Gender Roles in Moso - 806 Words

The Moso is a society that still maintains matrilineal system, which is a rare and unusual practice nowadays in contemporary urban societies. In Moso, all ancestors are traced back through the female line instead of the fathers side. Male relatives, regardless whether he is a childs biological father or not, are called uncle. A family properties are inherited through the female line. Men seem to have less authority in dealing with family matters. That is why Moso has been depicted as â€Å"a kingdom of women†. This essay will try to argue that women are not superior to men in Moso. The essay will first delve into the gender roles, which refers to roles assigned by culture to the biological differentiation of the sexes, performed in family and economic aspects, followed by some major restrictions imposed on women in order to show that male and female are both equally important in this society. Men and women perform their own duties, which are organized in a balanced way, in Mo so households. There is a female administrator called Dabu in each family. Dabu, who is chosen by other family members to manage and distribute earnings. She is believed to be the most capable person among all family members and is revered by others. Indeed, Dabu is not the only member who holds authority in the household. A research pointed out that men are supposed to give support to female in the matrilineal society. For instance, uncles, the closest male relative of the children, playShow MoreRelatedMatriarchal in Moso Society940 Words   |  4 PagesMoso is a Chinese ethnic group that is famous for being a matriarchal society with minimal contact from the outside world. In Moso matrilineal system, woman is the pillar of the family. As the head of a family as well as a mother, a Moso woman is responsible to determine family’s name, decision, and inheritance. No one has right to replace woman’s authority, even a man. This is the primary point of a matriarchy which traces the side of Moso family’s lineage through the descendant of woman. What isRead MoreMoso Matrilineal System813 Words   |  3 PagesMoso society, better known as Na, is a small ethnic group living in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. For decades, they have implemented a matrilineal system in their culture. Matrilineal system is defined as a system in which their descendants are traced using their mothers’ lineage. Since Moso society applied the matrilineal system in their culture, there are several implications and characteristics that can be analyzed from that point. One important feature of matrilineal is called â€Å"walking

Themes in the Merchant of Venice Free Essays

The Cyclical Nature of Hatred and Vengeance By Darina Gaievska Love and hatred, happiness and misery, excitement and lethargy – all of these emotions are inherited to the human nature. Hatred fits in among one of the strongest human feelings; it is a seed that engenders vengeance. In the Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, these two inextricably bound terms are portrayed unequivocally. We will write a custom essay sample on Themes in the Merchant of Venice or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are three main reasons why hatred was such a focal ingredient to the play: the Anti-Semitism, the unacceptability of usury and the personal altercations between the focal characters First and foremost, the tensions between the play’s protagonist and antagonist take place primarily due to the cultural notion of Anti-Semitism. In spite of Venice being the multicultural and hence multi-religious trade city, the discrimination of the Jewish people was yet apprehensible. Throughout The Merchant of Venice Antonio keeps referring to Shylock as â€Å"The Jew†, a term that was so derogatory at the time. Although there isn’t much use of direct anti-Semitic slurs, the enmity towards the subculture still lurked in the passages of the play. When Shylock slyly alluded to Jacob from Genesis, justifying his practice of usury, Antonio responded dismissively, saying that â€Å"the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose†. By calling Shylock â€Å"the devil† due to Shylock’s faith. In the merchant’s eyes, Jews were traitors, who deceived the Christ. Although Shylock shows his awareness of the Christian religion, Antonio does not respect him more; arguing that in spite of the knowledge he possesses â€Å"The Jew† is nevertheless a disbeliever. The second reason due to which hatred skulks throughout the play is the un-acceptance of usury. During the Elizabethan era, Jews were not allowed to have any mercantile business, making usury, the practice of lending money on interest, the only source of profit to them. Antonio proves his negative attitude towards usury by lending money with no interest. Shylock, on the other hand, feels indignant of Antonio’s actions: â€Å"He lends out money gratis and brings down The rate of usance here with us in Venice. Their different views on lending nurture the characters’ animosity and foreshadow the conflict that arises later in the play. Last but not least, hatred is presented in a play in both the ambiguous way and the personal one. It is quite clear that the great tensions between â€Å"The Jew† and the Merchant are the focal point of the entire plot. Antonio’s disrespectful actions towards Shylock are incited by his anti-Semitic ideology. Needless to say, th ose actions are the main reason for Shylocks hatred, so strong and unceasing, towards his offender. It almost seems that if Antonio was inflicting his enemy’s vengeance knowingly, continuing to practice his disrespectful behavior. Shylock justifies his thirst for revenge in act three: â€Å"The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction†. â€Å"The Jew† argues that if Christians (specifically Antonio) treat him as if he were â€Å"a dog† hence showing that they are hypocritical when contradicting the concept of mercy, which is so deeply enshrined in their religion. He blames the Christians for â€Å"teaching† him cruelty, and even promises to excel his masters. To sum up, the recurring hatred is a cycle that comes out of the culture’s prejudices. It is one of the main themes in the play. Hatred and animosity, caused by the anti-Semitism, unacceptability of usury and disrespect, are the inciters of the conflict between Shylock and Antonio. Without them, the play would be dull and boring, because emotions are the ones to spice up the play, making the interaction between characters more fervid. How to cite Themes in the Merchant of Venice, Papers

Cosmetology, Hectic and Hard Work Essay Example For Students

Cosmetology, Hectic and Hard Work Essay One of the biggest decisions in your life that you are going to have to make is or was what your profession will be. What are you going to do to make yourself happy and earn money at the same time? When one is a little child, the only jobs that they will want to do are those that make your parents and the people around you happy. In my childhood, the women in my family always loved for me to play with their hair, leading me to think of becoming a hair stylist. Parents are always encouraging their children in whatever they decide to do, but would you if you knew how hard it was going to be to become that person, and that they would go through all that hard work for very little? Would you discourage instead of encourage? Being and becoming a cosmetologist is extremely challenging and time consuming. A person wouldnt really think that there is that much to learn and keep up with just simply doing hair, but its not just hair anymore that we are doing as a cosmetologist. According to Cosmetology Careers Unlimited Inc., the cosmetology industry is shockingly an over $52 billion dollar a year industry. The profession is virtually recession proof; your hair and nails will always grow. The American society is extremely concerned about their looks and style, therefore always needing a qualified up-to-date person to help fulfill their needs. The job market for cosmetologists has grown rapidly. In 1999 there were 50,000 positions that were unfilled. Salon owners are having a problem finding qualified people to hire. Cosmetologists just arent graduating from their programs fast enough to keep up with the demand (Cosmetology Careers Unlimited). Owners are looking at those applicants who are straight out of college a lot more closely rather than older, experienced professionals because they are fresh out of school not needing any new training. When one chooses to go to cosmetology school, they are pretty much guaranteed a job because of the large number of job openings. There are different ways that a student can go with a cosmetology degree. Reported in NACCAS News, in January of 1999, there were 1,286,000 professionals employed in the nations 296,863 beauty salons, barber shops, skin care salons, and nail salons. The typical salon is a small full service salon with five stations; two to three are full-time professionals and one part time professional. Salon owners report an average of 174 clients per week. This is a very flexible industry, letting one go from cutting hair to applying facial masks. An interested individual can expect to find that 60% of salon employees work full time, 29% are part time workers averaging 20 to 33 hours per week, and 11% are low time workers averaging less than 20 hours a week. Whether the professional is a full time, part time, or a low time employee, the average set salary is $18.50 per hour and quickly rising (NACCAS News). In the cosmetology profession whether a cosmetologist is coloring hair or clipping toenails, they will get tips for their good work. By law, you are expected to report your tips that you receive daily. The IRS has worked out a great system with the businesses called the TRDA (tip rate determination agreement) (NACCAS News). If the businesses and employees comply with the TRDA, then the IRS will not do tip-checks and will go by what you report. When there is someone who does not comply, this individual will get thrown into the courts and will be persecuted. The courts will go through a thorough examination of the tips received by the individual, and if found unlawful, the person will have to pay as much as twice their received tips in a fine. .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .postImageUrl , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:hover , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:visited , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:active { border:0!important; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:active , .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4 .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufa4c41ae75727b97c2f7fa67f1e672c4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: What Essay Lesson learned just by hearing about it some professionals say, but the truth is just keep a good record of your tips to support yourself. One of the options when a student is choosing which way to go with his/her cosmetology degree is to work for a major chain salon where they pay more. Chain salons will service more clients per week and their median ticket price is $20.00. The .

Ruby Moon Essay Example

Ruby Moon Essay When reading the play Ruby Moon it is easy to pick up on the personal and social tensions between characters. The descriptive nature of the stage directions and the very act of reading as opposed to just seeing on stage, being able to take time to look over each line, means that a reader can see which scenes accentuate the tension between both Ray and Sylvie or the characters they have created. Stage directions in the play plainly describe when a pause on stage is to be tense, or what the vibe is supposed to feel like during a particular scene. Bringing these tensions onto stage, however, is a more difficult task. An audience in a theatre cannot simply read that a silence is supposed to be tense; it is up to the actors and their use of the stage, as well as the lighting, set and audio. When considering how to highlight the personal and social tensions in Ruby Moon, we must consider what particular tensions play an important role and which characters the tensions are between. It may be that a character’s interactions with their surroundings are tense or that their relationships with other characters are very tense. We will write a custom essay sample on Ruby Moon specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Ruby Moon specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Ruby Moon specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To bring them to the stage these social and personal tensions must be identified. Cameron’s â€Å"Ruby Moon† explores the tenuous and often shallow relationships of suburbia. In writing â€Å"Ruby Moon†, although it is in essence a surreal play, Cameron attempted to draw attention to very real issues, including the nature of suburbia, and how when it comes down to it it’s difficult to know who to trust. Bad things can happen to anyone, and not everyone is as normal as they appear. Not only this, but underneath the eeriness of this play lies a very real, deeply tragic story of two parents who have lost their child and gone mad to cope with the grief of never knowing what happened to her. So much so that the reject every opportunity to find out for fear of it being bad news, in favour of keeping up the game they play with each other. The tension between them is evident when reading the play- it is clear in the stage directions when moments between them are tense. Audio effects would be highly effective in bringing these themes to life on stage. As many groups in class presentations demonstrated, Ruby Moon is a play in which the use of audio effects such as voiceovers, music, and sound effects (i. e. rain, wind, barking dogs) is a part of the stage directions, and is utilised and essential to many key moments in the play. Sound effects that play key roles in the audience’s understanding of the play include Ruby’s voice and piano refrain at the beginning, the various occasions on which the phone rings, the sound of voicemail messages being left, and Ruby’s voice throughout. This almost constant use of sound effects throughout the play gives the director a simple way of drawing attention to dramatic tension, acting as a kind of soundtrack, with, for example, the sound of a phone ringing, accentuating the silence between Ray and Sylvie by suddenly breaking it. Space can be used in a particular way to accentuate tension between characters. In class presentations, many groups expressed that they felt the set should be small and intimate. This means that actors will always be in close proximity with each other. Characters being in close proximity can accentuate many kinds of tension, for example the scene early on in the play featuring Ray and Dulcie Doily might see Ray standing on one side of the stage trying not to get too close but being physically unable to get further away and being forced into close proximity, creating tension in the sense that he does not want to be in close quarters with a woman he finds extremely unpleasant. The scene featuring Sid and Sylvie may feature Sid alternating between invading Sylvie’s personal space and shying away-Putting Sylvie on edge as it is in close proximity to her. During the scene featuring Ray and Veronica, a stage where the characters were in close proximity to each other would help create sexual tension. In terms of bringing the social tensions evident in the play onto stage, many groups in the in-class presentations of directorial visions seemed to express that a key theme in Ruby Moon was the relationships between residents of Australian suburbs. It’s a well recognised suburban stereotype- Neighbours are polite and civil towards each other however build silent judgments, while having dark secrets of their own. Costuming could play a vital role in making these social tensions apparent on stage. As Ray and Sylvie dress up, it was decided by many groups that they should don just a few key costume pieces that they feel sum up their character. Exaggerated, almost (e. g. When Sylvie dresses up as Dulcie Doily she dons a grey wig and an apron- Typical elderly woman garb- a shallow understanding of their neighbours and in fact, other people. ) The various tensions, issues and emotions being presented in Ruby Moon, both of a personal and social nature make it successful as a play because they are real things that real people have to face and that put many people on edge. Aside from the use of audio, costuming and staging to get these tensions across, it is largely up to actors to make sure the audience can pick up on the vibes of the play, leading up to moments in such a way that the audience can feel tension in the air. When staged in the right way, Ruby Moon is designed to make the audience uncomfortable and tense. There is never a calm moment throughout. There are various techniques that directors can employ to make this so and ensure the success of portraying tensions, both personal and social, on stage in a performance of Ruby Moon.

Oliver Stone, Get Your Facts Straight

Oliver Stone, Get Your Facts Straight! Some have said that Oliver Stones The Doors was a realistic and accurate portrayal of Jim Morrisons life and The Doors musical escapades. Unfortunately, director Oliver Stone has a habit of putting his own beliefs and ideas into the mouths of his characters. This would not necessarily be bad if his characters were fictional. Jim Morrison and his fellow band members are real, and those who knew him best are still living. The first major mistake that Stone made took place when Jim and Ray Manzarek (Kyle Maclachlan) were attending UCLA film school. A recreation of Jims short student film is shown. In Stones version there is quite a bit of what seems to be Nazi propaganda. Scenes of Hitler and his troops shouting and holding up Nazi flags are shown with Kilmer reading Jims poetry in the background. The WWII footage in Jims original film was grossly misrepresented. It was a funny, light scene with a large German girl dancing on a T.V. to American rock music in the background. Stones version made Jim out to be a disciple of Adolf Hitler. In addition to all the anti-Semitism Stone placed in the film, he also had Kilmer misquoting Friedrich Nietzsche. The scene at Andy Warhols party was Stones next mistake. Stone manages to make the other members of The Doors into the bad guys. Jim stands alone. It is an emotional scene that has Jim asking the other Doors to stay at the party because he doesnt ...know what could happen tonight, maybe death. All the members of the band were friends, friends that dont desert each other when they are in need. In reality, the other members of The Doors did not leave Jim at the party, and he never verbalized a premonition of anything bad happing. Stone may have needed something to move his plot further, but did he really have to slander others to do this? Another mino...

Raising Capital as a Corporation

Raising Capital as a Corporation Large corporations could not have grown to their present size without being able to find innovative ways to raise capital to finance expansion. Corporations have five primary methods for obtaining that money. Issuing Bonds A bond is a written promise to pay back a specific amount of money at a certain date or dates in the future. In the interim, bondholders receive interest payments at fixed rates on specified dates. Holders can sell bonds to someone else before they are due. Corporations benefit by issuing bonds because the interest rates they must pay investors are generally lower than rates for most other types of borrowing and because interest paid on bonds is considered to be a tax-deductible business expense. However, corporations must make interest payments even when they are not showing profits. If investors doubt a companys ability to meet its interest obligations, they either will refuse to buy its bonds or will demand a higher rate of interest to compensate them for their increased risk. For this reason, smaller corporations can seldom raise much capital by issuing bonds. Issuing Preferred Stock A company may choose to issue new preferred stock to raise capital. Buyers of these shares have special status in the event the underlying company encounters financial trouble. If profits are limited, preferred stock owners will be paid their dividends after bondholders receive their guaranteed interest payments but before any common stock dividends are paid. Selling Common Stock If a company is in good financial health, it can raise capital by issuing common stock. Typically, investment  banks help companies issue stock, agreeing to buy any new shares issued at a set price if the public refuses to buy the stock at a certain minimum price. Although common shareholders have the exclusive right to elect a corporations board of directors, they rank behind holders of bonds and preferred stock when it comes to sharing profits. Investors are attracted to stocks in two ways. Some companies pay large dividends, offering investors a steady income. But others pay little or no dividends, hoping instead to attract shareholders by improving corporate profitability and hence, the value of the shares themselves. In general, the value of shares increases as investors come to expect corporate earnings to rise. Companies whose stock prices rise substantially often split the shares, paying each holder, say, one additional share for each share held. This does not raise any capital for the corporation, but it makes it easier for stockholders to sell shares on the open market. In a two-for-one split, for instance, the stocks price is initially cut in half, attracting investors. Borrowing Companies can also raise short-term capital usually to finance inventories by getting loans from banks or other lenders. Using Profits As noted, companies also can finance their operations by retaining their earnings. Strategies concerning retained earnings vary. Some corporations, especially electric, gas, and other utilities, pay out most of their profits as dividends to their stockholders. Others distribute, say, 50 percent of earnings to shareholders in dividends, keeping the rest to pay for operations and expansion. Still, other corporations, often the smaller ones, prefer to reinvest most or all of their net income in research and expansion, hoping to reward investors by rapidly increasing the value of their shares. This article is adapted from the book Outline of the U.S. Economy by Conte and Carr and has been adapted with permission from the U.S. Department of State.

Client Letter-acc568 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Client Letter-acc568 - Assignment Example Therefore, the amount of total tax paid for international transactions of corporations depends on the manner by which deductions and incomes are sourced in the countries where the transactions are taking place. However, I will try to break down the U.S source rules for incomes and deductions. As you know, the U.S government takes these matters seriously and I have every intention of addressing all your issues expertly (Yonah, 2007). According to Dykes, with regards to taxation of source income and deductions, the U.S government adopts a taxation methodology known as the worldwide approach. As indicated by the name, the approach involves taxing the income of the globalized corporation regardless of the source of income, whether the source of the income is foreign based or locally based in the U.S. Under this methodology, your company will face the tax burden that locally based companies are subject to (Dykes, 2011). Therefore, your company will have to allocate its global capital on economic factors rather than tax considerations. In retrospect, your company will promote global efficiency in connection to capital allocation. Unfortunately, the advice your friend gave you is misinformed, but do not despair because there are ways to reduce the amount of tax that your company is going to be liable to the IRS. As per your request, there are a few ways that your company can mitigate tax impact form the U.S with regards to income sourced from foreign nations One such method is keeping active income from foreign sources in offshore locations up to the time when your company wants to repatriate the income back to the U.S. Income arising from your foreign based branch/operations is only going to be taxed until it is repatriated via dividend distributions in your U.S based head offices. This is known as deferral tax. In addition, the U.S allows companies such as yours, a tax credit for

The Influence of Organizational Culture on Business Strategy Essay

The Influence of Organizational Culture on Business Strategy - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the smooth running of an organization is based on its values, the more the values upheld by the employees the more likely successful the will be. A clear, well-designed, and strong organizational culture can reveal to be particularly useful to enable organizations to better integrate individuals into businesses. In addition to that, Deal and Kennedy defining organizational culture as â€Å"the way we do things around here, but even more direct emphasis on the behavioral side of culture. For instance, Kenyans are known to lend out a helping hand no matter the situation thus an enterprise, for example, the medical sector will be needed to be strict in order to achieve said services and minimize the effect of this value to exploit it in its bright side only. Moreover, looking at the system in which organizational culture develops is agreed with Boddy that when people start to work and interact they consequently find common ground, things that work for all of them in the name values. These shared values represent a fabric that the individual with more values in common lead to a more competitive business. In the Kenyan scene, individuals who went to the same school, or have more in common than just being workmates have proven to be a force to reckon with since they provide the concrete result. The underlying factor here being the fact that they concentrate solely on the task rather than feuds at the workplace. Equity Bank in Kenya is a case study, all its success is attributed to the strong and supportive staff that are trained to work for them at a mostly high school level. It is important to note that organizational culture is about unwritten norms, which are actually intended to mold the behavior of all the individuals of a group both when interacting the one with the other and when interacting with people who are part of the external environment. It is a common practice that a relationship between workmates is not encouraged in any b usiness environment but it will not be said or put in a memo.

Risk for food hypersensitivity Essay Example for Free

Risk for food hypersensitivity Essay Link To Nursing There is a growing concern among the population about food hypersensitivity as a primary health risk. Breast fed infants may potentially be exposed to a more diverse diet via variable components of milk transmitted from the mother, compared to the relatively static composition of commercial infant formulas. To determine whether or not breastfeeding might potentially decrease risk of food hypersensitivity is important to the field of nursing because nurses are in a primary position to educate their patients and the public about disease prevention and wellness practices to optimize health. The healthcare community has diagnosed an increase in food hypersensitivity over the past few decades and it is our duty and opportunity as nurses to work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and promote front-line evidence-based interventions. If breastfed infants demonstrate a decrease in the incidence of food hypersensitivity later in life, then subsequent efforts to educate the public could have an enormous positive impact on promoting long-term wellness for future generations. Primary Resource Venter, C., Pereira, B., Voigt, K., Grundy, J., Clayton, C., Higgins, B., Dean, T. (2009). Factors associated with maternal dietary intake, feeding and weaning practices, and the development of food hypersensitivity in the infant. Pediatric Allergy And Immunology: Official Publication Of The European Society Of Pediatric Allergy And Immunology, 20(4), 320-327. doi:10.1111/j.1399-3038.2008.00832.x

John Stienbeck - Of Mice And Men :: essays research papers fc

In my essay I will discuss the theme of loneliness in the novel â€Å"Of Mice And Men.† The essay will consist of information based on the novel towards minor characters such as Curley’s Wife, Candy and Crooks. This essay will state information about Curley’s Wife, Candy and Crooks’ loneliness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curley’s Wife was probably one of the loneliest characters of all. She never talked to anyone and she never really liked Curley all too much. â€Å"Why can’t I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely.† (p.86) Curley’s Wife seems to get a lot of the other guys in trouble. Curley always suspects that she’s fooling around with the other men, â€Å"Any you guys seen my wife?† (p.53) Curley’s Wife always gives an excuse to confront the guys saying, â€Å"Any you guys seen Curley?† Then she tries to hang around and make conversation. The guy’s see her as a tramp and a troublemaker but all she wants is someone to talk too.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Crooks who is another lonely man was very sad as well. Because he was black he wasn’t allowed into the other guys bunkhouse with them because they thought he stunk. â€Å"Why ain’t you wanted?† Lennie asked. â€Å"’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They think I stink. Well I tell you, you all stink to me.† (p.68) Crooks is always by himself and working hard even with a broken back. Crooks sits in his room all the time by himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Candy is the other character that is lonely. Not because of the the men not talking to him of anything like that. Because, when Carlson shot his old dog, Candy felt alone. Candy had that pup since he was a kid.

Leadership Taxonomy

Introduction There a numerous leadership theories that help manage a successful business. These theories include techniques that have been developed and constantly improving since 1888. Theorists such as Thomas Carlyle, Kurt Lewin, and James Kouze, have developed characteristics they believe will shape the leaders of tomorrow. These characteristics are structured together to create theories based on personality, relationships, and developmental styles. The following will provided an organized overview of ten theorists and the characteristics they believe to develop successful leaders. Theorist |Theory Title |Theory Characteristics |Year | |Thomas Carlyle |Great Man |â€Å"According to this theory, you're either a natural born leader or |c. 1888 | | | |you're not. The term â€Å"Great Man† was used because, at the time, | | | | |leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in | | | | |terms of military leadership. (About, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |The Great Man leadership theory became more prevalent during the 19th| | | | |century and was developed from the success of several famous leaders. | | | |A famous quote that sums up this theory is â€Å"great leaders are born, | | | | |not Made. † (Changing Minds, 2011) | | Cherry, K. (2011). The Great Man Theory of Leadership. In About. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://psychology. about. com/od/leadership/a/great-man-theory-of-leadership. htm Straker, D. (2011). Great Man Theory. In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/theories/great_man_theory. htm |Gordon Allport |Personality Trait Theory |â€Å"The trait approach to personality is one of the major theoretical |c. 1936 | | | |areas in the study of personality. The trait theory suggests that | | | | |individual personalities are composed broad dispositions. (About, | | | | |2011) | | | | | | | | | |Allport discovered that there are more then 4,000 words to describe | | | | |personality traits. Allport categorized those traits into three | | | | |different levels, Cardinal, Central and Secondary traits. | | | | | | | | | |Cardinal traits were characterized as traits that dominate an | | | | |individual’s whole life. Central traits are general characteristics | | | | |of an individual personality that would affect their leadership | | | | |quality. â€Å"Terms such as intelligent, honest, shy and anxious are | | | | |considered central traits. (About, 2011) Secondary traits reefers | | | | |to attitudes or preferences that appear in certain situations or from| | | | |the result of a specific circumstance. | | Cherry, K. (2011). Trait Theory of Personality. In About. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://psychology. about. om/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/trait-theory. htm Cherry, K. (2011). Leadership Theories – 8 Major Leadership Theories. In About. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://psychology. about. com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories. htm |Kurt Lewin |Lewin's leadership styles |Lewin’s developed three leadership styles, autocratic, democratic |c. 1939 | | | |style and Laissez-Faire style. | | | | | | | | |â€Å"In the autocratic style, the leader takes decisions without | | | | |consulting with others. The decision is made without any form of | | | | |consultation. In Lewin's experiments, he found that this caused the | | | | |most level of discontent. † (Changing Minds, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |The autocratic style is used when the result from a decision would | | | | |not change if it had the input from others. | | | | | | | | |â€Å"In the democratic style, the leader involves the people in the | | | | |decision-making, although the process for the final decision may vary| | | | |from the leader having the final say to them facilitating consensus | | | | |in the group. (Changing Minds, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |The democratic style is a group decision making process. This style | | | | |usually opens it up for individuals to voice their opinions and can | | | | |create adversity and problems. | | | | | | | | |â€Å"The laissez-faire style is to minimize the leader's involvement in | | | | |decision-making, and hence allowing people to make their own | | | | |decisions, although they may still be responsible for the outcome. | | | | |( Changing Minds, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |When individuals are motivated to make their own decisions and there | | | | |is no need for a central coordination, the laissez-faire style would | | | | |be best suited for that situation. | | | | | | | | | | | | Straker, D. (2011). Lewin's leadership styles. In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/styles/lewin_style. htm |F. E. Fiedler |Least Preferred Co-worker |â€Å"Leaders prioritize between task-focus and people-focus. |c. 1964 | | |(LPC) Theory |Relationships, power and task structure are the three key factors | | | | |that drive effective styles. † ( Changing Minds, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |Fiedler used a scoring system to be able to determine if that leader | | | | |would work with that person again. | | | | | | | | |â€Å"High LPC leaders tend to have close and positive relationships and | | | | |act in a supportive way, even prioritizing the relationship before | | | | |the task. Low LPC leaders put the task first and will turn to | | | | |relationships only when they are satisfied with how the work is | | | | |going. (Changing Minds, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |Three identifying factors | | | | | | | | | |Leader-Member Relations | | | | |Task structure | | | | |Leader’s Position-power | | Straker, D. (2011). . In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/theories/fiedler_lpc. htm Rensis Likert |Likerts leadership styles |Likerts four style of leadership were developed around decision |c. 1967 | | | |making and how much people are involved in the decision making | | | | |process. | | | | | | | | | |Likerts four styles are exploitive authoritative, benevolent | | | | |authoritative, consultative, and participative. | | | | | | | | |The Exploitive authoritative style is a style where the leader has | | | | |low- no concern on how their actions will psychologically affect | | | | |people. This style is based off of fear and threats in order to | | | | |accomplish the task at hand. | | | | | | | | | |The Benevolent authoritative style is a complete opposite of the | | | | |Exploitive authoritative style. This style involves higher ranked | | | | |leaders in an organization listening to the concerns of individuals | | | | |lower in the organization. | | | | | | | | | |The consultative theory is focused on still listening to the upward | | | | |flow of information, but generally decisions are still centrally | | | | |made. | | | | | | | | |The participative theory’s where leaders maximize methods to engage | | | | |with people lower down in the organization in the decision-making | | | | |process. | | | | | | | | | | | | Straker, D. (2011). Likert's leadership styles. In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/styles/likert_style. htm |D. J. Hickson |Strategic Contingencies |The strategic contingencies theory states that if a person does|c. 1971 | | |Theory |no they charisma but that person possesses the ability to solve| | | | |problems they still can be a effective leader. | | | | | | | | | |â€Å"The theory helps to objectify leadership techniques, as | | | | |opposed to relying on personalities. (Leadership-Central, | | | | |2011) | | | | | | | | | | | | Strategic Contingencies Theory (2011). In Leadership-central. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. leadership-central. com/strategic-contingencies-theory. html#axzz1ZeSf2sGc |Dr. Paul Hersey, |Situational Leadership |Hersey and Blanchard leadership model was developed into four styles|c. 972 | |Ken Blanchard |Model |(S1 to S4) to match the employee development level (D1 to D4). | | | | | | | | | |â€Å"Leaders should adapt their style to follower development style (or | | | | |'maturity'), based on how ready and willing the follower is to | | | | |perfo rm required tasks (that is, their competence and motivation). | | | | |(Straker, 2011) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Style one is Telling/Directing which is designed for an employee at | | | | |a D1 level. This employee is a t a low competence, low commitment | | | | |level to the company. | | | | | | | | |Style two is Selling/ Coaching which is designed for a employee at a| | | | |D 2 level. This employee has some competence and a variable | | | | |commitment to his/her position. | | | | | | | | | |Style three is Participating/ Supporting which is designed for an | | | | |employee at a D3 level. This employee has high competence but still | | | | |a variable commitment to his/her position and the company. | | | | | | | | | |Style four is Delegating/ Observing which is designed for a employee| | | | |at D 4. This employee with have a high competence and a high | | | | |commitment to the company. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |At level S1 the leader is high task focus and not real focus on the | | | | |relationship. As you reach a S4 the leader has a low task focus and | | | | |a low relationship focus. At S3 that is where the leader builds a | | | | |strong relationship to develop that employee into a D4. | | | | | | Straker, D. (2011). Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership. In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/styles/situational_leadership_hersey_blanchard. htm Situational Leadership- About us (2011). In Situational Leadership. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. situational. com/about-us/ |Danser eau, Graen, |Leader-member Exchange (LMX)|â€Å"How a leader maintains leadership through working with her or |c. 1975 | |and Haga |his supporters, those entrusted with responsibility and advisers | | | | |defines the Leader-member Exchange theory as a method for | | | | |exerting and maintaining leadership. † (Leadership-Central, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |LMX is a intuitive theory and would be more expected from a | | | | |leader-group structure. LMX uses three stages of development. | | | | | | | | |Organizational Stage | | | | |Role Development | | | | |Leader-led relationship | | | | | | | | | |Leaders in this theory can range from a person leading a small | | | | |discussion group or a supervisor of a work crew to heads of | | | | |countries or empires. â€Å"The more complex the task and | | | | |organization, the more factors enter into the organizational | | | | |dynamics. † (Leadership-Central, 2011) | | | | | | | Leader-Member Exchange Theory – LMX (2011). In Leadership-central. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. leadership-central. om/leader-member-exchange. html#axzz1ZeSf2sGc |James MacGregor |Burns Transformational |â€Å"Burns Transformational leadership Theory, in other words, |c. 1978 | |Burns |Leadership Theory |Burns focuses upon motivations and values in assessing how a | | | | |leader approaches power. This aspect of having that basic | | | | |ethical system sets leaders apart from those merely aspiring to| | | | |power. (Leadership-Central, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |Burns theory appeals to those interested in developing social | | | | |values and individual purpose. Burns theory asks a fundamental | | | | |question of what the ultimate goal of leadership is and why one| | | | |should be a leader. | | | | | | Burns Transformational Leadership Theory (2011). In Leadership-central. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. leadership-central. com/burns-transformational-leadership-theory. html#axzz1ZeSf2sGc |Bass, B. M. |Transformational Leadership |‘Bass defined transformational leadership in terms of how the |c. 1985 | | |Theory |leader affects followers, who are intended to trust, admire and | | | | |respect the transformational leader. (Straker, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |Bass described three ways which leaders can transform their | | | | |followers. | | | | |Easing their awareness of task importance and value. | | | | |Getting them to focus first on team or organizational goals, rather| | | | |than their own interests. | | | | |Activating their higher-order needs. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Bass Transformational Leadership Theory (2011). In Leadership-Centeral. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. leadership-central. com/bass-transformational-leadership-theory. html#axzz1ZeSf2sGc Straker, D. (2011). Bass' Transformational Leadership Theory. In Changing Minds. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/theories/bass_transformational. htm |James Kouze and |Leadership Participation |â€Å"Specific factors are listed in a checklist form that |c. 1987 | |Barry Posner |Inventory |organizers can use to assess a group's affinity to a leader. | | | | |While they are subjective, they are better than nothing and can| | | | |help in a focus on organizational problems. † | | | |(Leadership-Central, 2011) | | | | | | | | | |Five characterizes for successful leadership | | | | | | | | | |1. Role Model | | | | |2. Inspiration: | | | | |3. Facing Adversity | | | | |4. Empowerment | | | | |5. Generates Enthusiasm | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Leadership Participation Inventory (2011). In Leadership-central. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://www. leadership-central. com/leadership-participation-inventory. html#axzz1ZeSf2sGc

Caesar Augustus Essay

AP World HistoryMilo Romney Caesar Augustus10/27/12 What happens when a man tries to take over a republic? Well most of the time that man gets stabbed several times by his friends and colleagues. This is at least what happened to the famous Julius Caesar. Later on his adopted son Octavian would try the same thing; however, he used very different tactics that led to a much happier ending, transforming Rome into a very strong and influential empire. It was the mid-1st century B. C. E. , Rome was ever-growing and the republic that once ran very smoothly was encountering many problems within itself.Wealthy land owners or patricians were gaining too much power and land and since Roman law read that only land owners could serve in the military much of the military power was reduced. Some people tried to change this, for example Tiberius, but his ideas were seen as controversial and he was assassinated in 133 B. C. E. One man named General Marius instituted a law stating that men didnâ€⠄¢t have to own land to serve in the military. Soldiers still wanted land in return for their service though, and the general gave them land but this made soldiers more loyal to army officials rather than to the senate.After Marius retired Rome experienced a brief time of peace only to be broken by the Social War. The Social War was caused by the revolting of lower class Italians that were not entitled to full-citizenship and voting rights. This caused General Marius to come back. He ended the war and seized power of Rome. Marius died of old age and Rome started to become restless. In all of the turmoil there arose a powerful politician, Julius Caesar. Caesar created the First Triumvirate (three men) consisting of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey (also known as Magnus).The Triumvirate really only made these men more powerful though and really didn’t help Rome overall. The Triumvirate disappeared when Crassus died and Caesar and Pompey started to fight. Caesar invaded Rome in 49 B. C. E. and became a dictator there. Then later Pompey was murdered in Egypt in 48 B. C. E. Julius increased the senate from 600 to 900 members to give himself more supporters. In five years Caesar held many powerful offices and almost succeeded in transforming Rome into an empire but was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 B. C. E. Many wars took place after the assassination of Julius Caesar.His adopted son, Octavian, and his friend both formed the Second Triumvirate and defeated Caesars assassins in the Battle of Philippi. Many senators were killed during this time and it was not a good time for the republic. Eventually the Second Triumvirate dissipated and Octavian and Mark Antony turned on one another. Mark Antony married Cleopatra of Egypt and they committed suicide when Octavian invaded Egypt. Octavian became Augustus (exalted one) and now unofficially ruled Rome. Augustus knew that in order to successfully transform Rome into an empire he had to succeed where his father h adn’t.He supported the arts and technology. He rebuilt temples and created road systems. He pleased his people with holidays and special events. Augustus would even give free bread and wine to all of Rome’s citizens. The senate just had to sit and watch as Caesar Augustus became the total dictator of Rome. Literature grew exceedingly during this time. Under Augustus’ rule Rome entered the Pax Romana, the peaceful and golden age of Rome. So in the end Augustus obviously succeeded in the areas where Julius didn’t. Julius didn’t utilize his resources as well and didn’t realize that he needed to take away the senate’s power not enhance it.Augustus extended Rome to a great power and eventually fully ended the once-renowned republic. In a completely unnecessary comparison this story totally reminded me of the movie Star Wars, the fall of the republic and the birth of an empire. Anyways in conclusion, Augustus transformed Rome into an empire by gaining the loyalty of the citizens and soldiers while the senate lost its power. This man was so dominant that he even named the month of August after himself! Not many could have accomplished what Caesar Augustus did and many still marvel at his feats to this day.

Gorgo - Queen of Sparta

Gorgo - Queen of Sparta Gorgo was the only daughter of King Cleomenes I of Sparta (520-490). She was also his heir. Sparta had a pair of hereditary kings. One of the two ruling families was the Agiad. This was the family to which Gorgo belonged. Cleomenes may have committed suicide and is considered unstable, but he helped Sparta achieve prominence beyond the Peloponnese. Sparta may have given rights to women that were rare among the Hellenes, but being heir didnt mean Gorgo could be Cleomenes successor. Herodotus, in 5.48, names Gorgo as Cleomenes heir: In this manner Dorieos ended his life: but if he had endured to be a subject of Cleomenes and had remained in Sparta, he would have been king of Lacedemon; for Cleomenes reigned no very long time, and died leaving no son to succeed him but a daughter only, whose name was Gorgo. When King Cleomenes, his successor was his half-brother Leonidas. Gorgo had married him in the late 490s when she was in her late teens.Gorgo was the mother of another Agiad king, Pleistarchus.Importance of Gorgo Being an heir or patrouchas would have made Gorgo noteworthy, but Herodotus shows that she was also a wise young woman. Wisdom of Gorgo Gorgo warned her father against a foreign diplomat, Aristagoras of Miletus, who was trying to persuade Cleomenes to support an Ionian revolt against the Persians. When words failed, he offered a large bribe. Gorgo warned her father to send Aristagoras away lest he corrupts him. Cleomenes accordingly having so said went away to his house: but Aristagoras took the suppliants branch and went to the house of Cleomenes; and having entered in as a suppliant, he bade Cleomenes send away the child and listen to him; for the daughter of Cleomenes was standing by him, whose name was Gorgo, and this as it chanced was his only child, being of the age now of eight or nine years. Cleomenes however bade him say that which he desired to say, and not to stop on account of the child. Then Aristagoras proceeded to promise him money, beginning with ten talents, if he would accomplish for him that for which he was asking; and when Cleomenes refused, Aristagoras went on increasing the sums of money offered, until at last he had promised fifty talents, and at that moment the child cried out: Father, the stranger will do thee hurt,[38] if thou do not leave him and go. Cleomenes, then, pleased by the counsel of the child, departed into another room, and Aristagoras went away from S parta altogether, and had no opportunity of explaining any further about the way up from the sea to the residence of the king.Herodotus 5.51 The most impressive feat ascribed to Gorgo was understanding that there was a secret message and locating it beneath a blank wax tablet. The message warned the Spartans of an imminent threat posed by the Persians. I will return now to that point of my narrative where it remained unfinished. The Lacedemonians had been informed before all others that the king was preparing an expedition against Hellas; and thus it happened that they sent to the Oracle at Delphi, where that reply was given them which I reported shortly before this. And they got this information in a strange manner; for Demaratos the son of Ariston after he had fled for refuge to the Medes was not friendly to the Lacedemonians, as I am of opinion and as likelihood suggests supporting my opinion; but it is open to any man to make conjecture whether he did this thing which follows in a friendly spirit or in malicious triumph over them. When Xerxes had resolved to make a campaign against Hellas, Demaratos, being in Susa and having been informed of this, had a desire to report it to the Lacedemonians. Now in no other way was he able to signify it, for there was danger that he should be discovered, but he contrived thus, that is to say , he took a folding tablet and scraped off the wax which was upon it, and then he wrote the design of the king upon the wood of the tablet, and having done so he melted the wax and poured it over the writing, so that the tablet (being carried without writing upon it) might not cause any trouble to be given by the keepers of the road. Then when it had arrived at Lacedemon, the Lacedemonians were not able to make conjecture of the matter; until at last, as I am informed, Gorgo, the daughter of Cleomenes and wife of Leonidas, suggested a plan of which she had herself thought, bidding them scrape the wax and they would find writing upon the wood; and doing as she said they found the writing and read it, and after that they sent notice to the other Hellenes. These things are said to have come to pass in this manner.Herodotus 7.239ff Source: Carledge, Paul, The Spartans. New York: 2003. Vintage Books. More on Sparta Greek Hoplite SoldierSpartiateCynisca of SpartaLeonidas King of SpartaCleomenes I King of SpartaSparta and SamosSpartas Rise to PowerLycurgus of SpartaKrypteia The Mythological Gorgo There is an earlier Gorgo, one in Greek mythology, mentioned in both the Iliad and Odyssey, Hesiod, Pindar, Euripides, Vergil, and Ovid, and other ancient sources. This Gorgo, alone or with her siblings, in the Underworld or Libya, or elsewhere, is associated with the snake-tressed, powerful, frightening Medusa, who is the only mortal among the Gorgones.

Apple strategic management

Apple strategic management INTRODUCTION In the 20th century, there was marketing resolution in the computer technologies; Apple Company was the top of the list who took all responsibility for establishing in 1970. Apple computer, inc. is larger company in producing the personal computer industry as well and the company toward fame during the 1980s. Apple Company has many products like manufactures, and marketing personal computers, software, and peripherals, concentrating on lower-cost, uniquely designed the iMAC and power Macintosh models. History of founder and the company:- Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Wozniak, and their partnership began several years before when Wozniak, they were talented, self taught motivated electronics engineer, building boxes which allowed him to make long distance phone calls for free. And some of such type of boxes sold out. Principal competitors:- Apple was introduced its technologies at the same time periods the dell computer, Compaq company and Microsoft corporation laun ched their products so apple felt them as a competitors in advanced technology. So company has decided to change in strategy for the few years and took this hard time for several years. Principal subsidiaries:- Apple computer got fame geographically in the globe as in Ireland, UK, Japan, and Netherlands. This was the greatest achievement for the Apple group. Technology Analysis:- Apple is recognized for designing the marketing and manufacture personal computers and with the portable digital music players, software and related accessories. Third party videos and audios products are also marketed by the company and dealing with in terms of its services. The strong branded image is the key factor for Apple and its product has a command to sale the premium price. (Datamonitor, 2008) The recently, Apple’s products iPod and iTunes have great success growth in its sector. Users are allowed to legally buy and download all videos and music online. Information Gathering:- Sources are easily collected, as Apple Company published the large amount of data, available on the company websites. Some helpful data was accumulated by published annual reports. Rest for data was found without any trouble from including journals, Coventry university websites, and private website EBSCOHOST. Strategic capabilities Organization with strategic capabilities becomes a leading icon in strategic development when they start exploiting and expending their capabilities in such an innovative way it becomes difficult for other competitors to compete or to produce new market opportunities. e.g. Apple has always been using its leading IT knowledge in introducing every new product with revolutionary IT techniques to capture new market. â€Å"Strategic capabilities can be defined as the adequacy and suitability of the resources and competences of an organization for it to survive and prosper.† Johnson, Scholes Whittington (2006) p. 117. Competitive Advantage Organization which sustain s its profit upon its rivals, then company is said to be possessing competitive advantage. The main purpose of business strategy is to maintain that advantage on opponents. Competitive Advantage Model Resources A company’s specific valuable asset which can be used to get unique advantage and the rivals has easy access to same type of sources as well. The following are two main types of resources

Industry and Macroeconomic Analysis Dissertation

Industry and Macroeconomic Analysis - Dissertation Example USA is by far the greatest contributor with a market value of about $5 trillion (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). The main reason being the cosmopolitan nature of the cities like USA where the commercial value of the property is extremely high. Second contributor is Japan than is estimated to have a market share of about $2 trillion (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). With regards to the GDP, Japan remains the second largest economy of the world and hence, the value of the property is quite high. These two major economies are followed by Germany ($1.1 trillion), UK ($1 trillion), France ($800 billion) and Italy ($600 billion). However, it is worth noting that the 88% of the total real estate market is dominated by the top 15 countries (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). It is a well-known fact that the real estate market is cyclical in nature and booms and busts have been noticeable. The booms in the 1980s were followed by busts in the early 1990s. However, the late 1990s or the early 2000s once again experienc ed a property boom. USA has been the major player in this and the housing market got accelerating demand. Thus, by 2007 this property boom decelerated and the world economy when the global economy was entangled in a global recession marred by a credit crunch. Area of the Study The study focuses upon the property market in Thailand. The main concentration would be on the four leading property companies operating in Thailand namely, Quality House PLC, Land and House PLC, Sansiri PLC and Supalai PLC. The study would incorporate a thorough financial and macro analysis of these companies and the area they are operating. Thus, the dissertation would further try to enhance upon the market value and conditions of the property market in Thailand with regards to these companies and provide a clear picture of the investment possibilities and scenarios. This would be followed up by recommendations. Objectives and Methodology The key objective of the study is to develop a framework through which an investor could gain knowledge about the investment prospects in the Thailand Real Estate Industry. The study aims to provide forecast and conclusion as to whether or not the Thai property sector is attractive from an international investor’s perspective, and also on the companies which will be reviewed. The study would be conducted in a number of steps. 1) The global real estate market would be analyzed. 2) The macro-economic indicators that correspond to the smooth working of the real estate market would be analyzed. 3) Analysis of the Housing Market with respect to the four above mentioned companies. 4) Calculations of their financial ratios. 5) Calculation of the intrinsic values for the four leading companies. 6) Investment decisions and recommendations. The World This focuses upon the changes that have occurred. Light is shed upon the world trend towards economic prosperity. PEST Analysis Political Analysis The political scenario of the world is quite varied. There a re free economies prevailing and at the same time social welfare economies are existent as well. Monarchy – one man rule and democracy have become rivals in today’s political world. Countries like USA, France and India are the major democracies in the world. Contrarily, the Middle Eastern side is marred by despotic rule. The recent upsurge in the opponents of dictatorship has raised their voices and the results have concluded by the uprisings against them in

The professional is political Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The professional is political - Essay Example Learning occurs when on earth you take on new behaviour or adapt obtainable behaviour patterns in a method that has some power on future presentation or approach. Learning is so a form of activity that results in a long-lasting or lasting change in behaviour. Learning is incredible that we never discontinue responsibility. We start knowledge from the instant we are born and stay on learning waiting the day we die. Knowledge is the aptitude to understand new belongings and put into action the belongings we have learnt in daily life. Teachers who make warm and tolerant yet business-like atmospheres will endorse persistent attempt and favourable attitudes in the direction of learning. This plan will be successful in brood and in adults. Develop an surroundings in which it is most possible students will feel a intelligence of incentive to learn what is being trained rather than trying to pressurize students into knowledge. To do this requires in commission from a sympathetic of the student wants. Some individuals -- particularly children of sure ages and a number of adults -- have little ability for internal incentive and must be guide and reinforced continually. The use of inducement is base on the standard that learning occurs additional successfully when the scholar experience feelings of approval. Caution should be work out in using external rewards at what time they are not totally necessary. Their make use of may be followed by a refuse in interior incentive. People seek others by means of whom to contrast their abilities, opinions, and feeling. Affiliation cans also consequence in direct nervousness reduction by the communal receipt and the mere attendance of others. However, these motivators can too lead to traditional values, opposition, and other behaviors that may seem as unenthusiastic. However, it has to be borne in brain that there can be no set of courses growth without teacher growth. Staff and prospectus expansion must be intimately

The Role That Financial Intermediaries Play Essay

The Role That Financial Intermediaries Play - Essay Example The incentive in the form of their commission is earned in return for their intermediation services and at times providing support and help to both the parties. â€Å"Financial intermediaries, serve as the "go between" between lenders and borrowers. The difference between what they earn and pay is their reward for intermediation. A complex financial system comprises both financial markets and financial intermediaries. We distinguish financial intermediaries according to whether they issue complete contingent contracts or incomplete contracts. Intermediaries such as banks that issue incomplete contracts, demand deposits, are subject to runs, but this does not imply a market failure. With regard to the Central Bank, the central bank can easily regulate and delegate its duties to these financial intermediaries who are directly in touch with the final users of finances as well as the providers and suppliers of funds in the economy. If the circulation of currency notes is considered, the se intermediaries can act as consolidators of old notes and disburse the new notes to their customers and depositors. In this way, the central bank can do away with its duty to circulate them itself. Similarly, various policies and controls can be designed by the central banks which are to be put in practice by these intermediaries. The financial intermediaries play a vital role in regulating and managing financial resources of a financial system. The central banks and the reserve bank can put their policies into practice in a more efficient way.

The Oil And Gas Industry

The Oil And Gas Industry Des Plc, one of the largest and world leading drilling companies in the oil and gas sector of Germany. The company was established by Engr. Joe and Mr. Onos in the year 2004 when the German government initiated the Integrated Energy and Climate Programme (IEKP) policy aimed at providing state-of-the-art, secure and climate compatible supply of energy in Germany in order to restrict dependency on imported oil and gas products. Driven by the need to expand, Des Plc has decided to embark on business operations in Nigeria. The aim of this report is to, as a researcher, advise the CEO of Des Plc as to whether DES Plc should export or go into foreign direct investment (FDI), as its approach in Nigeria. This feasibility study tends to explore and look into the analysis of the national business system and cultural conditions prevalent in Nigeria and Germany while assessing the pattern and trends of trade and investment in both countries within the Oil and gas sector with key emphasis on protection measures against imports and foreign investment in Nigerian oil and gas sector; advise on whether Des Plc should export or go into foreign direct investment, or combine the methods, considering the effect of the exchange rate regime for Germany and Nigeria. And, on the whole, it assesses the level of risk exposure and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues Des Plc of Germany may encounter in Nigeria as a foreign counterpart in the Nigerian Oil and gas industry. By the end of this research, the best strategy will have been established for adoption taking into cognizance the recommended approach considered optimal 1.1 THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY The oil and gas industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world today. Oil and natural gas products touch our lives in countless ways every day. Together, they account for more than 60 percent of our nations energy. They fuel our cars, heat our homes and cook our food (EAPI, 2011). It may also be worthwhile to add that Nigeria is the 10th largest oil producer in the world, the third largest in Africa and the most prolific oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. And while the Nigerian economy is largely dependent on its oil sector which supplies 95% of its foreign exchange earnings, the German government is trying to lower the level of dependency on the importation of the product (MIS, 2011). 2.0 AN ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEM AND CULTURAL CONDITIONS 2.1 NATIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEM The national business system approach explains international differences in firm organisation and firm behaviour. The focus is on the coordination of economic activities and on governance issues. National differences in the organisation of firms and markets are explained by differences in culture and in formal institutions. The business systems approach, while originally rooted in sociology, increasingly has become based on economic theory with slight emphasis on legal, political and educational frameworks (Lundvall 1999). Owing to the implication of the preceding analysis, an emphasis is placed on the following institutional arrangements in the Nigerian political, economic and legal system with the analysis of the national business system in Nigeria in connection with Des Plc of Germany as a prospective entrant to the Nigerian business space- as shown in the table below: DIMENSIONS BRIEF OVERVIEW POLITICAL SYSTEM IMPACT ON BUSINESS The Federal Republic of Nigeria is governed in accordance with the provisions of a Constitution. The most recent came into being in May 1999.The new Constitution is based essentially on the report of a Committee which had collated the views expressed by Nigerians in the 1995 constitution. Significantly, the Constitution affirms that Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state, whose constituent units are bound together by a Federal arrangement. It provides for a presidential system of government in which there is an Executive, a Legislature and a Judiciary, with each acting as a check and balance on the powers of the other two arms. The Constitution further provides for the operation of three tiers of government, at the Federal, State and Local levels. These provisions are binding on all authorities and persons throughout the Federation. This akin to the German political structure in terms of power distribution (TBTIG 2011). However, this democratic system of government has made the business space so unstable for some years owing to election irregularities and political manoeuvres. TERRORISM AND NIGERIAS DEVELOPMENT THE GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS ACTORS IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR Terrorism has been on the increase since 2002 when a sect called Boko Haram started signalling disintegration of the Nigerian economy. Under past leadership, the group demanded that Nigeria become an Islamic state but it is now believed to be made up of several factions, with various demands which distort the political future of the nation (BBC Africa) The Nigerian government has embarked on robust policies to privatise its sectors in the recent years and as such, has boost efforts to attract foreign investment (TBTIG 2011). SHELL, TOTAL, CHEVRON are some of the key players in the oil and gas industry of Nigeria. They all have to thrive in the face of ethnic disparities because their major operations are in the remote areas of the notable Niger Delta region where militancy- oppositions are prominent. In 2004, Niger Delta activists demanding a greater share of oil income for locals began a campaign of violence against the oil infrastructure, threatening Nigerias most important economic lifeline (BBC Africa). DIMENSIONS BRIEF OVERVIEW ECONOMIC SYSTEM IMPACT ON BUSINESS Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with an ethnically and religiously diverse population of 140 million. Nigeria has the second-highest GDP in Africa (US$166.78 billion in 2007), reflecting the countrys substantial oil reserves. However, oil has proved a mixed blessing for the country (CIA 2011). Nigerias economy has much in common with those of China, Brazil, Germany, Malaysia and India; free enterprise is the norm. However, electricity and water continue to be partially government owned and controlled. Outside of transportation and, perhaps, a small section of the industrial sector, the petroleum economy has very little linkage with Nigerian production (Daudu) The Nigerian government has a policy which is to promote the commercialization, restructuring and privatization of certain government-owned enterprises. Privatization has also been accompanied by deregulation of various economic sectors to encourage private sector participation, notably in telecommunications, power, and downstream petroleum sectors. Most of Nigerias economic activity occurs in key metropolitan areas-Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Onitsha and Port Harcourt (online). Although petroleum continues to dominate the public finances and foreign exchange resources of Nigeria, the sector is, in reality, an enclave economy employing less than 100,000 Nigerians directly in production. The Nigerian government is restructuring and diversifying the economic base of the economy and reducing the dependence on oil, and as such will have bearing on the industry prominence and strategic posture. ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OVER 12 MONTHS FOREIGN RESERVE SIGNIFICANT RATES The strongest performance of Nigerias non-oil economy allowed the economy to avoid a substantial slowdown in 2009 and it expanded by 4.9%, compared to the growth rate seen in 2008. In April 2010, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasted growth rate of 7% and 7.3% for Nigeria in 2010 and 2011 respectively and said that the economy was recovering faster than it had earlier anticipated. These forecasts are predicted on the belief that oil prices will remain relatively stable as the global economy recovers, and on the assumption that the truce with militants in the Niger Delta holds. Attacks by militants on oil infrastructure and kidnappings of oil workers cut exports sharply in previous years (CIA 2011). Nigerias foreign exchange reserves had fallen to US$40.67 billion at the end of March 2010, down from US$42.4 billion at the end of 2009, and from US$52.7 billion at the of 2008. Nigeria disbursed about US$3 billion from its oil windfall savings to the three tiers of government in February and March 2010, which contributed to the depletion of its foreign exchange reserves. Interest rate: 6% (Central bank, April 2010) GDP growth: 4.9% (official, 2009) Unemployment: 4.9% (2007 est.) FDI: US$71.59 billion (December 31, 2009, est) Nigerias economic decline, especially during the last 20 years is illustrated by the fact that per capita income, which was the US $1000 in 1965 had declined to the US $300 by 1998. Within some 18 years, Nigeria had declined from being a low middle-income country and amongst the fifty richest countries in the world to one of the 30 poorest (Daniel 2011). LEGAL SYSTEM Nigerias legal system is based on English common law, Islamic Shariah law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law 2.2CULTURAL CONDITIONS Business is an integral part of society and both influence each other. Social-cultural environment refers to the influence exercised by certain social and cultural factors which are beyond the control of the business unit. Such factors include: attitude to work, family system, religion, languages, habits, preferences, tradition, value system, business ethics etc. Any change in cultural factors like education affects the lifestyle and thinking of the people living in society and thereby bearing on business activities in such society (Jain et al 2009). Managing the problems created by cross -cultural differences increases the transaction costs of conducting international business activities. Consequently, if cultural differences between potential trading partners are large, the economic and/ or strategic benefits of engaging in business activities must be large enough to offset the extra costs of doing business with difference cultures (McDonald and Burton 2002). However, putting the importance of cultural implications in the business space into consideration, planning to do business in the Nigerian oil and gas industry will require a look into some cultural factors as follows: Traditions and family system: Oil and gas operations are prominent in the Niger-Delta region of the country as the major oil wells are found in such rural areas of the region. Chevron is the third-largest oil producer in Nigeria and one of its largest investors, spending more than $3 billion annually. Chevron as a core player in the industry enters into serious business negotiations with traditional institutions in host communities before the commencement of oil explorations (Chevron 2011) Religion: Nigeria has Christianity and Islam as major religions major religions. However, these religions have little or no effect on the consumption of oil and gas products in the country. Ethnic Groups: Nigeria as Africas most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5% (CIA 2011). Language: English is the official language in Nigeria. The country is composed of diverse ethnic groups with several languages but three major languages (Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba) are spoken in a general sense. Although, the Pidgin English is prominently used across the nation because it remains the best way in which the uneducated ones communicate. This may constitute a major implication for Des Plc because German is the official language in Germany. So many stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas host communities do understand just the Pidgin English. 3.0 TRADE PATTERN BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES 3.1 TRADE PATTER IN GERMANY Germany is one of the constituents of the European Union (EU) and also a member of the WTO. The WTO has a single trade policy and tends to demonstrate the possibility of exploiting the Collective nature of the communitys membership in order to maximize the political pressures brought about by WTO approached sanctions exists and has been noticed the communities trading patterns. However, the ultimate Machiavellian approach might be to target precisely those members states that do not benefit from WTO-incompatible measure of the community and are in favour of removing or amending it (Borght 2007). Developments in Germanys trade patterns in recent years have generally been conducive to the international use of the Deutsche mark on several accounts. First, Germany has become the worlds largest supplier of exports to the world, surpassing the USA since 1986 and enhancing the potential role of the mark as an invoicing vehicle. The bulk of German imports were raw materials particularly oil and gas from Russia and the bulk of German export were manufactured goods. Second, between 1986 and 1989 the share of specialized manufactured goods (primarily machinery and transport goods) in relation to total exports rose from 38 to 47 percent (ECB 2011). 3.2 TRADE PATTERN IN NIGERIA Nigeria has always reinforced commitment to improving her business environment so as to integrate into the global economy. However, oil and gas have been Nigerias bulk of export (Iwela 2007). The United States is Nigerias largest trading partner after the United Kingdom. Nigeria supplies around 11% of US oil imports and 4.5% of German Imports. Crude Oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) account for 98% of exports and around 80% of government revenue (Qfinance 2011). 3.3 THE PATTERN OF TRADE BETWEEN GERMANY AND NIGERIA Nigeria and Germany have maintained a consistent trade relationship over the years. Meanwhile, recent trade statistics (2007) showed that Nigerias export to Germany amounted to 911,5 million Euro, a decrease of 35% compared to 2006. Imports to Germany have increased by 10% to 1083,3 million Euro. In 2006, the trade figure was in favour of Nigeria, with exports to Germany amounting to 1402,6 million Euro and imports from Germany worth 973,9 million Euro. The different trade figure is mainly due to lower oil exports to Germany and higher imports of semi-finished goods (Abah 2011). 3.4 TRADE IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY BETWEEN NIGERIA AND GERMANY Britain was the chief beneficiary of Nigerian oil in the early years of the colonys oil industry. After gaining independence, Nigeria expanded its export to destinations to include Western European nations, especially Germany and the United States (Levi 2004) However, the Germanys presence in the Nigerian oil and gas sector has declined over the years. Just as earlier stated that in 2006, the trade figure was in favour of Nigeria, with exports to Germany amounting to 1402.6 million Euro and imports from Germany worth 973.9 million Euro. The different trade figure for 2007 is mainly due to lower oil exports to Germany. 3.5 RESTRICTIONS AND PROTECTIONS ON TRADE IN NIGERIAN For two decades prior to economic reforms, Nigerias trade regime was viewed as complex, restrictive, and opaque (WTO, 2005). Following the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in 1988, a seven-year tariff schedule was adopted which significantly reduced tariff averages. However, further tariff revisions were made, often in response to pressures from domestic lobbies. Since 1978, the government had also introduced policies on import prohibitions which banned selected products that were viewed as strategic for the economy or which needed infant industry protection. However, prior to the recent economic reform, Nigeria maintained a complex tariff structure consist of about 19 bands and 5,146 lines (at the HS-8 digital level), with tariff ranging between 2.5 and 150 percent. Nigeria liberalized its import tariff regime by adopting the Common External Tariff (CET) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (Iwela 2007). 3.6 RESTRICTIONS IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY Oil and gas operations commenced in Nigeria effectively in 1956, with the first commercial find in that year by the then Shell DArcy. Before this time, that is, from November 1938, almost the entire country was covered by a concession granted to the company to explore for petroleum resources. This dominant role of Shell in the Nigerian oil industry continued for many years, until Nigerias membership of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1971, after which the country began to take a firmer control of its oil and gas resources, in line with the practice of the other members of OPEC. This period witnessed the emergence of National Oil Companies (NOCs) across OPEC member countries, with the sole objective of monitoring the stake of the oil-producing countries in the exploitation of the resource. Whereas in some OPEC member countries the NOCs took direct control of production operations, in Nigeria, the Multinational Oil Companies (MNOCs) were allowed to continue with such operations under Joint Operating Agreements (JOA) which clearly specified the respective stakes of the companies and the Government of Nigeria in the ventures (Iwela 2007). 4.0 EXCHANGE RATE REGIME IN GERMANY AND NIGERIA Numerous exchange rate regimes are practised globally, ranging from the extreme case of fixed exchange rate system, such as the currency boards and unions to a freely floating regime. In practice, countries tend to adopt an amalgam of regimes such as an adjustable peg, crawling peg, target zone/crawling bands, and managed float, whichever suit their peculiar economic conditions. (McDonald and Burton 2011). The exchange rate regime of Germany and Nigeria are considered as both countries use different currencies (naira and euro) respectively. 4.1 EXCHANGE RATE REGIME IN NIGERIA Nigeria has switched between exchange rate systems over the years. During the first phase (1970-1985), Nigeria operated a controlled exchange rate regime where exchange rate of the naira was pegged to the dollar. The second phase of exchange rate history in Nigeria began in 1986. Following the oil glut of the early 80s, it became clear that Nigerian economy which depends on oil was not able to sustain the fixed exchange regime because its foreign reserves not only depleted but foreign debt also mounted. As an integral part of the Structural Adjustment Programme introduced in 1986, the country adopted a flexible exchange rate through the Second tier Foreign Exchange Market (Iwela 2007). The Nigerian exchange rate. The most critical are the creation of a high propensity to import because an over-valued currency makes import cheaper and promotes a balance of payments deficits. In the quest for a realistic naira 9 exchange rate, the CBN employs the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) model as a guide to gauge movements in the nominal exchange rate and to determine deviations from the equilibrium exchange rate. Although the PPP as a relative price does not provide clear criteria for choosing a base period and is generally criticized for its insensitivity to short-term policy actions, it nonetheless, provides a reasonable framework for a comparative analysis of trading partners performances (Iwela 2007). 4.1 EXCHANGE RATE REGIME IN GERMANY Germany operates a floating exchange regime system. Germany is much more competitive than its southern counterparts and this biggest economy in the Eurozone relies heavily on net exports and fixed investments while private consumption takes only a second place (ECB 2011). Growth in the Eurozone will remain sluggish and is expected to underperform the US in 2011. The economy in the 16-nation region is expected to grow +1.7% in 2011, followed by +1.8% in 2012, almost half of the growth in the US (ECB 2011). 4.2 THE EXCHANGE RATE IMPLICATION ON NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY The peculiarity of the Nigerian foreign exchange market needs to be highlighted. The countrys foreign exchange earnings are more than 90 per cent dependent on crude oil export receipts. The result is that the volatility of the world oil market prices has a direct impact on the supply of foreign exchange. Moreover, the oil sector contributes more than 80 percent of government revenue (CIA 2011). 4.2 IMPLICATION FOR DES Plc Thus, when the world oil price is high, the revenue shared by the three tiers of government rise correspondingly and, as has been observed since the early 1970s, elicited comparable expenditure increases, which had been difficult to bring down when oil prices collapse and revenues fall concomitantly. Indeed, such unsustainable expenditure level had been at the root of high government deficit spending. DES performance could, to a large extent, be tied to this economic phenomenon. In addition, the removal of fuel subsidy signaled danger by the Nigerian masses as their standard of living is largely dependent on the oil and gas production and performance. 5.0 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ISSUES IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY With regard to driving forces for CSR implementation, philanthropy gets a high priority in Africa. This is due to the huge socio-economic needs which have resulted in philanthropy becoming an expected norm in society. According to the theoretical findings, the philanthropic motive has also the highest priority in Nigeria (Helg, 2007). DES Plc cannot over emphasize the issue of CSR in order to consider doing business in the oil sector of Nigeria as many players in the industry have had to put with this situation as much they can (Skjeraseth et al 2004). However, it can be said that CSR is viewed by host communities as ethical and moral obligation of investing companies and as such should not be undermined. CSR ISSUES IN THE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW RESPONSE MEASURE PLAYERS EXPERIENCES While ExxonMobil and TotalFinaElf see their responsibility primarily in terms of providing affordable and environmentally clean fuel and investments in the countries and regions in which they operate, BP aims to be a force for good (BP, 2001), and Shell will strive to build a better world (Shell, 1999) .Shell, Chevron and other players in the industry have suffered kidnap of expert rates over the years. Militancy has been on the increase in the Niger Delta region where exploration is prominent in Nigeria. The youth regard this approach as the only means to benefit from their natural endowment since there are no other ways. Provision of employment, construction of roads and employment may be some available measures to keep the potential situation in check for DES Plc. HUMAN RIGHTS In Nigeria, CSR is viewed as giving back to society and as such their ultimate right. In Nigeria, philanthropy is more than charitable giving. HIV/Aids is an example where the response by business is essentially philanthropic but clearly, in companies own economic interests. DES Plc can make provision to partner with human right organizations in order to effectively address potential issues EMPLOYEES RIGHT The Nigerian government has also through its NEEDS strategy (Nigerian National Planning Commission 2004) set the context by defining the private sector role as by stating that the private sector will be expected to become more proactive in creating productive jobs, enhancing productivity, and improving the quality of life. Nigerians maintain that companies have a responsibility to do more than maximize profits and returns to shareholders? If they do, how far does it extend? Does it include the provision of good wages and working conditions for employees; DES Plc already has a good reputation for job enhancement and upholding that corporate culture will position it against undue pressure in this regard. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Nigerian communities tend to maintain a level of ownership over natural resources and as such never want to part ways with what they consider as stake. There are Landlord groups formed to foster strong opposition against whatever they perceive as injustice in oil exploration Working on the CSR agenda in Nigeria in partnership with different stakeholders in the society. Involve community leaders in the determination of locations. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Maintenance of the highest environmental standards. Oil spillage and gas flaring have been major issues hosts communities emphasize while maintaining a strong opposition against the investors. The introduction of local agricultural schemes to appeal to the affected public. SUPPLIER RELATIONS Company relations with suppliers and contractors are always questionable and not viewed as a priority (TBTIG 2011). Multinational companies initiate co-operation with the SMEs in both the formal and informal sector for local supplies. To develop a joint corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda for Nigerian and non-Nigerian firms. This could be explored by DES Plc while sourcing materials for local use in the region 6.1 INVESTMENT METHOD However, Nigerias libralised business regime and proactive reform measures are making it easier to do business in the country (TBTIG: 2011). Owing to the preceding issues considered in this report, Foreign Direct investment will be recommended to DES Plc as a measure for expansion and penetrating into the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The Nigerian government has put incentives in place to attract foreign investors. Nigerias investment regime has been geared towards encouraging private sector involvement in the countrys economy. The corporate tax rate is 30% in all sectors except petroleum, which is taxed separately under the Petroleum Industry Bill. According to the World Investment Report 2011, prepared by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, FDI inflows into Nigeria fell from $8.65bn in 2009 to $6.09bn in 2011, with the blame placed on delays to the Petroleum Industry Bill (TBTIG: 2011). 6.2 MODE OF ENTRY However, The Nigerian government operates a deregulated society which could favour the brownfield approach. DES Plc can adopt this suitable means by merging and acquiring an asset of a firm in the industry owing to the market share core players like Shell, Total, Chevron etc already have in the industry. 7.0 CONCLUSION In spite of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues identified in the Niger Delta region in recent years, Nigerias huge wealth of oil makes it singularly attractive to the multinational majors, most of which are represented in Nigeria. More recently, multinational oil companies have been focusing their attention on exploration projects. They and their likes promise much for the future of oil industry investment since they allow the oil majors to diversify their investment in the country and bypass the troubles of the Niger Delta region (TBTIG: 2011). Nigerias liberalised business regime and proactive reform measures are making it easier to do business in the country. Germanys presence is scanty in the oil exploration space of Nigeria and as such that remains a quick and ample opportunity to be explored by DES Plc taking the aforementioned policies into consideration. However, owing to the issues discussed in this report it is obvious that the most suitable form of investment is Foreign Direct Investment FDI by merging or acquiring existing firm in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. REFERENCES Abah M. (2011). 50 German Firms Storm Nigeria for Investment. http://www.jangola.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=141:50-german-firms-storm-nigeria-for-investmentcatid=45:businessItemid=87 [Accessed 04/01/2012] BBC News, Africa, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13949550 [Accessed 26/12/2011]. Chevron (2011). Nigeria Highlights of Operations. http://www.chevron.com/countries/nigeria/ [Accessed 03/12/2012] Danial, B. J. ( 2011). The Nigerian Economy in the 21st Century. http://www.onlinenigeria.com/economics/?blurb=498 [Accessed 26/12/2012] Daudu http://www.dawodu.com/okigbopanel1b.pdf EAPI: Energy API (2011). About Oil and Natural Gas. http://www.api.org/aboutoilgas/ [Assessed 17/12/2011]. ECB: European Central Bank (2011). Key Interest Rates for the Euro Zone. http://www.ecb.int/stats/monetary/rates/html/index.en.html [Accessed 15/01/2012]. Helg, A. (2007), Corporate Social Responsibility from a Nigerian Perspective. http://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/4713/1/07-23.pdf [Accessed 10/01/2012] Iwela, O.U. (2007). Nigerias Economic Reform: Progress and Challenges. The Global and Development Programme. Brookings Institution, Washington DC http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2007/0323globaleconomics_okonjo%20iweala/20070323okonjo_iweala.pdf [Accessed 30/12/2011]. Jain T. R., Trehan M., Trehan R. (2009). Business Environment. FK Publications. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Y77EEOe6cTECpg=PA15dq=cultural+conditions+in+business+environmenthl=ensa=Xei=aG4DT4KEKciEOr-ovLMBsqi=2ved=0CF8Q6AEwBg#v=onepageq=cultural%20conditions%20in%20business%20environmentf=false [Accessed 27/12/2011]. Kim van der Borght (2007) WTO Obligations and Opportunities: Challenges of Implementation. Cameron May LTD. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=rMRbKGyEp_gCpg=PA263dq=germany+and+wtohl=ensa=Xei=ZoMDT5rqBYfI8gPUsZ3HAQved=0CEIQ6AEwAg#v=onepageq=germany%20and%20wtof=false [Accessed 04/01.2012]. Lundvall, B. (1999). National Business System and National Systems of Innovation.[Online] International Studies of Management Organization, Vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 20-21. Available at http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5001824019 [Accessed 20/12/2011]. MIS: Mbendi Information Services (2011). Oil and Gas in Nigeria- Overview http://www.mbendi.com/indy/oilg/af/ng/p0005.htm [Accessed 20/12/2012]. Mcdonald F., Burton F. (2002). International Business, G. Canale C. Italy. Patricia Levi (2004). Cultures of the World: Nigeria. 2004http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Q_lCFcabj0MCpg=PA40dq=nigeria+oil+export+to+germanyhl=ensa=Xei=b7UDT5nlE82r8AOx3tHSBwsqi=2ved=0CFUQ6AEwAw#v=onepageq=nigeria%20oil%20export%20to%20germanyf=false [Assessed 28/12/2011]. Qfinance (2011). The Nigerian Economy. http://www.qfinance.com/country-profiles/nigeria [Accessed 01/01/2012] Skjà ¦rseth, J. B. Skodvin, T. (2003). Climate Change and the Oil Industry: Common problem, varying strategies. Manchester: Manchester University Press. http://www.fni.no/docpdf/FNI-R0704.pdf [Accessed 15/01/2011]. Shell (1999). People, Planet and Profits. An Act of Commitment. Report. London. TBTIG: The Business, Trade and Investment Guide (2011). Corporate Nigeria: Incentives for Investors http://www.corporate-nigeria.com/index/fdi/incentives_for_investors.html [Accessed 3/01/2012]. WTO: World Trade Organization (2005), Trade Policy Review of Nigeria, Geneva: World Trade Organization. The oil and gas industry The oil and gas industry INTRODUCTION The oil and gas industry is essential to survival of the economy for different purposes. The industry provides energy and chemicals to the economy vital for transport, companies and household in U.K. Through the industry the government earn valuable and substantial tax and export revenue to support the economy. The figure below tells it own tale: v Three quarters of the UKs primary energy. v Employment for more than 380,000 people. v Has invested  £ 150 billion over the last 25 years. v Has paid  £ 150 billion in taxes since the 1970s. v Adds  £4 billion a year to balance of payments. v Accounts for one-fifth of UK annual investment. (oilcareers.com) This primary aim of this report is to consider key environmental factors that are currently affecting the industry. This will be done through PEST (Political, Environmental, Social and Technological) analysis. This report will also take into consideration rationale of industry and companies chosen for this project, in addition a number of financial ratios will be considered to determine the performance of the companies in the industry. This will help in establishing where each company stands in relation to their competitors; as well allowing the strongest and weakest companies to be determined. RATIONALE FOR INDUSTRY This Oil and Gas industry contribute significantly to the economy. The rationale based on this industry choice is to gain an insight to how prepared companies are regarding the risk posed by climate change. According to a report by Palma (200*) she explored increasing pressure in the Oil and Gas industry face from climate change. She indentified such risk as: Damage to corporate reputation: As the understanding and awareness of the damages posed by climate changes increases and develops, failure to observe and account for the impact of climate change on social and environmental resources is progressively likely to damage companys status and reputation. Increasing pressure on water resources: There are growing concerns regarding changes in rainfall patterns. This has led to water shortages, poor water quality and drought and flooding has significantly increased the demand for water. For companies that rely heavily on water, increase competition for available resources could create operational problems for companies. Drop in value of financial assets: In order to meet the economy increasing demand for energy, oil and gas companies need to secure further investment for exploration, production, and manufacturing. Shareholders are placing more and more importance on the business impacts of the change, as risk impact cost and revenue drivers. It is probable that insurance cost could rise due to greater chance of physical plant damage because of weather events. Dealing with such risk is not as easy as it may sound, some companies profit may decline due to the necessary changes in order to combat climate change. It will take a collective effort as well as individual effort for the industry to maintain its status as one of Britains strongest industry. RATIONALE FOR COMPANY CHOICES The diagram below shows that the companies are similar in size, employees employed and turnover. This makes is easier for comparability purposes in finding out how each company are performing. In addition all companies chosen are in the FTSE 350. JKX Oil and Gas JKX Oil and Gas plc principle activity is developing and producing oil and gas reserve, which is conducted through there subsidiary undertakings. JKX main principle interests are located in Ukraine and in Russia, with further interest in Georgia, Bulgaria and United States. As of December 31, 2008, the Company drilled two exploration wells. As of December 31, 2008, the Company acquired 25% interest in the Svidnik, Medzilaborce and Snina from Aurelian Oil Gas plc. Cairn Energy Cairn energy Company is an independent public oil and gas exploration and production company. Together with its subsidiaries, the company engages development and the production of oil and gas largely in countries such Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The company also operates in Tunisia, Australia, Spain and Papua New Guinea. The companys headquarter is based in the United Kingdom at Edinburgh Tullow Oil Plc Tullow Oil plc operates as an independent oil and gas exploration company. The company has over 100 licences in more than 20 countries. The group accomplished a 77% exploration success rate with 17 out of 22 successful wells in 2008. Currently in 2009, Tullow has drilled 12 successful wells out of a total of 14. FINANCIAL RATIOS Financial ratios are calculated to provide a quick and relatively easy means of measuring the financial wellbeing of a business. Ratios assist to highlight the financial strength and weakness of a business. PEST ANALYSIS In order to understand factors that affect the industry, the PEST analysis could offer some help. PEST analysis helps is the analysis of external factors which are beyond the control of the companies and these factors sometimes could be a potential treat. Moreover these factors can lead to new opportunities being created for companies to explore. Political Factor Political decisions made by the government will definitely affect the oil and gas industry in one shape or another (more (directly or indirectly)). One of the main political talking points is the effect the industry has on climate change. According to Chapman (2009), companies do not really recognize the effect the industry and company has on climate change. Steps have and are been taking to ensure that companies recognize changes in climate. The U.K government not long ago, update the Petroleum Act, tightening the law on decommissioning, making it adamant and compulsory that companies take into account the impact of climate change. The government realizes that actions and policies are needed in order for the industry to continuing providing energy for the economy while the industry reduces the amount of emission they produce and also providing new powerful energy option. In 2000, the royal commission proposed that U.K would need to reduce it emission of CO2 by 2050 and if possible t o reduce it by 80% by 2100. This was an international agreement proposed in other to prevent concentration of carbon dioxide from rising above 550 parts per million in volume. At 2000 it stood at 380 and rising, moreover in it would be safe to assume that it has risen significantly. The political factor takes into consideration political stability, pricing regulations, industrial safety regulations, tax rates and incentives and many more. An effective way in which government believe would encourage the industry to limit the amount of pollution they create is the carbon tax charge. The purpose of this is to lower greenhouse gas emission produced by the industry. Similar to this charge is the climate change levy (referred to as tax on energy). This was put in place on the 1st of April 2001. The importance of the tax is to encourage change in the industry. This has persuaded the industry to start looking new renewable energy source or risk having to pay additional cost of the levy on their energy bill. The levy applies to electricity, oil and gas industry, if a company produces the energy the use from renewable energy source they will be exempt from this levy. Furthermore companies that agree to the governments emission target will be given an 80% discount. Economical Factors The economical factor takes in consideration of such issues as exchange rates, economic growth rate, unemployment rate, inflation rate and price in oil and gas. The Oil and Gas industry is one that holds a stronghold in the world and the U.K economy and it provided 450,000 jobs in UK in 2009. It diagram below an increase in employment from 2007 and to 2008. Unfortunately the increase from 2008 to 2009 could not be shown has it had not been inputted. But from the diagram, it shows signs of improvement since 2004 to 2008. The economy in U.K receives a massive boost when there are increase of activity drill in respect to Oil and Gas. As by (========) Oil and gas production contributes massively to the government through tax revenues with a report  £271 billion being paid over the last 40 years (2008 money). Unfortunately high price for oil in the modern day is major problem for economies around the world (both rich and poor). The reality is that in many countries including UK, oil is becoming unaffordable for more and more people. In the fiscal last year (2008-2009)  £12.9 billion was contributed by the industry in terms of tax revenue, this was likely due to high oil and gas prices. If oil and gas price continue to increase this could change the balance of trade between countries and exchange rate. This increase would cause a decline in the balance payment of net oil-importing countries thereby putting downward pressure on exchange rate therefore import become more expensive and export less valuab le which leads to a drop in national income. Social Factors There different social factor affect the industry such as customer buying patterns, ethical issues and the environment. Due to very nature of the industry, the environment in real danger from drilling and transportation process. The chemical used in drilling can be harmful to the environment. The burning of oil as fuel creates destruction, whereby it contributes to such problems as global warming and acid rain. In addition, forest are now at major risk as there are increase pressure applied by the oil and gas industry leaders pushing for new drilling in sensitive and regions which were once protected Two main factors affect the industry are major event and consumer attitudes and opinion. Consumer attitude and opinion are changing in the modern day environment. More and more people are moving to solar energies instead of using fuel or gas, this is called the GREEN CULTURE. There are more concern for the environment now than ever, prompting the search for alternatives. The government intend to have in place coal and gas fired and nuclear power in place by mid 2020 as alternatives. Furthermore, employees health and safety is another political talking point. Due to the volatile conditions in which employees have to work in and also sub standard physical asset could potential have a negative impact on the health and safety of the employees which would therefore compromise the employer and public liability insurance cover. Technological Factor Technologies are essential to oil and gas industry, due to the harsh and demanding environment we currently live in; the industry leads in technological innovation in order to overcome challenges of recovering oil and gas from difficult reservoirs and deeper waters. For the industry, the need of need technology is need in order to discover new ways of reducing production cost, improving performance and making marginal fields economic to develop. The effort put in by the industry to develop new technologies for locating and producing oil and gas has led to various inventions and technical advances that have been used elsewhere. An area in which the government and the industry highlight as potential growth area is in the field of Carbon Capture and Storage. European Union alongside with other countries has recognised this potential and legislation have been put in place and funding made available in order to finance demonstration plant in Britain and other countries. The industrys knowledge of undersea geology, reservoir management and pipeline transport will undoubtedly play an important role in making this fledgling technology work effectively Advantages of PEST Easy to do The analysis provides a deeper understanding of the wider business environment in which they operate. Provides an understanding of the wider business environment. Raises potential threats to a project Through this analysis organisation can foresee future difficulties and take a course of action in order to minimise their effect It could help a company realise opportunities and utilise them Disadvantages of PEST Could take considerable time to do Variable pace of change could make it difficult to predict development which may affect a company in the future The analysis might be based on unfounded hypothesis