Thursday, November 28, 2019

The US Relationships with Panama and China

The U.S. and Panama Relationships since the End of the Cold War The USA and Panama relationships after the Cold War started with the invasion of the USA into the country. This was the first large-scale force of the USA non-connected with the Cold War. The main reason of such invasion was the overturn of the authoritarian leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega, â€Å"a corrupt dictator heading an efficient narcomilitaristic regime in Panama† (Gilboa, 1995, p. 539).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The US Relationships with Panama and China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The USA did not plan to provide military operations in the direction of Panama. Trying to warn, convince, beg, etc., the USA wanted to cope with the task by means of peaceful negotiations. However, Manuel Antonio Noriega did not want to stop harmful actions, therefore, the USA desired to act. Nevertheless, the USA just wanted to give a les son to the Panama leader and the force invasion was just the means for warning. However, the ac t was not that successful as the USA thought. After this measure, Panama was not of the high opinion of the USA. The USA was expected to learn a good lesson â€Å"after the damage of bureaucratic infighting and miscommunication was evident in the Panama and the Gulf crises† (Gilboa, 1995, p. 540). The U.S. and Panama Current Relationships Sullivan (2011) characterizes the current relationships of the USA with Panama as â€Å"extensive cooperation on counternarcotics efforts; support to promote Panama’s economic, political, and social development; and a proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) that was signed in 2007† (p. 14). The free trade agreement between these two countries brings much advantage of the both parties of the deal. The USA offers great financial support for the development of the Panama business. The USA and Panama conduct many security operation s together. The relationships between these two countries are rather friendly, however, these relations are based on a number of treaties and agreements which are signed officially. Panama is unable to cope with drug trafficking and money laundering, there fore, the USA offers its assistance in such questions. The USA is interested in dealing with the issue as the USA remains one of the main markets for Panama drugs due to the appropriate geographical location.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Obama exclaimed to develop the labor and tax policy to make sure that the relationships between Panama and the USA are correctly signed. Therefore, Panama citizens have an opportunity to work legally on the territory of the USA with the minimum required documents and other legal issues. Panama Canal has always been the issue for discussion between the USA and Panama. Howeve r, the recent treaties have been developed where the Panama Canal remains the property of Panama, however, the USA has an opportunity to use it in military purposes whenever it needs. The U.S. and China Current Relationships The end of the Cold War presupposed that great changes are going to be completed in the configuration of the international relations. The USA shifted its interest from the European countries into the Asian ones. It should be mentioned that China has become the focus of the USA due to its rapid development. The USA understood that China is going to enter the world economics in the nearest future and the friendly market relationships with this country would bring good profit. Of course, the USA could not expect that everything would go straight, as â€Å"China’s involvement in international institutions, norms, and regimes in the near future† (Islam, 2006, p. 24) as well as the USA policy in the direction of China was to be the main issues for relati onships development. Nowadays, the relationships between the USA and China remain relatively stable. Even though China is far from democratic regime and the USA does not really appreciate such relations, still, the USA and China develop friendly relationships at the international; arena where the USA tries to make China a responsible stakeholder (Nagao, Yoshizaki, Sato, Okagaki, 2000, p. 29). Contrast and Comparison of the Two Relationships Looking at the development of the USA relationships with Panama and China, it may be stated that nowadays, the USA tires to remain friendly to other countries. The post Cold War period was complicated and the USA needed much attempt and diplomatic strength to understand which relations deserve attention and which ones are to be a failure.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The US Relationships with Panama and China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Panama and China are two countries which relationships with the USA after the Cold War developed differently, however, the current relationships are similar. The USA is the country which tries to control others in their development and gaining democratic issues, and Panama and China are the countries which remain under the USA control. China is independent from the USA, however, the USA does all possible to change the regime in China applying to the economical and political measures. Panama is the country which developed its relations with the USA through force invasion. Nowadays, the relations are friendly, however, Panama experiences some control from the side of the USA. Therefore, it may be concluded that having different post Cold War relationships, the USA develops its ties with such countries as Panama and China similarly. Works Cited Gilboa, E. (1995). The Panama Invasion Revisited: Lessons for the Use of Force in the Post Cold War Era. Political Science Quarterly, 110(4), 539-373. Islam, A. K. (2006). The post-cold war U.S.-China relations: win-win or zero-sum game. Asian Affairs, 28(2), 24-45. Nagao, Y., Yoshizaki, T., Sato, H., Okagaki, T. (2000, 1 March). Post-Cold War International Society and U.S.-China Relationship. NIDS Security Reports, pp. 1-56. Sullivan, Mark P. (2011, 11 May). Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations. Congressional Research Service, pp. 1-33.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This research paper on The US Relationships with Panama and China was written and submitted by user Cohen Kennedy to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Tips for Life essays

Tips for Life essays Ann Landers gives several tips for leading a good life in her newspaper column but are these tips for everyone? Most of the points in the article are actually quite good, most people live by these tips and they dont even realize it. The article Tips for Life should be read by everyone although it should be made clear that they have the right to rephrase several of the tips to better suit themselves. Most of the points made in Tips for Life are very valid but, some points are a persons own particular choice and should not be determined by anyone else. The tip Be engaged six months before you get married. Is a persons own choice not an elderly newspaper columnists. Another tip that seems a little questionable is Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older, conversation will be one of the principal elements of your relationship. I honestly believe that a couple should get married if they have undying love and affection for each other, not because your possible spouse is a good conversationalist, thats preposterous. Despite a few of Ann Landers tips, the article sets good morals for a person to live by and look at for guidance. Ann discusses and makes points ranging from deep mental thoughts to merely calling your own mother. To make her article perfect she would have to be willing to see that not everyone thinks the same way and that there is always more than one way to say or do something. ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Ecological Principles for Landscape Design Essay

Ecological Principles for Landscape Design - Essay Example The effects of a compromised water surface quality impair the aquatic ecosystems, public health issues become a threat and the remediation process is a burden on the entire community. Many parties became involved in the development of a resolution including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, private citizens, outside consulting firms, academia, scientists and geologist’s, and advocacy groups (Snowden). In response the solution involved the removal and transfer of 600,000 tons of material from one of the acid rock formations- Bald Eagle Sandstone- to a nearby treatment area designated the Excavated Rock Placement Area located just below Sky Top (Snowden). The discovery of acidic rock material along the 1-99 area was first discussed and began being explored in 2002 when there was exposure at Bald Eagle Mountain. This area where much of the Sky Top Mountain drainage occurs has been the subject of studies for as far back as the 1970’s.Several agencies are on public record as expressing concern about the potential creation of acidic rock drainage if the bedrock were to come into contact with rain water. There was also concern for the potential damage to groundwater and surface water. Excavated rock was crushed and used locally as road base before the nature of this rock was understood and it was only a very short time before surface and groundwater runoff began raising concerns. Pyrite is a mineral that can cause extremely low PH levels and very acidic water.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Could a seniority Based Pay be used as a Motivation Device (MBA Essay

Could a seniority Based Pay be used as a Motivation Device (MBA DISSERTATION) - Essay Example The purpose of the present research was to establish if the seniority based plan can act as a motivational device. Towards this, a qualitative research was conducted where the managers and the employees were asked to give their opinion about Favourable/unfavourable aspect of the plan, and also to make suggestions to improve it. The responses indicated that employees at Federal Foods Ltd appeared to be approving of the concept of seniority based pay, but were concerned about problems with its implementation. Employees at Federal Foods Ltd appreciated the opportunity to be judged on merit, the money offered by the plan, and the incentive to of raise through seniority; but they were concerned with the quality of the goals that were set and with a lack of fairness or a perception of favouritism in the allocation of rewards. The offered suggestion included an appeal to inculcate fairness in the implementation of the plan, to make relevant goals contingent upon the pay and to involve worke rs in the entire process. The participant observation that was carried out by the researchers revealed that the supervisors who acted as their conduit to the senior managers motivated the workers. Other factors that can be attributed to motivating the employees include, realistic and fair budgets, and the encouragement to exercise self-evaluation. It was also observed that among those hired-with-tenure, Federal Foods Ltd employees with 3 to 15 years of seniority earned approximately 8 to 10 percent more than new hires with tenure; and Federal Foods Ltd employees with 16 or more years of seniority earn over 15 percent more than those with 2 or fewer years of seniority. Among Federal Foods Ltd employees who have exhibited a willingness and ability to change employers there are positive returns to seniority. It was also found that the rising returns to seniority among Federal Food Ltd employees are consistent across gender and across departments. The in depth

Monday, November 18, 2019

Cultural Immersion Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Cultural Immersion Experience - Essay Example Initially, prior to the event, one delved into a preliminary research on the religious beliefs and practices of Filipinos, particularly those who migrated in the United States. The first part of the discourse would therefore provide a brief overview of the culture of the Filipinos, specifically focusing on attending religious services. Subsequently, one would present the personal reflection of the cultural immersion experience by addressing specifically identified concerns. According to the study written and conducted by Smith, Denton, Faris & Regnerus (2002) entitled â€Å"Mapping American Adolescent Religious Participation†, the authors revealed that â€Å"the race of American adolescents influences their religious location and levels of religious participation† (p. 608). Measured in terms of percentage of racial groups attending religious affiliations, the report revealed that: â€Å"47.7 percent of African-American youth are Baptist; 55.7 percent of Hispanic youth are Catholic; 35.5 percent of Asian youth are Catholic, while 11 percent are Budhist† (Smith, Denton, Faris, & Regnerus, 2002, p. 607). In another study written by Melendy (2000), it was disclosed that â€Å"the vast majority of Filipino Americans are Roman Catholic, although about five percent are Muslim†¦Because the majority of early Filipino immigrants to the United States were single males, few Catholics attended church with any regularity. Once families began settling in the United States, however, religion became a central component of family and community life† (Melendy: Religion, 2000, par. 1). (1) Description of the setting and presenting what was observed: The setting was at the Sacred Heart Parish which was located at E. Twiggs Street at North Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida. I observed that during the mass, the celebrant of the mass, called the priest presided the whole ceremony; but there were some lectors and commentators who read gospel verses and lead

Friday, November 15, 2019

Investigating General Motors Chevy Volt Project

Investigating General Motors Chevy Volt Project What does the Chevy Volt case tell you about the nature of strategic decision making at a large complex organization like GM? In a complex organization such as GM, it appears that decisions concerning Chevy Volt project were reached without giving thorough plan outlay to the planning groups in the company. There was a lot of thing that put the company at stakes from the wrong strategic decision undertaken. All aspects of the project were done at the individual and subjective level. Take for example the proposal presented by Larry Burns and Bob Lutz concerning Chevy Volt to the top management presents a missing link of strategic leadership that should have been a transformational force. Yet the sad state of affairs is that strategic formulation and its implementation also were all compromised upon, which happened when the Chevy Volt concept car was launched. This shows that managerial level function, their involvement and leadership were not collaborative in a sense as far as implementation processes goes. Together with it, shareholder values and business plan also were not emphasized upon when decisions were made, which appears that the responsibility attached with managerial role and their expertise were all taken for granted that put the company in the threshold of a gamble and a joke. Explain briefly the changes in the external environment that made it favorable to undertake the Chevy Volt Project? As we relate to the given case, rising fuel prices, new environmental regulations, new entrant for green concepts cars and stiff competitors give abundant evidence to the changes in the external environment. There is some relevancy that microenvironments also were emphasized upon in context of Porter five forces model and SWOT analysis. Thus, the Chevy Volt project can significantly foster the CSR of GM, which is favorable. As a green concept car, the Chevy Volt scores a point as far as cost saving for users goes in context of rising oil prices then. However, what is crucial also can be exemplified in context of sustainable development process that the Chevy Volt can impact, let say limiting carbon gas emission in the backdrop of global warming and greenhouse effect and most importantly presents a wider socio-economic relevancy and impact. What internal obstacles do you think existed within GM that were unfavorable to the pursuit of the Chevy Volt project? Cost factor also is one unfavorable point that existed, given that GM have already invested billion of dollars for the development of Lithium-Ion batteries, which did not registers with the top management. The relevant cause for that also can be emphasized in context of the internal obstacles at GM as can be observed in respect of top management who were skeptical of Chevy Volt project, especially when the EV1 Hybrid model, a green concept electric car that run on conventional fuel cell introduced by the company way back in the 90s did not succeed and was a sheer loss in term of resource and brand image. Besides leadership in the company also have it flaws, and were not wholly involved. That is to say, strategy planning, its formulation and lifecycles that guaranteed the outcome of project was a missing links, which are the internal obstacles that are unfavorable for the pursuit of Chevy Volt project. The plan for the Chevy Volt seems to be based partly on the assumption that oil prices would remain high, and yet in late 2008, oil prices collapsed in the wake of a sharp global economic slowdown: What does this tell you about the nature of strategic plans? Chevy Volt project which is partly based on the assumption of fuels prices is rather skeptical. Plan outlay in context of rising oil prices, and environment sustainability only does not in a sense constitute total business plan layout. External environment analysis such as the macro and micro-economic factors also should have been focused, so that an alternative plan layout to develop new innovation for its benchmark cars model that run on fuel and that which should meet the tighter regulation in the future. Yet that was not the case, which we feel posit the flaws in the nature of strategic plan concerning Chevy Volt, and presents the uncertainty of such development course, which in the other case economic factor should have been given more emphasis for strategy, wherein economic theory of demand and supply also should have been brought in contention in regard of decision and strategy. How do falling oil prices affect the Chevy Volt project? The Chevy Volt project strategic plan was based on factor that kept rising oil prices in contention to market its electric car model for profitability. That is true to some extent. Yet, buying a car is long-term investment for buyers. That factor also should have been given due importance. Besides, investment made by GM in the Chevy Volt project also posed huge cost factor. In business context, Chevy Volt is less competitive and cost already incurred for the project means that the company has to compromise with its benchmark to foster a profitable outcome from situation of spiraling oil prices. Thus, falling oil prices can affect Chevy Volt project in terms of profitability directly from the sale of electric cars. However, such marketing concepts pose many risks and uncertainty, which in simple economic sense can be justified in context of supply and demand rule applicable to economics, be it for oil prices or the Chevy Volt car models and its demands in situations when oil prices would remain high. Do you think oil prices will remain low? There is no reason to think that oil prices will remain low, because it happened in a situation when demand for the product was low in the market. Rising oil prices defines the simple economic basis of the law of demand, which depends on market equilibrium for a product in influencing the inflation and deflation of particular product. Thus, it is very likely and in simple economic sense that once the demand for oil increases, prices also is also likely to surge accordingly. Besides there are no substitute product as far as fuel goes and in the case of Chevy Volt cars the case is otherwise, wherein substitute product can be emphasis in context of internal combustion engine cars which pouts competitors in a favorable situation as far as car model goes. a) What are the external conditions that need to be present for the Chevy Volt to be a successful car? For the success of the Chevy Volt Project effective marketing strategy has to be formulated. Marketing aspects also should capitalize on the internal and external forces that influence the products within the industry and against its rival for the competitive factor. From our understanding, the Chevy Volt is a high-tech car. Hence, external analysis from operational and business perspective should focus on the competitive structure of the industry and factors such as; innovations, socio-economic, and environmental impact that defines value added product, and the opportunistic cost that comes with it. Thus, a lot of innovation in the development process of the car should be fostered as one factor to benchmark against rivals and competitors in the industry, which is critical for success for a profitable outcome and goals achievements. Part of it also should focus on the strategic marketing aspects that give the car and its salient feature to reach the people through advertisement and awareness created in that regard are interrelated and need to be present for the Chevy Volt to be a successful car. Given its long presence in the market GM may not lack competency and skills, however, its strategic planning and decision making is stifled by strong resistance from its managers. This may be due to the complexity of the organization and resulting problems associated with strategic decision making. What would you suggest for GM to make its strategic planning and decision making effective and relevant? To facilitate effective strategic, it is advised that GM managers should take into account the following:- Response to the competition that the market posed and demands. Management Responsibility in decision undertaken. Knowledge sharing as a basis for project formulation and effectiveness. Cost factor analysis. Collaborative leadership as a means to negotiate against redundant formulation process. Do away with subjective and unreasonable reasoning and decisions. Transformational change has to be initiated. Management and supervisors involvements in any given projects. Business plan and layout should be effectively defined for any major outcome and long-term effects. Apart from these point and list of suggestion, we feel that strategic group in the company should be given ample hand to empanel for strategic plan layout, given that there are huge stakes for any given undertaking. After all, strategic group are expert panel. Yet, decision being reached is more or less subjective. Hence, a collaborative approach to management thinking, leadership and strategy formulation should be the core cultural basis in the company, which can effectively and relevantly drive the strategic planning and decision making in the course of goals achievements. In light of your analysis, what are the costs of failure in this project for GM? The cost of failure as far as Chevy Volt car concerns is huge and tremendous, as far as operation and economic consequences goes. Less involvement from the managers also brought to fore the cost and its effect to directly hit the company that brought it to the stage of total shutdown of its operations. Since the company is already in the threshold of bankruptcy, the Chevy Volt project that failed to impact the company strategic goals and its achievements posed the total effect of bankruptcy of GM and huge economic consequences as an aftermath, because the company is already on the process of huge public debt facilitated by the government to save itself from bankruptcy. Thus, it is suggested that either the plan have to be charted out to bring into effect the following:- Capitalize on the capability and expertise the company posits. Effective strategic management of operational process and procedures. Top Management involvement. Responsibility. Collaborative approaches to leadership. Cultural and structural upgrade of the corporate echelon and strategic management panel and groups. Standardization of managerial role, decisions and business plan layout. Capitalizing on the opportunities and threat. Facilitate a dynamic leadership culture. What are the costs for GM of not pursuing the project? There are tremendous and direct effects as far as Chevy Volt project concerns, since it is not pursued at all. Take for example the following cost factors:- The huge opportunistic cost lost in between. Operational and business capability that went for a toss. Marketing research that has not been capitalized effectively and efficiently for result outcome. Change factor and organizational learning. Cost factor in term of direct financial investments to investors, and stakeholders. Resource accumulation. Brand image and identity. Corporation competencies that have not been capitalized Sustainable development plans Corporate Social Responsibility Economic consequences. Bankruptcy. Business process and procedures.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Christianitys Influence on the Vikings Essay examples -- Vikings Chri

Christianity's Influence on the Vikings When I think of the words that describes Vikings I think of barbaric, having no mercy, and great explores. Words that describe a Christian to me are trustworthy, considerate, helpful, and peaceful. The descriptions of words I described for Vikings and Christians have basically opposite meanings. As the Vikings gradually became Christians they started to dramatically change their culture. So as Christianity was implemented on the Vikings they became more civilized. The Vikings gradually picked up Christianity influences throughout their existence but my question is did it play a key role in the down fall of the Vikings? The Viking era existed from 800 AD to 1200 AD and during 1000 AD Christianity began to have major influence in the Viking culture (Roesdahl 27). A major religion that shaped the Viking culture is Nordic Paganism (Williams). According to Stephen Henkin who wrote an article called the Viking Fury, the Vikings admired and tried to live up to the character traits they saw their gods portraying(Henkin ). Stephen Henkin suggested that character traits the Vikings saw in the Nordic gods are virile qualities: brutality, anger, lust, and humor (Henkin). The Vikings attempted to try to shape their character from the character traits they saw their gods portraying believing that they should try to acquire these characteristics to make their gods happy. Nordic Paganism was polytheistic with the main gods being Odin, Thor and Frey (â€Å"The Pagan Library†). Odin was the god of wisdom, magic and runes (â€Å"The Pagan Library†). The runes were the alphabet of the Vikings. Rune stones is the only documented writing from the Vikings during their existence, so a lot of the history during the ... ...the Vikings, I came to the conclusion that it was a key. The change in character traits of a person completely alters a person as it did with the Vikings. So the influence of Christianity character helped alter the Vikings to disappear. Works Cited Brent, Peter. The Viking Saga. New York:. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1975. Gerset, Knut. History of the Norwegien People. New York: Au Press, 1969. Henkin, Stephen. â€Å"Viking Fury.† The World Li. Jan 2000. Proquest, Penn State Library. 31 March 2004. Roesdall, Else and David M. Wilson, ed. From Viking to Crusader. New York: Rizzoli, 1992. Skarsten, Trygve R. â€Å"Nordic Religions in the Viking Age.† Church History. Sep. 2000. Proquest, Penn State Library, 31 March 2004 Williams, Garth. â€Å"Pagan belief.† BBCi. 6 April 2004. 6 April 2004 < http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/religion_02.shtml>.