Shell Company Oil Spills in Nigeria free essay sample

Shell Company believes that oil and gas will remain an important aspect of economic and development of the world for many eras. They seek to maintain high standards of performance and to conserve long-term relations with the environment in which they operate . The Shell Company is one of the major providers of energy and petroleum in the world. Its operation started almost 200 hundred years ago in a small shop where they were selling antiques and see shell and now Shell company is one of the largest firms which provides energy and petroleum services. According to Shell Global (n. d. ) the headquarter of Shell Company is situated in Hague of Netherlands and the parent company of Shell is situated in England and Wales and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shell Company is Mr. Peter Voser. Shell Company branches are located in 130 countries and has employed more than 93 thousand employee globally. In Nigeria, Shell Company is involved in Niger Delta to produce onshore oil and gas. We will write a custom essay sample on Shell Company Oil Spills in Nigeria or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This Company also produces offshore oil and gas in Gulf of Guinea and operates the first ever deep-water project of Nigeria. According to Shell Global (n. d. ) one of the largest branches of Shell Company is Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria which has joint venture with Nigerian Government’s Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The ratios are divided in a method of 55% to Nigerian Government, 30% to Shell Company, 10% to ELF Petroleum Nigeria Ltd and 5% to AGIP. The operation of SPDC in Nigeria has added $38 billion to the Nigerian Government in the past five years (2007-2011) together with the taxes and royalty payments. The Nigerian Government receives 95% of its profit from SPDC onshore oil and gas production in Niger Delta. In relation to Shell Company’s relation following are some key aspects. 1. 1. 1 Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct: The outlay of Shell Company’s ethical standards and issues are noted under the Company’s ethical code of conduct. The Shell Company employees cannot make decision which can involve conflict of interest. It is written in code of ethics that the employees of Shell Company cannot receive gifts or payments from the contractors or other involved parties with Shell Company. The employees should behave fairly with the customers and should understand the nature of their diverse work and should never discriminate. The employees of Shell Company cannot take part in financial interest activities. They are strictly forbidden to interact with the contractors because they might transfer confidential information in times of bidding to the contractor. The Shell Company employees are required to maintain highest standards of honesty and integrity at work. 1. 1. 2 Social Investments: Shell Company supports the community both directly in community development projects and indirectly through Shell independent foundation. The company aim is to understand the needs of local communities and to address the local community’s social and economic needs which is access to energy, there business development etc. Shell Company’s staff voluntarily contributes on different social and environmental projects around the world. The programs offered by Shell Company aims to support the young people so that they can set up their own business. Shell Company expended about 13 billion dollars to the poor people with lower income on different humanitarian services. Maximum number of Shell Company employee in Nigeria is local Nigerian which is a good indication of job creation for the Nigerian citizens. 1. 1. 3 Environmental Contributions and Responsibilities: Shell Company works to avoid any sort of hazardous, this means that they strives to operate safely and according to the community inspection and maintenance. SPDC is dedicated and loyal in cleaning of the oil spills in the Niger Delta. In the last five year (2008-2012) under a quarter of the oil spillage from SPDC was because of the operational causes such as human error or machinery miscarriage and for this operational spill Shell company has compensated people who has suffered. 1. 1. 4 Economic Involvement: The local Nigerian communities is being benefited in a wide ranged through the finances and supports of Shell Company and mean while the company pays a great portion of taxes and royalties to the Nigerian Government. The Nigerian Government have earned about $38 billion form the taxes and royalties since 2007-2011 from Shell Company and this is a major contribution for the Nigerian Government in monetary terms. The Nigerian Government can use the funds in development sector, to increase the economic stability and to reduce the the poverty in the community. Adding to this Shell Company has donated $76. 3 million to Nigerian Government to enhance the community development projects, enhance skills training, agriculture and to support health care and small businesses. In 2010 local Nigerian companies have earned approximately $947 million contracting number of awards with Shell Company. 1. 2 Background of the Study: For those who lives in third world country it is really disturbing to acknowledge and understand that the whole country is organized to serve a small group of people. The Nigerian Government is ignoring all the oil spill and pollutions harmed by Shell Company. The Shell Company does not have any way to estimate the amount of oil spills in Nigeria. Shell Company power has influenced the Government of Nigeria and it’s people which has increase the hatred perception of people affected from the oil spills towards Shell Company and the Government because the people do not get anything from the revenue given by the Shell Company while on the other they are being affected through the destruction of their land, agriculture and other sources. The Government of Nigeria should compel Shell Company to commit the payment compensation of all the affected people in Nigeria. 1. 3 Objectives: 1. To provide Shell Company Introduction, its operation in Niger Delta, its ethical issues and social responsibilities. 2. To provide concerns of different Stakeholders in Shell Oil Spillage as a wicked problem. 3. To provide literature sources and references of theories regarding the Shell Company’s oil spills in Niger Delta. 4. To illustrate the stakeholders (Investors, CEO and local Nigerian employee) responses to the oil spills in Niger Delta. 5. To create productive understating for the stakeholders about the oil spills of Shell Company. Chapter 2 2. Wicked Problem and Stakeholders Sense Making Process: Wicked problem is a social or cultural problem which is very difficult or impossible to solve. In wicked situation the problem is not clearly defined due to which it is impossible to make solution for the problem. According to (Ezigbo, O. Bassey, O. , 2010) The Shell Oil Spills in Nigeria is also said to be a wicked problem because media is spreading news that the Government is not taking any action against the Shell Company because the Government is influenced by the power and revenues given by Shell Company. This also increases the hatred perception of the people towards the Shell Company. Another major problem is that the people affected by the oil spill are concerned and curious that whether they will receive the compensation against the disaster happened in their lands and agricultures or will Shell Company clean the places affected by the oil spills. The People is also curious to know that even if the oil spills are cleaned by the Shell company the effects of oil spills will remain there for several years. In order to solve this wicked problem multiple approaches should be used. Conklin, E. and Weil, W. (1997) states that â€Å"There are many stakeholders-people who care about or have something at stake in how the problem is resolved†. Following are the explanations to this wicked problem in respect of the three stakeholders of the Shell Oil Company. 1. The Shell Investors Viewpoint 2. The CEO Viewpoint 3. The Local Nigerian Shell Company Employee Viewpoint 2. 1. 1 The Shell Investors Viewpoint: The Investors in Shell Company being caught up in such a disaster situation of oil spills is a great concern. The Investors will be more concerned about their investments in the Nigeria due to which they would not be able to see what the situation is in community and if the investors does not take this substantial seriously and does not approach the problem correctly it will be a great loss both in short term and long term. The investors can take social responsibility approach by cleaning the environment from the oil spills disaster which will help the investors in long term by securing their investments. The benefit of cleaning effort is that it will establish good reputation of the organization and it will be a good investment for the investors because it will enhance the credibility and can lead the organization to better position within the industry. The investors can agree to the terms of Government and accept the compensation payment this will enhance the company’s image among the people of Nigeria. 2. 1. 2 The CEO Viewpoint: Leading the organization and controlling such wicked problem in a company requires serious and demanding leadership and the CEO should give full attention to this needs and concern of the company. The CEO can use sense-making and can involve other parties in order to find possible solution for solving the problem. The CEO should deeply measure the situation and the needs and anxiety of stakeholders associated with the situation. If the CEO applies resilient questioning the can find a common ground where all the associated parties with the problem will be considered. If the Shell Company takes the lead, accept its environmental responsibility and start the cleaning effort, it will benefit both the company image and credibility among the society and also while doing the cleaning effort they will hire employee from the local community which will indirectly benefit the local economy. The CEO can make a promise to public that the company will add new technologies and machineries in the company and can instruct the operational management to quickly handle this disaster. This action will give the stakeholders an image that the company is considering the rules and regulations of the Government as well as they care for the public. It will reassure the Shell Company image among Nigerian Government considerably that Shell Company is taking into consideration the ethics and operational standards of Nigeria. If the CEO approaches this way it will compel the investors to think that the company is going on the right way and if the company achieves this approach the company will attain the public acclaims and praises which will benefit Shell Company in long term as the public will assume that even in time of disaster Shell Company is fulfilling their responsibilities and is caring for the Nigerian Government and Public. The Local Nigerian Shell Company Employee Viewpoint: For local Nigerian Shell employee this issue will be very difficult because the employee will not be able to make decision regarding whether he/she should take the organization side or the Nigerian Government and Nigerian public side. The employee reaches to state where on one side the public and Government will develop thoughts the employee is working against the community they are harming the local community and destroying the environment through exerting oil spill pollutions and on the other side the employee should work in order to compensate the needs of their family members, their living costs and by working in such a Global organization the employee can earn more and can easily fulfill the needs of family members. In Such situation the employees cannot make decision regarding the company because the employee themselves tries hard to hide their identity because everyone is pointing finger on the company they works which may result to conflict between the employee and community members. The employee cannot decide to be on which side because such situation can affect the employee’s loyalty as well as can develop questions on the ethical and moral standards of the corporation. If the organization makes a social responsible response such as starting the cleaning effort so in that situation the employee will get encouraged and will take the responsibility to work both in company and will also take active part in the social context which will be a great approach for solving this wicked problem. If the organization does not consider the social responsible response then it will affect the employee’s loyalty and ethical standard and will produce a state in which the employee is forced to choose one among the company and the public. 2. 2 Literature Reviews and Sources: Decision Making: Brook (2009) states that â€Å"Poor decision making is often the result of short-term target setting, which is a particular feature of the decision processes of chief executives who are on fixed-term contracts†. In week seven I have learned different approaches of decision making process and the approach that I think the CEO should use is ‘bounded rationality decision’ because in bounded rationality the CEO will make the decision that the CEO first come across which is the CEO should compensate the people affected by the spillage and to clean the oil spillage. The CEO should use ‘bounded rationality decision’ because on one side the CEO have limited information about the problem that what the stakeholders will if the CEO do not compensate them or do not clean the oil spillage and on the other side the CEO has finite time to make decision. Donaldson, T. Preston, L. E. (1995) defines that in a survey it was found that 80% of the senior manager were not working to according to ethical code of the organization because the managers, employees and customers were thinking that they are not being valued by the organization instead the organization was giving values only the shareholders. If the organization do favoritism in decision making process it will harm the organization in long term because after the decision is made the employee will not implement the decision which will decrease the organizational productivity. If the organization involves all the stakeholders in decision making then after the decision is made everyone will agree to the decision will favorably implement the decision. 2. 2. 2 Shell Oil Spill a Wicked Problem: Shell Company oil spills are clear indicator of wicked problem and as we have studied in past weeks regarding wicked problems there is no true solution because the problem is not definitive. In order to solve the wicked problem a leader should first understand the problem that what is the problem and to understand the problem the leader should analyze and gather data regarding the problem. When the leader gathered data then he/she will implement that data in order to solve the problem. The shell company wicked problem solving involves following process. 1. Data Gathering: The CEO should gather data regarding the oil spillage the stakeholders associated with oil spills so that the CEO can find a solution. 2. Data Analysis: When the CEO gathered data regarding the oil spillage and associated stakeholders the CEO should analyze the data and form multiple solutions for this wicked problem. 3. Implementation of Solution: The CEO should consider and implement the best solution regarding the wicked problem. The CEO should consider the approach step by step. The CEO should not implement the gather data regarding the oil spillage without analyzing the data. The CEO should find solution and implement that solution which will not be effective. For a wicked problem there is no clean solution because the bases of such problem are not defined and that is why every wicked problem is managed differently. 2. 2. 3 The Associated Stakeholders: Stakeholders are people who have some sort of interest in the project or company. The primary stakeholders of the company are the investors (Shareholders), the employees, the company customers and suppliers while the secondary stakeholder’s are those who are associated with the company in one way or the other. The Stakeholders can affect the organization as well as can be affected by the organization actions. In case of Shell oil company the identified stake holders are the investors, local employees, CEO, the Nigerian Government and the community’s members who are affected from the oil spills. It is really important that while making decision the CEO should consider all the different stakeholder of the organization. The CEO should make sure that when the decision is made it should involve all the associated stakeholders. 2. 2. 4 Primary and Secondary Stakeholder Perspectives: In case of investors they should decrease the efforts of the charges on the company and should pay the compensation of $20 billion to the affected community members and Nigerian Government. In case of local Nigerian employee they want that all the charges regarding the oil spills gets solved so that they can state freely with no fear among the community that they are working with Shell Company because now they are also affected with this oil spill, the community members threat them badly because they think that these employees is also involved in the oil spillage process. In case of CEO, he/she should make a decision that should favor everyone an as per the case study the best decision to pay the compensation and clean the areas affected by the oil spillage. In case the Nigerian Government, they want to compel Shell Company to compensate the remedies of the oil spills. In case the community members; they want the affected area clean from oil spillage. They also want to be compensated for oil spillage because they consider that even if the affected area is cleaned by the Shell Company still for few years the oil spillage will have effect on the environment. Chapter 3 3. 1 Contrast between Various Leadership Styles: Throughout this module we have studied different types of leadership styles and approaches in relation to resolve wicked problem. This project will define the following three Leadership types. 1. Charismatic Leadership 2. Transactional Leadership 3. Transformational Leadership 3. 2 Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic Leadership is one of the best ways to boost and motivate the employees in order to achieve the organizational goals. Charismatic leaders use their charms to handle and solve a problem. They have strong influence over the followers though which the can make the followers accomplish the given task. Charismatic leaders energize the environment and inspire the followers to give their best while performing an action. Charismatic leaders enhance the moral of the employees and decrease the anxiety of the employee in wicked situation. In many organizations it is observed that during difficult situation the employee moral gets down so is the case with Shell Company oil Spills. The employee’s moral is depressed since they are in position where the community feels that they are working with a company which is harming the environment by exerting pollution in the society. The Community threats them and their family members gravely. In such case the employees can get offended from the situation and can damage the organization. The CEO should use charismatic leadership and should make the employees understand the oil spillage situation that it is not done intentionally by the company. The CEO should make employees realize that the company feeling regretful for the happened situation and the company will attempt hard to solve this wicked problem. This way the employees moral will get motivated and boosted and they will strive in resolving the situation. 3. 3 Transactional Leadership: Transactional leaders set goals and objectives for the organization and require the followers to attain the goal and objectives with in the specified time. If the employee achieves the goals and objective they get reward otherwise they are punished by the leaders in order to remain in compliance with the goals. In this leadership style the relationship between leader and manger is more of give and take which is if the employee achieve something he/she will receive something in return of it. The leaders closely monitors and controls the work of their followers that whether they are going on the right path or whether they are working in accordance to the plan given on not. In case of Shell Company oil spillage the CEO can sit objectives to employees that the employees should spread good image of the Shell Company among the community by informing the community that Shell Company will fulfill it social responsibility of cleaning the oil spill and is also committed to do the compensation payment to those who are affected by this oil spills. This way the employee will receive appreciation from the Shell Company and Shell Company will sustain its good image among the community by fulfilling the ethical standards of the community. Transformational Leadership: Transformational leaders are those who changes and transforms individuals. Transformational leadership is the skill to make the followers accept a changed and make them recover from a given situation. Transformational leadership can increases the organizations productivity and can result in organizational success because in this leadership styles the leaders give values to it followers. Transformational leaders are enthusiastic and passionate for the work they and is also concerned for others in helping them to perform well. Transformational leadership highlights that leaders should consider individualized needs and should support the individuals. The transformational leaders create vision and inspire the individuals to achieve the vision. The transformational leaders engage there followers in a way so that they get committed and the follower also become a leader in future. In case of Shell Company the employees are really discouraged because of their association with the company which has harmed the environment. The CEO can use transformational leadership and can energize the employees by making them participate in cleaning of the oil spills in one way or other. The CEO should require the employees to check all the machines and equipment’s that is used in manufacturing of oil so they company finds the discrepancies and divergence related to the machines. This will enhance employee morale and will energize them to work for the community’s bitterness. The CEO should also consult with the community heads which are affected by oil spillage and should assure them that their compensation will be paid the Shell Company. Chapter Four 4. 1 Conclusions and Recommendations: According to (Ezigbo, O. Bassey, O., 2010) the Shell Company is not only considered responsible for by the local community, the Nigerian Government, the environmental association for this environmental tragedy happened due to oil spill but also Shell Company was blamed for environmental devastation that has happened over the 50 years by Nigerian Government. The Shell Company reaction to this situation will have a crucial impact over shaping its business reputation in Nigeria for long-term. Taking this into consideration Shell Company is going through a serious problem which will not only have impact on Shell Company but also to the entire nation of Nigeria. In order to solve this issue Shell Company should work closely with the Nigerian government and the local community to find a common path. Shell Company should carefully use the leadership skills and strategies while dealing with the Nigerian Government and local community. Considering the stakeholder’s needs and distress, the CEO should manage to agree to the deal with the situation which is to accept its social responsibility and should deliver the compensation payment to the affected community and Nigerian Government as well the Shell Company should clean the environment in order to quite the media and NGO protest regarding Shell Company. It is true that committing the compensation payment to the affected peoples and fulfilling the social responsibility of cleaning the oil spill will be costly to Shell Company upfront but this action will benefit the company in long-term and will establish a good image of the company among the society they operate and also in global market. It is true that the oil spillage has happened by Shell Company but the oil spillage was not done intentionally. It is clear to everyone around the globe that Shell Company has either contracted or they by themselves have performed many of the humanitarian projects in order to enhance the social developments in the community. Shell Company has donated large amount of money to many communities for the betterment of that communities. The situation in Nigeria is very delicate and in order to resolve this delicate situation the CEO should use certain powers such as expert power, reward power and referent power.

Global Warming Exaggerated Essay Example

Global Warming Exaggerated Essay Example Global Warming Exaggerated Paper Global Warming Exaggerated Paper The problem is that what is obvious often isnt true. Concern over global warming is overblown and misdirected. More than 17,000 scientists have signed a petition circulated by the Oregon Institute of Science saying in part, there in no convincing scientific evidence that human release Of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earths atmosphere and disruption of the Earths climate. Satellite readings of temperatures in the lower troposphere show no warming since readings Egan 23 years ago. These readings are accurate within 0. 01 C, and are consistent with data from weather balloons. Only land-based temperature stations show a warming trend, and these stations do not cover the entire globe, and often contaminated by heat generated by nearly urban development, and are subject to human error (cited in American policy Roundtable, n. D. ). When it comes to government and industrial leaders, a certain number of these are not being honest to citizens about the amount of pollution the industries and countries create. According to Exact Weather, room an article called Hysteria, all the main players from politicians and scientists to big corporations and the United Nations benefit from instilling fear into billions of human beings over the unproven theory of man-made global warming, Indeed, just three weeks after the U. N. Ratcheted up international fears over global warming, a panel of 18 scientists from 1 1 countries has not reported to the U. N. That the only thing that can stop catastrophic climate change is a global tax on greenhouse gas emissions. : Global problems, real or conjured up, require global governmental solutions. Environmentalism is nothing less than the global elitists replacement ideology for communism/socialism. Elitists who desire to rule other peoples lives have gravitated an even more powerful ideology. More powerful because it seems to trump all other considerations, as it claims the very survival of life on earth is dependent on implementing its agenda. (cited in Exact Weather, n. D This is not the first time Americas major media has predicted an impending global climate crisis. It has happened four different time with each prediction warning that entire countries would be wiped out r that lower crop yields would mean the billions would die. In 1895, the panic was over an imminent ice age. Later, in the late 1 sass, when the earths surface warmed less than half a degree, the media jumped on a new threat ; global warming, which continued into the late sass. Then in 1975, the New York Times headlined that global cooling was inevitable. Then in 1 981, it was back to global warming, with the New York Times quoting seven government atmospheric scientists who predicted global warming of an almost unprecedented magnitude. (cited in Exact Weather, n. D. ). In an article written John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel, he believes that not only is global warming the greatest scam in history, he believes some dastardly scientists with environmental and political motives manipulated long term scientific data to create an allusion of rapid global warming. Other scientists have also jumped into the circle to support and broaden the research to further enhance the totally slanted, bogus global warming claims. Mr.. Coleman also believes that any person who spends a decade at a university obtaining a PHD in Meteorology and become a research scientist, ore likely than not, becomes a part of that single minded culture. They all look askance like anyone, certain of their superiority. They respect government and disrespect business, particularly big business. They are environmentalists about all else. These scientists know that if they do research and results are in no way alarming their research will gather dust on the shelf and their research will languish. But if they do research that sounds alarms, they will become well know and respected and receive scholarly awards and, very importantly, more research dollars will come flooding their ay. These scientists had to strive to be accepted, invited to present and review papers and travel to international meetings of the committee. Otherwise they were a nobody in the field. When many researchers did climate change studies in the late asss they were eager to produce findings that would be important and be widely noticed and trigger more research funding. It was easy for them to manipulate the data to come up with results they wanted to make headlines and at the same time drive their environmental agendas. Then their like-minded Ph. D colleagues reviews their ark and hastened to endorse it without question (Coleman, n. D. ). Everyone has heard already that global warming is an international problem. Some say worldwide organizations are needed to address the worldwide issue to make sure all nations adhere to standardized pollution regulations. Some countries and the regions that compromise them have there own rules and regulations set to determine the daily life of how much electricity, coal, nuclear power, and other resources can be used, as well as how cars can be made, how buildings and bridges can be built as to not effect environmental damage. All of this comes at an extra cost to society and put more debt to these countries that implement the regulations. According to the article Destroying America to Save the World the Kyoto Treaty is a international treaty designed to cut emissions that already contribute to global warming. The heart Of the global warming dispute remains quite important. Scientists have been debating the reality of climate change and its potential impact for years. Despite extensive scientific opposition, worldwide environmental groups pushed for action that led to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. The pact required reductions in emissions below 1990 levels for developed nations. When a BBC News report mentioned the estimated cost of the Kyoto Treaty if the United States implemented it, the result would be a damaging US economy with job losses and a increase in the price of energy by $2,000 per family. When the Fox News channel addressed the issue short, but to the point, it explained the reason for the U. S. Opposition was that the treaty would not force reductions by the developing nations including major polluters such as China, UT it would have cut emissions by about 30 percent beginning in 2008. Fox also mentioned that the supporters of the treaty believed the cost to American families was about $1 DO a year, while critics claimed it would have doubled the price of energy, costing families $2,700 a year. (Gainer, n. D. ) But this is not just the only example of regions, states, countries, or international communities imposing treaties or regulations that are costly. Arguments against Global Warming also mentions efforts by state governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are even more expensive and threaten to just state budgets. After raising their spending with reckless abandon during the sass, states now face a cumulative projected deficit of more than $90 billion. Incredibly, most states nevertheless, persist in backing unnecessary and expensive greenhouse gas reduction programs. New Jersey, for example, collected $358 millions a year in utility taxes to fund greenhouse gas reduction programs. Such programs will have no impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. All they do is destroy jobs and waste money (cited in American policy Roundtable, n. D. ). There are many developing nations that re beginning to feel the positive impact of economic growth and development. Some of those developing nations have shown high amounts of pollution that is clogging up these countries cities especially in China and India. The Kyoto protocol will not solve the problem because it costs are too much and there is skepticism about it among the international community. The best way to prevent developing countries from have revolutionary and economic uprisings is not through international public policies. In article called International Clean Energy Initiative from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, using Advanced, low-polluting energy technologies, developed and manufactured in the United States. It is an initiative built on a set of recommendations by the Presidents Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology and is directed at leveling the playing field between cleaner U. S. Energy technologies and services and polluting alternatives. While this technology carries higher up-front costs, and can be risky to decision-makers in developing countries, the real benefits of the initiative will help lay the technical and policy foundation that will allow developing and transition Mounties to build a clean energy future, leapfrogging past the polluting energy technologies used by the industrial countries. (cited in Office of Science and Technology Policy article, 2001, pig. ) The best option for world enforcement of pollution control, economic growth, and political stability is no regrets. Arguments against Global Warming mentions that while the alternative demands for immediate action to stop global warming, the best option is to do nothing. The best option is to invest in atmospheric research now and in reducing emissions sometimes in the future if the science comes more compelling. Right now, investments should be made to reduce emissions only when such inv estments make economic sense in their own right.

Maquiladoras in Mexico

Maquiladoras in Mexico Definition and Background The recent controversy over U.S. immigration policies regarding Hispanic people has caused us to overlook some very real economic realities regarding the benefits of Mexican labor to the U.S economy. Among those benefits is the use of Mexican factoriescalled maquiladorasto manufacture goods that will either be sold directly in the United States or exported to other foreign nations by American corporations. Although owned by Mexican companies, these factories often use materials and parts imported with few or no taxes and tariffs, under the agreement that the United States, or foreign countries, will control the exports of the products produced.   Maquiladoras originated in Mexico in the 1960s along the U.S. border. In the early to mid-1990s, there were approximately 2,000 maquiladoras with 500,000 workers. The number of maquiladoras skyrocketed after the passing of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, and it is not yet clear how proposed changes to NAFTA, or its dissolution, might affect the use of Mexican manufacturing plants by U.S. corporations in the future. What is clear is that currently, the practice is still of great benefit to both nationshelping Mexico reduce its unemployment rate and allowing U.S. corporations to take advantage of inexpensive labor. A political movement to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. may, however, change the nature of this mutually beneficial relationship. At one time, the maquiladora program was Mexicos second largest source of export income, second only to oil, but since 2000 the availability of even cheaper labor in China and Central American nations has caused the number of Maquiladora plants to steadily dwindle. In the five years following the passing of NAFTA, more than 1400 new maquiladora plants opened in Mexico; between 2000 and 2002, more than 500 of those plants closed.   Maquiladoras, then and now, primarily produce electronic equipment, clothing, plastics, furniture, appliances, and auto parts, and even today ninety percent of the goods produced at maquiladoras are shipped north to the United States. Working Conditions in Maquiladoras Today As of this writing, more than one million Mexicans working in over 3,000 maquiladora manufacturing or export assembly plants in northern Mexico, producing parts and products for the United States and other nations. Mexican labor is inexpensive and because of NAFTA, taxes and customs fees are almost nonexistent. The benefit for the profitability of foreign-owned businesses is clear, and most of these plants are found within a short drive of the U.S.-Mexico border. Maquiladoras are owned by U.S., Japanese, and European countries, and some could be considered sweatshops composed of young women working for as little as 50 cents an hour, for up to ten hours a day, six days a week. However, in recent years, NAFTA has started to drive changes in this structure. Some maquiladoras are improving the conditions for their workers, along with increasing their wages. Some skilled workers in garment maquiladoras are paid as much as $1 to $2 an hour and work in modern, air-conditioned facilities. Unfortunately, the cost of living in border towns is often 30% higher than in southern Mexico and many of the maquiladora women (many of whom are single) are forced to live in shantytowns surrounding the factory towns, in residences that lack electricity and water. Maquiladoras are quite prevalent in Mexican cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Matamoros that lie directly across the border from the interstate highway-connected U.S. cities of San Diego (California), El Paso (Texas), and Brownsville (Texas), respectively. While some of the companies that have agreements with the maquiladoras have been increasing their workers standards, most employees work without even knowing that competitive unionization is possible (a single official government union is the only one allowed). Some laborers work up to 75 hours a week. And some maquiladoras are responsible for significant industrial pollution and environmental damage to the northern Mexico region and the southern U.S.   The use of maquiladora manufacturing plants, then, is a decided benefit to foreign-owned corporations, but a mixed blessing to the people of Mexico. They offer job opportunities to many people in an environment where unemployment is an ongoing problem, but under working conditions that would be considered substandard and inhumane by much of the rest of the world. NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, has caused slow improvement in conditions for laborers, but changes to NAFTA may well spell a reduction in opportunities for Mexican workers in the future.

Managing IT-Enabled Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing IT-Enabled Change - Essay Example Again, no information directly relevant to practicing or leading to IT-enabled changes can be found in Kotter’s Model. It is guided in another previous research that organizational dynamics of IT-enabled changes must be understood by managers so that the challenging task of implementing advanced IT-enabled changes could be kept from failing (Manzoni and Angehrn, 1998, p. 110). As quoted by Iveroth (2010, p. 136), earlier research focuses more on strategic guidelines and research by Manzoni and Angehrn (1998) also does not address detailed elements of practice much. Still, it is not like previous research on IT-enabled change management could be called nonexistent as it actually recognizes that record for IT implementation has not remained very good. An example of this includes research by Benjamin and Levinson (1993) according to whom, â€Å"technology, business process, an organization must be adapted to each other for such change to be effective†. The researchers have retrieved the information from a total of 12 managers. The rationale behind interviewing only 12 managers is not clear. A better approach would have been to supplement the total number of interviewees with some reference from a research paper that justifies this number to represent the organization of Ericsson as a whole. Although the researchers have made a good effort in drawing information from a three-year case study of Ericsson, yet it is a relatively unusual case in that the evidence is quite specific to the case. It is hard to generalize the findings elsewhere given the technological expertise of Ericsson. Ericsson has been providing telecommunications equipment to the network operators all over the world for a long time, so their interaction with IT is probably much more than an average organization considering their nature of work.   

Critical reading assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical reading assignment - Essay Example The scientist argued that the Jews-Muslim convivencia had contrasting political motives or goals. Some state that Jews and Muslim existed in fully harmony that time. Others state that they were under pressure all the time, and their rights were impaired. For better understanding the Jews position, Cohen in his article used a comparative approach, and in such way explained lots of gaps. Undoubtedly, it was the period of harmony existence of the Jews and the Muslims, but nevertheless there were some restrictions and exceptions. Cohen tries to show how different were life the Jews in Islamic and Christian world. According to the article, Jews had lots of rights in Muslim world, they were well informed and took part in Muslim courts and economic life, and at the same time their position among the Christian were between the horns of dilemma (Cohen 4). According to the archives, it is possible to make a conclusion that the Jews adopted in some way the elements of culture of the Muslims. It to study the culture of Jews carefully, it is possible to find many similarities between their culture and the culture of Muslims. Those who lived in the Christian lands suffered along the whole history. Those who lived in Ashkenazic world suffered much less than historians stated in theirs book. Cohen provides in the article much approval concerning this point. He claimed that they had rights; moreover, they had integrated some Christian motives into Judaism as well. It is essential to pay attention to what attitude Islam and Christianity had to the Judaism. Speaking about religion, Islam treated Judaism much more positively than Christianity. If we read the New Testament we can find that Jews were rejected on theological basis. The Qur’an is not rejecting religious pluralism, but at the same time considers Islam to be the prevailing religion. The difference is that Islam is monotheistic religion, as opposed to the Christianity, with its Trinity. The other significant diffe rence is that Muhammad died naturally in contrast to the Christ, who was crucified. These differences caused quite different attitude to the Jews and their position among the Reconquista Spain and the Ashkenazic lands (Cohen 4). The Jews had a legal status in Muslim world. They had to pay some per year taxes, they had no restrictions on the manifestation of their religion, they only had to wear a special clothes, in order to be recognized among Muslims. They were trusted enough to hold the official positions. There was a period when both the Jews and the Christian can participate in the political life of the Islamic states. They could be translators or diplomats. Cohen in his article pays especial attention to the economic factor. The Muslims and the Christians had absolutely different approach and attitude towards the Jews. The Jews were associated with luxury, they were international traders. But later they Christians developed bad attitude towards them. Quite different attitude c ould be noticed in the Islamic world. They not only served some goods, but also had some functions, wrote letters etc â€Å"For other reasons, too, Jews occupied a more stable and enduring place in the social order of Islam than they did in northern Christian Europe. Islam, like Christendom, is a hierarchical society. Jews occupied a place on the hierarchical ladder-- a lowly place but a place nonetheless. The same was true of Christendom in the early middle

The advanced language proficiency stage Essay Example for Free

The advanced language proficiency stage Essay In this stage, the students now gradually progressed to be self-sufficient with the language they are about to used and is now condensed to participate actively in classroom discussions and activities. Students can now speak grammatically correct and may be more prone to fewer errors to writing and speech defects. Motivation from their classroom advisers and family is what the learner really need for the fast pacing of the continued process he / she might be undergoing especially in context areas of writing. This stage is gained after five to seven years of the initial stage. In this stage more problems occurs specially in the maintenance of the new language acquired. One of them is the too fluency to speak of a native language that enables them to follow the flow of the second language. At the beginning of this stage, teachers widely suggest the emergence of the second language that of the language known by the students’ native tongue. Another hindrance is that, the students may took the language learning easy and may look out the sound of the speech and writing as good and not of its basic content. This occurs specially during the times when students thought they had known enough of the new language now, not peculiar to them. Teachers of children with limited English proficiency need to be not only good models of language use but also the good representation of someone the students could look up to in terms of enjoyable learning and camaraderie. In particular, they should give buoyancy to the children to practice English as much as possible. Providing these students corroboration of speech and writing by intensifying on the childrens vocabulary repertoire and by speaking coherently even ahead of a small group will help them adjust more of the said language Adjustments in instruction, however, should not include a lowering of standards and setting off the traditional records for these children and this would only be possible with the aid of the school administration itself. The instructors should formidably do their task of finding more ways to improve the speech and writing abilities of these students that will promote new techniques and would eventually lead them to be more intelligible adults of their era. If they weren’t willing to participate in class, this doesnt mean they are not learning but just think that they are willing and so, lead them to further advancements for them to gather enough confidence. There are no such fast learners. As soon as they become fluent to the new language, they would become easily at ease adapting and using what is taught to them. References: Haynes, J. ( 2005 ) Stages of Second Language Acquisition. Retrieved April 25, 2007 from http://www. everythingesl. net Reed, B. ( 2003 ) Overview of the Second Language Acquisition Theory. Retrieved April 25, 2007 from http://www. nwrel. org/request/2003may/overview. html John Stanford International School. Stages of Second Language Acquisition. Retrieved April 25, 2007 from http://www. seattleschools. org/schools/JohnStanfordIntlSchool/Teaching/kand1/immersion_stages. html.

Deep Ecology And Religion Essay -- essays research papers

Through this portion of class readings and discussions, we have sought deeper meaning and understanding of philosophies of individuals and organizations that revolve around the fundamental aspects and notions of deep ecology and eco-activism. These associations offer more views and attitudes on how an individual and society can create and maintain a kinship and positive influence with the natural environment. Like deep ecologist’s view on the metaphysical relationship of man and nature. Eco-activist’s contend to a belief of â€Å"ecology as religion†(Kinsley 193). They take their duty with the environment as a deeply spiritual, physical, and emotional connection. Specifically, an environmental-action group called Green Peace, brings forth a new term called â€Å"planetary consciousness†(Kinsley 199). This consciousness parallels the views of deep ecologists by means that they believe and affirm the inter-dependence and significance of all living things. This planetary consciousness outlines and proclaims that individuals and society must learn to respect the entire earth as an integral and animated system, this respect must equal the respect each individual shows themselves. This view is reasonable and valid and allows mankind a more intimate, religious, and personal vantage of the living world. However, the application of this lifestyle and relationship to the majority of society seems inconceivable. Since humanity cannot even maintain an intimate relationship with another individual, for instance the ever-increasing rate of divorce and separations in marriages. This matrimony has been viewed as sacred throughout the history of humanity yet infidelity and divorce remain severely high. While society’s view of nature, as a revered and animated character is still frequently unfamiliar and unpracticed. Therefore, it seems implausible for immediate action to occur because based on the history of mankind’s slow and inflexib le ability to change their behavior and conduct. Max Oelschlaeger claimed in The Sacred Earth that â€Å"the modern person has lost sight of the sacredness of creation†(539). This accurate statement can be furthered that mankind has lost touch with the sacredness in all relationships, most importantly with themselves. Therefore, in order to change an individual’s perceptions on the natural world they must first reanalyze and reconstruct their image and beh... ...eservation. The eco-activist group, Earth First, is an organization that tries to grasp the world’s attention through radical actions to save the environment. Their beliefs are extended from deep ecologist thought believing that every non-human entity deserves the same rights and respect as humans. This organization will give society a jaded notion on how to preserve the environment through their violent actions and protests. Their code claims that they will abide by â€Å"any and all means† to resist the destruction of the natural world (Kinsley 200). Their acts will definitely be noticed by society through media but I feel many will close their eyes to the fundamental idea Earth First is trying to represent because of their radical and malicious acts. Though this organization is acting for the higher good of the environment, they are putting other humans in danger, which is not a justifiable or principled achievement. Therefore, in order to reconstruct an individual’s view to a more positive and respectful relationship with environment we must teach and act non-violently, unlike the organization Earth First, and apply the principles of bio-regionalism, Green Peace, and deep ecology.

Race, Gender and Ethnicity Problems in Education Essay

Education has faced race, gender and ethnic problems for many years. This continuous problem in all most likelihood will not be solved. Educational issues involving race, gender, and ethnicity of all schools will always cause controversy in society as long as there is prejudice and hatred. Education should not look at ones race. We are who we are because that is the way that God intended us to be. Many blacks are prejudice and have hatred in their hearts for things that happen in the past that this generation has no control over. I believe that we all are equal and should be treated equal in every aspect. Every race has a right to the best educational opportunity available. Admittance in to a University should not be based on race; it should be based on the highest academic grade averages. Blacks, whites, Hispanics, and any other race should have the same opportunities. In my opinion if some, one of a certain race should not take priority over academic standings. However, on the other hand many black are very lazy and want to sit back and wait for the white society to give them every thing on a silver platter. Please do not take this comment in the wrong way, I am not a prejudice person, several of my best friends are black. In my opinion, this is why there is such a social and economical break down in the black society. Blacks have the same social and economical opportunities as whites or any other race or gender; it is just a matter of wanting to take advantage of opportunities and being willing to help their self. I totally disagree with the fact that students that come from an inner city school get the worse education. My children go to an inner city school and they are very much up to state standards for their grade level. In fact, Social Circle scored in the ninety percentile for the 2002 state graduation test. Social Circle City School is sixty-five percent black population. In conclusion, race, gender and ethic background should not make a difference in the type or quality of education that a child receives. All should be treated equal. If a black child earns a placement over a white child then  give them the placement. The same if the roles where switched. We need to stop making a difference in race, gender, and the ethnicity of students and treat them all equal according to their ability.

Export Assistance and Incentives

Export incentives Devices used by countries to encourage exports. These can include tax incentives for exporters, allowing them exemptions from the normal provisions of anti-monopoly legislation, preferential access to capital markets, priority Developing countries have started manufacturing industries only recently. As a result, their cost of production generally tends to be high because of the following reasons: ? Total market availability within the country is small with the result that the economies of large-scale production cannot be reaped. Productivity of labor is low because the level of mechanization as compared to that in the developed countries is low. ?Manufacturing units in developing countries, being small and new, have considerably less expertise in the field of international marketing and because the volume of exports is low, the per unit cost of trade promotion expenditure tends to be high. India has to raise higher resources for development which has to be done thro ugh a number of indirect levies which tend to push up the overall cost of production.Most developing countries have, therefore, resorted to a number of export promotion measures. India has also been providing export assistance to Indian exporters. However, the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and countervailing duties does not allow specific types of export subsidies. The Government of India is, therefore, removing those export incentives which are not WTO compatible. NEW SYSTEM OF EXPORT ASSISTANCE: From 1992, export incentive system in India has been made simple. There are essentially three major incentives.These are: (1) Market-based Exchange Rate; (2) Fiscal Concessions, and (3) Facilities under the Export-Import Policy. These are discussed in detail below: MARKET BASED EXCHANGE RATE: For long, external value of the rupee was managed by the Reserve bank of India (RBI) by pegging the value of the rupee to a basket of currencies. RBI used to keep the value of the rupee at a level which was higher than the real value. In the post-Economic Reforms period, the Government of India decided to abolish all direct incentives to exports and promote exports through the exchange rate mechanism.Accordingly, the Liberalized Exchange Rate Management System (LERMS) was introduced. Under this system, there were two exchange rates: one official rate which was determined by the RBI as was the practice earlier; and second, a rate which was quoted by the banks based on the demand-supply position. Exporters had to surrender 40 per cent of their foreign exchange earnings to banks and could sell the residual 60 percent at the market rate which was normally expected to be more attractive than the official rate.Through this mechanism the Government hoped to achieve two objectives: First the difference between the market rate and the official rate would provide enough incentives to the exporters. Second, this would introduce a self-balancing mechanism for the balance of trade, because only that much imports could be made which could be financed through the market i. e. the resources available through the 60 percent account. One year’s experience revealed that rupee remained stable in the international market. This gave to the Government for full convertibility on the trade account.Accordingly, rupee was made fully convertible for export-import transactions in March 1993. This would provide more financial benefit to the exporters as under the LERMS, they had to surrender 40 per cent of their receivables at a discount which averaged about 15 per cent when LERMS was in operation. Since March 1993, the exchange rate of the rupees is fully determined by the demand supply conditions in the market. Under such a system, exporters will get benefit when rupee depreciates while importers will lose. When rupee appreciates, the balance of benefits will be just the reverse. TAX CONCESSIONS: a)In the computation of total income, Section 80-HHC allows a deduction of the whole of the profit derived from the export of goods or merchandise. The requirement of minimum tax contained in Section 115-J does not apply to exporting corporate assesses. This benefit is also available to supporting manufacturers exporting through Export/ Trading Houses provided that the amount of deduction claimed is retained as a reserve for the purpose of the business of the assesse. However, the budget for the year 2000-2001 has reduced this exemption by 20 per cent every year to be phased out in five years. b)Exemption from taxation of the profits from overseas projects to the extent of 50 per cent. (c)Exemption from taxation of 50 per cent of royalty, commission, fees or any similar payment obtained from the exports of technical know-how and technical services. (d)A 10-year tax holiday for 100 per cent export-oriented units and for units located in Free Trade/Export Processing Zones. (e)Discounted rates of customs duty on imports of selected items of machinery for export produc tion. ? EXPORT ASSISTANCE AND INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO THE EXPORTSExport assistance and a variety of facilities and export incentives available to the Exporters are given in mindset and more aggressive approach is needed to develop technology. Export capabilities and to enhance such exports. These may include better Management of trade policies at international level, simplified procedures, better Incentives for high value-technology incentives exports etc. Export incentives can play an integral role in developing export capability and can encourage exports by providing financial assistance to exporting companies to enable them to compete effectively in international markets.For South African industries facing exchange rate fluctuations and constant threats of competitors in other developing markets, tools to enhance global access to key markets are imperative. In addition to benefits available under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) (legislation passed in the United St ates of America), bilateral trade agreements such as the one between South Africa and the European Union, the General System of Preferences (GSPs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) provide assistance ranging from marketing support to export credits. The primary export incentives currently in operation in South Africa include: ? Export marketing and investment assistance scheme (EMIA) ? Tariff Restructuring Program, ?Sector Assistance Scheme (SSAS), ?Rebate Provisions ?Export Credit and Foreign Investment Reinsurance Scheme (ECRS), ? Duty Credit Certificate Scheme (DCCS), ?Motor Industry Development Program (MIDP), ?Sector Partnership Fund, ?Export Credit Incentives and Export Finance. EXPORT MARKETING AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (EMIA)The purpose of the EMIA scheme is to partially compensate exporters for certain costs incurred in respect of activities aimed at developing export markets for South African pro ducts and to recruit new foreign direct investment into South Africa. Additional benefits are awarded to small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and businesses owned by the previously disadvantaged. The financial assistance is in the form of reimbursement and is not a pre-paid benefit.TARIFF RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM: By virtue of South Africa’s World Trade Organization (WTO) membership, import tariff levels are also being reduced and the import tariff listings are being simplified by reducing the number of tariff headings. Export incentives relate only to the export of goods destined for recognized export markets, which in general means to countries outside the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). SECTOR ASSISTANCE SCHEME (SSAS)Financial assistance is available to industry sectors with the objectives of developing new export markets; broadening the export base; stimulating the participation of SMMEs in the export sector, promoting black economic empowerment (BEE) and women empowerment within the overall objective of job creation. REBATE PROVISIONS: Is aimed at the promotion of manufacturing and exportation of goods, and are available to certain manufacturing industries in respect of duties applicable to imported goods, raw materials and components used in manufacturing, processing and for export.EXPORT CREDIT AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT REINSURANCE SCHEME (ECRS) Provides exporters with insurance cover against political and transfer risks, as well as commercial and insolvency risks. A special dispensation exists for SMMEs. DUTY CREDIT CERTIFICATE SCHEME (DCCS) This scheme is designed as a temporary â€Å"kick-start† measure to enhance the export competitiveness of certain prescribed textile and clothing products by offering duty credit certificates to qualifying exporters. These duty credit certificates could be used to off-set customs duties payable on import of similar products.MOTOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (MIDP) Is available to motor vehicle assemblers and component manufacturers and exporters. The programme enables local vehicle and component manufacturers to increase production runs and encourages rationalization of the number of models manufactured by way of exports and complementing import of vehicles and components. EXPORT CREDIT INCENTIVE Financing at reduced rates by the Investment Development Corporation (IDC). An export credit incentive is available to selected expansion schemes expected to result in increased foreign exchange earnings.Financing of credit for exporters of capital goods is also available through the IDC or private-sector merchant banks at reduced rates. ? Credit facilities under the export finance scheme for capital projects: Credit facilities are available to exporters of capital projects under the Export Finance Scheme for Capital Projects to allow them to compete internationally by offering buyers competitive rates denominated in US Dollars. FACILITIES AND INCENTIVES TO INDIAN EXPORTE RS Promotion of export has been a major thrust area of the Ministry of Commerce And Industry for the last three decades.Apart from this. Many other Central/State Ministries have also been involved in the promotion of India’s exports. Many Exports Promotion Councils, Public Sector Undertakings, Chambers of Commerce, Industries’ Associations and Services Organizations are also contributing towards the promotion of Indian exports. The facilities and incentives presently available to the Indian exporters include the Following. MARKETING DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (MDA) The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has a scheme of MDA, which was launched in 1963 with a view to stimulate and diversify the export trade, along with he development of marketing of Indian products and commodities abroad. The MDA is utilized for: Market research, commodity research, area survey and research; Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions; Export publicity and dissemination of information; Trade delegation and study teams; Establishment of offices and branches in abroad; Grant-in-aid to Export Promotion Councils and other approved organizations for the development of exports and the promotion of foreign trade; and any other scheme which is generally aimed at promoting the development of markets for Indian products and commodities abroad.MARKET ACCESS INITIATIVE (MAI) The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced the MAI in April 2001 with the idea that the Government shall assist the industry in R&D, market research, specific market and product studies, warehousing and retail marketing infrastructure in select countries and direct market promotion activities through media advertising and buyer-seller meets. Financial assistance shall be available under the scheme to EPCs, industry and trade associations and other eligible activities, as may be notified from time to time. A small allocation of Rs 42 corer has been made for 2002-03. ?CENTRAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES The S tate Governments shall be encouraged to fully participate in encouraging exports from their respective States. For this purpose, a new scheme â€Å"Assistance to States for Infrastructural Development for Exports† (ASIDE) has been initiated which would provide funds to the States based on the twin criteria or gross exports and the rate of growth of exports from different States. Eighty per cent of the total funds would be allotted to the States based on the above criteria and remaining 20 per cent will brutalized by the Centre for various infrastructure activities that cut across State boundaries, etc.A sum of Rs 49. 5 crore has already been sanctioned for 2001-02 and furthers a sum of Rs 330 crore has also been approved for 2002-03. The State shall utilize this amount for developing complementary and critical infrastructure. TOWNS OF EXPORT EXCELLENCE A number of towns in specific geographical locations have emerged as dynamic industrial locations and handsomely contributing to India’s exports. These industrial cluster-towns have been recognized with a view to maximizing their export profiles and help in upgrading them to move up the higher value markets.A beginning is being made to consider industrial cluster towns such as Tripura for Hosiery, Panipat for Woolen Blankets and Ludhiana for Woolen knitwear. Common service providers in these areas shall be entitled for EPCG Scheme, funds under the MAI scheme for creating focused technological services, priority assistance for identified critical infrastructural gaps from the Scheme on Central Assistance to States. Units in these notified areas would be eligible for availing all the Exim Policy Scheme. The Government of India has framed several schemes to promote exports and to obtain foreign exchange.These schemes grants incentive and other benefits. The few important export incentives, from the point of view of indirect taxes are briefed below: ? FREE TRADE ZONES (FTZ) Several FTZs have been estab lished at various places in India like Kandla, Noida, Cochin, etc. No excise duties are payable on goods manufactured in these zones provided they are made for export purpose. Goods being brought in these zones from different parts of the country are brought without the payment of any excise duty. Moreover, no customs duties are payable on imported raw material and components used in the manufacture of such goods being exported.If entire production is not sold outside the country, the unit has the provision of selling 25% of their production in India. On such sale, the excise duty is payable at 50% of basic plus additional customs or normal excise duty payable if the goods were produced elsewhere in India, whichever is higher. ELECTRONIC HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY PARK / SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS This scheme is just like FTZ scheme, but it is restricted to units in the electronics and computer hardware and software sector. ADVANCE LICENCE / DUTY EXEMPTION ENTITLEMENT SCHEME (DEEC)In this s cheme advance licence, either quantity based (Qbal) or value based (Vabal), is given to an exporter against which the raw materials and other components may be imported without payment of customs duty provided the manufactured goods are exported. These licence are transferable in the open market at a price. EXPORT PROMOTION CAPITAL GOODS SCHEME (EPCG) According to this scheme, a domestic manufacturer can import machinery and plant without paying customs duty or settling at a concessional rate of customs duty.But his undertakings should be as mentioned below: Customs Duty RateExport ObligationTimetime 10%4 times exports (on FOB basis) of CIF value of machinery5 years Nil in case CIF value is Rs200mn or more. 6 times exports (on FOB basis) of CIF value of machinery or 5 times exports on (NFE) basis of CIF value of machinery. 8 years Nil in case CIF value is Rs50mn or more for agriculture, aquaculture, animal husbandry, floriculture, horticulture, poultry and sericulture. 6 times expor ts (on FOB basis) of CIF value of machinery or 5 times exports on (NFE) basis of CIF value of machinery. years . Note:- NFE stands for net foreign earnings. CIF stands for cost plus insurance plus freight cost of the machinery. FOB stands for Free on Board i. e. export value excluding cost of freight and insurance. DEEMED EXPORTS The Indian suppliers are entitled for the following benefits in respect of deemed exports: ? Refund of excise duty paid on final products ?Duty drawback ?Imports under DEEC scheme ?Special import licenses based on value of deemed exports The following categories are treated as deemed exports for seller if the goods are manufactured in India: 1.Supply of goods against duty free licences under DEEC scheme 2. Supply of goods to a 100 % EOU or a unit in a free trade zone or a unit in a software technology park or a unit in a hardware technology park 3. Supply of goods to holders of licence under the EPCG scheme 4. Supply of goods to projects financed by multila teral or bilateral agencies or funds notified by the Finance Ministry under international competitive bidding or under limited tender systems in accordance with the procedures of those agencies or funds where legal agreements provide for ender evaluation without including customs duty 5. Supply of capital goods and spares upto 10% of the FOR value to fertilizer plants under international competitive bidding 6. Supply of goods to any project or purpose in respect of which the Ministry of Finance permits by notification the import of goods at zero customs duty along with benefits of deemed exports to domestic supplies 7. Supply of goods to power, oil and gas sectors in respect of which the Ministry of Finance permits by notification benefits of deemed exports to domestic supplies MANUFACTURE UNDER BONDThis scheme furnishes a bond with the manufacturer of adequate amount to undertake the export of his production. Against this the manufacturer is allowed to import goods without paying a ny customs duty, even if he obtain it from the domestic market without excise duty. The production is made under the supervision of customs or excise authority. DUTY DRAWBACK IT means the rebate of duty chargeable on imported material or excisable material used in the manufacturing of goods in and is exported.The exporter may claim drawback or refund of excise and customs duties being paid by his suppliers. The final exporter can claim the drawback on material used for the manufacture of export products. In case of re-import of goods the drawback can be claimed. The following are Drawbacks: ?Customs paid on imported inputs plus excise duty paid on indigenous imports. ?Duty paid on packing material. Drawback is not allowed on inputs obtained without payment of customs or excise duty.In part payment of customs and excise duty, rebate or refund can be claimed only on the paid part. In case of re-export of goods, it should be done within 2 years from the date of payment of duty when the y were imported. 98% of the duty is allowable as drawback, only after inspection. If the goods imported are used before its re-export, the drawback will be allowed as at reduced per cent. ? NAME Yash patel COLLEGE NAME Kamala Mehta College of commerce ROLL NO. 156 PROJECT NAME Export assistance and incentives CLASS T. Y. BCOM (B) ?

Civil War Funeral Orations essays

Civil War Funeral Orations essays Throughout the course of history, there have been many civil wars. In those civil wars, many persons fought and died in battles to defend their beliefs. In the aftermath of a major battle, a peoples morale is as shattered and broken as the bodies of those that were slain. Following the battle, a funeral is conducted in remembrance of the deceased. At these funerals a funeral oration is usually given by a well-known domestic public figure, such as when Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address in 1863 AD and when Pericles gave his funeral oration to Athens in 431 BC. These speeches were made not only to put to rest the souls of the dead and the grief of those who knew them, but to give those people hope that their friends and loved ones did not die in vain and to remind them why their civil war was being fought. The Peloponnesian War was fought from 431-409 BC. It was a civil war between the Greek city-states and was lead by Sparta and its allies against the dominating Athenian government. The Athenian leader, Pericles, was a learned scholar and an ingenious military general. His speeches were known for their ability to motivate and give courage to a crowd whether it was to his soldiers in the final moments right before a battle or to a gathering in the streets of Athens. After the first few battles of the Peloponnesian War, Pericles was asked to give the funeral oration for those that were slain in defense of Athens. He did not offer his condolences to the families of those that died, but he offered them comfort. He did this because the men that died in those battles did not do so in vain, for dying in defense of ones city-state had nothing to do with vanity in the eyes of the Greek. He said that the gift they commonly gave for Athens had no equal. That is why he declared them he roes and Greek heroes would always be remembered in their tales and stories for ages to come, which is why he ...

Misconceptions About Family Crests and Coats of Arms

Misconceptions About Family Crests and Coats of Arms Do you have a family coat of arms? If so, it may not be exactly what you think. Many people throughout history have used coats of arms ornamentally without giving much thought to the accuracy of their design or their own right to use them. There are, unfortunately, many companies in business today who will sell you your family coat of arms on a t-shirt, mug, or handsomely engraved plaque. While these companies are not necessarily out to scam you, their sales pitch is very misleading and, in some cases, outright incorrect. Coat of Arms Versus Family Crest A coat of arms is essentially a graphic display of your familys name, made unique in some way to the individual bearer.  A traditional coat of arms typically includes a patterned shield that is decorated with a crest, a helmet, a motto, a crown, a wreath, and a mantling. The oldest son would often inherit the coat of arms from his father without any changes, while younger brothers often added symbols to make theirs unique. When a woman married, the coat of arms of her family was often added to her husbands arms, called marshaling. As families grew, the shield of the coat of arms was sometimes divided into different parts (e.g. quartered) to represent the merging of families (although this is not the only reason a shield might be divided). Many people interchangeably use the terms crest and coat of arms to refer to the same thing, however, the crest is just one small part of the full coat of arms- an emblem or symbol worn upon a helmet or crown.   Finding a Familys Coat of Arms Except for a few individual exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a family coat of arms for a particular surname - despite the claims and implications of some companies to the contrary. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families or surnames. A form of property, coats of arms may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Such grants were (and still are) made by the proper heraldic authority for the country in question. The next time you come across a product or scroll with a family coat of arms for your surname, remember that your carrying of a particular name, such as Smith, doesnt grant you the right to any of the hundreds of coats of arms borne throughout history by others named Smith. Therefore, how could an individual or company that has not researched your direct family tree know whether you have inherited the right to display a particular coat of arms? If youre looking for something fun to wear on a t-shirt or display in your home, then these items are okay, though misrepresentative. But  if youre looking for something from your own family history, then buyer beware! Determining Whether an Ancestor Was Awarded a Coat of Arms If you would like to learn if a coat of arms was awarded to one of your ancestors, you will first need to research your family tree back to the ancestor you believe may have been granted a coats of arms, and then  contact  the College of Arms or appropriate authority for the country  your ancestor was from and request a search in their records (they often provide this service for a fee). While it is unlikely, although possible, that an original coat of arms was granted to an ancestor on your direct paternal line (handed down from father to son), you may also be able to find a family connection to a coat of arms.  In most countries you can design and even register your own individual coat of arms, so you could create one for yourself based on the arms of someone who shared your surname, from another ancestor in your family tree, or from scratch- to represent something special to your family and its history.

Automotive production levels Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Automotive production levels - Research Paper Example Details Quarter ending 31st August 2012 Quarter ending 31st August 2011 1 Production levels 9.026 million Units 8.385 million Units 2 Inventory levels $ 14.32 billions $ 12.13 billions 3 Operational costs $ 144.62 billions $ 130.50 million 4 Sales $ 150.30 billions $ 135.40 billions 5 Price $ 16,650.00 $ 16,150.00 1. Demand -supply analysis Price $ 5,000 $ 10,000 $ 15,000 $ 20,000 Units sold 15,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 The above table shows different units that customers are wishing to buy at different prices. Given a price of $5,000, customers are willing to purchase 15,000 units, and this number reduces to 8,000 units given a price of $ 20,000. Graphical representation Price 20,000 f a? g ?e 15,000 ? Equilibrium point (e0) 10,000 h ? ? 5,000 c ? ?b j k 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 Quantity demanded The above graph slants downwards from left to right. Notably, as price reduces, quantity of automobiles demanded increases and it turns the vice versa when the price increases. 2. Equilib rium price and quantity The point (e0) gives the equilibrium price of $ 12,250 and quantity $ 12,000 units. This point represents the favorable price that the buyers are willing to pay for a certain car model they buy from the company. Any point above the equilibrium price represents a higher price with corresponding lower quantities of automobiles sold. On the other hand, any point below the equilibrium point represents a lower price at which the buyers would buy more of automobiles. According to the data collected for General Motors, the above graph shows that the company is selling at high prices, which results to reduced quantity demanded. The company is offering its automobiles at an average price of $ 16,550, whereby 9.026 million units are sold. To maximize the number of units sold, the management should consider lowering the price in response to the market forces of demand and supply, up to $ 12,250 in order to achieve equilibrium. At this point, the quantity demanded will i ncrease by 2.974 million units. This action will make General Motors automobiles cheaper than those of the competitors, thereby increasing their demand. Interestingly, the demand will continue to grow and will eventually lead to increased production that will enable the company to enjoy increased economies of scale from the suppliers of raw materials (Arribas et al., 2009). Since General Motors is a global company, the increased demand will cause internal advantages to the firm, as well as result to the establishment of additional subsidiaries across the globe. 3. Price Elasticity of Demand Price elasticity of demand refers to change in quantity demanded as a result of significant change in price. To derive price elasticity of demand, the following formula is used: Price elasticity of demand = (Q1-Q2)/ (Q1+Q2) (P1-P2)/ (P1+P2) The demand is said to be elastic if the price elasticity is greater than 1. This implies that the quantity demanded changes faster than the price. On the othe r hand, if the price elasticity of demand is lesser than one, the price elasticity is said to be inelastic implying that the quantity demanded changes slower than the price. Lastly, if price elasticity arrived at is equal to one, then this is referred to unitary condition, which shows that quantity demanded and price changes at the same rate (Freeman, 1977). Computation of price elasticity of demand for GM P1- $ 12,250 P2- $ 16,650 Q1- $ 12,000 Q2- $ 9,026 Therefore, Price elasticity