Thomas Merton Essay Example for Free

Thomas Merton Essay Thomas Merton is a spiritual writer who has come up with different works on faith and religion. One of his works The True Self talks about humility and its association with meditation. Merton writes that humility is not assuming another character that someone is not as this only reflects your insistence that a person knows better than God with regards to his personality. This is basically true because in meditation an individual reflects on his own life and reflects on how he is created by God into the person that he is. In meditation, a person does not pretend and does not try to assume another role or another characteristic. Merton presents that there is the resistance to the temptation of being lost among the false masks of other people. Meditation helps us to humbly accept who we are and how God has created us. Humility is realizing that our current selves are special and any chance for improvement should be utilized for the better and not for the purpose of shifting into another personality very far from our own.Moral action is the voluntary effort of a man in response to a particular event based on his moral beliefs of whether the event is right or wrong. Human dignity is very much related to morality in that any offense to the former is a reflection on morality. In this regard, insults in human dignity such as murder, sexual offence, slavery, abuse, or any other form of annihilation of human rights is subject to moral action. Because these acts clearly offend morality, a person is bound to carry out his moral action depending on his beliefs and judgment. If a person believes that an act like euthanasia is not morally wrong then this would determine his moral action regarding a possible threat to human dignity. Reference: Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world. December 7, 1965.

Challenges Of Human Resource Information System Information Technology Essay

Challenges Of Human Resource Information System Information Technology Essay In this technological world, a lot of things are run by the most advanced technology. Therefore, those managers are using the latest technology to operate the whole system in the company. By using these latest technology can help the company work more effective and can help keep their company information more safe and secure. It is same as for the Human Resource Information System (HRIS). Human Resource Information System (HRIS) could be count as the latest technology that can help analyze the data necessary for human resource department to do its jobs properly. So, William (2006) say the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is usually a part of the companys larger Management Information System (MIS) that to help the company to making recruiting, promoting, payroll, employee selection and placement, intake and training projections, career-pathing and productivity evaluation. These information systems help the administrative more effective and produce reports capable of improving decision making. But there are some challenges to make this useful Human Resource Information System cannot work well at all and will make Human Resource Information System work fail. The following are the challenges of Human Resource Information System: Training the users to use HRIS. Cost to purchase and implementation of HRIS. Time to adapt the HRIS. Lack functional expertise in designing. Improper vendor provide illegal copy of HRIS. 4.1 Training the users to use HRIS (by Choo Jun Cheng) The first challenge of company to implementation the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is ensuring that a HRIS for a company involve one key issue that is have the users that can use this HRIS as well as he/she can said by William (2006). The HRIS could be count as the latest technology to operate to human resource department, but there is not every manager and employees know to use this system well and some of them even do not know what this system is and what this system is for. For this case will make the company face the challenge to use this HRIS to help their human resource department to do its jobs perfectly. This will also cause the company cannot work efficiently, quick access to information and the information will be have risk to stole by other company easily. So, human resource department need to provide training to employee of a company in certain areas and the human resource department must make sure that the employees in the company are properly trained to use t he HRIS well. However, teaching the employees how to use system is not the only component needed and it is also critical to teach the employees know to use the HRIS to locate the answers to solve the human resource questions. This requires the employees who under this training program need to adopt the new mindset of self-service rather than turning the human resources questions to the answers by using the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and make employees become a part of HRIS. 4.2 Cost to purchase and implementation of HRIS (by Choo Jun Cheng) Next, the one of the most significant challenge facing by the company to run the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is the cost to purchase and implementation of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) said by William (2006). If the company is looking the cost to justify a HRIS new system or upgrade one, they will much need new HRIS software. But for the company already have a policy to cost justifying any new technology for their produce and investment and this cause the company facing the lack capital problem to purchase and implementation of HRIS. Besides that, HRIS system represents a large investment decision for company of all sizes to purchase and implementation this HRIS and this will become the challenge that is the lack capital problem facing by the company. Therefore, some company does not want to upgrade their HRIS system to a new one, even some of the company still using the traditional way to operate their human resource department. This situation will lead the company cannot get the benefits from HRIS that is improved accuracy of information, the provision of timely and quick access to information and the saving the costs of human resource. So, having an HRIS system in the company are very important and it can also bring a lot of benefits to the company and help to reengineer the entire Human Resource (HR) function to work more effective and help the human resource department can use full of HRIS advantages and the company can operate properly too. 4.3 Time to adapt the HRIS (by Choo Jun Cheng) Besides that, the challenge facing by the company is the time that employees and managers need to take to adapt the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) said by K. Michele (2006). Although for the company have already send the employees and managers who in certain area of human resource department to training to use the HRIS, but the employees and the managers need to take times to adapt the new system. Even if the employees and managers know how to use the system, it will not serve the company if they cannot perceive any benefits from its use said by K. Michele (2006). Besides that, some employees are not good in using computer, they will take very long time to adapt this new system even they are trained employees. Not only that, by using the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) will help to reengineer the entire Human Resource (HR) function and this also need take time for employees and managers to adapt this system. Some of their companys HRIS system are lack flexibility w ill cause the employees and managers use more time to adapt the system. Even this HRIS need some time for employees and managers to adapt for it but HRIS still can bring a lot of convenient to human resource department and it can help the company can operate properly. 4.4 Lack of functional expertise in designing (by Choo Jun Cheng) The challenge facing by the company is lack of functional expertise in designing of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) said by K. Michele (2006). The HRIS could be count as the latest technology to operate to human resource department to do the job properly, but there are not yet become a flexibility system for operate the department and company need to hire the expert in this HRIS system keep maintain the system in perfect condition. The lack of flexibility of HRIS would have a risk hacking by theft of information, the companys information would easily know by other people. Besides that, the HRIS cannot solve the difficulty situation and sometime the system will solve wrong problem because of the lack of functional expertise in designing of HRIS. But if the company can keep upgrade the functional expertise in designing of HRIS and it can overcome this problem and it can help company operate the human resource department work efficiency. So, the company need to keep maintain th e HRIS system and always make sure the system are at the perfect situation. 4.5 Improper vendor provide illegal copy of HRIS (by Choo Jun Cheng) The last challenge that face by the company is the improper vendor that provide the illegal copy of HRIS said by Pamela (2006). It is because the HRIS is the latest technology for the company to operate the human resource department and implementation HRIS are expensive, so many of company willing to implementation the illegal copy of HRIS because the improper vendor cost the company cheaper than others. The illegal copy of HRIS possible have the virus that always make the system clash down then the company need to ask the improper vendor repair it and improper vendor can keep charge the company repair fees. Besides that, the illegal copy of HRIS possible have the spyware that let the improper vendor have the backdoor that allow the improper vendor can stole the information from the company. So, for every company need to avoid buy the illegal copy from improper vendor. 4.6 Conclusion (by Choo Jun Cheng) In the conclusion, Human Resource Information System (HRIS) plays an important role to operate the company, even the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) are facing many of challenges to use this system in the company. But if we can overcome those challenges and situation to make the HRIS can run perfect inside the company, we can gain a lot of advantages and by using this system can make sure our human resource department can work more effectively and more efficiently. This HRIS system can also help reduce errors, increase efficiency, and reduce costs for the company and this system are very useful and helpful to the company. 4.7 Reference William P. Anthony, K. Michele Kacmar, Pamela L. Perreve (2006) Human Resource Management (Fifth Edition) Thomson, the Star logo, and Custom Publishing, Chapter 4.

Examining The Automotive Industry In Malaysia Economics Essay

Examining The Automotive Industry In Malaysia Economics Essay The industry I have chosen is the automotive Industry in Asean in particular Malaysia and to go more indepth I took proton as a good case study what is happening to the Malaysian automotive industry. Why Malaysia? Malaysia has a strong driving culture and one of the highest penetration rates of cars per capita in the world (Bonami, 2005, p. S3), as well as the growing clout of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Berhad (PROTON) as an appropriate sample available at (http://www.proton.com) Brief introduction about proton The first national car project by Malaysia was undertaken with the establishment of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (PROTON) in 1983. The Proton Saga was produces 1985. Proton nowadays produces a number of car models and variants, including the Iswara, Perdana,Wira, Satria, Putra,Waja and most recently, the GEN-2 and Satria Neo. The latest 104 M. Rosli F. Kari models, as reported, use Malaysian developed engines through collaboration between Proton and its subsidiary, Lotus (United Kingdom) . . Political and economic structures, including cultural attitudes relevant to the business; According to ( Rasiah, 2005) Malaysia continues to protect its automobile industry against the conditions in the Trade related Investment Measures (TRIMs) agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the inclusion of automotives under the common effective preferential tariffs (CEPT) under the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (AFTA) process has brought increasing pressure for the removal of localization-based tariff protection of automotives and parts production in the country Stimulatory and Protective Measures set by the Malaysian government The development of the Malaysian automotive industry is heavily depending upon the undivided support of the government. Various stimulatory and protective measures, such as investment incentives, a local content policy, and tariff and nontariff barriers were implemented to stimulate the development of both local automotive and parts production. Proton in particular is a unique case because of its status as the first national project. To date, the largest shareholders in Proton are still government-controlled agencies, namely Khazanah Nasional Berhad (42.7 per cent), the Employees Provident Fund (12.6 per cent), and Petronas (9.8 per cent). Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd, a Singapore investment merged as a new shareholder with a 5 per cent Holding ( Rosli.M KariF 2008). The government has also provided many incentives under the 1986 Promotion of Investment Act. In particular the Pioneer Status and Investment Tax Allowance are the two most lucrative tax incentives granted to companies involved in promoted activities or products that are, from time to time, determined by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). In order to help to develop national capabilities in the automobile Industry in a sustainable but competitive way, the Malaysian government initially provided protection, allowing Proton( and other Malaysian car manufacturers) to withstand some early environmental downturns (Todd, 1986). For example, import duties were set at roughly 21% on domestic components, as compared to 40% on the equivalent foreign parts. This implies that there was a substantial difference in price between foreign imported cars and proton cars. Moreover, PROTON cars required excise duties of only 11%, while foreign branded automobiles were taxed up to 25%. Further, the authorities demanded car assemblers charge a profit margin of 16 to 17% to avoid price wars (Zafar A. Humpreys J. 2008). This all resulted into that Proton was totally protected in any kind of way of the way to potential success was predetermined in Malaysia. Economic structure Cultural attitudes In Malaysia there is general consensus that the automobile industry is one of the drivers of world economic growth and has the potential to shape how we make things . . . , how we work . . . , what we buy, how we think and the way we live(Womack, Jones, Roos, 1990, p. 11). Therefore the Malaysian economy has always been heavily depending upon the automobile industry or product which are complementary to that, such as petrol in which Malaysia has one of the biggest oil( Petronas) producing companies in Asia.As mentioned earlier a strong driving culture exists in Malaysia and owing a car is culturally considered as a status symbol of wealth and prosperity. Moreover, the plan has been since the 1970s to turn Malaysia into the League of Developed Nations under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and was introduced in a national development policy document entitled Vision 2020(Zafar A. Humpreys J. 2008) This is important, from a economical points of view as Malaysia has not gone through the usual industrial stages, which implies highly skilled, labor-intensive to mass production (semi skilled, limited products) to multi skilled, mass customization (Simpson, Sykes, Abdullah, 1998). . Nature of international trade in ASEAN, now and historically (say ten years ago); Currently, Asean is near to create an integrated economic community that will free movements of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor within the 10 Asean countries. An AEC characterized by a single market and production base allows for economies of scale, investment flows and building business linkages and network to promote further commerce. The future looks bright for Asean due to fully rebound of the economic crisis. It is expected that Asean private demand picks up, export will increase and social safety will be more enhanced. However, the Economic Community pillar has introduced at AEC scorecard, which list down the measures to be undertaken and the achievements to date. Thus, far Asean only has a 75.5% achievement rate for the 2008/2009 measures. Asean has to do a number of things if it is to achieve its goal of building an AEC by 2015. This current year exports of Asean are expecting to rise between 4.9% and 5.6 % after a 1.5% growth in 2009. In the area of services Asean members are close to completing the 7th AFAS package of service commitments covering varying levels of commitments in 65 services Hub sectors. The service sector of Asean received the highest amount of FDI, accounting for more than 50% of total Aseans FDI. The sign are good and Asean will see a further increasing growth this year and currently capital flows are increasing, inflation remains low and manageable and Asean currencies appreciate slightly versus the Euro and US$. History Since the adoption of the AEC blueprint in 2007, significant progress has been made towards achieving the AEC in 2015. In Janaury 2010, The Asean-6 achieved zero tariffs covering 99 and for the CLMV 98% and at 0.5 % tariff rates of the total tariff covering under the common effective preferential tariffs for asean free trade area(CEPT-AFTA). Also in the same month Asean saw the realization of Asean-China and Asean-Korea free trade agreements and the commencement of the implementation of the Asean- Australia-New Zealand free trade agreements and Asean India free trade agreement. Since 2000 Asean exports rose from US$68 billion to US$162.5 billion in 2009. Asean imports of services from the world market has also expanded markedly, of similar trend and magnitutude as exports, increasing two-fold from US$ 86.6 to US$ 180.4 billion in 2009 In investment, Asean has witnessed a steady increase in intra-Asean FDI flows accouting for 18.2% ( US$ 10.8 billion) of total Asean FDI ( US$ 59.7 billion) inflows in 2008, compared with a share of 13.82% in 2006. For the same period, total FDI inflows increased by 8.59%. Source: Asean Roundtable 2010. Achieving the asean economic growth 2015: Challenges for Member countries 29th April 2010. Aseans Readinesss in achieving the Asean economic community 2015. Pushpanathan Sundram Regional governments attitude towards international trade and investments, both outward and inward; The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) is a regional free trade agreement among Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand,the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia,Laos, and Myanmar. The ten participating countries agreed to develop a free trade area that would become a single market with more than 550 million potential consumers (Bonami, 2005). An integrated ASEAN would be the eighth-largest automobile market, with 1 million new car sales each year. With projected growth trends, it has the potential to actually become the fourth largest auto market, with as many as 2.2 million new autosales annually (Seeking for Bigger Share, 2002). The creation of the free trade zone in Southeast Asia allowed PROTON greater access to its neighboring countries. While good news from the marketing front, AFTA would also set the stage for greater future competition for which PROTON was inadequately prepared. (Zafar A. Humpreys J. 2008) The protective tariff regime, which imposed rates of up to 300% on imported cars and helped PROTON to gain dominate market share has been phased out. In line with AFTA, all but a few import tariffs will be reduced to between 0 and 5% by 2008 (Shameen,2005). The increasing level of international competition puts the Malaysian firm in a very vulnerable position (Savage, 2005, p. 20). With plants, contract assembly, and/or joint ventures in Britain, Italy, Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China (Bonami, 2005), . Although Malaysias overall automobile sales increased dramatically in 2005, the escalating competition saw PROTON continue its domestic decline (Edwin, 2005). Even with limited protective barriers still in place, the firms Malaysian market share had declined from roughly 70% to 45% in the previous five-year period (Burton, 2005). In response, PROTON is looking to expand its export efforts within the ASEAN region, the Mediterranean countries . . . , the Middle East, China, as well as India and Russia to a lesser extent (Bonami, 2005, p. S5). While this is clearly a reasonable course of action, as exports account for less than 5% for Malaysian automakers versus the roughly 60% in Japan (Bonami, 2005), production capacity is still comparatively very small. PROTON, notwithstanding its earlier intentions of a large-scale strategy, is simply not big enough to gain economies of scale to compete effectively in the export market against giant global competitors (Shameen, 2005). The company has also been slow to market itself effectively around the world. Recent years have seen the organization neglect its prior efforts at branding, which has led to a cheap car image, even in the domestic market (Savage, 2005, p. 20). According to Rajeev Lochan, general manager, Asia-Pacific, TNS Automotive, While the short-term challenge is to provide a promotional thrust to models in its current line-up, the long-term requires PROTON to invest in revamping its aging product portfolio and reposition its brand to reach a wider base of prospective car buyers (Savage, 2005, p. 20). The stakes are very high, as approximately 100,000 jobs are on the line when considering PROTON and its component supply chain (Burton, 2005). By signing the AFTA agreement by the Malaysian government PROTON has to find alternative ways how to compete successfully with all its foreign competitors. Specify potential areas of intra-regional conflicts (if any) and synergies; As mentioned before Proton is a classic case of a long-protected national champion that is struggling as the market opens up and a perfect example of intra-regional conflict with its neighboring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia where the car market is liberalised. In 2002 its domestic market share was more than 60%. That has now fallen to 44% after Malaysia reluctantly agreed with its partners in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to drop import barriers on ASEAN cars to around 20%, from up to 300% previously. And the process is just beginning: Malaysia actually fudged the market opening by simultaneously hiking excise taxes on the imported cars. But by 2008 the country has to do away with such sophistry and cut import duties to 5% The trouble is that Malaysias politicians and managers have failed to realise how vulnerable Proton is, says Graeme Maxton, director of automotive research group Autopolis. The Malaysians see it as a world-class carmaker with great export potential; the reality is that it is too small to survive in a global market dominated by just a dozen huge carmakers. Proton is off the scale in terms of economies of scale, says Mr Maxton, and it will slowly die once the market opens up. Hence, I argue that it is that it is undesirable to pursue such a strategy because on the long term this expensive project( proton and the automotive industry in Malaysia) will impose heavy costs on the government. The establishment of PROTON has to be attributed to the vision of the Malaysian government. The firm successfully positioned itself as the national car and pride of Malaysia, a symbol of its countrys accomplishment on the global stage. I agree that government initiation of a national champion (Donnelly et al., 2002) is certainly a powerful force for the vision and subsequent emergence of a developing country. The conflict which might arise is that Malaysia still is not willing to open up its car market completely to protect its own interest. This might result into intra-regional conflicts between Asean members. Especially between its neighboring countries because there is sufficient expertise available and this can be applied and used at the Malaysian carmarket (Zafar A. Humpreys J. 2008). This is the key problem that has prevented the government of Malaysia from signing ant bilateral Free Trade Agreements despite several attemps. For example the partnership with Japan in 2006, is called Economic Partnership Agreement is not compared to a fully eligible fta. Currently in Malaysia the call for liberalization and subsidies faced by industries (automotive) has remained an obstancle to greater integration in AEC. Synergies regarding the automotive in Malaysia are not available, futher it is difficult to determine the synergies between other automotive industries such as Thailand and Indonesia because the Malaysian automotive industry is a unique example compared to relative liberased automotive markets( Thailan Indonesia). Asean Roundtable 2010. Achieving the Asean Economic Community 2015:Challenges for Member countries. 29 April 2010, Singapore. Towards an Integrated Asian Economic Community. Where is Malaysia? Rajah Rasiah Application of suitable management model(s) to analyze findings According to the literature both models of porter can be applied to the Malaysian Automotive industry, however, Porters diamond also acknowledges the role the governmental forces and luck can play in national competitive advantage in which the 5 competitive forces is lacking. (Sledge, 2005) Demand conditions Demand conditions describe the level of domestic demand that Proton faces. Demand conditions depend both on the quantity of demand as well as the sophistication level of consumers in a home market. In Malaysia, the demand for cars has been risen steadily due to increasing living standards and consumer expenditure. However, the difference between supply in terms of Malaysian cars and foreign cars is substantial ( Due to tariff barriers and special incentives dedicated to Malaysian car manufactures which results in significant higher prices for foreign cars). In fact the Malaysian government can largely influence the demand since most of the Malaysian lack the purchasing power to buy foreign manufactured cars. Generally, demand conditions are associated with a countrys level of economic development. Malaysia is has been having a sustainable economic growth of an average of 5% per year since the 1980s. The company has also been slow to market itself effectively around the world. Recent years have seen the organization neglect its prior efforts at branding, which has led to a cheap car image, even in the domestic market (Savage, 2005, p. 20). Thus, the general consensus is Malaysia is that Proton/Malaysian cars are perceived as one of the cheapest car in their segment and this can result that very demanding consumers create an awareness in firms that causes them to focus on the needs and preferences of the consumer. Also, quantities of demand drive firms to higher levels of efficiency and productivity. Thus, high levels of demand in a nation would drive the firms in that industry to become globally competitive (Sledge, 2005), however this is not applicable yet because Malaysia is still a developing country. Factors conditions According to Porter, factor conditions include any factors of production that a firm uses in its businesses. These include the traditional factors of production, this includes manmade structures that facilitate commerce, Still other factors would be educational and legal systems. Porter classifies these factors into five major categories: Human resources, physical resources, knowledge resources, capital resources and infrastructure. The more advanced these factors are the more they will enhance the success of businesses located in the country. These factors provide needed inputs and systems that businesses use to gain competitive advantages over their rivals. Without them, firms would have to expend their own resources to provide such structures for commerce and transactions. (Sledge, 2005) Many of these important factors are still not completely utilized and developed to a certain level. Malaysia automotive industry is lacking most of the important factors such as human resources, knowledge resources many skilled Malaysian labors went abroad due to better labor conditions and highly skilled foreign labor has been brought into the Malaysian automotive industry. In order to expedite the transfer of technology to Malaysia, PROTON was proactive in initiating programs between local vendors and numerous established overseas technical collaborators. By 2002, some 222 collaborative arrangements were in place representing specialized assistance from various regional neighbors (primarily Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taiwan), as well as Western Europe (Ahmed Humphreys, 2008) The Malaysian governments still plays a large role in their own industrial global competitiveness. It has been the initiative of the Malaysian government to set up its own automotive industry and therewith complementary industries will arise( such as car part suppliers). The aimed result was to create an advanced business infrastructure and an emphasis on innovation, however this is still not the case in the Malaysian automotive industry . Related and supporting industries This aspect of the model includes the importance of enterprises that indirectly or directly affect the automotive industry. Porter describes these ancillary businesses needed by firms as related and supporting industries. These most often encompass suppliers or distributors that serve the industry at hand. The model proposes that the stronger these industries are the stronger the local industry will be. The underlying assumption is that highly competitive supporting industries will drive the focal industry to be more competitive (Sledge, 2005). Hypothesis 3: Strong and dynamic related and supporting industries in a firm s home market will positively impact the firm s global competitiveness. PROTON, notwithstandingits earlier intentions of a large-scale strategy, is simply not big enough to gain economies of scale to compete effectively in the export market against giant global competitors (Ahmed Humphreys, 2008) And according to (ROSLI KARI, 2008)a research shows that foreign suppliers performed better than local suppliers. Interviews suggest that access to superior technology from abroad is the prime determinant of the inferior performance of local suppliers compared to foreign suppliers. Local firms lack firm-specific advantages that foreign multinational suppliers enjoy It points to the need for companies and governments to encourage and support ancillary industries to enhance global competitiveness. In both models, this parameter estimate was the second largest and the most statistically significant. This underscores the importance of related and supporting industries in the context of global competitiveness. Without a network, firms can not hope to be worldwide leaders. Firm strategy, structure and rivalry is the fourth clement in the model. This point on the diamond refers to several key strategic factors that characterize a firm. Strategy describes the types of actions firms utilize to achieve both long-range and short-range goals. These are often either low-cost, differentiation, focus strategies or some combination thereof Other common strategies include growth, maintenance or restructuring activities. Growth strategies would be associated with higher competitiveness because the ability to pursue growth intemally or extemally would be indicative of overall business health, Stmcture refers to the industry composition. This describes the degree to which an industry is concentrated or dispersed, competitive or monopolistic, or global or domestic. A more crowded structure would indicate multilevel competition and therefore greater competitiveness. Rivalry indicates both the number of players and the level of competition among firms in an industry. This could be heated, mid-range, non-rivalries or somewhere in between. Greater rivalry in an industry would lead a firm to higher levels of competitiveness vis a vis its rivals. Rivalry is thought to be the most comprehensive of the three factors, as it often indicates the underlying strategy and structure of the competitors Thus, a greater number of firm actions as well as a greater number of competitor responses in the focal industry lead to greater competitiveness of the firm. Hypothesis 4: Greater rivalry within a firm s home market will positively impact the firms global competitiveness Make and justify recommendations for possible business strategies to exploit the benefits in this region

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221B Baker Street, is where a well-known detective resides. Sherlock Holmes, born in 1854, started his career as a private eye after college when a colleague’s father inspired him to do so. He worked alone for a number of years employing agents and using informants. Later on, he accepted a roommate Dr. Watson. Eventually, they become good friends and crime solving partners. Sherlock Holmes was not only an influential and respected detective, as well as, a good friend, but also a well-read fictional character in British literature. When his good friend Dr. Watson described him, it included adjectives such as, â€Å"Bohemian, accurate, curious, and has as calculating nature.† Holmes was always thought to have a curious ability for analytical reasoning which helped him to succeed when unraveling crimes. He was also known to have the ability to â€Å"lie to police, conceal evidence, or break into houses when he felt morally justifiable.† Sherlock Holmes worked hand in hand with Scotland Yard in London, England. He was considered a respected and talented investigator. Holmes recognizably, had a unique talent for deduction. He was well known to have an unusual gift for investigative talent. Sherlock Holmes was a non-typical avant-garde detective who thought out of the box when solving crimes. He was able to draw inferences, based on very careful observations. Holmes was known to say â€Å"when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains however improbable, must be the truth.† Additionally, Sherlock could play the violin well and considered himself a loner. He was also an expert Single Stick player, boxer and swordsman. Ideally, Sherlock had a practical knowledge of British law. Well known to any observer, was the relationship ... ...ed movie character; 75 actors have played the part in more than 200 films.† There always seems to be a new interpretation of the genius defining Sherlock Holmes. Every actor bring an individual style to Sherlock’s character and personality. The iconic image of Sherlock Holmes as a suave English gentleman wearing a Deerstalker cap and a cape was portrayed in most of the feature films. He was created in the 19th century and was the prime figure in four novels and more than 50 short stories. For this reason of the continued popularity, the novels, comic books, television shows, theater movies and the newest T.V productions, Sherlock and his broad shoulders will continue to credit the writings of Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes has recently shifted from a Victorian image to a 21st century super hero. The star role continues to be inspiring and irresistible. Fan clubs

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Federalist and Antifederalist By and large, constitution is the system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution. In particular for United States, constitution is the fundamental law of the United States, framed in 1787, ratified in 1789, and variously amended since then. As a matter of fact, it’s the symbol of healthy environment that gives all opportunities to one and all to speak against or in favor of any sort of constitutional amendment. Proudly speaking, it’s the meritorious political culture of United States that encourages all American to indulge himself or herself in any sort of debate and discussion pertaining to Constitution of United States. Presence of both Federalist and Antifederalist, in my opinion, is itself blessing for the nation which enables to adopt any constitutional amendment unanimously after a long discussion between both sides. That process simply facilitates the governmental course of action that at length smoothes the progress of the country devoid of any further interruption. â€Å"The Treaty of New York with the Creeks (Document A) is another example of the government passing laws without the consent of the people. People did not feel that this treaty was just, because ceasing their alliance with France, who helped them in the war, and starting a â€Å"friendship† with the Native Americans who fought against them in the war, was not a smart thing to do (Document C). This treaty, as well as the Whiskey Rebellion, is examples of the Federalist government being selfish, and putting their own personal beliefs over those of the people. The men who ran the government were not kings; they were representatives; and the fact that they ... ...ould Wills destroy his own straw man†. (A Necessary Distortion) Being a part of this nation, the effects of prolonged heated debate between federalists and antifederalists on me are something that can not be avoided. Instead of describing how this thing affects me I would rather put in plain words by citing famous quotation of Pulitzer Prize winning Garry Wills who once said â€Å"The real victims [of Constitutional arguments] are the millions of poor or shelter-less or medically indigent who have been told, over the years, that they must lack care or life support in the name of their very own freedom." References DBQ Federalist vs. Antifederalist By: Beast, July 22, 2003, http://www.chuckiii.com/Reports/American_History/DBQ_Federalist_vs_Antifederalist.shtml A Necessary Distortion by Wendy McElroy [Posted January 11, 2000] http://www.mises.org/fullstory.asp?control=365

Brave New World Essay

BNW Rough Draft Morally, the novel: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is not acceptable to me. The plot, suggestive actions, and even the overall standards in the book do not appeal to me as a reader. One example that demonstrates my dislike for the book, Brave New World, is on (pg 19-20): â€Å"’Bokanovsky’s Process,’ †¦ One egg, one embryo, one adult – normality. †¦ A Bokanovskified egg will bud, will proliferate, will divide. † This instance from chapter one, personally as a reader, makes me dislike the book. I personally don’t like reading about scientific facts; and/or uncanny extraterrestrial-like customs.I think it is just, very plainly, odd. A second reason that shows my dislike for Brave New World is on (pg 88): â€Å"Swallowing †¦ that second dose of soma had raised a quite impenetrable wall between the actual universe and their minds. † This case from Chapter 5 [part 1] is a huge reason why I do not like this p articular novel. Soma is a reference to a perfect drug. Supposedly, there is nothing wrong with it at all, and it makes you completely happy; leaving behind no negative effects whatsoever. I think this is a very bad idea to put into a book due to today’s society of teenagers.Due to the already very enormous number of kids who use drugs, they might become influenced and argue that the characters in BNW can take Soma and not be affected. So then this leaves them to rationalizing that maybe everything will be perfectly satisfactory after consuming a certain drug in the real world. My last instance that shows my disapproval for BNW is how the word ‘Pneumatic’ is used especially by Henry Foster and Benito Hoover to describe what it’s like to have sex with Lenina. She herself remarks that her lovers usually find her â€Å"pneumatic,† patting her legs as she does so.In reference to Lenina it means well-rounded, balloon-like, or bouncy, in reference to her flesh, and in particular her bosom. And the use of this odd word to describe the physical characteristics of both a woman and a piece of furniture underscores the novel’s theme that human sexuality has been degraded to the level of a commodity. Personally, I dislike the very thought that the novel basically revolves around drugs and sex, and being a Junior in High School currently, I don’t really appreciate reading such material.Weird material as such often revolts the attention of the youth. In deduction, the overall content, plot, characters, and drug references make me, as a reader, ill-fated. I personally don’t like the overall message/theme in which it presents either which is that human sexuality has been degraded to the level of a commodity. I just don’t think this is suitable reading material for people like me who are in High School. Let alone, I’m just not that interested in a book with topics like so. Brave New World Essay Brave New World Essay In Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World, the citizens of the World State are bred into specific caste systems. These consist of Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons. The different caste systems differ from each other in many ways, and have multiple purposes. There are many differences between the different groups in the caste system. Alphas are the most intelligent of them all. They wear the color grey, and are the tallest and most good looking. While developing inside the faux womb, they were given the most oxygen.They usually work as wardens, psychologists (Bernard), Director of hatcheries, and all World Controllers are Alphas. Betas are a little less intelligent then Alphas, but still higher in the caste system. They wear mulberry colored clothing and there jobs consist of mechanics and nurses. Alphas and Betas usually associate with each other. Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons are in the lower half of the cast system. Gammas wear the color green. They are usually butlers and other jobs that do not consist of much thinking.Deltas wear khaki, and usually are helicopter attendants. The are mass produced and have no individuality. â€Å"Bokanovsky’s Process is one of the major instruments of social stability! † (Huxley, 7). This being said means the the World State does not think individuality is important. Epsilons are on the verge of being morons. They wear black, and received the least amount of oxygen in the womb. They are very stupid and usually press elevator buttons. The purpose of this cast system is that people will be happy with their jobs.An example is that an Alpha would have a job in the medical field, and an Epsilon would have a job pressing buttons. â€Å"Every one works for every one else. We can't do without any one. Even Epsilons are useful. We couldn't do without Epsilons. â€Å"(Huxley, 60). You need every caste system to maintain ‘the perfect World State’. I personally do not th ink that they reflect an aspect of our society today. I think it is just a consequence of the society of the World State. In the end, everyone needs everyone. The Alphas and Betas could not survive with out the Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons, and vice versa.

Deere And Company Case Essay

I. Introduction Deere & Company (also known as John Deere, after its founder) is a world-leading manufacturer, distributor, and financier of equipment for agriculture, construction, forestry, and commercial and consumer applications (lawn and grounds care). Deere’s objective has consistently been to be the low-cost producer in the markets it serves. However, it seeks to do so while maintaining an image of quality and customer focus. Its company values are quality, innovation, integrity, and commitment. Because of the company’s close ties to the agricultural industry, corporate performance in both sales and profits was highly, variable over the last several decades due to cycles of low prices and oversupplies of many agricultural products. During the period, the company made various adjustments in its product mix and manufacturing processes to enable it to better compete and survive in the global environment. II. Statement of the Problem During the company’s business cycle, Deere & Company faces the following problems: 1. How can the company achieve its goal, which is to gain $50 billion in mid-cycle sales by 2018 and 12% mid-cycle operating margins by 2014?; 2. How can the company increase their sales from one-third today to half of the company’s sales coming from outside the U.S. and Canada by 2018? III. Areas of Consideration The Deere & Company faces different problems such as how to gain $50 billion in mid-cycle sales by 2018 and 12% mid-cycle operating margins by 2014, and how to increase their sales from one-third today to half of the company’s sales coming from outside the U.S. and Canada by 2018. These problems are caused by the following: The company wants to double their sales, have a healthy increase in their profitability, and an almost three-fold increase in economic profit. The company have the eagerness to get all the opportunities outside their scope. The company wanted to widen their source of profit. IV. Alternative Courses of Action Alternative for problem #1 How can the company achieve its goal, which is to gain $50 billion in mid-cycle sales by 2018 and 12% mid-cycle operating margins by 2014?; Advantages Disadvantages The company must continue improving their services and equipments. The company will be able to maintain the loyalty of their current customers and at the same time get more loyal customers. They will need more skilled and qualified workers. It will increase the costs of their expenses. The company must hire more skilled and qualified workers. The company can have sufficient manpower to help in achieving their goal. It takes more time to search and it is also costly to train the future workers. Alternative for problem #2 How can the company increase their sales from one-third today to half of the company’s sales coming from outside the U.S. and Canada by 2018? The company should increase their exports and establish more branches outside the U.S and Canada. The company may be able to reach their expectation of their target sales from outside U.S. and Canada. The company may not be able to reach their expectation of their target sales because they might have strong competitors with the same business industry in a specific location. The company should improve their marketing strategies. The company will be able to effectively promote their products and encourage more investors and customers. The company will incur more expenses. V. Conclusion The researchers conclude that the company wants to gain $50 billion in mid-cycle sales by 2018 and 12% mid-cycle operating margins by 2014. So in order to achieve these, the company must continue improving their services and equipments to maintain the loyalty of their current customers and at the  same time get more loyal customers. But, they will need more skilled and qualified workers and it will increase the costs of their expenses. The company must also hire more skilled and qualified workers so that the company can have sufficient manpower to help in achieving their goal. However, it takes more time to search and it is also costly to train the future workers. The company also wants to increase their sales from one-third today to half of the company’s sales coming from outside the U.S. and Canada by 2018. I line with this, the company may be able to reach their expectation of their target sales from outside U.S. and Canada. But, the company may not also be able to reach their expectation of target sales because they might have strong competitors with the same business industry in those locations. The company should improve their marketing strategies for the company to be able to effectively promote their products and encourage more investors and customers. But, of course the company will incur more expenses too. VI. Recommendation The researchers are recommending the company to continue improving their services and equipments for themto gain $50 billion in mid-cycle sales by 2018 and 12% mid-cycle operating margins by 2014. The company will be able to maintain the loyalty of their current customers and at the same time get more loyal customers. By having loyal customers, they will also be the one who will encourage new customers by what we call â€Å"buzz marketing† because they are the ones who have experienced the high quality services and equipments rendered by the company. The researchers also suggest that the company should increase their exports and establish more branches outside the U.S and Canada to boost their sales from one-third today to half of the company’s sales coming from outside the U.S. and Canada by 2018.By doing this, the company may be able to reach their expectation of their target sales from outside U.S. and Canada because the company will have big chances of acquiring new customers and big profits by establishing more branches in different locations.