Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet Essay Example

Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet Essay Our modern day attitudes to marriage differ greatly from the Elizabethan attitudes that are displayed in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. Most noticeably is the fact that Paris went to Capulet to ask for Juliets hand in marriage before he even approached Juliet, something that happens very rarely, if ever, nowadays. I think the main reason for the difference in marriage between Shakespeares time and modern day is that women now have a lot more rights and say in their life than then. This is most noticeable in the way that Capulet decides, after Tybalts death, that it would be in Juliets best interests to marry Paris, in what seems to be the act of a loving father trying to make his daughter happy. But when Lady Capulet tells Juliet that she will Marry (Paris), my child, early next Thursday morn, Lord Capulet having decided who to and when without consulting Juliet. The fact that marriage is even thought for Juliet, who is a girl of only 13 or 14 years old is in sharp contrast with today, as it is not legal to get married until you are 16 in Britain and in a recent MORI survey just over half the people surveyed believed that the best age for a man and woman to get married is mid-late twenties. We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Attitudes To Marriage In Romeo And Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The reasoning for getting married so young was due to the fact that the life expectancy in Elizabethan times was much shorter. When Capulet appears after Juliet having said no to the proposed marriage, Lady Capulet says, in fear of her violent husband, an unthinkable statement for a mother nowadays, I would the fool were married to her grave. I think this statement illustrates the power of wealthy fathers at the time that a mother says that she would rather her daughter were dead than for her to disagree with Capulets wishes. When Lord Capulet hears of what is considered Juliets disobedience, but what would considered her right if she was living now, he shows his true colours and becomes extremely threatening and violent. He verbally abuses Juliet calling her a mistress minion and a green-sickness carrion. He then threatens Juliet that if she does not do as he wishes, and marries Paris, he would let her hang, beg, starve, die in the streets but he would not acknowledge thee. This was a very serious threat to Juliet as if her father was to disown her she would be forced to live out on the streets as a prostitute as no man would marry her and she would therefore have no means of support or money. Another big difference between love and marriage in Romeo and Juliet and now is the idea of courtly love. This was a set way that the upper class should behave in relation to love and what we would call dating. It is a European tradition that originated in the Middle Ages and was still popular in the 16th Century. We see this displayed in Romeos obsession with Rosaline, he falls for a Capulet, someone unattainable. He then goes around depressed and talking in riddles and rhymes about his love for her that do not make any sense. His passion for her is only greatened by her show of disinterest in him, he continues in this vain until he meets Juliet and he experiences true love. This practise is totally unheard of in modern times and would seem to us as absurd, as nowadays if a woman was to act disinterested the man would more than likely loss interest in her and concentrate his attentions on someone else. The last major difference in attitudes to marriage between the Elizabethans and us is the way in which the Catholic Church approaches marriage. Friar Lawrence, who seems to be the equivalent to a modern day parish priest as he is the one who both Romeo and Juliet go to for confessions, agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet without their parents consent. This action would not only seem ludicrous nowadays but at Romeo and Juliets age it is also illegal. He also does not tell them to go away and think about it or to consider what a big step they were about to take. Now the church have premarital courses for engaged couples to make sure that they are definitely ready to get married and also couples nowadays get married a lot longer after they get engaged in contrast with the 16th Century. Although Friar Lawrences actions may have been affected by his hope that this was a chance to end the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues and the fact that he could be remembered for being the one who brought the two families together. We can see that he is thinking of this when he says For this alliance may so prove to turn your households rancour to pure love. The play also addresses the fact that the pair of star-crossed lovers only achieved their aim of being together truly, when they died in each others arms. This asks the question does true love only come with death, this can be backed up with the fact that their death brought peace to their feuding families, a case of love, brought about by death, defeated a hate that went back longer than anyone could remember. In conclusion marriage in Shakespeares time was very different to marriage today in three main ways; the age that you get married, the reasons for getting married and whether or not you choose whom you marry. I think the reason for this is that women are treated as equals now and are not socially and financially dependant on men their fathers or their partners, so they can choose whom they marry and when they marry. But the most important difference now is that people can choose to marry the one they love and not the one who will support them or who their father deems to be right.

The Role of Technology in Facility Management A Case Study of the MacDonald Restaurants

The Role of Technology in Facility Management A Case Study of the MacDonald Restaurants Introduction Facility management comprises a broad continuum of services which require to build a suitable environment that can enhance performance of functions and activities for which the facility is intended for. The management activities of a facility entail the day to day activities which are critical in its operation and maintenance. For that matter, for the facility to operate to its peak efficiency and effectiveness, there must be measures put in place to promote its smooth operation.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Role of Technology in Facility Management: A Case Study of the MacDonald Restaurants specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, technology becomes an important tool that should be used to ensure facility’s smooth operation and proper maintenance. In relation to this, the MacDonald Restaurants are a group of hotels that have branches widespread in all the continents all over the world. Their core services offer catering and hotel services. Nonetheless, this group of hotels has been called the best catering service provider in the world on several occasions. For that reason, facility management in this organization is regarded as one of the driving forces behind the accolade performance in this line of business. However, their effective facility management has been attributed to effective use of technology. Therefore, this paper presents a research that was conducted in the field of facility management which was intended to determine the role of technology. the MacDonald Restaurants group was used as a case study. Moreover, challenges that exhibit themselves in facility management were also explored. In addition, the field of the facility management presented some opportunities and, therefore, they were also considered in the study. Nonetheless, emerging trends in this field were covered. Importantly, it is worth noting that this research was conducted t o determine the relevance of technology in facility management particularly to the hospitality industry. For that matter, the results of the study were, therefore, generalized in the entire hospitality industry. Result of the research In relation to the research conducted, several issues relating to the role of technology in facility management were established. To begin with, it was evident that maintenance procedure in facility management can be computerized. This can be done in form of an automated maintenance system for the facility management. The automated information system can be used to manage the day to day activities by tracking and monitoring the status of the maintenance and related costs of those activities. On the other hand, the automated systems not only provide tools for managing activities metrics that are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the operations and maintenance activities. For that matter, it was established that for an organization that is able to us e automated systems in its operation and maintenance activities, key performance indicators are usually provided to be used as performance guidelines.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This leads to increased productivity due to effectiveness and efficiency that are key determinants for business growth. This was evident in the MacDonald Restaurants as the automated management systems were largely used for maintenance of their facilities. This was noted as one of the major contributions to its business growth. Moreover, it was established by the study carried out that introduction of technology to management of the facility resulted in delivering of services in a shorter period compared to the catering with the traditional systems. In addition, some services that are currently being provided by technology based systems did not used the manual systems. Just li ke Atkin and Adrian (108) affirmed the automation facilitated faster service provision than the traditional manual systems. Challenges facing the role of technology in facility management Technologies have been regarded as a panacea to effective management of business activities. This is still the case in facility management since a lot of stakeholders regard technology as the best solution to management problems of these facilities. In relation to this, the study carried out established that application of technology in facility management had challenges that threatened their effective management. To begin with, it was evident from the research conducted that application of technology in this organization raised the issue of obsolescence. Users of the technological systems that are applied in management of facilities in MacDonald Restaurants were more concerned with technology becoming obsolete too fast. This was attributed to its high rate of advancement. Therefore, the advancemen t dictates that the systems should be changed from time to time. After a very short period, replacement of systems in the organization raises the operational expenses of the organization which at some point contribute to poor financial performance. Moreover, it was acknowledged by Piercy (56) that any technological system is likely to fail in the process of its operation. This is a challenge that technology experiences in the management of facilities. In the design of any system, its engineering is usually assumed to be in a remarkable state. Therefore, prediction of its failure is normally elusive at this point. However, the more complex the technology may appear, the more likely it is to fail. According to Tichy (89), any technology can fail because of different reasons which include mismatch of the modules, poor design and development among other reasons. As a result, it was established by the study that technology failure results in more adverse and costly consequences. For inst ance, critical failure of these systems leads to disruption of processes, especially if they are real time systems where irreversible effects are usually used.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Role of Technology in Facility Management: A Case Study of the MacDonald Restaurants specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nonetheless, these unpredicted risks can result in the total failure of the entire system, hence paralyzing activities of the organization. In relation to this, the study established that most organizations usually try to put in place measures that are designed to minimize or prevent the failures. In most cases, this usually increases their total operating costs. In addition, it was acknowledged by Atkin and Adrian (23) that any technology always presents some side effects. Furthermore, it was established by the study conducted in the MacDonald Restaurants that despite having the technology with the desired benefits to the organization, it also presents some unwarranted effects which affect the organization negatively. For instance, it was stated by Tichy (103) that working conditions of a system might be safer when the substances are molded rather than when they are squashed. Moreover, in some cases, substances that are used in the production may affect the workers as well as harm the entire public in general. For instance, workers who constantly use computers in their work processes in facility management usually suffer eye related problems which in turn lead to isolation by others. In regard to this, it was acknowledged by Nutt and Peter (42) that these effects affect not only big technologies but also their small counterparts. For instance, it was found out due to the research conducted that ordinary technologies normally applied on a small scale in the hotel industry have collective side effects in their usage. For instance, though refrigerators which are used on an every day basis have constructively contributed to preservation of food, they have a gas outflow in their cooling system which has a negative impact on the surroundings. Still, it was postulated by David et al (34) that these negative effects are usually not expected because of lack of resources to foresee them. Moreover, most of them are not predictable because of their complexity. As a result, Tichy (54) postulated that some side effects have turned out to be economically unacceptable, unethical and in some cases resulting to conflicts in the organizations in which they are being used. Opportunities of technology in facility management Technology presents a broad range of opportunities in facility management. According to David et al (24), this fact is ascribed to the fact that organizations usually have the aim of keeping low operational costs. Therefore, integration of technology in the management activities becomes one of the aims that can be achieved. As a result, organizations, su ch as the MacDonald Restaurants, have opted to adoption of technology in their operations in order to keep their operational cost at a reasonably low levelThus, according to the research conducted, it was established that the need for innovation in organizations presents bountiful opportunities for the incorporation of technology in facility management.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In respect to this, it was evident from the study conducted that there is a need for quantity and quality changes in support services. This is usually required in the facility management as it provides an opportunity for technology to be incorporated in their management. For instance, opportunity to use technology can come in through application of a central support desk in the organization. Bigger organizations may be comprised of numerous departments which may be dispersed from each other. In such environments, it was believed by Atkin and Adrian (145) that a centralized support desk should be put in place in order to handle queries. Therefore, this provides an opportunity to incorporate technology. The technological tools, such as information communication technologies, can provide such kind of services in a manual based environment effectively. Moreover, the need for sustainability has resulted in an increased need for innovation in organizations operations. This has in turn fur ther opportunities for technology incorporation. For that matter, using technology in facility management remains one of the ways through which organizations have stretched their resources for sustainability. For instance, from the study conducted, it was established that organizations are adopting enterprise resource planning systems which help attain higher level of sustainability. From the study, it was established that enterprise resource planning systems contribute immensely to achieving effective service delivery. As a result, the need for sustainability has brought forth technological innovation in the facility management operations in organizations. For instance, the need to save on space has given technology an opportunity to be applied in the facility management functions. This has, therefore, influence the space management functions that are used to attain sustainability. For instance, technology is applied in creation of space inventory that is desired to manage organiza tion’s space more economically and effectively. Moreover, technology is also put in use to manage equipment and furniture through tracking techniques which as a result, lead to facilities accountability. According to Georgoulis (89), accountability of equipment that is facilitated by automated systems has resulted in sustainability of these organizations. This was exhibited through the study carried out in the MacDonald Restaurants as the effective management of their facilities was attributed to application of automated systems. Moreover, due to the need for sustainability of business activities in terms of information management, there has been creation of opportunities for technology. For instance, space management issues have resulted in the need of using technology in management of organization’s databases. For example, from the study conducted, it was established that database management systems are largely applied in management of their information. This is take n as one of the best mechanisms of managing space in the organization. Additionally, application of database management systems also enhances sustainability of organizations through provision of effective and efficient services to stakeholders. This is made possible due to its capability of providing a bi-directional interface that is able to connect different departments of the organization remotely. Nevertheless, it was opined by Gerard (27) that challenges that present themselves to the organization are opportunities through which technology can be banked on its advancement. For instance, in the operation of these organizations, environmental factors, such as accelerated population growth and continued depletion of energy resources, present negative challenges to organizations. However, despite these factors having negative effects, they show an opportunity for technology application in trying to solve them. Therefore, this gives an opportunity to design sustainable technologies that can utilize the limited resources more effectively in order to make these organizations robust in their activities. This was evident from the research conducted in the MacDonald Restaurants which indicated that the company adopted new technologies in their facility management in order to save on resources that could deplete natural resources in the environment. Furthermore, facility management presents security issues that need to be addressed to assure long term sustainability. For that reason, they present a number of opportunities to technology since in the current times, security is provided by automated systems. This is so since security systems have advanced over time, hence they provide facility managers with the capability to expand the scope of their security measures. For instance, instead of using traditional guards, organizations are adopting new technologies by current developments, such as cameras and sensor systems, which are real time operational systems that ar e able to give signals to key operational situations. This was evident from the study conducted since it emerged that the group of restaurants had replaced all their physical security measures with automated systems that were able to secure their facility. This was done through application of tracking systems which were able to trace every facility within their premise. In relation to this, it is acknowledged by Barrett and David (235) that organizations began applying automated intelligence systems which are able to monitor any aspect of the facility being managed. This has, however, resulted in a value proposition for organizations since they became able to monitor all operations. For example, in retail business setting as that of the MacDonald Restaurants, the system is able to track movement in and out of the storage rooms and also check those of the products purchased and sold. As a result, the organization is able to gain some value in the facility management. Trends in the ro le of technology in facility management In facility management just like other disciplines, there are several expected trends. These trends are projected to shape the way the discipline will be managed in the future. For that matter, these trends of technology in facility management can be broadly categorized into three. These are externally motivated trends, internally motivated trends and organizationally motivated trends. To begin with, externally motivated trends are usually determined by the societal factors. For instance, according to Nutt and Peter (231), the need for sustainability by organizations in their business operations is a trend that will continue to be experienced. This is ascribed to the fact that competition in the environment is steadily growing hence the need to position an organization strategically to have some competitive edge. Therefore, for that to be possible, it is believed by Elaine (136) that sustainability in the present business operation is only mad e possible by adoption of technology which is robust in the business environment. Therefore, as the rate of competition in the operating environment increases, thus the adoption of technology will be necessary to maintain the sustainability required. As a result, the trend for sustainability in facility management will continuously increase. Moreover, the external motivated trends dictate that systems that result in complex building structures will continue to offer challenges and opportunities. These will increase integration of technology in the management of facilities in these organizations. This implies that the more the building technology continues to grow, the more technology will be required to be integrated into their management. However, it was acknowledged by Thomas and Christopher (94) that this trend will result in the need to train professionals in the field of facility management. This is so since development of complicated technology will surely arise the need of ad vanced skills and knowledge to manage these facilities. Contrary to the emergence of the complex structures in the future, it is also important to acknowledge that with the existing building structures, the future trends are also categorized by aging. This, therefore, brings forth the challenges of management since these structures and current systems are likely to exceed their desired operating lives hence bringing in the issue of replacing or repairing them. Consequently, this will mean spending an additional cost in the management of these facilities. In addition, the second trend in the role of technology in facility management relates to internally motivated trends. According to Tichy (78), these are trends that originate from within the discipline of facility management itself. For instance, Effy (34) alluded that the data was increasing in complexity and quantity which in some cases, overwhelmed effort of their management. However, despite the current increase in quantity and complexity, it still expected that this would continue to be the trend in facility management. This is likely to result to information overload that poses a risk to its effective management. For that matter, this trend is likely to present negative effects in management of these facilities. This was affirmed by the research conducted in the MacDonald Restaurants since automated systems that were used to manage their facilities were noted to collect and process a lot of information. This was feared that it could lead to information overload if necessary measures were not put in place. Lastly, the third trend relates to organizationally motivated trends which originate from the organization itself. For instance, in most organizations, there are trends of increasing and expanding expectations of management of these facilities to include both business and technical acumen. This requires to have a developed skill set for the individuals to manage these activities. Nonetheless, it is als o expected that the trends will change the working styles significantly in order to conform to the new technologies that will be in place. According to Piercy (23), due to the technological changes and advancement that are being experienced in facility management, working styles will also considerably change. Therefore, organizations should always be willing and ready to adapt to the new technology and working styles. This was affirmed by the research conducted in the MacDonald Restaurants which showed that automated systems keep on changing from time to time and as they do so, working styles are also forced to follow them. Conclusion To wind up, it is important to acknowledge that facility management presents a variety of opportunities to technology. This has made technology to be one of the key aspects of facility management discipline. However, it is also relatively important to note that application of technology in facility management is faced by several challenges. Nonetheless , it is important to establish a balance between the weaknesses and strengths of using technology in order to have an equilibrium that will guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of facility management as required. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged by David et al (112) that challenges that face facility management in themselves present an opportunity through which technology can explore in order to provide better service delivery. For instance, it is believed that challenges relating to negative environmental effects that may be viewed as results of activities of facility management can be addressed smoothly through use of technology that is environmental friendly. On the other hand, it is important to acknowledge that there are several trends that are expected to exhibit themselves in the field of facility management. These trends are likely to create new opportunities in the integration of technology in the facility management. They are broadly classified into three categories of internally, externally and organizationally motivated issues. In all these trends, they provide opportunity for technology to be integrated in the management of facilities. Therefore, they should be capitalized on to improve service delivery. In conclusion, from the research conducted in the MacDonald Restaurants, it was established that technology has a major role in the facility management to hospitality industry in a wider spectrum. This ranges from provision of security to the facility and its accountability. Therefore, it is relatively important for facility managers to prioritize integrating technology in their management activities and functions. For that matter, as the hospitality industry evolves over time, it is important for this aspect to be prioritized in order to gain management effectiveness and efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended for the hotel managers to adopt technology in the management of their organizations. Moreover, they should keep on changing with te chnology to be able to remain relevant in the business environment. This will surely guarantee their competitive edge. Atkin, Brian and Adrian Brooks. Management. Hong Kong: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. Print. Barrett, Peter and David Baldry. Facilities Management Towards Best Practices. London: Blackwell Publishing, 2009. Print. David, Cotts, Roper, Kathy and Richard Payant. The Facility management Handbook. New York: Broadway, 2010. Print. Effy, Owen. Management Information Systems. London: Cengage Learning, Inc, 2009. Print. Elaine, Brian. The 2011 Pfeiffer Anuall: Consulting. London: John Wiey Sons, Inc. 2011. Print. Georgoulis, Stephen. Facility Management: A Profession at Risk. Arizona: Arizona State University Press, 2010. Print. Gerard, Blokdijk. IT Management 100 Success Secrets. New York: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. Print. Nutt, Bev and Peter McLennan. Facility Management Risks Opportunities. London: Blackwell Publishing, 2009. Print. Piercy, Newton. Management Information System: The Technology Challenge. London: Croom Helm Ltd, 2004. Print. Thomas, Christopher and Christopher Gregory. Organizational Development Change. U.S: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Tichy, Michael. Managing Strategic Change: Technical, Political and Cultural Dynamics. London: John Wiey Sons, Inc, 2009. Print.

Business and Corporate Level Strategies for Honda Motors Company Assignment - 4

Business and Corporate Level Strategies for Honda Motors Company - Assignment Example This paper illustrates that Honda started looking for new markets outside of Japan only a few years after it was founded. The founder believed that the company should always maintain an international viewpoint, looking at the rest of the world as the potential market base and factory footprint. As such, Honda, unlike its competitors, looks to localize rather than globalizing. This means that it allows its subsidiaries all over the globe to function as autonomous companies that design and produce vehicles and motorcycles according to local conditions and consumer needs. Honda is not a top-down organization that is controlled by the headquarters. Honda combines engineering, design, and manufacturing in each large company in the countries with its subsidiaries whereas other companies tend to keep research and design close to home where they are managed by executives who do not understand local circumstances and preferences. Honda has embraced the idea of paradox as a means of promoting critical thinking and re-assessing common wisdom and to shape new responses to ingrained expectations. The company prides itself on a knowledge-rich organization and putting the demand on its workers at all levels to engage in strategic thinking which is crucial towards its success. Honda holds the daily meeting with the employees, Waigaya, as the meetings are referred as to where decisions either large or small are re-evaluated and re-assessed to find the best tactical solutions to challenges both present and imminent. Honda, unlike other companies, does not rely on using robots and alternative automation as a means of retaining productivity and minimizing costs. The company only engages robots in areas that are considered dangerous and unsafe for human beings. The presence of machines de-motivates the workers and therefore disengages their enthusiasm for the job. Innovation according to Honda also is reduced when robots and machines are engaged rather than human involvement. That level of technology is set to a limit that the machines can achieve as compared to human creativity that is not limited like that of the machines. This is a good enough reason to appreciate that the capability of the mind of humans supersedes that of the machines, especially in creativity and improvement.

Explain what you have learned from your experience as member of a team Essay

Explain what you have learned from your experience as member of a team whose project was not completeted sucessfully - Essay Example The task was supposed to be finished overnight otherwise additional payments were to be incurred by the organization due to additional day of auditor’s visit. Our team failed to complete the assigned task within deadline, however somehow we were able to avoid the additional payment costs to the company. The reasons to this failure were later on studied in depth to extract results, inferences and lessons for future reference and better response. Next few paragraphs will discuss the lessons learned by the team. The first and far most important is the assignment of the task to a professional with appropriate skills and zeal to accomplish the assigned task. The initial assignment of the task seems to be a wrong assignment and lake of professionalism caused unnecessary delay in the completion of the investment report. An unfinished report was the ultimate result of this wrong assignment. Therefore purposeful evaluation of professional competence for a specific task is of core impor tance for the successful completion of the project. It is also evident from the findings that the project was not properly supervised for in time preparation of the investment report therefore the initial assignment was not completed.

Start-up business support Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Start-up business support - Essay Example [2] POVERTY REDUCTION: Since poverty is the offspring of unemployment, the issue of poverty in many homes and communities will be dealt with to a reasonable level as to bring relief to such families, individuals and communities. [3] AREA OF PRIORITY: Apart from the individual or group business ideas, there are some important areas and business ideas we must give priority to ahead of others. these are the areas we believe will impact very positively in the lives of the people of this region. Major among these include, but not limited to: [i] AGRICULTURE: For a long time, this region has expected a programme of this nature to come into being to enable us bring up the matter of food production. food security is important in every community. this region is noted for being endowed with fertile lands, good rain full throughout the year. Other facilities that will aid agricultural activities are dams and river basins for irrigation during the off season of rains. The new government policy on agriculture and food security in the next couple of years us a good motivation to the people in this region to embrace mass production of various agricultural produce and agricultural derivatives. People and young graduates want to go into agricultural businesses, but the snag has been how to go about it. Under this sector, SUBS shall consider entrepreneurs whose business ideas correspond with agriculture and agriculture related projects. In view of this, we tend to give priority attention to the following projects if anyone or organization proposes or presents any of them to us for start-up and support: [1] Mass production of cassava and cassava end products [2] Mass production of wheat and wheat end products [3] Mass production of yam tubers and derivatives [4] Mass production of maize and by products [5] Mass production of rice grains and by products [6] Mass production of cowpea and by products [7] Mass production of groundnuts and by-products [8] Mass production of cotton and by-products [9] Mass production of fish [10] Mass production of poultry [11] Mass production of cattle and by-products There will also be consideration for such agriculture related businesses as production of fertilizer, fabrication and procurement of agricultural equipment and implements, cassava chips and starch, maize starch for the Pharmaceutical industry and other end users. From cassava there shall be extraction and production of ethanol for the industries that use them. This will also extend to the production of various types of gums and stickers. There will be corn, cassava and rice flours for the industries that require them for their products. Also production of vegetable oil, garri processing, textile milling, leather products from sheep, goats and cattle, then soap and detergent from palm fruits and kernels, Cocoa butter and palm kernel cake for export and local use. These shall be the priority areas that will be

Understanding the global flows with Globalisation

Understanding the global flows with Globalisation Globalisation, although a process that has been ongoing for a while, has only recently been defined and has been termed differently according to different groups of people. More recently, the global flow of goods, services, information, capital and labour across both; national and regional lines have increased greatly, giving rise to the notion that this economic activity is now being globalised. Globalisation has been suggested to increase the interdependence and integration between countries on a global scale. In theory therefore, it should allow poorer countries the opportunity to enhance their development and compete with the more economically developed countries (MEDCs). However in some cases this tends to polarise the rich from the poor. This has polarisation has been described by Quah (1996) as the persistence and stratification of the differences between the rich and the poor. Inevitably therefore globalisation produces two groups of people the winners and the losers. This e ssay focuses on three particular global flows which include the labour market and how this has both benefited and disadvantaged the different parts of the global world, due to globalisation. The second flow centres on investment flows and capital, particularly foreign direct investment (FDI) and how this too has produced winners and losers. The final flow is a more recent one and involves the movement of technology and information and how this has managed to increase the benefits and consequences for MEDCs and LEDCs. The flow of labour due to the process of globalisation has been impacted in a number of ways. The globalisation process, like all processes of change, has important costs for the distribution of economic activity around the world in accordance with comparative advantage of countries and their firms. This relocation inevitably leads to changes in the generation of employment and unemployment, to how labour is compensated i.e. the level and distribution of wages and to the shares of capital and labour in total GDP. These three processes are of vital importance in understanding the impact that globalisation has on labour markets. In theory therefore, using a notional framework, (De la Dehesa, 1999) globalisation opens the world to international competition and induces better allocation of labour by allowing each country to specialise on its production according to its comparative advantages in factors of production. Most MEDCs have a comparative advantage when it comes to highly qualified labour and skilled workforce, what they lack is less qualified labour. On the other hand the demand for both skilled and non skilled workers is high in LEDCs. Most skilled workers in LEDCs seek employment elsewhere in developed countries causing a brain drain effect as the skilled labour has immigrated. This also has a negative effect on public spending as lower returns are gained from public expenditure in services such as education. In contrast, this could have its benefits for LEDCs as successful overseas entrepreneurs may bring valuable management experience and access to global networks to the home country. An inflow of unskilled labour from MEDCs would mean that workers are willing to work at lower wages and as such produce low cost production. Although an advantage for MEDCs, as they are able to gain from cheap employment, these positions are then taken over by these cheaper workers and the locals are sometimes left with no jobs. For example Eastern European migration into the UK where low qualified jobs such as construction and retail are quickly undertaken. In general, globalisation has increased pressures on the domestic labour markets in terms of wages, job security and the upgrading of skills for movement between jobs. As such those that have benefited the most are investors, entrepreneurs, and managers etc. all highly qualified workers that are usually found in MEDCs. Therefore workers with internationally sought after education and skills are in this case winners. On the other hand workers who were previously protected by trade barriers and subsidised state enterprises, are usually unable to adapt to the rapid liberalisation of the economy and as such have suffered the most through reduced job security, relocation of jobs or downward pressure on wages (World Bank, 2007) aka the so called losers. The EU although has played a positive impact on European economies to a certain extent, limits workers from other parts of the world (outside Europe) entering the EU and as such LEDCs are seen to lose out once again. The impact of globalisation on employment will be improved as more countries participate in the global economy and open their markets to international trade and capital flows. This will be particularly felt with the entry of large numbers of (mainly low-skilled) workers from China and India into the global labour force. This flow of labour usually has an impact on the manufacturing industry. This however will cause concerns for other LEDCs as they will struggle to attract investments and manufacturing enterprises given their less favourable conditions political, economic and social and higher wage levels and that their domestic markets will import large quantities of goods from these two countries. As such the completion from other more advanced LEDCs is a problem in itself. Although it is predicted that China will dominate world trade, LEDCs might still be able to produce low skill labour intensive products, as export growth in China and India is expected to raise wages as well as create the need for the import of intermediary inputs. The second flow that is affected by globalisation is the transfer of FDI and capital. One of the most prominent outcomes regarding global financial flows is the major change in their construction in the 1990s, particularly for developing countries. Based on data published by the World Bank Global Development Finance 1999, the following trends can be seen in the table on the next page. Net Long Term Resource Flows to Developing Countries (1990 1998) $bn 1990 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Net long-term resources flow 100.8 223.6 254.9 308.1 338.1 275.0 Official flows 56.9 45.5 53.4 32.2 39.1 47.9 Private flows 43.9 178.1 201.5 275.9 299.0 227.1 From international capital markets 19.4 89.6 96.1 149.5 135.5 72.1 Private debt flows 15.7 54.4 60.0 100.3 105.3 58.0 Commercial Banks 3.2 13.9 32.4 43.7 60.1 25.1 Bonds 1.2 36.7 26.6 53.55 42.6 30.2 Other 11.4 3.7 1.0 3.0 2.6 2.7 Portfolio equity flows 3.7 35.2 36.1 49.2 30.2 14.1 FDI 24.5 88.5 105.4 126.4 163.4 155.0 From the table it can be seen that with an increase in time and in theory increased globalisation there has also been an overall increase in capital flows and FDI to developing countries. FDI flows have emerged as the most important factor of private capital flows. This increase in capital flows can be seen due to the effects of globalisation through financial liberalisation in both developed and developing countries. This is done in two ways domestic financial liberalisation and international financial liberalisation. Domestic encourages market forces by reducing the role of state in finance. This is done through removing controls in interest rates and credit allocation. International liberalisation, however, demands removal of controls and regulations on both inflows and outflows of capital. In allowing cross border movement of capital, it promotes global financial integration. Capital is not only flowing from the developed to developing countries but also from the LEDCs to the rest of the world, examples include Mexico, Chile and Thailand. MEDCs were first to take on this change of financial liberalisation. Much of MEDCs financial funds are now tied up in investment trusts, pension funds etc rather than banks. By the 1980s LEDCs too were beginning their change. Deregulation of domestic financial markets as well as the liberalisation of the capital account was supported by the World Bank. This rush in foreign equity financing and FDI has been associated with the privatisation of the public sector companies in the developing countries such as Argentina. Under the WTO agreement on financial services, (1998), 70 of its member countries agreed to open up their financial sector. Even though in theory it would seem as though investment is being poured into these LEDCs, the benefits do not always outweigh the problems. Working conditions and the treatment of workers in plants that produce mostly textiles and footwear for export tend to vary widely. On one side, conditions in foreign owned and subcontractor plants offer extensi ve evidence of harm, and of the exploitation and sometimes even the abuse of workers. The Kader toy factory in Thailand is a case in point that illustrates the mistreatment of workers. In this case over 100 workers died in a fire as safety exits were blocked or sealed shut. In this case the LEDs tend to lose out to a great extent. However this is not always the case. Surveys by the ILO for example, have found that the pay for workers in LEDCs and NICs (Newly Industrialising Countries), while low by standards of MEDCs is still higher than what would be available in the places that the workers come from. In a lot of these cases wages are slightly higher than the minimum wage. It can be argued therefore that not all is bleak for LEDCs when FDI is involved. For instance FDI can lead to the creation of jobs and increased employment and output in host countries. This is done directly in companies benefiting from FDI and also indirectly through ancillary services, thereby contributing to an increase in economic growth. In addition, through the transfer of technologies and know-how and access to foreign markets, FDI can lead to temporary movements for the provision of services or others forms of movements of workers, who, know being more knowledgeable are able to find jobs abroad more easily. As such, FDI can have beneficial effects for LEDCs and they may not always lose out. The final flow of globalisation is that of information technology and its growing popularity today. This arguably is the reason for the wide gaps in inequalities between MEDCs and LEDCs. The internet is being used by over millions of people worldwide and this number is growing. However the spread of communication and technology is highly uneven and most of Sub Saharan Africa is left behind, as well as other parts of the world. This situation is difficult to remedy when a third of the worlds population still live on less than $1 a day. Technology itself will not help to solve the problems of LEDCs but the availability and use of information and communication technologies are a requirement for economic and social development in todays world. Econometric studies have shown the close statistical relationship between flow of information technology, productivity and competitiveness for countries, industries and firms (Dosi et al., 1988). Technology on its own is not enough, this needs to be tied in with a sufficient level of education in general, and of technical education in particular, which is essential for the design and productive use of new technologies (Foray and Freeman, 1992) The role that technological flows has on countries in stimulating growth and development is that of a two edged sword. On the one hand, it allows countries to leapfrog stages of economic growth by being able to modernise their production systems and increase their competitiveness faster than in the past through the use of innovation and technological advances. The most critical example is that of the Asian Pacific economies i.e. the Asian Tigers, particularly the cases of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. These countries grew rapidly due to increased technological performance and enhancement. This is so despite the current financial crisis, which is unrelated to competitive performance and may be related, in fact, to the attractiveness of booming Asian economies to global technological flows. On the other hand, for those economies that are unable to adapt to the new technological system, they are usually left watching on the sidelines. Moreover, the ability to m ove into this technological flow depends on the capability of the country to be educated, and to be able to take on board and process new technological equipment and knowledge. This starts with the education system, from the bottom up, from the primary school to the university. And it relates, as well, to the overall process of cultural development, including the level of functional literacy, the content of the media, and the diffusion of information within the population as a whole. For this reason, many LEDCs especially those in Sub Saharan Africa have been unable to benefit from this global flow. Technology, per say is not the problem, rather the ability to obtain this technology and then learn to use it, is the real issue. Due to this regions and firms usually in MEDCs that concentrate on advanced techniques and methods of production are able to attract a pool of talent from around the world. This however leaves out some of the local employees who are not able to fit the job description and as such is a win/lose situation. An example of this is Silicon Valley which is the most advanced information technology-producing region in the world. It can only maintain this high level of innovation by acquiring experts from India, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Israel, Russia and Western Europe, to jobs that cannot be filled by Americans because they do not have the necessary skills. Likewise, in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Seoul engineers and scientists concentrate in high-technology hubs, connected to the Silicon Valleys, while a large share of the population in all countries remains in low-end, low-skill jobs, when they are lucky enough to be employed at all. (Carnoy, 1999). Therefore there is little chance for a country, to be able to benefit from this new technological age without incorporating itself into the technological system. In conclusion therefore, the three global flows mentioned have both benefited and disadvantaged both MEDCs and LEDCs in their own particular ways. All these three flows need to work in accordance with each other in order for development to be more evenly spread and in order for LEDCs to close down the widening gap of development. Labour mobility flows have allowed skilled workers in LEDCs to obtain better prospects elsewhere, something that would not be possible without this free movement. On the other, whatever skilled workforce was left behind is now lost to the host country. Capital flows and FDI have helped to provide employment in LEDCs and increase competitiveness amongst MEDCs. However problems such as sweat shops and small markets of some countries have meant that this has not benefited all. Finally, technological flows have taken production to another level through innovation and new techniques. Although advantageous to almost all MEDCs, many LEDCs are unable to acquire this expertise or technology and as such are unable to share in this technical age. The problem here is not the technology, but the lack of. Globalisation can be understood to mean an increase in global flows. These are just three mentioned. Globalisation involves numerous numbers of global flows that all play their part in this global process which to some extent is restricted to particular regions rather than global flows perhaps a regionalisation of the world?

tragoed Comparing Tragedy in Hamlet and Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) :: comparison compare contrast essays

Tragedy in Hamlet and Oedipus the King Tragedy comes in many forms, for example earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes are all types of tragedies. On the other hand, when talking about tragedy in literature, it has a whole different meaning. Tragedy in literature is on a smaller scale than things like earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. In literature tragedy is usually about one person and the horrible things that happen to them during their life in a story or play. Oedipus is the main character in the play Oedipus the King. Oedipus is thought of as a tragic figure because he was doomed from birth. Tiresias, an old blind prophet, told Oedipus' parents about Oedipus' fate. He told them that Oedipus would kill his father and sleep with his mother. So, his parents decided to have him killed, only it did not happen that way. He was passed off by two shepherds and finally to the King and Queen of Corinth, Polybus and Merope to raise him as their own. Oedipus finds his way back to Thebes and on the way kills his father, but Oedipus did not know that one of the men he killed was his real father. This is the beginning of the prophecy coming true. In short Oedipus obtains the throne, Marries his mother and has kids with her. Oedipus' fate has come together without him even realizing what is going on. Eventually he is told what has happened and asks to be banished by his uncle/brother-in-law Creon. The tragedy in Oedipus' life began with his birth and the realization by his parents that his whole life was doomed. However on the other hand, Hamlet did not know that his life would be a tragic one. Hamlets' fate played out through his whole life. No one knew that hamlet's life would end up the way that it did. Hamlets' life first changed when his Uncle Claudius killed Hamlet's father, the King and Claudius' brother. Claudius just wanted to get to the Queen Gertrude. So he committed the worst sin and killed the King. Claudius weaseled his way into Hamlet Jr.' spot on the throne as King. There are many reasons why both of these characters are classified as tragic figures. First off Oedipus' fate was determined from birth, and no one knew Hamlet's fate. Oedipus's parents sent him off to be killed, and Hamlet's father was killed by his brother Claudius.