on 4th April 1949 after the Second World War as a realization of the importance of close ties between United States of America and Europe for the stability and security of world [1]. It was a watershed event in both the US history and in the history of 20th century, as it marked the isolationist strategy that had characterized US foreign policy since more than 2 centuries [2]. The alliance was seen as a counter strategy to protect Western European democracies against the growing threat of communism under USSR[3]. We will write a custom essay sample on Expansion of NATO or any similar topic only for you Order Now Later on this strategic-military alliance proved an important tool in the wake of Cold War between USA and USSR where it was seen as only safeguard for US and its allies against the expansionist designs of communist countries spearheaded by USSR. However with the disintegration of USSR, unification of Germany and end of Cold War in 1989-1991, the functional utility of NATO were re-examined to decide its future role in the new world order. However, end of the Cold War did not signify end of role of NATO and soon it witnessed the wide ethnic and religious conflicts in the Eastern Europe, especially in Balkan nations [4]. By 1995, NATO was required to intervene directly in many of these affairs as well as play the role of peacekeeper in the newly independent countries. Later on in the decade, the issue of terrorism raised its head, and presented further challenges to roles, responsibilities and scope of NATO’s future strategies [5]. Through the entire decade of 1990s NATO was shaping up its own future action course and on June 8-9, 1997, it took decision to expand and include new democracies of The Czech Republic, Hungry, and Poland, all former USSR allies, as part of NATO[6]. Since this decision has risen much debated and heat over its contextual application in the changed world order, and criticisms have been abundant on the merit of expansionist strategy of NATO in the 21st century world [7]. This paper shall examine the various issues involved with expansion strategy along with their merits and demerits. The debate against the expansion The decision to expand the NATO has created heated debates and arguments, both in favor and against of the decision. Many hold the opinion that an expanded NATO would be beneficial for world order, global peace and security and economic development and free trade, while others view threats of greater regional tension and hegemony of certain nations if NATO continues to expand[8]. The Expansion of NATO is generally opposed on following four grounds[9] 1.The expansion involves huge expenditure to protect the allied countries. Estimates have put the expenditure at more than $125 billion annually if US goes ahead with the expansion strategy. 2.Dangerously high level of commitments on part of US of protecting the newly enrolled allied countries. Western European countries themselves have demonstrated little interest in the expansion program as they consider it primarily an American objective. Thus it falls back entirely on USA to shield the its allies which may be a daunting and horrific task given the complex geo-political relation they share with each other as well as USA’s former nemesis USSR. 3. The third problem is a modification of second problem which involves conflicting nature of relations among even new entrants in   NATO. Further, some of the Central and Eastern European countries such as Hungry and Poland are embroiled centuries long feuds with their neighbors and a conflict, even though on limited scale would make it mandatory for US to assist the member country, thereby widening the scope of the conflict. 4. The last concern presented relates to the possibility that expansion may forever engage NATO as a peacekeeping authority in the extreme Eastern Europe where situation among several countries, including Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungry, is so volatile that repeated conflicts can break out over a number of years. The expansion and responsible factors The expansion of NATO came after long negotiations with former communist nations that included Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union. NATO took a series of steps, such as formation of North Atlantic Cooperation Council in 1991 and NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994 to develop an amicable and peaceful environment for effective interaction and cooperation for these countries[10]. The decision to finally include Czech Republic, Hungry and Poland came after long deliberations and amidst a growing consensus that these nascent democracies needed to be integrated in the western democratic framework to help them achieve rapid and lasting economic development[11]. Although the debate on this expansion has been widely across political and strategic spectrum, it should be noted that it was not for the first time that NATO had expanded. Article 10 of NATO’s foundation document has given it implicit rights to include new members on their meeting certain criteria[12]. As one of the central premises of NATO is that attack on any of its member would be considered as attack against all and hence NATO would be s justified in taking military action against the aggressor, it attracted many European non members to the organization to safeguard their democratic values, freedom, heritage and civilization[13]. Thus NATO has undergone three major expansions since its formation to fulfill its commitment to stability and continued growth of economy and trade in the member countries. By 1990s most of the eastern European nations were convinced that in joining NATO remained their only hope to protect their integrity, and ensure their survival in an increasingly chaotic political order. On its part, NATO was also eager to embrace these countries has it perceived that most of problems afflicting Europe were occurring in non NATO member countries and therefore by increasing the scope of alliance, NATO would contribute towards increasing the stability and security in the Eastern Europe[14]. Further, the new responsibilities gave NATO the much-required opportunity to present a changed face and more responsible and comprehensive attitude in the post-Cold War world affairs[15]. You read "Expansion of NATO" in category "Essay examples" In wake of these developments, notwithstanding the criticism and debates surrounding the earlier expansion strategy to include the three former communist nations, USA has confirmed its commitment to further expansion of NATO in the coming years[16]. European security and future expansion strategy of NATO As the Cold War ended in 1989, it became apparent that Eastern Europe was headed for comprehensive restructuring and reformulating the strategies that were no longer applicable in the new context[17]. Abatement of hostilities between Western and Eastern Europe provided an unprecedented opportunity to policy makers to work towards attainment of long standing objective of European unification, in which NATO was considered as a powerful catalyst. NATO provided the vital platform where the political, economic and military interests of both Western and Eastern Europe came together and its own regional development took priority with view to strengthen the economic and strategic coalition of European states[18].   NATO was the instrument that facilitated this ideological and strategic unification of Europe. In the view of changed political order in Europe and risks of terrorism, NATO has formed a long term future expansion strategy that makes it open to every European country which seeks NATO’s help in protecting its identity and culture while making transition towards democracy[19]. Although the immediate and pressing needs of any plan of expansion have receded, especially after the successful handling of Balkan crisis by NATO and demonstration of its continued relevance as a capable peacemaker. Also, the latest enlargement, as discussed before, addressed one of the pressing issues on NATO, to form an active collaboration with former USSR supporting countries. Yet the future expansion of NATO is inevitable, as many non –NATO European countries would begin to meet the conditions for entry into the Alliance and may question its commitment to peacekeeping if denied admittance[20]. Therefore considering the requirement of expansion, NATO has planned the procedure in distinct steps, with no-surprise strategy. Aspirants may request for membership two years before the decision making years that are set as 2002, 2008-09, and 2012-14. As strategist point out that these expansions would be limited to introduction of maximum one or two nations at a time, rather than multiple entry[21]. These expansions would increase the membership of NATO to 25 countries, making it one of the most organized and important military alliances in the modern times. The future expansion strategy of NATO comprises of five steps 1. Development of military cooperation with the newly joined state under Partnership for Peace (PfP) initiative 2. Greater PfP coordination and cooperation to meet expectations and aspirations of new members 3.Formation of rules and guidelines that assess a given country’s eligibility for consideration of NATO membership 4.Assessment and scrutiny of a given country’s standing in fulfilling NATO’s commitment if accepted as member 5.Deciding the time frame for new country to join the Alliance. Conclusion Expansion of NATO has to be seen from a broader and longer perspective. NATO has become an indispensable tool, especially in the changing nature of terrorism that is taking global dimension. As once the free democracies of Western Europe and USA combined to thwart designs of Communism, its equally vital in the present scenario for them and the new members to form an alliance that thwarts evil purpose of global terrorism for which an armed, military equipped and strategically capable military authority is necessary. NATO, by expanding its membership, is in the process of gaining that crucial strategic leverage, as well as create conditions in the first place that would prevent many countries to be affected by menace of terrorism in the changed world strategic order. Reference Alexander Moens, Lenard J.Cohen, Allen G.Sens .NATO and European Security: Alliance Politics from the End of the Cold War to the Age of Terrorism.: Praeger.: Westport, CT. 2003 Barany, Z. The Future of NATO Expansion: Four Case Studies. Cambridge University Press.: Cambridge, England.: 2003 Carpenter T.G and Barbara C. NATO Enlargement: Illusions and Reality. Cato Institute.: Washington, DC.: 2001 Gardener, H..   NATO for a New Century: Atlanticism and European Security. Editor:   Carl C. Hodge. Praeger.: Westport, CT: 2002. Kaplna, L.S. The Long Entanglement: NATO’s First Fifty Years. Praeger.: Westport, CT. 1999 Lepgold, J.   NATO’s Post-Cold War Collective Action Problem, International Security, 23:1 (Summer 1998): 78–106 Millar A and Plesch D.T. Pushing the Envelope Too Far? Technology’s Impact on NATO Expansion. Journal of International Affairs. Volume: 51. Issue: 2.: 1998. Page Number: 641. Seidelmann, R. NATO for a New Century: Atlanticism and European Security. Editor:   Carl C. Hodge. Praeger.: Westport, CT: 2002. Simon, J.   Central European Civil-Military Relations and NATO Expansion Washington, D.C.: National Defense University, McNair Paper 39, 1995 Solomons, G.B. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997: The Blessings of Liberty.: Praeger.: Westport, CT.: 1998. Szayna, T.S. NATO Enlargement, 2000-2015: Determinants and Implications for Defense Planning and Shaping. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. [1] A. Millar and D.T   Plesch. Pushing the technology too far?   Journal of International Affairs. [2] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 1 [3] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 2 [4] A. Moens, L. J.Cohen, A. G.Sens.   NATO and European security.   Praeger. 2003. [5] A. Moens, L. J.Cohen, A. G.Sens.   NATO and European security.   Praeger. 2003. [6] G.B. Solomons. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997. Praeger. P 1. [7] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003. [8] H. Gardner. NATO for a New Century: Editor.   C. Hodge. Praeger. Westport, CT. 2002. P: 23. [9] T.G. Carpenter and A.B. Conry. NATO Enlargement: Illusions and Reality. Cato Institute. Washington DC. 2001. [10] Jeffrey Simon, Central European Civil-Military Relations and NATO Expansion (Washington, D.C.: National Defense University, McNair Paper 39, 1995) [11] L.S. Kaplan. The Long Entanglement, Praeger, 1999. p. 8 [12] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [13] G.B. Solomons. The NATO Enlargement Debate, 1990-1997. Praeger. P 2. [14] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [15] Joseph Lepgold, NATO’s Post-Cold War Collective Action Problem, † International Security, 23:1 (Summer 1998): 78–106 [16] Z.Barany. The Future of NATO Expansion. Cambridge University Press. 2003 [17] R. Seidelmann, NATO for a New Century. Edit. Carl C. Hodge 2002. p- 47 [18] R. Seidelmann, NATO for a New Century. Edit. Carl C. Hodge 2002. p- 48 [19] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-41. [20] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-42. [21] T.S. Szayna. NATO Expansion 2000-2015. Rand. Santa Monica, CA. 2001. p-42 How to cite Expansion of NATO, Essay examples

The Road - How Does Cormac Mccarthy Entertain His Readership free essay sample

The Road text response How does Cormac McCarthy entertain his readership in his text, The Road? Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road, winner of such highly acclaimed awards such as the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the James Tait Black Memorial Award, is based in the dystopian, post apocalyptic world that is North America. It follows the journey undertaken by a father and son who follow the road from the north to the south of America in search of a warmer climate. However, their journey is not straightforward. The storyline reveals the state of anarchy that society has become, and how the slow but guaranteed demise of the human race has pushed the last remaining people to resort to surviving by any means necessary. All moral and ethical codes are forgotten, as murder, theft and cannibalism are exercised by some. The quality that differentiates the father and son from the other desperate survivors is their unwavering religious beliefs and moral code, which is portrayed in the storyline as them continuing to live as the ‘good guys’. We will write a custom essay sample on The Road How Does Cormac Mccarthy Entertain His Readership or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This theme prevails no matter what problem they may face. An example of this theme used by the author is when the father and son find a fellow survivor near death. Rather than either ignore the man and carry on, or view him as a source of nutrition, they give him a meal and stay with him for the night, giving him comfort, company and warmth with a fire. The writing style that Cormac McCarthy uses is one that is both simplistic and extremely detailed. These styles come together to create descriptive phrases that make the reader feel that they are a part of the masterpiece. McCarthy uses a brilliant mix of figurative language and symbolism, which is the reason that Cormac McCarthy is able to consistently and thoroughly entertain his readership throughout the text. The use of language, and in particular for this novel the figurative language, is always a big gamble with success and failure. The way he conforms his writing with a minimalistic and simplistic manner, yet at the same time grabbing the attention of many is astounding. He portrays horrific settings and encounters that are always very effective in making the reader feel a sense of dread and sadness as if it was something that had happened to them. His use of onomatopoeia and similes is one that is unrivalled and can be seen from the first couple of pages, for example, ‘The Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone before. Like the onset of some cold glaucoma dimming away the world’. I believe this is a very effective use of a simile as it paints a very descriptive picture in a person’s head and is something that can be thought of and even felt by the reader. Another great use of onomatopoeia is when the author uses the line, ‘the slight fizz coming from the can’ as this is something we all know of and can relate to in our real lives. The novel is one that is able to subtly but rather effectively demonstrate many symbolic references throughout that are able to give a real sense of a higher meaning to the words we see before us. The use of religion throughout the novel is an example of how Mr McCarthy used symbolism. This is evident in the way that the father will refer to himself and his son frequently as the people to â€Å"Carry the Flame†, a flame that resembles the salvation of mankind in the form of the son, with him holding close the morals and values that used to make them human but has been evidently lost by others. Another example of symbolism is the use of a single gun to signify hope and salvation. It is in this upside down world that a symbol readily associated with death and devastation is seen as salvation by the father and son, because in this world death is seen as a better option than living. This can be seen with the father often reminding his son of the way to commit suicide in times of desperation, ‘You know what to do, in the mouth, point up, and shoot’. This is a very confronting scene as it demonstrates that even though the father and son have maintained the high moral ground and lived their religious beliefs, they are still victims of the mutating evil that is the world they are trying to escape. The use of themes in the text is something that I believe adds a certain type of diversity, a story that is different from others yet still using themes that are universal and easily relatable. It engages a reader mentally and emotionally, keeping them thinking long after finishing the text and referring it back to their own experiences. The themes of paternal love, good versus evil and environmentalism are themes that not only bring up large debates between people, but cause the reader to question their own beliefs and positions if they were in the same situation. Paternal love is the bond shared between a father and son, a bond that is unique in its qualities and depth of emotion and can not be replicated. In The Road the paternal love between the two main characters is tested and strained, with debate and guidance about how to maintain their religious beliefs despite the woe and misery that surrounds them. Another theme used is the age old battle between good and evil. This battle is played out as between the father and son, and the rest of the world, as well as being within the father and the son themselves. These battles depict good as the underdog, and the constant swaying of strength between good and evil feeding the hope of the reader that the father and son will prevail at the end like the fire drake, rising from the ashes and bringing with it a rebirth. In conclusion, I believe that it is the successful mix of figurative language, symbolism and the use of themes that Cormac McCarthy has used that is the reason behind his ability to continue to entertain his readership throughout the text, The Road. As well as being an entertaining read, the book has profound lessons to teach in relation to the strength of individual moral beliefs and how they influence decision making even in the most dire of circumstances. I leave you with this quote, â€Å"If trouble comes when you least expect it, then maybe the thing to do is expect it. † I think this is a rather interesting idea and that when I think of this, I always have the urge to read the book again.

Free Essays on Early Christianity

What do we learn about the life and structure of the church from the evidence of the first two centuries? Defining the term ‘church’ as it was used by the early Christians is a useful way of exploring their lives and community organisation. The early Christians saw the term ‘church’ as â€Å"the designation for the individual community in a particular place† (Brox). This designation shows the importance placed upon the community by the Christians. There was also considerable independence of communities in that they required nothing outside of themselves to nurture their belief. However this did not mean that the different communities lived in complete isolation, in fact the term ‘church’ was also used for all the communities in a region and throughout the world. Thus because of the independence of local churches they tended to develop along different lines with different traditions, festivals etc. These differences were widely accepted and were usually explained in terms of apostolic authority. As an apostle had founded their community in his particular style and because he shared the same basic ideals of the other apostles so did individual communities share the same basic ideals. These actions showed that the church valued belief and faith over the nitty- gritty details of worship. The unity of the church can be demonstrated by the exchange of correspondence between the communities. These letters circulated the main concerns of the church at the time usually to give advice or reprimand a church. The messengers delivering letters were always of the church and were given hospitality. This encouraged further communication between the different churches and also established norms of which churches or certain individuals within the church were accepted and which were excommunicated for various reasons. The churches also gave hospitality to itinerant preachers who had gone forth to spread the word. The presence of itinerant p... Free Essays on Early Christianity Free Essays on Early Christianity What do we learn about the life and structure of the church from the evidence of the first two centuries? Defining the term ‘church’ as it was used by the early Christians is a useful way of exploring their lives and community organisation. The early Christians saw the term ‘church’ as â€Å"the designation for the individual community in a particular place† (Brox). This designation shows the importance placed upon the community by the Christians. There was also considerable independence of communities in that they required nothing outside of themselves to nurture their belief. However this did not mean that the different communities lived in complete isolation, in fact the term ‘church’ was also used for all the communities in a region and throughout the world. Thus because of the independence of local churches they tended to develop along different lines with different traditions, festivals etc. These differences were widely accepted and were usually explained in terms of apostolic authority. As an apostle had founded their community in his particular style and because he shared the same basic ideals of the other apostles so did individual communities share the same basic ideals. These actions showed that the church valued belief and faith over the nitty- gritty details of worship. The unity of the church can be demonstrated by the exchange of correspondence between the communities. These letters circulated the main concerns of the church at the time usually to give advice or reprimand a church. The messengers delivering letters were always of the church and were given hospitality. This encouraged further communication between the different churches and also established norms of which churches or certain individuals within the church were accepted and which were excommunicated for various reasons. The churches also gave hospitality to itinerant preachers who had gone forth to spread the word. The presence of itinerant p...

Pension Plans in the United States After Retirement

Pension Plans in the United States After Retirement Pension plans are one of the key methods to successfully saving for retirement in the United States, and though the government does not require businesses to provide such plans to its employees, it does offer generous tax breaks to companies that establish and contribute to pensions for their employees. In recent years, defined contribution plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have become the norm in terms of small businesses, self-employed individuals, and freelance workers. These monthly set amounts, which may or may not be matched by the employer, are self-managed by the employees in their personal savings accounts. The primary method of regulating pension plans in the United States, though, comes from its Social Security program, which benefits anyone who retires after the age of 65, depending on how much one invests over the course of his or her life. Federal agencies ensure that these benefits are met by every employer in the U.S. Are Businesses Required to Offer Pension Plans? There are no laws that require businesses to offer their employees pension plans, however, pensions are regulated by several governing agencies in the United States, which largely helps define what benefits larger businesses must offer their employees - like health care coverage. The  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Department of State  website details that the federal governments tax collection agency, the Internal Revenue Service, sets most rules governing pension plans, and a Labor Department agency regulates plans to prevent abuses. Another federal agency, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, ensures retiree benefits under traditional private pensions; a series of laws enacted in the 1980s and 1990s boosted premium payments for this insurance and stiffened requirements holding employers responsible for keeping their plans financially healthy. Still, the Social Security program is the greatest way in which the United States government requires businesses to offer their employees long-term pensions options - a just reward for working a full career before retirement. Federal Employee Benefits: Social Security Employees of the  federal government- including  members  of the military and civil service as well as disabled  war  veterans- are offered several types of pension plans, but the most important government-run program is Social Security, which is available after a person retires at or above the age of 65. Although run by the Social Security Administration, the funds for this program come from payroll taxes paid by both employees and employers. In recent years, however, it has come under scrutiny as the benefits received upon retirement  only cover a portion of the income needs of its recipient. Especially because of the retirement of many of the post-war  baby-boom generation early in the 21st century, politicians feared the government wouldnt be able to pay all its obligations without increasing taxes or decreasing benefits for retirees. Managing Defined Contribution Plans and IRAs In recent years, many companies have switched over to what is known as defined contribution plans wherein the employee is given a set amount as part of their salary and is thus tasked with managing their own personal retirement account. In this type of pension plan, the company is not required to contribute to the savings fund of its employee, but many choose to do so based on the result of the employees contract negotiation. In any case, the employee is responsible for managing his or her salary allotment intended for retirement savings. Although it is not difficult to set up a retirement fund with a bank in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), it can be daunting for self-employed and freelance workers to actually manage their investments into a savings account. Unfortunately, the amount of money these individuals have available at retirement entirely depends on how they invest their own earnings.

Gap, Inc. Retailing Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gap, Inc. Retailing Analysis - Essay Example Gap’s trouble in 2001 At the time of Millard Drexter, there were 200 underperforming stores of Gap Incorporated that continuously operate. This specifically decreases the level of profit generation considering that the entire operation of the company continues in a regular manner while generation of revenue came into a downward spiral. Unfortunately, financially speaking Gap Incorporated could not eventually continue to operate in this condition. This is an issue of lack of management perspective and outlook. The company lacks appropriate evaluation system in order to identify its weakest and strongest areas. Unfortunately, this continues to operate and in 2001, the financial performance of Gap Incorporated received substantially small net margin for income. Compared this with the performance of other retailing companies, Gap is far behind and the whole opportunity is lost for the good of its competitors. There is another important view that Gap Incorporated under the manageme nt of Drexter was overlooked. There was lack of market research that could determine customers’ preferences and needs. This eventually is the reason why Gap Incorporated misjudged fashion trends in 2000. It tried to create trendy apparel for young adults but it was not creating greater impact in the market. Customers were ending up choosing other fashion options due to some important reasons including their own style. For instance, it is important to know that American consumers spend less on clothing due to the fact that fashion does nowadays does not only include clothes but other accessories and technological gadgets. For instance, iPods and iPhones are considered part of the fashion trends among American consumers. Normally, niche markets for growth opportunities are the most significant view in apparel retailing industry. However, the market is continuously expanding and there are added segments that need to be clearly understood further. In the United States, size fitti ngs among Americans change over 60 years. In line with this, more data are necessary to be gathered in order to find out the best fittings for Americans. Apparel industry is also competing with vacation, housing and automobile industries. These industries at some point minimize the level of revenue intended for Apparel industry. Thus, with the consumer and market research, Gap Incorporated for instance will be able to identify the right move in order to stimulate needs for its product offerings at the right timing. There is also another important marketing trend that needs to be understood by Gap Incorporated. This is in line with the declining significance of department stores in the US apparel industry. This is how important marketing research is. It tries to help retailers understand consumer behavior and the entire market in general. Understanding consumer behavior means knowing exactly what they prefer over the other offerings available for them. Gap’s spectacular turnar ound in 2003 Gap was able to remarkably have itself applauded for its honesty with respect to improving the working conditions for the manufacturer of its garments in factories. This created a certain level of trust that promotes more than just a promising output. This remarkably opened up the possibility of increasing customer relationship and to ensure trust and loyalty in the end. Not only that, Paul S.

Introduction to Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Introduction to Banking - Essay Example Despite the fact that the borrower was pursuing a professional course which needed the inputs of expensive photographic equipments; the borrower had never ever approached the bank even for a student loan. (ii) A prime factor responsible for the borrower not approaching the bank for even a student loan is the financial resourcefulness and entrepreneurship skills exhibited by the borrower as a freelance photographer even while she was a student. She was able to sell her work as a freelancer. This implies that she had developed substantial trade contacts over all these years which are now going to stand in good stead for the sale of photographs from her current project. Case facts go on to reveal that she is on the threshold of some category of fame in photography circles. Her entrepreneurial abilities provide further comfort to the banker. (iii) Case facts reveal that her parents are generous and thereby affluent () and have supported their daughter liberally in the past. They have been cited as one of the reasons that she was not required to obtain loan during her student days. For the purpose of the present project it may be good idea to accept collateral securities from such parents. They can also be utilized as guarantors for the present loan. Her background check thus reveals no factor which would be an inhibiting factor in extending her the loan. However following specific questions may be asked to her during her loan interview to complete the appraisal process: (a) She may be asked to furnish a firm and complete itinerary of her project in Africa. She may be asked to indicate clearly the number of days she intends to stay in Africa, the number of locations she would visit, her boarding and lodging arrangements at each such location, her local conveyance and other expenditures. Case facts reveal that borrower has sought the loan for air tickets and photographic equipment; it is apparent that most of the above expenditure she wishes to put in through her own sources as margin. It is important to estimate this margin available with her as otherwise rest of the project and bank lent funds would be of no specific use. Thus bank must estimate all such expenditures and probe her sources and their availability at the project start date. These sources could include her own savings, her parents support, support from any other photograpy association, magazine or institution or even any grant or fellowship. (b) The next pertinent set of questions would be on specific items she is seeking loan for viz.air tickets and photographic equipment and accessories. Borrower may be asked to furnish the names of the specific airlines she would be traveling on to Africa along with her assistant. In case enquiries reveal that the airlines she proposes to use is expensive or that other airlines are offering more economical round tickets then the borrower would be asked the reason for preferring the chosen airlines. She may also be advised to avail of the cheaper airlines. Coming to her other need viz of photographic equipment and accessories queries may be framed on the specific equipment she proposes to buy for her project and why she thinks that such equipment is more suitable both in terms of price and performance, from amongst other same genre equipment. The banker may like the borrower to show the process of narrowing down

Landmines :: essays research papers

Landmines A recent report on the ban the production and the use of landmines which appeared in the International Post caught my attention. Credit for the lucidly written report should be given to Ms Kazka, a colleague of mine, who illuminated the pertinent issues involved in the controversy revolving the production of landmines. Although the Philippines is fortunate enough not to have experienced the anguish of states like Afghanistan and Bosnia, we as a nation, averse at atrocities brought about by warfare, should contribute to the advancement of this noble cause of banning the production, the use and the demining of landmines. As Ms Kazka reported, each day landmines kill or wound an estimated 75 people worldwide. Ninety percent of these victims are civilians. Among the victims may be a teenage girl gathering firewood in Cambodia. A grandfather herding sheep in Afghanistan. Or a boy running across an empty field in Angola. What makes antipersonnel mines so abhorrent is the indiscriminate destruction they cause. Mines cannot be aimed. They lie dormant until a person or animal triggers their detonating mechanism. Antipersonnel mines cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of a child. Those who survive the initial blast usually require amputations, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitative services. These people do not usually recover from the psychological strain that the explosions cause. Moreover, they are discriminated by people in their respective society and are considered lower class people. Vivid images of the leg-less people were described in detail by the report In Cambodia alone there are over 35,000 amputees injured by anti-personnel landmines--and they are the survivors. Many others die in the fields from loss of blood or lack of transport to get medical help. Mine deaths and injuries in the past few decades total in the hundreds of thousands. Landmines are now a daily threat in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Chechnya, Croatia, Iraq, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Somalia, and dozens of other countries. Mines recognize no cease-fire and long after the fighting has stopped they continue to maim or kill. Mines also render large tracts of agricultural land unusable, wreaking environmental and economic devastation. Refugees returning to their war-ravaged countries face this life-threatening obstacle to rebuilding their lives. Leading producers and exporters of antipersonnel mines in the past 25 years include China, Italy, the former Soviet Union, and the United States. More than 50 countries have manufactured as many as 200 million antipersonnel landmines in the last 25 years. Landmines :: essays research papers Landmines A recent report on the ban the production and the use of landmines which appeared in the International Post caught my attention. Credit for the lucidly written report should be given to Ms Kazka, a colleague of mine, who illuminated the pertinent issues involved in the controversy revolving the production of landmines. Although the Philippines is fortunate enough not to have experienced the anguish of states like Afghanistan and Bosnia, we as a nation, averse at atrocities brought about by warfare, should contribute to the advancement of this noble cause of banning the production, the use and the demining of landmines. As Ms Kazka reported, each day landmines kill or wound an estimated 75 people worldwide. Ninety percent of these victims are civilians. Among the victims may be a teenage girl gathering firewood in Cambodia. A grandfather herding sheep in Afghanistan. Or a boy running across an empty field in Angola. What makes antipersonnel mines so abhorrent is the indiscriminate destruction they cause. Mines cannot be aimed. They lie dormant until a person or animal triggers their detonating mechanism. Antipersonnel mines cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of a child. Those who survive the initial blast usually require amputations, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitative services. These people do not usually recover from the psychological strain that the explosions cause. Moreover, they are discriminated by people in their respective society and are considered lower class people. Vivid images of the leg-less people were described in detail by the report In Cambodia alone there are over 35,000 amputees injured by anti-personnel landmines--and they are the survivors. Many others die in the fields from loss of blood or lack of transport to get medical help. Mine deaths and injuries in the past few decades total in the hundreds of thousands. Landmines are now a daily threat in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Chechnya, Croatia, Iraq, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Somalia, and dozens of other countries. Mines recognize no cease-fire and long after the fighting has stopped they continue to maim or kill. Mines also render large tracts of agricultural land unusable, wreaking environmental and economic devastation. Refugees returning to their war-ravaged countries face this life-threatening obstacle to rebuilding their lives. Leading producers and exporters of antipersonnel mines in the past 25 years include China, Italy, the former Soviet Union, and the United States. More than 50 countries have manufactured as many as 200 million antipersonnel landmines in the last 25 years.

Learner Guide for a Level Economics

Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics How to use this guide The guide describes what you need to know about your Economics examination. It will help you to plan your revision programme and will explain what Cambridge International Examinations is looking for. The guide contains the following sections: Section 1: How will you be tested? This section will give you information about the different examination papers you will take. Section 2: Examination tips This section gives you advice to help you do as well as you can.Some of the tips are general advice and some are based on the common mistakes that learners make in exams. Section 3: What will be tested? This section describes the five assessment objectives in Economics Section 4: What you need to know This shows the syllabus content so that you can check: †¢ which topics you need to know about †¢ details about each topic area in the syllabus †¢ how muc h of the syllabus you have covered Section 5: Useful Websites  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 1: How will you be tested?The table below gives you information about the examination papers you will take. Paper Type Duration Number of Questions Maximum Mark 1 Multiple Choice (Core) (a) Data Response (Core) (b) Structured Essay (Core) 1 hour 30 30 Weight (% of total marks for syllabus) 40 45 minutes (recommended) 1 20 30 45 minutes (recommended) 1 from a choice of 3 20 30 2 2  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 2: Examination tips General Advice †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ It is very important that you look very closely at the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ words used in a question.These tell you what we are looking for. If a question asks you to ‘identify’, ‘ state’ or ‘calculate’ something, you should not write a very long answer. If, however, the question asks you to ‘explain’ or ‘discuss’ something, this will require you to go into much more detail and your answer should be longer. Very often, with a ‘discuss’ question, you will be expected to look at something from two contrasting points of view and then come to a reasoned and well supported conclusion. It is also important that you look closely at the number of marks that are awarded for each part of a question.This will give you guidance as to how long you should spend on each particular part. Some parts of a question will only gain you two or four marks while other questions will have sections worth eight and twelve marks. Remember to look very closely at the precise wording of each part of a question. You need to make absolutely certain that your answer clearly relates to what is specifically required. For example, you ma y answer a question about inflation and write all you know about how it is measured, but the actual question asked required you to write about the difference between two causes of inflation, cost-push and demand-pull.Time management is crucial. Don’t spend too long on one question, or parts of one question, and then leave yourself towards the end of the examination with very little time to read through your answer and correct any mistakes and/or add anything that you feel is missing. W herever possible, use diagrams to aid your explanations, but make sure that they are accurately and clearly drawn and correctly labelled. You should also make sure that you refer to them in your answer. You should also try and bring in appropriate and relevant examples, wherever possible, of current economic issues and problems to support the points you are making.Look back at the question every so often, just to make sure that you are answering the question correctly and staying ‘on trac k’. You do not need to write out the question; this is a waste of your time. Just make sure that you write the number of the question, and the sub-part, so that we know which question you have answered and there is no possibility of confusion as to which question has been answered. Do not answer more questions than you have to. For example in Paper 2, you are required to answer question 1 in Section A and then only one of the three questions in Section B. Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics An Example Paper 2 Section A: Question 1 This is the data response question which has to be answered. There are 20 marks available for this question. †¢ †¢ You need to spend time carefully reading through the information provided in Section A. In the example above the data response was concerned with the market for onions in Bangladesh. You need to be confident in what you have read so that you are able to identify, inter pret and manipulate aspects of the data, depending on the particular questions asked.You need to look at the title of the case study; this may well give you some clues as to what you will be required to do in answering the questions.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ You need to look at the data provided and appreciate its context. In the example above, this was concerned with the prices of essential foodstuffs in Bangladesh and the implications of this for traders, consumers and the government.If the data is in the form of a table, a chart or a diagram, look for the important features and see if you can identify any patterns, relationships or trends as some of the questions are likely to be drawn from these. Look for the economic theories or concepts around which the case study has been written; think about how and where these theories and concepts are embedded in the data as questions are likely to be drawn from these. In the example above, this was in relation to prices, demand and supply and government intervention in markets). See if there is a stated source for the case study; as this may help you to understand its context.See if you can identify any limitations of the data; for example, there may be other information that you would have found useful, but which has been omitted. The instruction on the examination paper states: â€Å"Brief answers only are required. † You need to be able to quote selectively and answer concisely. You need to look closely at and follow the mark allocation in terms of the time to be taken to answer each part of a question. In the example above, all three parts of (a) were allocated two marks each, both parts of (b) were allocated four marks each, and part (c) was allocated six marks.Half of the time allocated to the whole paper, 1 hour 30 minutes, sh ould be spent on answering Question 1, i. e. 45 minutes. This means that between 13 and 14 minutes should be allocated to each of (a) and (c) and 18 minutes to (b). W here the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is calculate, you do not need to go into a great deal of detail. In Question 1 (a) (i), in the example above, you simply needed to calculate the approximate price per kilo of onions in September 2003. W here the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is identify, you again do not need to go into a great deal of detail.In Question 1 (a) (ii), in the example above, you simply needed to identify two reasons why prices might normally be expected to rise before the Holy Month of Ramadan; you were not required to explain, analyse or discuss these two reasons. A question will sometimes explicitly require you to include a diagram. This was the case in (b) (i) and (ii), in the example above, when candidates were required to include a demand and su pply diagram. In the case of (i), this was to help explain how traders may benefit from reducing the supply of essential products.In the case of (ii), this was to help analyse the effect on the market for onions of the introduction of an effective maximum price. Your diagrams would need to be neatly and accurately drawn and correctly labelled. You would also need to refer to the diagrams in your answers; that is why it says ‘with the aid of a demand and supply diagram’ in the question. The maximum mark that could have been awarded in each of these sections, if no diagram had been included, was three out of the available four. In some parts of questions, the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is explain or analyse.In part (b), (i), in the example above, you were required candidates to ‘explain how traders may benefit from reducing the supply of essential foodstuffs’, while in (ii) candidates were required to ‘analyse the effect on the market for onions of the introduction of an effective maximum price’. It is very important that you fully understand what is meant by these words. Explain means to make clear how or why; analyse means to examine in technical detail. In some parts of questions, the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word used is discuss.In Question 1 (c), in the example above, the question required candidates to ‘discuss the  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ desirability of the Government’s intervention in the market for onions’. You would need to look at this from both points of view, i. e. firstly saying that it would be advantageous and then going on to consider some of the possible disadvantages. You would then be expected to reach a conclusion as to whether it would be particularly desirable for the government to intervene in such a market.The maximum mark for only one side of the argument was four; the maximum mark for both points of view, but without a clear conclusion, was five. You should always try to leave time at the end of answering the question to read through what you have written so that you can check and correct any mistakes and add anything important that you have omitted. Section B: Questions 2, 3 or 4 This is the essay question and you have to answer just one question from this section. There are 20 marks available for this question. †¢ †¢ Each question will be made up of two parts with eight marks for (a) and twelve marks for (b).Part (a) will always require you to explain something. This means that you are required to give clear reasons for something or to make something clear in terms of how and/or why something is happening. For example, in Question 2 (a) you were required to explain how production possibility curves might be used in assessing a country’s economic performance. You would need to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by a production possibility curve and then go on to explain both the static position of the curve and a movement of it.In Question 3 (a) you were required to explain the difference between absolute and comparative advantage. You would need to define the two terms and then go on to explain the terms and the assumptions which underpin the two concepts. In Question 4 (a) you were required to explain the difference between costpush and demand-pull inflation. You would need to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by inflation and then go on to explain the two terms and, most importantly, the difference between them.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ As has been said, there are eight marks available for part (a), 40% of the total for the question. You should, therefore, aim to spend about 40% of the time available for answering this part of the question. The time allocated to answering this question is 45 minutes, so you need to aim to spend about 40% of that time on part (a), i. e. about 18 minutes. Part (b) will always require you to discuss something. This means that you are required to give the important arguments, for and against, in relation to whatever is being asked.For example, in Question 2 (b) you were required to discuss whether a mixed economy is the best way for a country to deal with the basic economic problem. You would need to demonstrate an understanding of both a mixed economy and the basic economic problem and then go on to discuss both the benefits and the drawbacks of a mixed economy. In Question 3 (b) you were required to discuss whether the principle of comparative advantage is a satisfactory explanation of the trade pattern of an economy with which you are familiar.You would need to apply the principle of comparative advantage to a pattern of trade and discuss the limitations of comparative advantage theory. You would then need t o go on to discuss other explanations of trade. This is a particularly interesting question because instead of requiring you to discuss a particular trade pattern between two economies, you are asked to discuss the trade pattern of an economy with which you are familiar, i. e. you are given the choice of deciding which economy to write about. In Question 4 (b) you were required to discuss whether a country experiencing inflation will always have a balance of payments problem.You would need to explain the link between inflation and the balance of payments and then go on to discuss the conditions when inflation would be likely to bring about a balance of payments problem and the conditions when inflation would not be likely to cause such a problem. As has been said, there are twelve marks available for part (b), 60% of the total for the question. You should, therefore, aim to spend about 60% of the time available for answering this part of the question. The time allocated to answering this question is 45 minutes, so you need to aim to spend about 60% of that time on part (b), i. . about 27 minutes. You should always try to leave time at the end of answering the question to read through what you have written so that you can check and correct any mistakes and add anything important that you have omitted.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 3: What will be tested? The syllabus sets out the five assessment objectives in Economics. Number of Assessment Objective 1 Skill Demonstration of Skill Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding 2 Interpret 3 Explain and Analyse 4 Evaluate 5 Organise, Present and CommunicateYou should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the specified content. You should be able to interpret economic information presented in: †¢ verbal †¢ numerical or †¢ graphical forms. You should be able to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, us ing relevant economic: †¢ concepts †¢ theories and †¢ information. You should be able to evaluate economic: †¢ information †¢ arguments †¢ proposals and †¢ policies. You should be able to take into consideration relevant information and theory. You should be able to distinguish facts from: †¢ hypothetical statements and †¢ value judgements.You should be able to organise, present and communicate economic ideas and informed judgements in a: †¢ clear †¢ logical and †¢ appropriate form. The Multiple Choice component (Paper 1) will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 1, 2 and 3. The Data Response part of Paper 2 will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 2 and 3 and, to a lesser extent, Assessment objectives 1, 4 and 5. The Structured Essay part of Paper 2 will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 1, 3, 4 and 5 and, to a lesser extent, Assessment Objective 2.  © Cambridge International Examinat ions 2012Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 4: What you need to know A table is provided below which describes the topics which will be tested in your examination papers. You can use the table throughout the course to check the topics you have covered. You can also use it as a revision aid. The column headed ‘comments’ can be used: †¢ to add further information about the details of each bullet point, or to give appropriate examples †¢ to highlight areas of difficulty which you might need to ask your teacher about.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level EconomicsTheme 1 Basic Economic Ideas Topic Scarcity, choice and resource allocation Different allocative mechanisms Production possibility curve The margin Positive and normative statements Ceteris paribus Factors of production Division of Labour Money  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able to: †¢ Define the meaning of scarcity †¢ Explain the inevitability of choices at all levels: o individual o firm o government †¢ Define and explain the concept of opportunity cost †¢ Consider basic questions of: o what will be produced o how it will be produced o for whom it will be produced Distinguish between: market economies †¢ planned economies †¢ mixed economies †¢ and problems of transition Explain: †¢ the shape of the production possibility curve †¢ shifts of the production possibility curve Explain decision making at the margin Distinguish between: †¢ positive and †¢ normative statements Explain the meaning of ceteris paribus Define the four factors of production: †¢ Land †¢ Labour †¢ Capital †¢ Enterprise Explain the meaning of division of labour Describe and explain: †¢ the functions of money †¢ the characteristics of money Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme 2 The Price Sys temTopic Individual Demand curves You should be able to: Explain the construction of individual demand curves Aggregation of individual demand curves to give market demand Factors influencing demand Explain how individual demand curves are aggregated to give market demand Movements along and shifts of a demand curve Price, income and cross elasticities of demand Firms’ supply curves Factors influencing market supply Movements along and shifts of a supply curve Price elasticity of supply  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Identify and explain the various factors that can influence market demandExplain and distinguish between: †¢ movements along a demand curve †¢ shifts of a demand curve †¢ Explain the meaning of †¢ Calculate †¢ Analyse the factors affecting †¢ Assess the implications for revenue and business decisions of o price elasticity of o demand o income elasticity of o demand o cross elasticity of o demand Explain how individual firms’ supply curves are aggregated to give market supply Identify and explain the various factors that can influence market supply, including: †¢ indirect taxes and †¢ subsidies Explain and distinguish between: †¢ movements along a supply curve †¢ shifts of a supply curveExplain: †¢ the determinants of the price elasticity of supply †¢ the implications of price elasticity of supply for speed/ease with which businesses react to changed market conditions Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme Topic Interaction of demand and supply Equilibrium price and quantity Consumer and producer surplus Prices as rationing and allocative mechanisms 3 Government Intervention in the Price System Externalities Social costs and social benefits Decision-making using costbenefit analysis Private goods and public goods Merit goods and demerit goodsGovernment intervention  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able t o: Explain: †¢ the meaning of equilibrium and disequilibrium †¢ the effects of changes in supply and demand on equilibrium price and quantity †¢ the applications of demand and supply analysis Explain the meaning of consumer and producer surplus Analyse how prices can be used as: †¢ rationing and †¢ allocative mechanisms Explain and distinguish between: †¢ positive and †¢ negative externalities Explain social costs as the sum of: †¢ private costs and †¢ external costs Explain social benefits as the sum of: †¢ private benefits and external benefits Explain decision-making using cost-benefit analysis Explain and distinguish between: †¢ private goods and †¢ public goods Explain and distinguish between: †¢ merit goods and †¢ demerit goods Explain government intervention through: †¢ maximum price controls †¢ price stabilisation †¢ taxes †¢ subsidies †¢ direct provision of goods and services Comm ents Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme 4 International Trade Topic Principles of absolute and comparative advantage Other explanations and determinants of trade flows Arguments for free trade and motives for protectionTypes of protection and their effects Economic integration 5 Measurement in the Macroeconomy Terms of Trade Balance of Payments Different forms of measurement in the macroeconomy General price level Price indices  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able to: Explain the principles of: †¢ absolute advantage †¢ comparative advantage and †¢ their real-world limitations Explain the opportunity cost concept allied to trade Account for other explanations and determinants of trade flows Explain: †¢ arguments for free trade and †¢ motives for protection Explain: †¢ types of protection and †¢ their effectsExplain the features of, and the differences between, a: †¢ free trade area †¢ cu stoms union †¢ economic union †¢ monetary union Explain the meaning of the terms of trade Explain the components of the balance of payments Explain different types of measurement: †¢ Employment statistics †¢ Size and components of labour force †¢ Labour productivity †¢ Definition of unemployment †¢ Unemployment rate; patterns and trends in employment and unemployment †¢ Difficulties involved in measuring unemployment Explain: †¢ the general price level †¢ price indices, such as the consumer price index and the retail price index money and real data Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme Topic Shape and determinants of AD and AS You should be able to: Interaction of AD and AS: determination of level of output, prices and employment 6 Macroeconomic Problems Inflation Define inflation Explain the: †¢ degrees of inflation †¢ types of inflation †¢ causes of inflation †¢ consequences of infl ation Explain the: †¢ meaning of balance of payments equilibrium and disequilibrium †¢ causes of balance of payments disequilibrium †¢ consequences of balance of payments disequilibrium on the domestic and external economyDefine exchange rates and explain: †¢ the measurement of exchange rates – nominal, real, tradeweighted exchange rates †¢ the determination of exchange rates – fixed, floating, managed and ‘dirty’ float †¢ the factors underlying fluctuations in exchange rates †¢ the effects of changing exchange rates on the economy Analyse policies designed to: †¢ correct balance of payments disequilibrium or †¢ influence the exchange rate Comment on the possible conflicts between these three policy objectives Balance of Payments Problems Fluctuations in Foreign Exchange Rates 7 Macroeconomic PoliciesMacroeconomic policies Conflicts between policy objectives on inflation, balance of payments exchange rate  © C ambridge International Examinations 2012 Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 5: Useful Websites General Economics sites http://www. tutor2u. net This is probably one of the best of the various internet sites that are currently available for students of Economics. It provides a great deal of information on a wide range of topics and one section that is particularly useful is a range of revision notes on different areas of the syllabus.There are also a number of essay plans on different topics and there is an active forum and advice section, as well as regular news updates. There are interactive quizzes and a VLE (virtual learning environment) site. There are also PowerPoint presentations on many topics and a very useful Economics blog. http://brynsaseconomicsblog. blogspot. com This site is updated regularly and shows the list of topics covered down the left hand side with the number of entries for each topic in brackets. There are useful links to a wide range of resources including not only articles but also video clips. ttp://www. bized. co. uk/ This is a particularly useful site if you are looking for up-to-date facts about various companies, prepared by the companies themselves but with learners in mind. It also includes a range of learning materials that will be useful across all areas of the syllabus. It has a number of virtual reality exercises in the Virtual Worlds section of the site, including Virtual Economy, Virtual Factory and Virtual Developing Country. http://www. s-cool. co. uk This is one of the better websites, providing a lot of useful information for Economics students.It covers eighteen topic areas and in each of these there is a checklist of the main principles, a QuickLearn section that explains the main elements of that part of the syllabus, with some very helpful diagrams, and revision summaries that go over the main terms and concepts in that particular topic area. http://www. jusbiz. org This site is somewhat distinctive in that it aims to focus on the global and ethical dimensions in Economics. There is a lot of useful material and a very good glossary of key terms and concepts. There are also useful links to other sites. http://www. revisionguru. co. uk/economicsThis site provides an Economics textbook which has definitions and explanations of the key terms and concepts across all parts of the syllabus. It also contains some very useful diagrams.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics http://economix. blogs. nytimes. com This site, linked to the New York Times, uses Economics as a framework for thinking about many events taking place all over the world. http://en. wikipedia. org This internet encyclopaedia has some very good entries on many economic concepts and is helped by the links in blue to many other sections.Television, Newspaper and Magazine sites http://www. bbc. co. uk This is the website of the BBC and is updated regularly. You need to go to the bottom of the home page and click on ‘Business & Money’. There is then a menu on the left hand side of the home page; you just need to go to ‘Business’ and click on ‘Economics’. It provides convenient links to a wide range of related sites including video and audio links as well as articles. There are useful ‘Country Profiles’ providing economic information about countries all over the world and a number of ‘Special Reports’, many of which are of interest to the Economics learner. ttp://www. cnn. com This website has a range of articles and video clips on many aspects of economics. You can click on your geographical area of the world or on world business. http://www. economist. com There are many magazines and newspapers with websites which will be particularly helpful in gaining up-to-date information about Economics. This is one of the better sites and contains some very good articles, covering all parts of the world, which will help you to consider the application of economic theories to particular events and issues.Some access is limited to subscribers only. http://businesscasestudies. co. uk/ This site provides a wide range of case studies featuring a number of internationally known companies. The information is wide ranging and applies many economic theories to particular business situations. http://www. businessweek. com http://www. ft. com http://www. guardian. co. uk/ http://independent. co. uk  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics http://www. telegraph. co. uk http://www. the-times. co. uk http://www. thesundaytimes. co. uk/sto/All of these newspapers and magazines will have a great deal of economic information that is regularly updated. You should also get into the habit of looking at the websites of the most important newspapers and magazines in your own country and geographical regi on. Some access is limited to subscribers only. UK focussed sites http://www. statistics. gov. uk This site is particularly useful if up-to-date economic information is required on such topics as taxation, balance of payments, employment, productivity and inflation. It is primarily concerned with statistics that relate to the UK economy. http://www. bankofengland. o. uk This site is very useful for information concerning monetary policy and how it works, such as decisions about interest rates. It is also useful in relation to the role and function of a central bank. The Bank of England will focus on UK matters, but each central bank in the world is likely to have its own site. You will need to find out what is the website for the central bank of your country. http://www. ifs. org. uk/ This is the website of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. It covers a range of issues related to fiscal policy, but tends to be focused mainly on the UK.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012