Investigating obstacles and enabling located firms in special economic Essay

Investigating obstacles and enabling located firms in special economic zones - Essay Example The â€Å"special economic zone† (SEZ) is another term used to refer to the formation of modern economic region. In line with this, governments worldwide normally promote the development of SEZs in order to increase the chances wherein the country could experience increase not only in intra-regional and international trade activities but also the inflows of foreign investments and creation of new job opportunities for the local people (Wang, 2013; Brautigam and Xiaoyang, 2011). In the process of improving transportation infrastructure that connects the SEZs to the local market (Baissac, 2011, pp. 24 – 25), ports, and airports, more local and foreign investors will become more attracted in investing in SEZs. Companies that operate in SEZs are normally given special business incentives like duty-free imports, tax holidays, the benefit of having a more simplified procedure when dealing with the customs (FIAS, 2008, p. 2) or reduction in import taxes for foreign-based companies (Gunawardana and Sisombat, 2008). Since each type of SEZ is being governed by a different set of policies and rules particularly when it comes to taxation and conditions on investment and international trading (Dobrogonov and Farole, 2012, p. 5; Baissac, 2011, p. 23), this study aims to focus on analyzing the case of Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone (SASEZ) in Savannakhet Province in Laos. As such, the rationale for zone development will be tackled in details followed by discussing the geographical, economical, and international trade factors that can affect the performance of SASEZ. In relation to geographical, economical, and international trades, this study aims to identify the determinants of FDI, participation strategies used by foreign investors, and the common challenges these firms would normally encounter in SASEZ. The main objective of this study is to identify all geographic, economic, and international trade factors that

Mummy and Painted Cartonnage of an Unknown Woman Essay

Mummy and Painted Cartonnage of an Unknown Woman - Essay Example This can be revealed through the decorative funerary rituals that were done during the time. These practices reveal the fascination and the obsession of the people on immortality. One way through which this can be revealed is through the mummifications and decorations that could be found in museums. One of these beliefs and customs are revealed through the mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman The mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman looking upwards is made up of decorated layers of linen and plaster (The Walters Museum par 1). These are made into a shape of a woman. However, the woman is not known. It was believed that the mummy would sustain the life of the dead woman when it comes back. The mummification contains decorations all over. The mummy also contains a decoration of floral wreath on the wig, a winged scarab beetle and a broad collar (The Walters Museum par 1). The mummy also has decorations that include four men who are standing facing one direction. The f our men represent the four sons of Horus. According to the Egyptian culture, the four sons of Horus are associated with protection. They offer security from any threat. This further reveals the fact that the ancient Egyptians believed on immortality of the soul. This is revealed by the act of providing protection for the dead; in this case who are represented through a mummy. The decorations also include the boat of the funerary deity Sokar. This boat was a sacred one. The sacred boats are very significant to the ancient Egyptian culture. They were usually used when the gods were brought out from their sanctuaries where they processed before the public. The decorations on the mummy of the unknown woman also include a mummy of Osiris who is lying on a funerary bed. This reveals the importance of the god to the dead people. The God of Osiris was important for the protection of the dead. The mummy also contains a decoration of a divine falcon god. The falcon god is among the most impor tant gods of the Ancient Egypt. The divine falcon god is considered as the divine personification of the kinship of Egypt (Nicholson and Shaw 156). The god was also a representation of the god of heavens. In the ancient Egyptian culture, Horus relates to the Egyptian divine kingship. It was representation of the last king who has ever ruled in Egypt. Since the living king was Horus, when he died the new king would usually become the new image of Horus and the dead king would become Osiris (Nicholson and Shaw 185). The decoration on the mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman also contains a short hieroglyphic text, which contains an offering formula. The burial customs that were observed in the ancient Egypt were meant to ensure immortality after death. All the rituals performed were believed to contribute to the immortality of humanity. This was the main reason why they preserved the bodies through mummification. In addition, the dead would be accompanied with the things the deceased would need afterlife. The mummification process usually took a period of 70 days. The internal organs were usually removed from the body after which the body was desiccated using a special kind of salts. The body could then be tied with linen. The latest mummies were also kept inside painted Cartonnage mummy cases. Therefore, the mummy of an unknown woman is more recent since it was made using the latest mummification technology that was used then. According to the ancient Eg

Executive Briefing Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Executive Briefing Paper - Essay Example Mentorship is not new to Burberry, although its experience is largely external, philanthropic, and along the line of corporate social responsibility. Presently, the Company is a corporate sponsor of IntoUniversity, a charity organisation dedicated to educating the youth through mentoring. Through its local learning centres, some of Burberry’s employees and managers are already dedicating time and effort as volunteers mentors and e-mentors, to Britain’s poor but deserving ‘young people [who] are inspired to learn’ (IntoUniversity, 2010). In 2011 alone, Burberry associates volunteered 5,500 hours of mentoring. For one particular Burberry associate, more than 200 young students were mentored globally in programmes ranging from three months to three years (Burberry Annual Report 2011/12, p. 64). Recent studies have highlighted the use of internal mentoring, as a technique to improve performance and enhance competitiveness. It is believed that by adopting intern al mentoring, the firm will benefit competitively. II. Proposition This paper proposes that Burberry engage in internal mentoring throughout the organisation until the highest levels, in order to enhance its competitiveness. Mentoring is seen as a tool not only for implementing social development programs external to the firm, but is also perceived as an effective instrument in pursuing the company’s strategic goal of remaining competitive. The viability of mentoring in Burberry will be discussed. III. Theoretical background Mentoring is ‘an intense and complex relationship where the mentor plays the role of peer and parent’ and functions as ‘teacher, advisor, sponsor, and friend’ (Ehrich & Hansford, 1999, p.93). Academic literature states that mentoring improves individual behaviour and performance, particularly in the training and encouragement of the young. However, the impact of mentoring on firm behaviour and outcomes has not been established, p articularly in the highest policy levels. Offstein, Shah and Gnyawali (2011) propose a model whereby the board of directors (BOD) mentors the chief executive officer (CEO), for the purpose of improving the CEO’s ability and motivation to ‘competitively engage the firm’ (p. 75). In the diagram that follows, the mentoring role of the BOD is depicted in terms of sponsorship, protection, and coaching or counselling. By providing legitimacy, a proper sense of discretion and risk-taking, and knowledge and learning, the mentoring exercise is expected to lead towards a greater firm competitiveness. Competitive behaviour is defined by their magnitude and complexity. Source: Offstein, Shah and Gnyawali, 2011, p. 80 According to the theory by Offstein, et al. (2011), competitive actions are ‘purposefully directed, specific, and observable.’ The model adheres to the principle that companies that undertake bold and complex competitive actions benefit as a result, because such actions disturb the status quo and establish new rules by which the competitive stage is reset. According to Schumpeter (1934) in his seminal study, first mover advantage (i.e., the advantage of being the first firm to undertake an innovation that defines a new competitive environment) generates abnormally high profits, until such time as other firms catch up and themselves pursue innovative actions in an effort to overcome the market leader. From the executive levels, mentoring by CEO to his division heads, and from them to the

Marketing report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing report - Essay Example This strategy, attributed mostly to Ford Chairman Alan Mullaly, provided the firm the necessary resources to develop a very conscious and deliberate branding strategy. The continuous marketing and development of Ford Focus- one of the leading international brands of the firm shall therefore be viewed from the perspective of this new change in focus and the approach. (Daye & VanAuken, 2010). The current brand management program for the car is mostly focused on exploring the brand name of the Ford itself as well as the new and renewed strategy of managing only those brands which can be successfully marketed. The new paradigm in Ford therefore is based upon successfully managing the existing brands by cutting down those brands which cannot be successfully marketed. This report will discuss critically the current brand management techniques adapted for this brand besides performing the external environment assessment and how the firm can actually improve its CRM as well as MKIS for this brand. Ford Focus- a brief Review Ford Focus is one of the most successful brands of Ford which is being successfully marketed all over the world under the same name. ... It is also important to note that the Focus is priced reasonably however, it is still considered as one of the luxury brands aimed at consumers who are willing to afford high priced luxury cars. Due to this market segmentation strategy, Ford has been able to consistently market this product across the different markets with relative success. One of the key aspects of the overall brand strategy for this brand is the deliberate strategy for not rolling out the different brand extensions. It is generally believed that the brand extensions in automobile industry tend to weaken the existing brands and it is therefore critical that the automobile firms must engage into the practice of brand consolidation in order to ensure that the existing brands continue to perform and develop into leading market brands.(Lambin, Chumpitaz, & Schuiling, 2007). Current Brand Management Program As discussed above that the Ford has adapted a deliberate strategy of managing its current brands by discarding th ose brands which are hard to sell and manage. Due to financial crisis, most of the automobile firms faced significant financial constraints and reverted to further rationalize their product lines in order to become more efficient and effective in managing only those brands which can be successfully marketed. An effective branding strategy requires the successful leveraging of the power of the brand in order to cover the market more effectively. (Aaker, 2002) In order to effectively understand and critically analyse the current branding strategy for the Ford Focus will suggest that it is a sub-brand of the Ford itself. Given the market power of Ford as well as its overall market reputation, Ford Focus therefore tends to thrive on the strong brand image of Ford itself.

Strategies of Noki Company Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategies of Noki Company - Case Study Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that Noki Company is offering mobile phones, smartphones, mobile computers and networks to customers worldwide. In the light of technological changes brought about by modernization, research and development, this study will attempt to find out how Noki Company deals with the macro environment changes that affect its business. Part 1 of the study presents a PESTLE analysis, Part 2 is a SWOT analysis and Part 3 is the conclusion. Before the1980s, the telecom industry operated under a monopolistic environment, but for different political-economic reasons. US, Japan, and the UK ended this era of monopoly and allowed new players in the industry. Radical changes have been instituted since then, and liberalization has invited several telecom companies to participate in the telecom industry. The government of Finland has been supportive of technological changes. In the 1980s it has veered away with agricultural products and took the position to be on e of the leaders in the technology field. Thus, during this period Nokia has established a strong alliance with the government and has now be converted into the number one corporation in Finland. IT has turned out to be the third source of revenue for the country. The mobile phones introduced by Nokia developed to be an important tool in connecting people together around the world. Noki Company has three main core businesses, the Nokia Mobile Phones, Nokia Networks and Nokia Ventures. Noki Company is considered a very important employer; likewise, it also plays a vital role in the financial system in Finland financial market. It is a publicly traded company listed in NYSE, Helsinki and Frankfurt. The company has established branches in 120 countries worldwide employing 128,445 personnel. In 2009, Noki has an operating profit margin of 5.0 % a market share of 37% and has increased the country’s GDP.  

Republican vs democrat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Republican vs democrat - Essay Example As liberals, they believe that the government has a great role to ensure welfare of individuals. In other words, they have strong conviction to support for social rights, tolerance for political and social change (Bardes, Shelley and Schmidt, 18). So they do not strongly oppose the ideology that the government should initiate move to reduce poverty and redistribute wealth. Republicans on the other hand believe conservatives build a strong force especially for supporting capitalism. To ensure capitalism, government should initiate positive actions. Unlike the Democrats, majority of republicans support for traditional values, strong level of patriotism, and they have this insight that it is possible for private sectors to outperform the government (Bardes, Shelley and Schmidt, 18). Unlike the Democrats, Republicans have a strong stand to oppose government program to redistribute income or wealth. In other words, Democrats promote economic security, equal opportunity and social liberty. On the other side, Republicans promote economic liberty, morality and social order. To sum this up in general detail, Democrats have strong stand to support property and economic equality while Republicans carry higher weight on social order and privileges (DuCharme and Constant, 11). Let us take a look at the stand of how Romney and Obama could further improve the health care system in the US. As the one representing for the Republican Party, Romney has strong conviction that the federal government should not take over health care (Camia). Rather, he wants to emphasize private market and each person could work hand on hand to further improve the health care system in the US. Obama on the other hand, believes that a state-based or state-centric plan for health care is more efficient as there is always an opportunity for insurance companies to raise costs for their policies and offerings (Camia). The implication of having private companies in the health care system to take control o f costing will possibly end up people paying relatively higher cost for health insurance as what Obama would want to point out. Obama and Romney stands have strong level of difference as the former believes in the positive government action in the economy while the latter considers positive government action to fulfill capitalism. Republicans therefore are more business-oriented relying on the potential of individual to contribute a significant change for the community. Thus, it is not far from their consideration to effectively look forward to economic sustainability. Maximization of profit is essential for them so they might have different stand on environmental sustainability. For them, it is all about creation of opportunity. The need to minimize level of carbon dioxide emission is an opportunity for them to create a significant point to produce offerings that would guarantee efficiency and productivity. Democrats on the other hand may not be so conscious of this for as long as they believe capitalism may not create any good at all for the environment. Al Gore for instance, a Democrat believes factories and technological advancement created by capitalist movement momentarily destroys the environment. So as the proponent of the â€Å"Inconvenient Truth† his claim about the global warming issue and industrialization triggers a remarkable impact on the stand of conservative individuals who are trying to maximize individual gain rather than long-term sustainability. At this point, it is clear Democrats tend to head to more

Cross Cultural Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Cross Cultural Perspectives - Essay Example To cope with an unpredictable world you mut build an enormou amount of flexibility into your organization. While you cannot predict the future, you can get a handle on trend, which i a way to take advantage of change and convert rik into opportunitie. n today' tidal wave of global economic, technological, and ocial change, that name of the game for you and your organization i urvival. If you are going to withtand relentle and contantly growing global competition, you need to be different and radically change the way of doing buine. You have to give up the old hierarchical, adverarial approach which wate individual talent and ap energy in unproductive conflict. Intead you need to create a new management model, witch from management to leaderhip, manage change, build trut, drive out fear of failure and and create productive partnerhip in which everyone can offer their unique knowledge and talent. If you know how to help your organization to do thi, you can make a deciive difference. How you change a buine unit to adapt to hifting economy and market i a matter of management tyle. Evolutionary change, that involve etting direction, allocating reponibilitie, and etablihing reaonable timeline for achieving objective, i relatively painle. However, it i rarely fat enough or comprehenive enough to move ahead of the curve in an evolving world where take are high, and the repone time i hort. When faced with market-driven urgency, abrupt and ometime diruptive change, uch a dramatic downizing or reengineering, may be required to keep the company competitive. In ituation when timing i critical to ucce, and companie mut get more efficient and productive rapidly, revolutionary change i demanded. When chooing between evolutionary change and revolutionary action, a leader mut purue a balanced and pragmatic approach. winging too far to revolutionary extreme may create "an organizational culture that i o impatient, and o focued on change, that it fail to give new initiative and new peronnel time to take root, tabilize, and grow. What' more, it create a high-tenion environment that intimidate rather than nurture people, leaving them with little or no emotional invetment in the company." Group, ocietie, or culture have value that are largely hared by their member. The value identify thoe object, condition or characteritic that member of the ociety conider important; that i, valuable. In the United tate, for example, value might include material comfort, wealth, competition, individualim or religioity. The value of a ociety can often be identified by noting which people receive honor or repect. In the U, for example, profeional athlete are honored (in the form of monetary payment) more than college profeor, in part becaue the ociety repect peronal value uch a phyical activity, fitne, and competitivene more than mental activity and