Wednesday, October 30, 2019
International Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
International Finance - Case Study Example In 1993, ICI demerged its bioscience businesses to a publicly listed company, Zeneca Group PLC. 1997 saw ICI transforming from a regional manufacturer of bulk chemicals to a global specialty chemical and paints leader with the acquisition of Unilever's Speciality Chemicals businesses. Over the last decade, ICI has transformed its portfolio through a number of acquisitions and divestments worth more than 12 billion. Proceeds from divestments have helped ICI reduce its net debt and improve its balance sheet strength (ICI Annual Report, 2006). This paper evaluates the international operations of ICI and discusses how important international trade is for the ICI Group. Various analyses are conducted such as strategic, financial, SWOT, and risk to provide a deeper insight into the company's international operations. ICI Board comprises of the Chairman, Chief Executive, 3 directors, and five non-executive directors. Collectively, the Board is responsible for the success of the company. Through the Chief Executive, the Board delegates to management the overall performance of the company through the setting of clear objectives, building long-term management capability and ensuring that the business is managed in conformity with the business principles. Core businesses Core businesses of ICI comprise ICI Paints and the adhesives, specialty starches, specialty polymers and electronic materials operations of National Starch. These businesses serve diverse consumer and industrial markets through 40 strategic business units. These businesses are supported by Group functions that provide expertise in the disciplines of information technology, finance, human resources, operations, procurement, safety, security, and applied technology (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI Paints has some of the world's leading paint and decorative product brands. ICI makes products to prepare and care for many building materials, and provides coatings for cans and packages. It is headquartered in the UK and has operations in 25 countries (ICI Annual Report, 2006). National Starch markets a broad array of products to various sectors such as food, healthcare and construction. It has four divisions that are grouped around adhesives, specialty starches, specialty polymers and electronic materials. National Starch is headquartered in the United States, and has manufacturing and customer service centres in 39 countries (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI has a number of regional and industrial businesses, principal operations for which are located in Pakistan and Argentina. They include the manufacture of pure terephthalic acid, polyester, sulphur-related chemicals, wine chemicals and soda ash (ICI Annual Report, 2006). ICI is headquartered in the UK, with geographically diversified operations worldwide. Asia and Latin America account for 36% of sales, North America 33%, Europe 29%, and the rest of the world 2%. ICI's businesses have adopted a staffing policy whereby local nationals are typically hired. Total employee strength at ICI is 29, 130, of which 87% are located outside the UK. ICI Group has operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More than 60% of the Group's revenue comes from sectors which are believed to be non-cyclical in nature, such
Monday, October 28, 2019
Recognise the impact of prejudice Essay Example for Free
Recognise the impact of prejudice Essay Three of the examples of prejudice or stereotyping in Task 9 and describe what strategies/methods as a community interpreter would use to influence/educate agencies in overcoming these barriers. Write about what systems agencies already have in place to overcome these particular barriers. Example 1: The Iranian Interpreter, how would you deal with this situation in a professional manner? Strategy: Get to know a person on an individual basis before you decide if you dont like them. Youre not going to like everyone, but you do need to respect them as an individual and spend time with them before you make a judgment. You need to realize that your way isnt the only way. Example 2: People who came from an Arab background and who attended mosques were looked at differently. This means that people you passed every day on the street were given a discrimination.This is not fair treatment Strategy: Learn about different cultures and people to understand differences between yourself and others. As you learn more, you can relate to other people better even when differences exist. You need to go where you are in the minority and experience what it is like to be in that situation. Example 3:Many people have the view of a person with mental illness as someone who is violence-prone. Strategy: Be respectful of differences. You need to be able to agree to disagree. Even if you dont have eye contact with each other, you will feel and know that their attitudes and behavior.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
History Of Kosovo Essay -- essays research papers
The Balance of Power Theory and It’s Application to Kosovo                          Ideas are the corner-stones of International Relations and Diplomacy. These ideas are often titled theories, a term that grants the ideas a certain degree of credibility in application, though they remain theories; they cannot be proved., only applied intelligently in hopes of arriving at the correct conclusion. One theory concerning the Balance of Power (BOP) falls under the Neo-Realist analysis of conflict within the International system. This Essay will attempt to apply this theory, somewhat retroactively to the situation in Bosnia and more specifically, to that in Kosovo. Retroactively, because the essay will principally examine how these theories can be applied to the history of the Kosovo conflict, dating to the present. Secondly, it will undertake to detail the current situation in that region in these same terms, providing an accurate description of the status quo. Finally, the Balance of Power Theory will be employed in a prospective manner, to offer a so lution to the situation in terms of actually creating a balance of power within the country of Bosnia.      Outline: I. Definitions of Terms for the Purpose of this Essay      A. Neo Realism      B. Balance of Power Theory (BOP)      C. Power Transition (PT) II. Retroactive Application of Theory      A. History of Kosovo Situation      B. How BOP/PT Theory Explains Kosovo Conflict III. Immediate Application of Theory      A. How Status Quo is Represented by BOP Theory IV. Prospective Application of Theory      A. What Actual Balance of Power may lead to Peace in the Region V. Conclusion I. A. Neo-Realism      Neo-Realism is one of the schools of thought in International Relations theory. It is a sub-school of Realism, which originated in the aftermath of World War II. Realists tended to blame the Second World War on Liberals and their failure to deter the fascist powers that initiated that war. Some of their specific criticisms include these principles:   &n... ... sees the concurrence of Serbian longing for Kosovo, and their longtime friend Israel’s feeling for their Holy land.      The Balance of Power theory, however, does not allow for emotional rationalization when discussing war and politics. The final peace will depend on the power held by each party as the war ends. Serbia had, in 1995 presented a plan for peace in a magazine which passed unnoticed by the rest of the world. In it, they proposed to have a buffer zone free of ethnic Albanians. The buffer zone would lie between Albania and Kosovo-Metohia, which would effectively end the mutual ethnic cleansing, and act as a sort of containment solution. The implementation of this plan however is far from realization, since the war continues to rage. V. Conclusion      The situation in Kosovo, is a long and exciting study of the Theories on Balance of Power, and its role in peace keeping. Unfortunately, the theory has been more of a method for analyzing the patterns of war in the region. It will take some measure of inequality to end this war. It is currently too much an equality of military forces for either side to emerge victorious.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Class, Money, Pride and Happiness in Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Auste
Happiness can be defined in a plethora of ways such as good fortune, a state of well being, or a pleasurable, satisfying experience. William Thackeray’s Rebecca Sharp stated in the novel Vanity Fair that she â€Å"could be a good woman if she had five thousand pounds†and she â€Å"could dawdle about in the nursery and count the apricots on the wall†(VF 414). Marianne Dashwood of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility says that she â€Å"cannot be happy with a man whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own†(SS 15). Most importantly, Elizabeth Bennet of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice states that she would be happy with someone who â€Å"has no improper pride†and â€Å"is perfectly amiable†(PP 364). While all of these novels give a glimpse into the opinions of happiness, Pride and Prejudice delves into the nuances of happiness, showing the conflicts that come with these intertwining ideas of class, money, and pride. Ultimately, we come across an important question: What constitutes happiness and how do the ideas of class, money and pride coincide, bringing about conflicting moods in Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice? Throughout Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, we see many instances of the aforementioned conflicts that ensue. The first example of conflict comes out of the fictional mouths of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Right out of the gate, Mrs. Bennet speaks of the fact that a wealthy individual by the name of Charles Bingley is to arrive at the vacant estate of Netherfeld. Mrs. Bennet states that, â€Å"Oh single, my dear to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!†(6). Edward Copeland writes in his article titled Class, â€Å"Incomes of 4,000 pounds a year and above leave behind... ...n while reading: â€Å"Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? Or having it satisfied?†(VF 680). Elizabeth Bennet exclaims, â€Å"I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh†(PP 369). Works Cited Austen, Jane. Sense and Sensibility. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2004. Print Copeland, Edward. The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Print Thackeray, William M. Vanity Fair. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003. Print Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Ed. Carol H. Poston. W.W. Norton & Company; Second Edition. New York: Norton, 1975. Print Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003. Print
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Globalization & world Essay
In general terms, globalization refers to the economical, cultural and societal changes, which are experienced in the whole world as a result of integrated and common trade, transport and communication network systems. The whole issue of globalization is complex with potential debates on its causes and effects ranging from technological to social- cultural and political factors. Although globalization has been associated with many positive impacts to the society and the world at large, the negative consequences cannot be ignored because of their far reaching effects to the people in the world. This paper seeks to discuss the health problems caused by globalization. It also gives some of the solutions to this problem. As the whole world is increasingly becoming interconnected, human health is becoming more complex. For instance, globalization has changed the lifestyle of people. It can be appreciated that modern behavioral changes such as the smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities and increasingly high use of illegal drugs, which are factors attributed to globalization, are risking human health and hence increasing the chances of low lifespan (Guindon, & Pang, 2004). Globalization has also resulted to the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases. This is evidenced in the recent out break of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and its rapid spread in the modern world hence imposing a risk of global pandemic (Guindon, & Pang, 2004). Further to this, the enhanced global movements of goods and people have contributed amicably to the spread of diseases. For example, the advancement of canned food production, trade and increasingly high consumption has facilitated the spread of food born diseases. Behavioral changes associated with global worming such as sexual immoralities (increased sex tourism) in the modern society have contributed to the spread of HIV and AIDS which has been declared as a global epidemic (Huynen, et al 2005). In addition to this, modern society is experiencing high teenage pregnancies which results to health complications. One of the solutions to the negative impacts of globalization to health is by promoting health education in the society. Education will empower people to understand the effects of different lifestyles, which include foods consumed. (Wamala & Kawachi 2007). Further to this, the society should discourage unhealthy behaviors through appropriate legislation and public awareness. In conclusion therefore, globalization has far reaching effects to health which should be addressed at international levels for the common good of all people in the world. ? Bibliography Guindon, E, & Pang, T 2004, Globalization and risks to health, viewed 21 August 2010, Huynen, et al, 2005, Globalization and Health, viewed 21 August 2010, Wamala, S, & Kawachi, I 2007, Globalization and Health, Oxford University Press, New York.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Propaganda Maps
Propaganda Maps All maps are designed with a purpose; whether to aid in navigation, accompany a news article, or display data. Some maps, however, are designed to be particularly persuasive. Like other forms of propaganda, cartographic propaganda attempts to mobilize viewers for a purpose. Geopolitical maps are the most explicit examples of cartographic propaganda, and throughout history have been utilized to garner support for various causes. Propaganda Maps in Global Conflicts This map from the film depicts the Axis powers plan to conquer the world. In maps such as the aforementioned propaganda map, authors express specific feelings on a topic, creating maps that are meant not just to describe information, but also to interpret it. These maps are often not made with the same scientific or design procedures as other maps; labels, precise outlines of bodies of land and water, legends, and other formal map elements may be disregarded in favor of a map that speaks for itself. As the above image shows, these maps favor graphic symbols that are embedded with meaning. Propaganda maps gained momentum under Nazism and Fascism, as well. There are many examples of Nazi propaganda maps that were intended to glorify Germany, justify territorial expansion, and decrease support for the U.S., France, and Britain (see examples of Nazi propaganda maps at the German Propaganda Archive). During the Cold War, maps were produced in order to magnify the threat of the Soviet Union and communism. A recurrent trait in propaganda maps is the ability to portray certain regions as big and menacing, and other regions as small and threatened. Many Cold War maps enhanced the size of the Soviet Union, which magnified the threat of communisms influence. This occurred in a map titled Communist Contagion, which was published in a 1946 edition of Time Magazine. By coloring the Soviet Union in bright red, the map further enhanced the message that communism was spreading like a disease. Mapmakers utilized misleading map projections to their advantage in the Cold War as well. The Mercator Projection, which distorts land areas, exaggerated the size of the Soviet Union. (This map projection website shows different projections and their effect on the portrayal of the USSR and its allies). Propaganda Maps Today choropleth map maps The maps on this site show how political maps can mislead today. One map shows the results of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, with blue or red indicating if a state voted majority for the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, or the Republican candidate, John McCain. From this map there appears to be more red then blue, indicating that the popular vote went Republican. However, the Democrats decidedly won the popular vote and the election, because the population sizes of the blue states are much higher than those of the red states. To correct for this data issue, Mark Newman at the University of Michigan created a Cartogram; a map that scales the state size to its population size. While not preserving the actual size of each state, the map shows a more accurate blue-red ratio, and better portrays the 2008 election results. Propaganda maps have been prevalent in the 20th century in global conflicts when one side wants to mobilize support for its cause. It is not only in conflicts that political bodies utilize persuasive mapmaking however; there are many other situations in which it benefits a country to portray another country or region in a particular light. For example, it has benefited colonial powers to use maps to legitimize territorial conquest and social/economic imperialism. Maps are also powerful tools to garner nationalism in ones own country by graphically portraying a countrys values and ideals. Ultimately, these examples tell us that maps are not neutral images; they can be dynamic and persuasive, used for political gain. References: Boria, E. (2008). Geopolitical Maps: A Sketch History of a Neglected Trend in Cartography. Geopolitics, 13(2), 278-308. Monmonier, Mark. (1991). How to Lie with Maps. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Positive and negative influences of Guy Russo as CEO of Kmart
Positive and negative influences of Guy Russo as CEO of Kmart Kmart stores were characterized by various negative features before the arrival of Guy Russo as the new Chief Executive Officer. The stores had shabby change rooms, old carpets, less motivated staff, inadequate supply of products to customers and daunting product range which demoralized customers from making their purchases. The business model that employers were operating under had some broken hitches and broken processes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Positive and negative influences of Guy Russo as CEO of Kmart specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Positive contributions The arrival of Guy Russo changed the company making it experience increased profits and, at the same time, enjoy top ranking on the retail map. The CEO changed the leadership structure through handpicking executive management team comprising of six people and, at the same time, considering issues of gender balance within Kmart’s leadership str ucture. Then he went ahead to moderate Kmart’s product range lines, as well as improving pricing mechanisms (Clawson, 2012). Additionally, Guy enriched the supply chain by reducing involvement of middlemen and wholesalers (John et al, 2006). Model where middlemen and wholesalers are used characterizes Australian retail model which does not practice direct sourcing model. Russo ensured that Kmart’s target market segments were clearly defined (McKee et al., 2013). At the same time, Russo assisted in positioning the store in the market as a place where all essential goods can be found, including home appliances and clothes, at affordable prices. This ensured reduction of company’s operational costs and at the same time maintained focus on Kmart’s real business processes (Lussier and Achua, 2010). Guy Russo also encouraged company development through application of the principle of less is more whereby Kmart replaced all expensive goods with less expensive on es. This was for the purposes of capturing considerable market share since majority within various market segments considered purchasing quality goods at affordable prices (Cravens and Piercy, 2009). Russo also removed spot discount imposed on products sold. This was contrary to tradition of most Australian retailers who applied pricing model involving offering percentage-off discount for the purpose of improving sales. He ensured that all new managers were taken through thorough training granting them new perspective in leadership and management of company affairs. Good example is when Guy took over hundred of store managers to Beijing for the purposes of giving them new perspective on looking at life (Lussier and Achua, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Negative contributions Such moves as change in management style had consequent results, Russo’s lea dership style within Kmart’s management prompted replacement of several company staff based on the fact that they could not commit to efforts of turnaround. This led to replacement of approximately 20% of chain store management officers. At the same time, application of direct model brought by Russo led to cases of unemployment since many people were pushed out of their jobs especially wholesalers and middlemen. Direct sourcing was applied in markets in low-cost countries and such strategy could only be adopted by large retailers rather than small players. Conclusion The CEO introduced intensive use of modern technology system for the purposes of managing its inventory. Such improvement ensures that the company achieves highest sales within every market segment compared to its competitors within the same market. Serving low-end consumers prompted Russo to encourage division of its products to fully satisfy their clients (Lussier and Achua, 2010). However, intensive use of tec hnology might not work well in low markets like Bangladesh since not all consumers are technologically literate to use services such as those provided on the Internet. However, Kmart’s application of the web pages on the Internet in retailing provides consumers with efficient means which they can utilize in selecting variety of goods available online, hence saving their time (McKee et al., 2013). References Clawson, J 2012, Level Three Leadership: Getting below the Surface, 5th Ed, Prentice Hall, USA Cravens, D Piercy, N 2009, ‘Strategic Marketing, ‘McGraw Hill, London John, S, Caroline, E, Godsell, J, Harrison, A 2006, ‘Supply chain Management: theory, practice and future challenges,’ International Journal of Operations Production Management, Vol. 7, No. 26, pp 754-774.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Positive and negative influences of Guy Russo as CEO of Kmart specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Lussier, R, N Achua, C, F 2010, Leadership: Theory, Application Skill Development, 4th Ed, South-Western Publishing, Australia McKee, A, Kemp, T Spence, G 2013, Management: A Focus on Leaders, Pearson Education, Australia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)