Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - Essay Example The Millennium Development Goals refer to a set of eight goals that were established in the Millennium Summit of the year 2000. Member countries, totaling 189 at that time, adopted a declaration called the United Nations Millennium Declaration. International organizations, about 23 in number, were also present in the summit and pledged commitment toward the realization of the goals. The eight goals, which were established at the summit, are to eradicate extreme cases of poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to promote gender equality and empower women, to reduce child mortality and to improve maternal health, to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. Others include to ensure environmental sustainability, and finally to develop a global partnership for development. The goals were established to tackle specific areas that were of general concern across member countries. The MDGs were designed in such a way that each goal is inter-dependent of the other. This is to say that the MDGs are linked together in such a way that one influences the progress and achievement of the other. The design of the MDGs is that all eight have a health nature in it, that is, all influence health, and health, on the other hand, influences them. For instance, promoting gender equality is paramount in the realization of better health. Reducing extreme poverty and hunger influences health. Healthy children are able to learn while healthy adults are able to work and earn a better living.

Self-Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self-Reflection - Essay Example Self-Reflection In my second essay concerning the dangers of children playing video games, I used as logical argument in some parts to convince the reader on the dangers of children playing video games. As noted in the classes of this course, one of the main components of good writing is â€Å"logos†. This is the ability to appeal to the logical aspect of an issue and engage the audience in a reasonable manner. In my essay I note that â€Å"When children are outside, they can make friends or they can spend time with their friends. They can laugh and run about as they play. They can share stories while waking together. Physical activity is then closely connected to social activity.† These statements are meant to convince the audience on the real importance of play to the children. The use of practical information succinctly captures the essence of physical activity in a manner that is resonant with the audience. During the course, I also learnt about the importance of solid development of the main concept in any writing. My essay on the effect of technology on different generation exemplifies the vital skill I learnt concerning progressive development of the subject matter. At the beginning of the essay, I reflected on the background issues relating to technology and the different generations that exist. This was meant to give the audience a contextual background based on the key elements of the topic. Having established a solid foundation of the topic, I then delved into the core issues that technology has on different generations by the use of detailed explanations.

Market Entry Strategy Which Is Appropriate In Circumstances Marketing Essay

Market Entry Strategy Which Is Appropriate In Circumstances Marketing Essay INTRODUCTION: The assignment explains that if any firm goes into the international market then what are various types of entry modes and then what can be the various entry strategies. Axinn (2002), state that firms nowadays are enter into international markets much more than before. Therefore, theories regarding globalization that provide realistic mentoring is more significant than it have been discussed in six stages by Kotler Armstrong (2001): Looking at the international environment Deciding whether to go in international market or not Deciding which markets to go in Deciding how to enter in the market Look critically global marketing program, and Deciding on a global market organization Reference: Axinn, C.N Matthyssens, P (2002) Limits of Internationalization theories in an unlimited world. International Marketing Review 19(5), p436-449. Kotler, P., Armstrong, G. (2001). Principles of marketing 9th Ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall International. DEFINITION OF MARKET ENTRY STRATEGY: According to Green (1995), In literature there is no agreement regarding managerial decision which constitute an entry strategy. Strategy is defined as the firms consistent internal set of objectives and procedures or policies and goals, which support the organizations strengths and weaknesses with the outer opportunities and threats. In other words, if a firms internal variables will be coordinated with external environment to achieve superior performance it shows firms effective strategy is in place. A market entry strategy is formulated a firms decision in regards to organization, market and product before the actual launch of product. Market entry strategies are essential for existence of new firms as they are on the desire path right from the beginning exclusive of differing from their objectives. Several studies revealed that successful launch strategy raise the possibility of firm survival and better performance. According to Sandberg and Hofer (1987), In contrast to any other variables effect of strategy, entrepreneur and structure of industry impact more on performance. The market entry strategy is particularly significant, as it choose number of strategic and planned substitute to the firm in future. We take market entry in a very slow and steady manner because there is lots of risk. Doing business internationally is altogether different from doing business in domestic market. Reference: Green Donna H./Barclay, Donald W./Ryans, Adrian B. (1995), Entry Strategy and Long-Term Performance: Conceptualization and Empirical Examination, in: Journal of Marketing, Vol. 59, pp. 1-16. Sandberg, William R./Hofer, Charles W. (1987), Improving New Venture Performance: The Role of Strategy, Industry Structure, and the Entrepreneur, in: Journal of Business Venturing, Vol. 2, pp. 5-28. FOREIGN MARKET ENTRY MODES: There are different modes in which a domestic firm enters into a international market or the international arena. INTERNATIONAL ENTRY COMPENDIUM Export By Agent/ Distributor Licensing Arrangement Joint Venture Foreign Manufacturing Franchising Arrangement Opening Overseas Office We have almost six types of modes through which we can enter into the international business. Exports through agents or distributors. Opening overseas office. Licensing arrangement. Franchising arrangement. Joint Ventures. Foreign manufacturing. EXPORTS THROUGH AGENTS OR DISTRIBUTORS: We appoint foreign agents in foreign countries and we start getting the business queries from them, this will be the type of process called as doing business through agent. OPENING OVERSEAS OFFICE: Once we are getting business through the agents now we can think in terms of opening our overseas office. So therefore entering into the international markets by opening our own office will further give a push to our sales in that particular country because we have a local presence and we can answer the queries of the overseas buyer. If we can keep our buyers happy we got a position to get more and more sales. LICENSING ARRANGEMENT: If we are already successful in a particular international country, our brands are very popular in that market. Now, we can move out of that particular market by allowing local firm of that particular country to enter into a type of arrangement called licensing arrangement. We give a license to that particular company to start manufacturing our product using our brand name and the technology, but all the investment are made by that particular party, and in lieu if this licensing we are allowed to that foreign company we get the royalty. It means when we are in position to get royalty again we are in a position to have sales in that particular country. We enter into licensing arrangement because we want to enter into some other market to expand our market size. FRANCHISING ARRANGEMENT: It is the arrangement where we identify the type of franchisee who basically interested to take our franchise so this is an arrangement between franchiser and franchisee. Franchisee: The party that is purchasing the franchise from the seller of the franchise. Franchiser: The party that is offering the franchise for sale to the purchaser of the franchise. Franchiser is a export firm who is trying to give its marketing rights to local firm in that country as well as helping that firm in terms of all types of business problems in exchange for a fee. In licensing we take royalty and in franchising we take fee. It is the basic difference between licensing and franchise. Idea is again the same we want to expand our market scope so therefore in certain countries rather than locally produce product in that country we enter into franchising arrangement. McDonalds is the same example of franchising. JOINT VENTURES: Once we have lots of experience and we have accumulated lots of resources we can also enter into certain countries in the form of strategic alliances, these alliances has given a name called joint venture. Joint venture is the type of equity participation. We have so many examples of joint ventures which are already takes place in India. Like joint venture of Hero Honda, there are two companies hero group is the Indian group and Honda group which is from Japan. FOREIGN MANUFACTURING: The company starts manufacturing their product in foreign countries. It means instead of manufacturing product in their own country and then exporting from their and paying the custom duty out there, the foreign firms can think of go out of there country and if they found that the government of that country is promoting industrial investment than they are in position to get the land, and other resources in the terms of finance etc. as well as lots of benefits from the government of that country and then they start local manufacturing in that country and without any type of the partner but on their own. It is also called FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). Reference: Internet WWW page at URL: Foreign market entry modes Quickmba.com. Accessed 08/04/10 from FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF MARKET ENTRY MODE: Several important factors that affect the choice of entry modes are: Market Factors: The size of the target country market is significantly influence on the entry mode. Small market have low break even sales volume so the entry mode must be different (Agent/distributor exporting, licensing and some contractual arrangements). For Markets with high sales potential have entry mode that have high break even sales volume (Branch, subsidiary, exporting and equity investment in local production). Production Factors: Entry mode are largely affected by production factors of targeted country like quality, quantity and cost of raw materials, labors and energy. Economic Factors: Economic infrastructure (Transportation, communication, port facilities etc) also affect the mode of entry into particular country or market. Government Regulations: Defensive Import regulations affect in the form of high tariffs, these regulations make problems an export entry. Geographical Factors: When geographically the distance to the targeted market is too long then cost of transportation becomes a barrier. Dynamism of Country: Economic dynamism of the country also affect the entry mode. Dynamism refers to the rate of investment, growth rate and personal income. Social Cultural Factors: Social and cultural factors are very wide that affect entry mode because of different values language, social structure and different life style of target market country to home country. Reference: Root, F.R (1994). Entry Strategies for international Markets: San Francisco: Jossey Bass Inc. CONCLUSION: For an Organizations or a company thinking of entry into the international arena set of strategic alternatives often changing and depending on the targeted country or market focuses on several ways to enter a foreign market. Organization need to be conscious of how prospective new market may best by still considering the risk and the different economic ,environmental and cultural factors associated with the specific entry strategy (Deresky, 2003). Reference: Deresky, H.(2003). International Management 4th Ed. Pearson Education. (B) Franchising is a common method of entering services markets abroad. What is the special attraction of international franchising to both partners? FRANCHISE: Franchise is a form of business organization in which a company which already has a successful product or service (the franchisor) enters into a continuing contractual relationship with other businesses (franchisees) operating under the franchisors trade name and usually with the franchisors direction, in exchange for a fee. (InvestorWords.com, 2009) Reference: Internet WWW page at URL: Franchise InvestorWords.com, 2009. Accessed 6 August 2009 from BUSINESS FORMAT FRANCHISING: Business format franchising, on the other hand, is defined as an arrangement where a franchisee receives (in addition to the right to sell goods or services) the franchisors designs, quality control and accounting systems, operating procedures, group advertising and promotions, training, and (in case of hotels and travel agencies) worldwide reservation system. (BusinessDictionary.com, 2009). In short, franchising the business format allows small and medium scale franchisees to enjoy economies of scale, brand recognition and loyalty, and strategic support from a large and established franchisor. In return, the franchisor receives a fee for the use of its tradename, trademarks and expertise. More than that, however, the franchisor is able to expand its reach and name recognition with use of the capital investment of the franchisee. Reference: Internet WWW page at URL: Business Format Franchising BusinessDictionary.com, 2009. Accessed 6 August 2009 from INTERNATIONAL MARKET ENTRY STRATEGY: A business format franchise, from its very definition, is designed to replicate the totality of the franchisors business concept in different location; if the franchise is multinational, then the different locations may well be situated in different countries. More than just the trademarks and product design, the business format franchise makes use of the franchisors marketing strategy and plan, operating manuals and standards, and quality control. (Preble and Hoffman, 1995, p. 80) Growth in this area has been so predominant that it is forecasted to be the main (if not nearly exclusive) form of franchising internationally in the 21st century. Business format franchising has become the main vehicle by which multinational business have been able to take advantage of the unprecedented growth of international opportunities. (Preble and Hoffman, 1995, p. 80) There are, according to Preble and Hoffman (2006) three generic approaches or experiences in global franchising strategies: the first mover, platform, and conversion approaches. The first- and early-mover strategies are those strategies which suggest that early entrants into the industry, or pioneers, attain market dominance (i.e., traditionally enjoy larger market shares) over their competitors who arrive later. For this strategy, the timing of market entry is of greatest importance to the success of the franchise. Preble and Hoffman cite Makadok (1998) as a study that such advantages in pricing and share advantage indeed materialize, and are of surprisingly longstanding (or sustainable) duration. First movers exhibit a greater aggressiveness in pursuing strategic investments in research and development, advertising, promotion and distribution. It was determined that Franchisors facing domestic market saturation and rapidly growing markets abroad are more likely to utilize first-mover strategies for international expansion. (Preble Hoffman, 2006, p. 36). The second category of global franchising strategies is that of platform strategies. This involves selecting the most ideal (or at least most advantageous, usually the most business-friendly) country in a region and establishing its platform in that country first, and then eventually expanding into neighboring nations. It is also called an incremental phased approach (Gupta Govindarajan, 2000). This is ideal for expansion into regions wherein the countries comprising the region differ in their levels of organizational development, political stability and cultural traits (Preble Hoffman, 2006, p.39) Situating in a business-friendly country helps to minimize the risk of entry into a region which may either not be open to the companys presence there, or that do not possess the infrastructure and facilities needed for business to flourish. It is recommended that entry into dissimilar markets should be attempted or undertaken only by experienced franchisors. The last classification of strategies for business format franchising is known as conversion strategies. This involves the franchisor adding new franchisees to the network through the acquisition of independent businesses, business chains, or franchisees from other franchise systems in short, it is a process similar to reverse franchising. The business already exists; the business format franchisor merely converts these existing establishments to include them in the franchisors own system. Conversion franchising is best suited to the penetration of mature and already crowded and costly markets, by acquiring existing locations, sometimes in prime, expensive, real estate, eliminating competitors, and benefit from the franchisees existing business network and connections. The franchisor could also take advantage of the franchisees critical resources and skills from which can be developed sources of competitive advantages. The acquired firm, on the other hand, benefits from a source of managerial acumen from the franchisor, aside from the acquisition of a known brand, new technology, logistical support and training. In summarizing these strategies, it is readily apparent that conversion strategies provides the greatest opportunity for not only experienced but also inexperienced franchisors to penetrate international markets and expand operations even in saturated and highly competitive business environments. Reference: Preble, J F Hoffman, R C (1995) Franchising Systems Around the Globe: A Status Report Journal of Small Business Management, Apr95, Vol. 33 Issue 2, p80-88. Preble, J F Hoffman, R C (2006) Strategies for Business Format Franchisors to Expand into Global Markets. Journal of Marketing Channels, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p29-50. The diagram on the page following illustrates the three generic strategies just described. A Contingency Model for Global Franchising Strategies (Source: Preble Hoffman, 2006, p. 45) Reference: Preble, J F Hoffman, R C 2006 Strategies for Business Format Franchisors to Expand into Global Markets. Journal of Marketing Channels, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p29-50. ATTRACTION FOR INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING: There is some special attraction for both the franchiser and franchisee thats why franchising has been famous around for decades. It is a great approach for business man to hold and drive own business. Same like that it is attractive for the second party in term of operating a business in new environment because they do not have know how of market, cultural and other political and social condition of that particular country. Franchisee should have to do some homework, research the company, and should consult with a franchise consultant before making a final commitment. Franchiser has to do the same research about the countrys political condition, possible social and cultural issues, credibility and previous working experience of the franchisee in the related field. Here are some of the advantages for both the partners in franchising business. LOWER FAILURE RATE: When franchising business is setup there are very low chances to failure of business because franchisee is using the name and fame of the already established organization. On the other hand, franchiser uses the experience and knowledge about the local market, which is very essential for survival of any organization. Independent businesses have 70% to 80% chance of failure in the initial critical years while franchising business has 80% chance of surviving. HELP WITH START UP AND BEYOND: Franchisee got lots of help on initial stages of business and operating it afterwards. Most of the franchisee gets all the apparatus, supplies and instruction or even training which is very essential to start the business. In most of the cases, franchisee gets constant training and help with marketing and management. Franchisee will reap the benefits of the companys international marketing campaigns, while the franchiser get benefit in terms of finance by entering into new market. BUYING POWER: Your franchise will gain from the combined buying power of the International Company as the franchisor can manage to pay in bulk and go by the investments along to franchisees. Stock and materials will cost less than if you were operating an independent company. STAR POWER: Most of the well-known franchises have international brand name and recognition. Getting a franchise can be similar to buying a business with built-in consumers. PROFITS: A franchise business can be hugely beneficial and profitable. (Think of McDonalds and KFC, for instance.) Reference: Internet WWW page at URL: Attraction For International Franchising sbinfocanada.about.com, Assessed 10 April 2010 from

International Monetary Fund :: essays research papers

-International Monetary Fund-Addressing Fundamental Economic Goals On an International Level   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The International Monetary Fund is an important function that makes world trade less strenuous. The International Monetary Fund, or IMF as it is called, provides support and supervision to nations in all stages of economic progress. International trade is a key element to enable nations, large and small, to strengthen their economic positions. Larger nations need the international market to export their goods and services, and smaller nations also need this world scale market to import products so they are able to produce more efficiently. In order to achieve these goals, one major component must be in place. The ability to value other nation's currency. Throughout the years, many different ways have been used to do this, mostly ending in failure. There is no perfect way to accurately measure the true value of another country's currency. The International Monetary Fund is an effort to see each country's economic position, offer suggestions, and provide the fundame ntal economic security that is essential to a thriving (world) economy. Many of the domestic economic goals are reiterated by the INF on an international level.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand the current INF we will investigate the events leading up to its existence. Between 1879 and 1934 major nations used a method of international exchange known as the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard was simply a fixed-rate system. The rate was fixed to gold. In order for this system to function properly three things had to happen. First, each nation had to define its currency to gold (this definition then could not change). Second, each nation must than maintain a fixed relationship to its supply of money and its amount of actual gold. Third, the on-hand gold must be allowed to be exchanged freely between any nations throughout the world. With all of those policies successfully in place, the exchange rates of the participating countries would then be fixed to gold, therefore to each other. To successfully maintain this relationship some adjustments had to be made from time to time. For example, two countries A and B are doing international business to gether and A buys more of B's products than B buys of A's. Now B doesn't have enough of A's currency to pay for the excess products purchased. B now has what's called a balance of payment deficit. In order to correct for this deficit the following must occur; Actual gold must now be transferred to A from B.

Literary Tools of a Writer

The world is full of writers of all kinds: novelists, biographers, copy writers, and even floggers. Every so often, one of those writers will rise above the rest and become a great author?but what exactly does that take? Many qualities have to come together in one person to make his or her writing great, so having the idea for a story alone is not enough; great writers also have to possess talent and originality as well as the dedication required to see a story through to the end.Anyone can tell a story, but it takes special talent to tell a story beautifully and engagingly. As a reader, my favorite stories are always the ones that draw me in with descriptive language, imagery, and metaphors used skillfully by the authors. One example is F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby, which I loved reading because of Fitzgerald talent for using literary devices.In one chapter, he describes a valley full of ashes, but instead of simply calling it what it is, Fitzgerald creates a much more inter esting and inspiring description: â€Å"This is a valley of ashes?a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where she take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of ash-gray men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air† (23).Rather than Just telling you that the valley is full of ashes, Fitzgerald shows you with his words, creating images in your mind of a gray, ashy valley through his expert use of metaphors and similes. This mastery of figurative language is one of the most important parts of being a great writer, because it is what separates a simple story, like one that you would tell from day to day, from a literary masterpiece.

For Colored Girls Essay

The movie for colored girls was made based on the novel which is also entitled for colored girls by Ntozake Shange, the movie express the struggles and obstacles that African America women face throughout their life. The movie reveals seven women who are brought together through their own troubles. The movie deals with love, abandonment, rape, and abortions; at the end of the film all seven women come together evoking the power of women hood amongst black African American females. â€Å"Being alive and being a woman is all I got, but being colored is a metaphysical dilemma I haven’t conquered yet! â€Å" -Tangie (a colored girl) The quote that stuck out to me the most was Tangies, (Stated above) the reason why was because a lot of women can relate to not understanding their race. African American women can also feel as though everything about the world in regards to African Americans including theories can be questioned for examples statics state when given by a person in general that. African American women as well as Hispanic women are likely to be considered a single parent rather than a Caucasian. The truth is that a Caucasian is more likely to be a single considered parent thanks Hispanics and African Americans. This truth was specified in my psychology 101 class. It was stated through conversation of stereotyping Tangie (The one who stated) the quote. Her character was a woman who seeked love from different men every night being a bartender at a local hotel. Her character made people view her for what she is and not who she was considered to be. As a young girl my mother’s use to tell my brothers and I to make people treat us as an equal, because we are Kings and Queens. As a child I didn’t understand, now as young women I understand. I am very proud of my color skin as well as the fact of being considered an African American female. The whole ideal about this movie is letting the African American culture know that in order to be accepted we have to accept ourselves first. The movie reveals how strong African American women are, just like they were back when slavery existed. A lot of black women are more successful nowadays. African American women make more money, drive nice cars, and own homes. In the past African Americans women weren’t considered equal as well as men. During slavery women were used (African American women) they worked alongside men in the fields and when finished women would go home do cooking, cleaning, and washing. Being often ignored black women were considered none important, especially not being able to read and write. In the movie it shows how women of the African American race strive for greatness. If it was paid any mind it was the black woman that taught us how to cook and season our food. It was the black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was black women who were breast feeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the black woman that had to endure watching their fathers, husbands, and children beaten, killed, and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being black and being a woman. Through all this, still they rise! It is because of the black women’s strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that bring them together not just the outer beauty that captivates people, but more so what they signify. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that people pay attention to. Their inner beauty is what most find appealing, especially in the movie each colored girl stood for something without even realizing it. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in, and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why this movie captured my attention.