Microsoft Strategic Management Essay

Background It’s the 1970s. At work, we rely on typewriters. If we need to copy a document, we likely use a mimeograph or carbon paper. Few have heard of microcomputers, but two young computer enthusiasts, a nineteen year old kid and his twenty-two year old business partner (Bill Gates and Paul Allen) sold their first program to a little computer company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The program was called BASIC, and it was the start of this company we call Microsoft. We see that personal computing is a path to the future. In 1975, Gates and Allen form a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft begins small, but has a huge vision—a computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoft begins to change the ways we work. Starting in 1980, Microsoft formed an important partnership with IBM that allowed them to bundle Microsoft’s operating system with computers that they sold, paying Microsoft a royalty for every sale. In 1985, IBM requested that Microsoft write a new operating system for their computers called OS/2; Microsoft wrote the operating system, but also continued to sell their own alternative, which proved to be in direct competition with OS/2. Microsoft Windows eventually overshadowed OS/2 in terms of sales. When Microsoft launched several versions of Microsoft Windows in the 1990s, they had captured over 90% market share of the world’s personal computers. We can take a look of the road map of Microsoft products, how it becomes a giant in the personal computer market. In 1982 – 1985 (Windows 1.0) – Microsoft launched a first version of new operation system – Interface Manager is the code name and is considered as the final name, but Windows prevails because it best describes the boxes or computing â€Å"windows† that are fundamental to the new system. In 1987 – 1992 (Windows 2.0) – Microsoft releases Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and expanded memory. With improved graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work. Some software developers write their first Windows–based programs for this release. In 1990 – 1994 (Windows 3.0 & Windows 3.1) – Microsoft announces Windows 3.0, followed shortly by Windows 3.1 in 1992. Taken together, they sell 10 million copies in their first 2 years, making this the most widely used Windows operating system. In 1995 – 2001 (Windows 95) – Microsoft releases Windows 95, selling a record-setting 7 million copies in the first five weeks. It’s the most publicized launch Microsoft has ever taken on. Television commercials feature the Rolling Stones singing â€Å"Start Me Up† over images of the new Start button. The press release simply begins: â€Å"It’s here.† In 1998 – 2000 (Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me) – Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. PCs are common at work and home, and Internet cafes where you can get online are popping up. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that â€Å"Works Better, Plays Better.† In 2001 – 2005 (Windows XP) – Windows XP is released with a redesigned look and feel that’s centered on usability and a unified Help and Support services center. It’s available in 25 languages. From the mid-1970s until the release of Windows XP, about 1 billion PCs have been shipped worldwide. In 2006 – 2008 (Windows Vista) – Windows Vista is released in 2006 with the strongest security system yet. User Account Control helps prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In 2009 – today (Windows 7) – By the late 2000s, the wireless world has arrived. When Windows 7 is released in October 2009, laptops are outselling desktop PCs and it’s common to get online at public wireless hotspots like coffee shops. Wireless networks can be created at the office or at home. External Environment Microsoft gained a good result during the past thirty years. However, they still need to face the market change, which we called External Environment. Let us to take a look what External Environment that Microsoft is facing. Political factors – Microsoft is highly affected by the political scenario there in USA. Microsoft is becoming one of the giant companies globally. It has created huge monopoly across the globe. US government is now trying to break up Microsoft into several different companies so that to maintain equal competition throughout the market. One of the other reasons in splitting up Microsoft Corporation that it is becoming so much stronger that it could be a threat for even US government in near future. Economic factors – Being such a versatile company and the market share they have, Microsoft plays major role in bringing up the country economies they have set-upped their businesses. According to an independent studies that the economies of the country shoots up three times when Microsoft starts businesses in that country. Social factors – Microsoft has an edge on all of its competitors that socially more people are inclined towards Pentium platforms so naturally it helped a lot to have more market share rather than others. Market segment of Pentium users is considerably very huge but it would be threat for Microsoft that they are losing its share with an average pace, due to their unsatisfied customers. Technological factors – It was a decade earlier that Microsoft was the leader in producing high tech software and gadgets, but now they are getting tough competition from global phenomenon brand ‘Apple’. No doubt Microsoft adopts and market new technology. Environmental factors – Microsoft follows very strict policies to make sure that the company remains in full compliance with international environmental regulations and the specifically environmental requirements of each country/region where they are doing their business. Microsoft reduces waste disposal, where possible through source reduction and recycling at company facilities. All waste safely and responsibly handled and disposed of properly. Legal factors – Microsoft is playing vital role in legal aspect of their pirated products like Windows and other software. They are trying their level best to reduce the usage of their pirated software. They are introducing different security features which may reduce the usage of pirated products. Porter’s Five Forces Model Force 1: Potential Competitors The entry barriers of Microsoft’s business divisions are high. In the operating system business, it holds major market share in personal computing. There is over 90% of personal computer are using Microsoft Windows Platform (NETMARKETSHARE, 2012). The second is Mac OS by Apple Inc. which is only have 7.3% market share. Creating an operating system takes years and requires high skill set and knowledge. Besides the coding, it involves graphic design for better user experience, integration between various platform, and design of innovative features. Both Microsoft and Apple have been developed operating system for near thirty years. Microsoft has very strong user base from home users to enterprise and even government all over the world. To create a new operating system is very difficult that not only the financial problem but also experience developer and the market to promote this product. Force 2: Rivalry Among Incumbent Firms The threat of rivalry is relatively among Microsoft is low. There are just few rivals on operating systems market. The only distinction between operating systems is what software it can run. However, many famous application have release cross platform version. Force 3: Supplier Power F or supplier power, the threat for Microsoft is relatively low. All major resource are come from corporate internal. Most of them are human resources. For other business like their gamming console, Microsoft has several of suppliers available. The only down side of a supplier could hold is that the items needed by the console is a wide variety of electronics Force 4: Buyer Power Most of the PC Company sold their desktop, laptop, workstation with latest Microsoft Windows OS. This is become as expected by buyer. Even the direct competitor like Apple, their Mac PC and Mac Book can also support Windows OS. The cost of the OS is absorbed in the price of PC, and buyers tread it as bundle software. So it leads to low treat from buyers. Force 5: Substitute Products/Services Threat of substitute for Microsoft is low, even with the improvements of Mac OS X has made. To substitute by Mac OS, user need to purchase Apple PC. Apple PC usually more expensive compare with other brand in same hardware configuration. Many user consider the cost is not justify. SWOT Microsoft SWOT Analysis is in order to dissect the company situation in the market, consisting of 4 layers such as Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and threats. To date, the global business of Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) mainly develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports software products for various computing devices. Its performance has been certainly in the science and technology circle, through its strong operating performance and financial stability to the company. It was expected to seek more growth avenues in the future. However, Microsoft’s margins and market share were partially hinged on the intensifying competition. Strengths * Windows is the dominate operating system in PC desktop of the world 92 percent of the market before Apple with 6 percent * Microsoft Internet Explorer is the second largest web browser behind Google Chrome * MSN was one of the favorite’s instant online chatting platforms * Bing is the second largest search engine behind Google * Software products have high name recognition, broad-based corporate and consumer acceptance, for instance Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Access, and numerous powerful features that are in use worldwide, thereby promoting standardization and competitive advantage through their ease of integration and cost-effectiveness Weaknesses * Dependency on hardware manufacturers to preinstall Microsoft’s PC operating system * Falling sales in the operating systems and server software sectors * Little or no significant presence in the wireless market. For example, Windows CE has been hazy and gave up. * Few products were occupying in an Internet applications * Perceived by many as a cutthroat competitor that uses its dominant market position to marginalize competition by stealing/destroying the competition’s products, stifling product innovation, and decreasing the availability of competitor products Opportunities * Lower global telecommunication costs create new markets as people connect to the Internet * Mobile phone applications and exploitation of personal digital assistants represent a growth industry so that strategic alliances could provide Microsoft with opportunity in a market Popularity among people for Internet access * The needs for personal computers in the global markets still keeps necessary for the aspect of document although the growth and increasing popularity of personal handheld devices Threats * Apple and Linux threaten Microsoft’s 88% market share of the desktop operating market * Currency exchange rates affect demand for application/operation software and hardware, and fluctuating currencies can negatively impact revenues in the global marketplace * Hardware manufacturers (Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and IBM) have collaborated on new platform technologies that replicate much of the value of Windows * Hardware manufacturers (Sun Microsystems, Oracle, IBM, AOL, and Apple) are preinstalled in their own prefunded programs with their own hardware * Personal computers, mobile phones, personal digit assistants, entertainment oriented handheld computers, and similar wireless products for Internet access do not need Window operating system products * Rapid development of mobile devices that will displace/replace personal computers * Software piracy of commercial and consumer applications software would be directly threaten the revenue streams * Cycle of Technology life is sh orter * UNIX is believed dominating in high-end mission as its customers do not believe Windows can handle these operations Capability and Resource In today’s information generation, the invisible is the essential. We no longer live in a world where physical assets are more valuable than invisible assets. Top levels of business performance are relying on invisible characteristics. Successful business could be achieved depending on the tangible and intangible issues. Intangible Leadership and managerial capabilities Slogan as follows quoted by Bill Gates of Microsoft: â€Å"Our basic assets, which are our software and our software development skills, do not show up on the Balance Sheet at all.† – Bill Gates advocates the company that Ability to innovate, Ability to change, Speed to Market, Develop and Retain the Best People and Create a One to One Customer Relationship. He clearly pointed out the Marketplace that a preference for invisible over visible when it goes to running a company. Therefore, businesses will have to recognize new drivers of value, such as customer led company processes, increased specialization, and an emphasis on knowledge employees. Brand name According to http://brandirectory.com/league_tables/table/global_500_2011 Microsoft jumped from fifth to second place in Brand Finance’s new list of the world’s most valuable brands as at 2011, but it’s still behind first-place Google. The Microsoft brand is worth $42.8 billion on 2011, up from a value of $33.6 billion in 2010, according to the list released today. Patent The Microsoft Intellectual Property Licensing group is responsible for licensing Microsoft patents and other forms of intellectual property (IP) such as research technology and know-how. The following items were the examples of patent of products. Several devices, from portable computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to mobile phones and video cameras, use liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to render images on a screen. Exchange ActiveSync is a communication protocol that enables mobile, over-the-air access to e-mail messages, schedules, contacts, task lists, and other Exchange Server mailbox data File systems patent The Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) is the latest file system for personal storage devices. The file allocation table (FAT) File System makes it possible for an operating system to track the location and sequence of each piece of a file Microsoft also offers a flexible Intellectual Property (IP) licensing program upon increasing in the industry’s interest in licensing its growing hardware technology portfolio. Strategic Partnership Nokia and Microsoft gathered on 2011 to create market-leading mobile goods and services designed to provide consumers, operators and developers without rival choice and chances. As each company would concentrate on its important competencies, the partnership would create the chances for fast time to market execution. Besides, Nokia and Microsoft joined integrate important assets and create completely new service provides, while extending built up goods and services to handheld devices market. Tangible Researching Centre and facilities Microsoft Research Cambridge was set up in July 1997 with a few researchers. Today over 100 researchers, mostly from Europe, are joined in computer science research at the lab. The city of Cambridge, England, was the good choice for the station of the facility because of its world-renowned reputation and its rich history as a center of learning. Located in Mountain View, California, Microsoft Research Silicon Valley was founded in August 2001 and now employs about 75 researchers. Its research work concentrate on assigned computing and includes privacy, security, protocols, fault-tolerance, large-scale systems, concurrency, computer architecture, Internet search and services, and related theory. Microsoft Research Asia is founded in Beijing as Microsoft’s fundamental research facility in the Asia Pacific region and expands rapidly. By attracting the best talent from Asia and across the international, Microsoft Research Asia has grown into a world-class research laboratory with more than 240 researchers and developers and more than 260 visiting scientists and pupils. Nowadays, the lab conducts core research in natural user interfaces, next-generation multimedia, data-intensive computing, search and online advertising, and computer science fundamentals. Employee With 90,000 employees in over 190 cities planning and developing many products and services for all customers and partners, Microsoft is concentrate on ensuring a top level of satisfaction among its customers and partners. It is an important component of its business. Final mission is to provide experiences for the customers and partners, across all of their interactions with Microsoft, that they value and recognize, and enable them to realize their full potential. Strategies In order to discuss Microsoft’s strategies of business level, corporate level, and international level, it is necessary to define them beforehand. Business level strategy is a comprehensive mechanism a company chooses to gain competitive advantage or superiority in a particular business (Cutcher, 2006). Corporate level strategy refers to the decision a firms make to explore new strategic opportunities, which range from an extension of current product line to expanding current operations and further moving the firm to completely new lines of business, under such conditions to vendor uninterrupted growth or keep current sales and profits (Cutcher, 2006). International level strategy is a strategy through which the firm sells its goods or services outside its domestic market by a few entry modes, like exporting, licensing, Joint venture/Alliance, and Sole venture. Microsoft adopts differentiation as one of the business level strategy by: * Accessibility options that let user personalize the computer display, mouse, keyboard, sound, and speech options in Windows and other Microsoft products. * Assistive technology products, specialty software and hardware products (such as screen readers and specialty keyboards), that provide essential computer access to individuals with significant vision, hearing, dexterity, language, or learning needs, and, * Interoperability among assistive technology products, the operating system, and software programs, which is critical for assistive technology products to function properly. * Continuing our longstanding commitment and leadership in developing innovative accessibility solutions. * Making the computer easier to see, hear, and use by building accessibility into Microsoft products and services. * Promoting innovation of accessibility in the development community and working with industry organizations to encourage innovation. Microsoft also uses cost leadership as one of the business level strategy to be consistent with the aim of Microsoft’s original goal enabling PCs that run Microsoft software on every desktop making the use of software is possible for everybody (blogspot, 2011). It provides inexpensive upgrade offers for user to upgrade from existing operation system or software to brand new version. Also, OEM version of operation system comes with brand new PC devices are sold at considerable discount. Furthermore, special edition of operation system and software specified for colleges ‘use are also offered with much discount to penetrate the market of students and teenagers. To maintain growth of business, Microsoft goes for diversification and innovation as corporate level strategy (scribd, 2009). Example would be TV game console, Xbox 360, mobile phone operation system, and voice over IP service software, Skype. Such strategy enables Microsoft to benefit in terms of money, market share, and better use of resources by: 1. Exposure to new products and markets 2. Sustain innovation and use opportunities to integrate knowledge into operations 3. Spread risk by avoiding having all eggs in one basket and provide better risk control through not being reliant on a single market 4. Provide movement away from declining activities (scribd, 2012) As to international level strategy, Microsoft adopts licensing as an entry mode, in which Microsoft, the licensor, authorizes a foreign licensee to use its patented technology for making and marketing products in the licensee’s home country (Cutcher, 2006). Microsoft sells goods and services through forming partnership with local licensee all around the world. Their partners are often licensed resellers and authorized distributors that are selling Microsoft’s products to local customers and provide marketing operation (Microsoft, 2012). Besides, Microsoft adopts global strategy to compete globally. Except suiting the language for each country and region, their products, like OS and office suite, are standardized that they share the same functions and features. Recommendation Microsoft is the world’s largest software maker. It represent the top tier in the industry and playing the role of market leader. Actually there’s not much weakness on its dominate market like operating system and office application. On the other hand, due to the changes of user behavior on Internet, more and more user surfing Internet using mobile device. In 2011, only 3.79% using mobile or tablet for browsing Internet. At the end of 2012, it has been increased to 10.42% (NETMARKETSHARE, 2012). We can predict the numbers of mobile device will keep growing in the near future. Microsoft was once dominate the mobile device (or PDA during that era) market by its Windows Mobile / Pocket PC OS. But losing it when Apple release iOS and iPhone. Consumer market keep changing in an expeditious way. A market leader can falling in a blink. Microsoft take two years to release Windows Phone 8 after the release of Windows Phone 7. To regain the market share, Microsoft may speed up its R&D. Provide upgrade path for its product or even produce its own hardware like other direct competitors Apple Inc. and Google did. Bibliography Cutcher L., & Wailes N., (2006), Cases in Strategy and Management, North Ryde, McGraw-Hill,p.100. Chakidan, 2011. Microsoft Business Strategy Analysis. [online] Available at:< http://chakidan.blogspot.hk/2011/04/strategy-analysis-for-microsoft.html> [Accessed 26th Dec 2012] Microsoft, 2012. Microsoft partner program. [online] Available at:[Accessed 26th Dec 2012] NETMARKETSHARE, 2012, Browsing by Device Category, Net Applications.com, [online] Available at: NETMARKETSHARE, 2012, Desktop Operating System Market Share, Net Application.com, [online] Available at: http://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=8&qpcustomd=0 scribd , 2009. Project Report: Impact Of Company’s International Strategy on

Homosocial and Homosexual Desires in “My Fair Lady” Essay

Today, relationships are hard to define. With the newfound acceptance of homosexuality, the border between male homosocial relations and homosexual relations has become fuzzy. The distinction between male homosocial and homosexual desires are what I will be exploring in My Fair Lady. In the classic movie My Fair Lady the relationship between Professor Higgins and Colonel Pickering displays both homosocial and homosexual characteristics, and models the triangular desire defined by Eve Sedgwick. Higgins invites Colonel Pickering to his house and then the next morning invites Eliza to his house. This action of inviting Eliza to stay over after inviting Pickering can be explained as having both homosocial and homosexual characteristics. The homosocial interpretation of this situation is Higgins feels a strong friendship towards Colonel Pickering. Rather than having him pay for a hotel while visiting London, he invites him to stay at his home because it is the friendly thing to do. Higgins then sees it might be awkward for two confirmed bachelors to be living together, however temporary it may be. Uncomfortable with implications some people may draw, he invites Eliza to stay in order to maintain his masculinity and not have people speculating about his homosexuality. When arguing his actions as homosexual, his invitation to Pickering is not motivated by friendship but by his desires to have sexual relations with Pickering. Having Pickering live with him would be the easiest way to accomplish a discrete relationship. Creating a faà §ade, Higgins invites Eliza so society will not discover his true intentions. After bringing Eliza into the house and suffering through a few problems Higgins sings Im an Ordinary Man to Pickering. Listing some negative qualities of women in his song displays both homosocial and homosexual characteristics. A homosocial standpoint sees this as Higgins, like many men do, telling his buddy about all the drama a woman brings into his life when having a relationship with a woman. Just like women get together with their girlfriends and gossip about the silly things men do, Higgins and Pickering are doing the same thing. The two laugh about the silly behavior of women and can relate to one another because both have had similar experiences, bonding in a strictly same-sex, non-sexual manner. Higgins is also promoting  his own masculinity by noting the flaws in a womans character, expressing his views on why males are more superior then females. However, at the closing of the song, Higgins declares, I shall never let a woman in my life, implying his homosexuality. Rather than listing the faults of women jokingly, his song can be interpreted as a justification for his choice of a homosexual lifestyle. He even states, Why Cant a Woman Be More like a Man, implying women should lose all their female characteristics and become men, thus, making them appealing to him.Again, Higgins is declaring man the superior race and because men are superior, he has a sexual attraction for them which he may not share for women. Higgins focuses so much attention on Eliza while refining her and this attention can be viewed as his romantic feelings for Eliza, meaning his relationship with Pickering is strictly homosocial, or that his feelings for Eliza are a displacement of his homosexual feelings for Pickering. The homosocial viewpoint sees Higgins, transforming Eliza from a measly flower girl into a beautiful lady, his ideal woman. He felt an attraction to Eliza when he found her in the gutter but due to social restraints, he knew it was not socially acceptable for him to date a woman of her class. After her transformation, he is now free to love her. Ironically, the women he creates is goddess-like, statuesque, untouchable to the common manHiggins and Pickering strike a bet with one another on whether or not Higgins can pass Eliza off as a duchess. Higgins will have to teach Eliza proper English, dress her in high fashion, and train her in the appropriate manners of society. In my experience, not many straight men find giving a woman make-over to be very fun which is why Higgins actions can be viewed to have homosocial and homosexual motivations. A homosocial attitude on the situation would explain this as two men competing in a bet, meaning Higgins is only participating in activities categorized with the homosexual stereotype to win. The two are able to bond over the experience and in the process; Higgins can shape Eliza into the kind of woman he desires. Instead of directing his motivations for playing real-life Barbie on the premise he is only doing this to win a bet, the homosexual interpretation would focus on the primary action; taking a girl from drab to fabhomo. Lets face it, while this is a huge generalization, most men in Western culture dont care  about fashion, let alone womens fashion. If any two confirmed bachelors today were to do these same action, singing all through the house, designing high fashion clothes, and showing up at an event sharing one girl amongst the two of them, (with their kind of money they could get two or more girls for each of them) suspicions of homosexuality would be inevitable. This three way relationship between Eliza, Higgins, and Pickering forms a model of Sedgwicks triangular desire. Both men feel affection for Eliza but feel a stronger connection for one another. When celebrating their victory of passing off Eliza as a duchess, Higgins and Pickering completely forget about Eliza and celebrate amongst themselves. As Eliza becomes more of a lady each day, she becomes less of an actual person and more of a symbol of their creation, their relationship, until she completely fades out of the picture. Thus, Higgins constant displacement of his homosocial and homosexual feelings on Eliza are finally directed on Pickering, the person they were originally intended for. Homoerotic relations are present in several other movies, television series, and literature. Currently, when men wish to express emotions and love for their friends, in a strictly homosocial way, they are blocked by homophobia, fearing if these emotions are projected, they will be labeled homosexual. Breaking down current sexual beliefs and behaviors, I believe the entertainment industry is the most accepting medium for the varying degrees of male relations. I believe as more homosocial works are produced, men will find it easier to express their emotions and still maintain their masculinity and heterosexual identity. Bibliography â€Å"My Fair Lady† Directed by George Cukor. Warner Bros. Studio. California 1964

Capital Budgeting

Are there any similarities between a firm’s capital budgeting decisions and an individual’s investment decisions? Capital budgeting is the process of analyzing potential additions to fixed assets. Capital budgeting is very important to firm’s future because of the fixed asset investment decisions chart a company’s course for the future. The firm’s capital budgeting process is very much same as those of individual’s investment decisions. There are some steps involved. First, estimate the cash flows such as interest and maturity value or dividends in the case of bonds and stocks, operating cash flows in the case of capital projects. Second is to assess the riskiness of the cash flows. Next, determine the appropriate discount rate, based on the riskiness of the cash flows and the general level of interest rates. This is called project’s required rate of return or cost of capital in capital budgeting. Then, find the PV of expected cash flows and the asset’s rate of return. If the PV of the inflows is greater than PV of outflows (NPV is positive), or if the calculated rate of return (IRR) is higher than the project cost of capital, accept the project. Question b What is the difference between independent and mutually exclusive projects? Between normal and non-normal projects? Independent projects mean a company can select one or both of the projects as long as they meet minimum profitability. This is because the projects do not compete with the firm’s resources. Projects are independent if the cash flows of one are not affected by the acceptance of the other. Mutually exclusive projects mean if acceptance of one impacts adversely the cash flows of the other which is firm can select one or another project but not both. This is because projects investments that compete in some way for a company’s resources. When projects are mutually exclusive it means that they do the same job. Normal projects have outflows, or costs, in the first year (or years) followed by a series of inflows. Non-normal projects have one or more outflows after the inflow stream has begun. So, we can conclude that the lower the WACC, the higher the value of NPV. Question d 1) Define the term internal rate of return (IRR). What is each project’s IRR? Internal rate of return (IRR) is the discount rate that will equate the present value of the outflows with the present value of the inflows. The IRR is the intrinsic rate of return. By using financial calculator, the IRR for project L is 18. 13% while the IRR for project S is 23. 56%. 2) How is the IRR on a project related to the YTM on a bond? A project’s IRR is the discount rate that forces the PV of the inflows to equal the cost. This is equivalent to forcing the NPV to equal zero. The IRR is the estimate of the project’s rate of return, and it is comparable to the YTM on a bond. 3) What is the logic behind IRR method? According to IRR, which project should be accepted if they are independent? Mutually exclusive? The logic behind IRR method is; if the IRR is more than WACC, the project will be accepted, but the project would be rejected if the NPV is less than WACC. IRR that equal to WACC means it is technically indifference whether we accept or not the project, will not gain any benefit or loss. According to IRR, both projects can be accepted if they are independent because the IRR for both project have percentage more than the percentage of WACC. But, if they are mutually exclusive, only one project that should be accepted that is project S. This is because the IRR for project S is 23. 56% and it is higher compared to the IRR for project L which only 18. 13%. 4) Would the projects’ IRR change if the WACC changed? No, the IRR would not change if the WACC changed. Question e 1) What is the underlying cause of ranking conflicts between NPV and IRR? In the normal project for the NPV profiles to cross one project must have both a higher vertical axis intercept and a steeper slope than the other. A project’s vertical axis typically depends on the size of the project and the size and timing pattern of the cash flows. For example, for the large projects and with large distant cash flows would expect to have relatively high vertical axis intercepts. The slope of the NPV profile depends entirely on the timing pattern of the cash flows. The long-term projects have steeper NPV profiles compared with short-term projects. So, NPV can only cross in two situations which is when mutually exclusive projects differ in scale or size and when the projects’ cash flows differ in terms of the timing pattern of their cash flows (Project L and S). 2) What is the â€Å"reinvestment rate assumption†, and how does it affect the NPV versus IRR conflict? The underlying cause of ranking conflict is the reinvestment rate assumption. All DCF methods assume that cash flows can be reinvested at some rate. This applies to Project L and S. When we calculated their NPV, we discounted at WACC, 10% which means that we assuming that their cash flows could be reinvested at 10%. IRR assumes that cash flows are reinvested at the IRR. Discounting is the reverse of compounding. Compounding assumes reinvestment and also for the discounting. NPV and IRR are both found by discounting, so they both assume some discount rate. NPV calculation is the assumption that cash flows can be reinvested at the project’s cost of capital while the IRR calculation assumes reinvestment at the IRR rate. 3) Which method is the best? Why? The NPV tells us how much a project contributes to shareholder wealth. The larger the NPV, the more value the project adds, and added value means a higher stock price. Thus NPV is the best selection criteria. A project IRR is the discount rate that forces the PV of the inflows to equal the cost. This is equivalent to forcing the NPV to equal zero. However, NPV or IRR give better ranking is depends on which has the better reinvestment rate assumption. NPV is selected because it used as a substitutes for outside capital hence save the firm cost of outside capital. For most firms, assuming reinvestment at the WACC is more reasonable for the following reasons. If a firm has reasonably good access to the capital markets, it can raise all the capital it needs at the going rate, which in our example is 10%. Since the firm can obtain capital at 10%, if it have investment opportunities with positive NPV, it should take them on and it can finance them at a 10% cost. If a firm uses internally generated cash flows from past periods rather than external capital, this will save it the 10% cost of capital. Thus, 10% is the opportunity cost of the cash flows, and that is the effective return on reinvested funds. However, NPV and IRR usually give the same results to accept or reject the project for independent project. NPV and IRR occurs conflict only when mutually exclusive projects are involved. Question f 1) What is the difference between the regular and discounted payback methods? Payback period is defined as the number of years required to recover the funds invested in a project from its operating cash flows. Discounted payback is the length of time required for an investment’s cash flows, discounted at the investment’s cost of capital to cover its cost. Actually, discounted payback is similar to regular payback except that discounted rather than the raw cash flows are used. 2) What are the two main disadvantages of discounted payback? Is the payback method of any real usefulness in capital budgeting decisions? Discounted payback does consider the time value of money, but it still disregard cash flows beyond the payback period, which is a serious flaw. For example, if mutually exclusive projects vary in size, both payback method can conflict with the NPV, which might lead to a poor choice. However, many firms still use the payback to do the capital budgeting decisions. Payback and discounted payback used as a measure of project’s liquidity and risk. The shorter the payback, other things held constant, the greatest the project’s liquidity. This factor is important for smaller firms that do not have really access to the capital markets. Cash flows expected in the distant future are generally riskier than near-term cash flows, so the payback is used as one risk indicators.

Regulation in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Regulation in the United States - Essay Example With regulations, business people can conduct transactions without damaging the environment and people’s health. Regulations ensure that the products produced are of top quality and user-friendly (Vogel and David 146). In essence, were it not for regulations, control of some disease and illicit business behaviors would have been very challenging. Government regulations have enhanced steady growth of infant industries and business enterprises in the United States. For instance, government control on foreign trade aid in preventing excessive importation of products from other countries in order to secure local market for the infant industries. In addition, regulations assist in shielding small business from unhealthy competition and misuse by already established enterprises. For instance, the United States patents and trademarks office shields business innovations and particular products from infringement by opponents. Essentially, regulations form a reliable benchmark for smaller business to expand without unhealthy interruptions. Government regulations are sometimes tailored to raise revenue required to run government programs and projects. For instance, revenue raised through taxation and fines paid by people and businesses that fail to comply with the established regulations, is used for development programs. Generally, regulations play a key role in bringing developments close to the poor citizens. Business enterprises incur huge expenses to remain in compliance with the government regulations (Vogel and David 265). In addition, companies are forced to change methods of operation in order to comply with new and the existing regulations. The additional expenses that companies incur in fulfilling the requirements outlined in government regulations is passed to the consumer through increased prices. Consequently, the cost of living rises, making it difficult for poor people to survive. Some regulations such as tariff barriers and increased quota system

Problems in calculating national income Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Problems in calculating national income - Essay Example One of the most common problems that countries, especially developing countries face in this process is lack of expertise, as the methodology involves need highly professional experts, economics, and analysts that may complete the process in an accurate manner while eliminating as much human errors as they can (Bosch, pp. 11-14, 1992). However, a huge number of countries are experiencing shortage of such qualified individuals. Besides, lack of technical equipments is also significant issue exists in this methodology, as many countries do not have access to advanced technologies required for the calculation. Thirdly, determination of depreciation is a complicated step in the process that creates problems for economists. One of the basic reasons behind this is the characteristic of depreciation being estimation rather than an accurate deduction that results in inaccurate figures of the national incomes (Dombusch, pp. 23-25, 2005). In addition, experts (Jain, pp. 52-57, 2008) have identified another problem that relates to decisions regarding inclusion and exclusion of certain products and services. In specific, economists face confrontations while deciding to consider government spending on social welfare, development expenses, interests against debts, etc that often results in wrong calculation of the national income. Moreover, experts (Wall, pp. 39-42, 2008) have noticed that globalization has resulted in existence of huge number of foreign organizations working in a country, and economists face difficulties while determining whether to include income of such companies in their national income or not. However, the IMF has played a vital role in suggesting that economists should include income, as well as production activities in the owning country while ignoring the profits that should go in the national income of the parent country. Furthermore, studies (Jain, pp. 39-41, 2008) related to the calculation of national income have shown that

Critically assess the potential use of the marketing information Essay

Critically assess the potential use of the marketing information system (MIS) to help marketing managers understand and fulfill - Essay Example However the previous research studies suggest that following avenues of the firms’ decisions in relation to its market operations are typically addressed in modern-day MIS; (1) the background factors (2) the actual information processing behavior and (3) the role of information activities in shaping the firm’s competitive advantage. Therefore it is clear that MIS address all the avenues of decision making in marketing. Current study attempts to compile the characteristics of the information processing involved in making sound marketing decisions and the specific advantageous of using MIS. Steps involved in information processing which is aimed at formulating sound marketing decisions are illustrated and the performances of modern-day MIS are evaluated in terms of the advantageous and scope for development. Marketing is a well structured subject area which contains clear conceptual frameworks and a substantial amount of empirical case studies which utilize the subject th eory. It is defined as â€Å"a social and managerial process whereby individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others† (Kotler, and Armstrong, 2010). ... changes in market conditions and anticipating market competition from new domestic and international firms entering into market and intensifying competition from the existing firms (3) design reliable marketing plans, considering the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives marketing strategies (4) find effective solutions to specific problems such as what is the best approach for launching a new product and what are the suitable product promotion strategies and (5) improve the overall performance of the organization by better controlling, monitoring and implementing marketing strategies which in turn increase the efficiency and the effectiveness of firms’ marketing division (Churchill, 2001; & Leonidou, and Theodosiou, 2004). Basic characteristics of MIS 1) The Background Factors Incorporated in MIS The background factors which can influence the marketing decisions include characteristics of the firm and the manager, government policies and consumer preferences and income levels. Previous researches which are aimed at exploring the background factors indicate that organizations with innovative cultures are more likely to seek information and appreciate its usefulness in making marketing decisions. Experience, level of education, cognitive styles and decision-making levels determine the manager’s information-processing style. Organizations which are not hierarchical in structure and decision making process is rather decentralized obtain more advantageous from MIS compared to those organizations which are highly formalized (Menon & Varadarajan, 1992). Moreover, the volatility in the external marketing environment also increases the degree of usefulness of MIS to marketing managers. Market volatility increases the supply and demand uncertainty which in turn

Drivers Influencing SMEs in the UK Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Drivers Influencing SMEs in the UK - Term Paper Example To begin with, the UK is a developed country that is considered economically stable and highly competitive in the global market. In fact, in 2008 it was ranked in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the European region. In addition, it is the sixth largest economy globally in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009). The country is a member of some of the most prominent organisations in the world including the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Security Council, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the G8 (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009). The country’s population was slightly below 50 million according to a census conducted in 2008 and ranked third in the EU (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009). The UK remains one of the proficient players in the global economy after recovering from the economic and political effects of the two world wars. Manufacturing is a key component of the UK economy however, it can be noted that it only accounted for approximately 13 percent of the output in 2003. The industry also contributes nearly half of the exports and ? 150 billion annually (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009). This trend has led to the increased levels of transfer of the UK manufacturing base and foreign ownership. In recent times, UK based companies are no longer the leaders in the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, the UK still ranked sixth worldwide with regards to Gross Value Added (GVA) and manufacturing output (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009). Most conventional manufacturing companies have evolved into new activities such as silicon design, silicon design, in-flight refueling systems, and Bluetooth technology. Other manufacturers have engaged in the development of state of the art technologies in nanotechnology, information technology, and communication. In 2006, 25 percent of the exports were in the high technology class compared to 22 percent in the US and 15 percent in France (Excellis Business Consulting, 2009. Globalisation has both positive and negative impacts on SMEs. It poses numerous challenges such as increased competition and exposes the economy to pressures in the global economy such as recessions (Beise, 2004). Globalization allows for the free trade and global companies can trade in the UK market resulting in increased competition (Dicken, 2007:5). This affects the viability and competitiveness of SMEs. Owing to the fact that SMEs are in search of uncontested market space, globalization leads to an increase in the number of players in the market and this increases the level of competition faced by the SMEs thereby negatively affecting profitability. Through globalization, the global economy is viewed as one entity hence if there is an economic crisis in one economy it is likely to have a ripple effect on other economies. This means that SMEs are more e xposed to global economic crises owing to the rising trend of globalization (Dicken, 2007:5). These are the negative impacts of globalization on SMEs.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING - assignment 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING - assignment 2 - Essay Example The waterfall model here helps in processing the individual steps before stepping into another one. It incorporates this stepwise approach into an iterative framework that more realistically reflects the real world. The waterfall model is accommodated where there is low specification risk and no need for prototyping for risk resolution. Thus the activities of the second quadrant of the spiral model can be skipped. In another pass of the loop the same stages are revisited and both the waterfall and prototyping model works once again. 1. Data design: It transforms the information domain model created during analysis into the data structures that will be required to implement the software. The data objects and relationships defined in the entity relationship diagram and the detailed data content depicted in the data dictionary provide a basis for data design activities. 2. Architectural design: It defines the relationship between major structural elements of the software, the â€Å"design patterns† that can be used to achieve the requirements that have been designed by the system. It represents the framework of a computer based system and can be derived from the system specification, the analysis model and the interaction of the subsystems defined within the analysis model. 4. Component level design: It transforms structural elements of the software architecture into procedural description of software components. Information obtained from the project specification, control specification and state transition diagram serve as a basis for component design. 1. The subsystem Layer: It contains a representation of each of the subsystems that enable the software to achieve its customer-defined requirements and to implement the technical infrastructure that supports customer requirements. 2. The class and object layer: It contains the class hierarchies that enable the system to be created using generalizations and increasingly more targeted specializations. This layer

The Breakfast Club Initiative by Kelloggs Assignment

The Breakfast Club Initiative by Kelloggs - Assignment Example Brand personality is defined as the set of traits and characteristics that differentiate the brand from its competing brands (Pearce and Robinson, 2010). If there is a high threat of competitive rivalry in the market that a company operates in, then that company can develop a competitive edge for its product through brand personality. Brand personality can guide the development of a marketing mix and the communications process is conducted accordingly. Consumers are more comfortable with purchasing a specific brand if its personality is similar to their own. Therefore brand personality can increase a product’s market share. In order to face a competitive threat, a company and its products must develop positive public awareness. This objective is achieved through the development of a brand personality. A brand personality enables consumers to identify with a specific brand. Kellogg’s brand personality is defined by its multi-platform campaign to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. The internal stakeholders include Kellogg’s employees while the external stakeholders include schools, the media, parents, MPs and the public. Through various channels of communication, Kellogg’s promotes its brand personality of emphasizing the importance of breakfast to school children. This is incorporated in the ‘Help give a child a breakfast’ campaign launched in October 2011. Kellogg’s product personality is represented through its support for breakfast clubs. Important components of Kellogg’s product personality include emphasizing the importance of breakfast, on the positive impact of breakfast clubs and its support for breakfast clubs since 1998 through Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. By combining the two concepts of brand and product personalities, the company has aimed to get its message across to the target audience. Kellogg’s brand and product personality have enabled the company to express and re present itself to the target audience.

Discuss the racial stereotypes of Mexicans that underpinned Manifest Essay

Discuss the racial stereotypes of Mexicans that underpinned Manifest Destiny - Essay Example The American people held a superior position and felt that their motive to apply their expansionist policies was religiously justified for their God chosen race. In this regard, the presidential candidate embraced the Manifest destiny, whose optimal goal was to ensure that the American territory spans across the seas. In reality, the race stereotypes of the Mexicans underpinned Manifest destiny during the implementation of the expansionist policy by the Americans. Even before the existence of the term Manifest Destiny, the notion of American inferiority was already looming and the Mexicans were already anticipating wars from the American people. In the year 1803, the president of America, Jefferson, acquired the Louisiana territory and the American slowly drifted towards the west becoming among the most dangerous neighbours of the Mexican people. By the time president Poll was getting into power, Mexico was the country that was standing between the United States and the Pacific Ocean . When Poll got into power in 1845, he raised the spirit of Manifest Destiny and the effort to expand USA further west via Mexico was revived. Being a democrat, Poll felt that there was need to develop this political culture across the territories to make a dominant culture (Litke, 2012, p. 198). To the American, the underpinning thrust of the expansionist policy was the urge to democratize the entire of North America and Mexico was a barrier to this legitimate expansion. Shane (2009, P. 10) points out the notion of Americans that Catholics were an inferior religious race. The American’s were obsessed with the motive to grow and develop their countries to become exemplary to the countries that were â€Å"religiously inferior.† This was a stereotypic reference that American used to refer to the Mexican’s who American’s regarded as inferior for the reason that they were catholicists, a religion that was inferior to the protestant group. American’s fe lt that they were the anointed race and that their motive to expand was just a fulfilment of one of the promises that God had made to them. This religious superiority was a source of conflict that intensified the tension between American and the Mexican’s that were already familiar with the intention of President Poll to expand his territories beyond the Mexican boundaries. From this perspective, American’s stereotypical reference of Mexican as a religiously inferior race was a trigger pin that culminated into the war between the two countries. From the US History Guide Book (2010, p. 6), the American leaders were obsessed with the notion to create an admirable city that would be unique from those of the inferior nations. The proponents of expansionism reflect to the idea of Puritans who were the first people to settle in the northern Atlantic, and who, under the inspiration Governor Winthrop, came to believe that their settlement was equivalent to â€Å"a city on a h ill.† Horsman (2009, p. 116) makes a connection between this city on a hill and the term that was later used by Ronald Reagan later in 1980 to describe a different perspective of expansion in America. Reagan referred to America as a â€Å"shining city upon a hill† in his endeavour to paralyse communism and create a country that embraced pure democrats, what he perceived to the

Observation as a Tool of Inquiry Essay Example for Free

Observation as a Tool of Inquiry Essay The following characteristics I will describe in video clips one, three, four, and seven of the chapter one lab activity will help me identify and rank which of the people in these four videos is the most developmentally advanced, specifically in the motor skill of throwing a ball. First, I will identify the most proficient ball thrower and then create a developmental â€Å"throwing continuum† from the most to least advanced. Following this continuum, the constraints important to the throw will be explained as well as how a change in one constraint might change the throwing pattern. On my â€Å"throwing continuum† the number one is the lowest rank, meaning least developmentally advanced, in contrast with the number four ranking most developmentally advanced. Chapter One Lab Activity â€Å"throwing continuum† is visually represented bellow: Ranking: 1 2 3 4 Video clip #: #7 #1 #3 #4 This representation displays that the person in video clip number four is the most developmentally advanced at the motor skill of throwing a ball, followed by video clip number three as the second most advanced, then video clip number one coming in third, and lastly video clip number seven ranked number one on the â€Å"throwing continuum,† as the least proficient. What makes these videos distinguishable in terms of developmental advancement are the characteristics of each person’s throw. Video clip number seven ranked the lowest on the continuum because he showed a lack of experience expressed in characteristics such as the loss of balance, shallow throw, slight tilt of the ankle, and using a larger ball. Video clip number one was ranked second because considering his feet stayed stationary and together, and that he reached the ball behind his head to gather speed, make it evident that he is still primitive; yet, maintaining his balance  regardless of his knees rocking back and forth after casting the ball, shows a higher developmental ranking than the child in video clip number seven. The second most advanced thrower is in video clip number three. Characteristics that show some signs of experience are his comfort casting the ball at a jogging start, the shift of weight between his legs before throwing, and the actual height and distance of the throw. However, his loss of balance shows lack of developmental advancement. What distinguishes the person in video clip four as the most developmentally advanced is the standing start with a single step forward for force, the height of the throw, and how balance is maintained throughout. Multiple constraints may be important to the throw. An example of a (structural) individualistic constraint would be limb length. Perhaps if the person in video clip number three did not have such long legs he may not have lost his balance after his throw. An environmental constraint of importance would be wind. If wind is interfering with a throw, it is likely that the target will be missed. Another example would be if the thrower in video clip number three were to have his jogging start on a slippery floor. In this scenario the thrower would most likely fall, undoubtedly changing the throwing pattern. In a separate scenario, if the target on the receiving end of the throw is stationary and then begins to shuffle from side to side this would increase the difficulty level for the thrower, epitomizing a task constraint. The observations I have made in this assignment were both displayed in a table and supported through explanations describing various characteristics that proved the validity of my â€Å"throwing continuum† rankings. Individual, environmental, and task constraints can all be important to the motor skill of throwing. Through using the element of observation as a tool of inquiry, I have reinforced that my statements are credible.

Fundamental Factors Affecting Quality Essay Example for Free

Fundamental Factors Affecting Quality Essay The nine fundamental factors (9 M’s), which are affecting the quality of products and services, are: markets, money, management, men, motivation, materials, machines and mechanization. Modern information methods and mounting product requirements. 1. Market: Because of technology advancement, we could see many new products to satisfy customer wants. At the same time, the customer wants are also changing dynamically. So, it is the role of companies to identify needs and then meet it with existing technologies or by developing new technologies. 2. Money: The increased global competition necessitates huge outlays for new equipments and process. This should be rewarded by improved productivity. This is possible by minimizing quality costs associated with the maintenance and improvements of quality level. 3. Management: Because of the increased complex structure of business organization, the quality related responsibilities lie with persons at different levels in the organization. 4. Men: The rapid growth in technical knowledge leads to development of human resource with different specialization. This necessitates some groups like, system engineering group to integrate the idea of full specialization. 5. Motivation: If we fix the responsibility of achieving quality with each individual in the organization with proper motivation techniques, there will not be any problem in producing the designed quality products. 6. Materials: Selection of proper materials to meet the desired tolerance limit is also an important consideration. Quality attributes like, surface finish, strength, diameter etc., can be obtained by proper selection of material. 7. Machines and mechanization: In order to have quality products which will lead to higher productivity of any organization, we need to use advanced machines and mechanize various operations. 8. Modern information methods: The modern information methods help in storing and retrieving needed data for manufacturing, marketing and servicing. 9. Mounting product requirements: Product diversification to meet customers taste leads to intricacy in design, manufacturing and quality standards. Hence, companies should plan adequate system to tackle all these requirements.

Effects of suicide bombing on dera ghazi khan criminology essay

Effects of suicide bombing on dera ghazi khan criminology essay Suicide bombers blow themselves up in order to attack people or property. They may attach explosive to their bodies, which permits them to access crowded areas where placing explosive would otherwise be difficult. Other suicide tactics involve using vehicles to create dangerous accident or run into buildings. In Pakistan mostly the teen agers take participation in suicide attack in the recent past. As of July 2007, before the Lal Masjid assault, the volunteers for self-martyrdom tended to be young, ranging from 18 to 24 years (Dawn, 2009). The main objective of the present study is to assess the socio-economic and Psychological effect of suicide bombing on community. The Universe of study will be comprised of the city areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. The sample of present study will comprised of 120 respondents. The data will be collected from two union councils of city Dera Ghazi Khan that will be selected through simple random sampling technique. Multistage sampling technique will be used . At first stage, two union councils will be selected. At the second stage, two colony/Blocks will be selected through simple random sampling technique and the third stage, 60 respondents (30 from each blocks/colony) will be selected randomly and over all 120 respondents will be interviewed. Research tool (Questionnaire) will be constructed to get information according to the objectives of the study. To check the accuracy and suitability of research tool, 10 respondents will be pretested. After making suitable corrections, final data will be gathered. And it will be analyzed by using appropriate statistical techniques (descriptive and inferential). The results will be presented in the form of M.Sc.Thesis. Need for the project: Islam and suicide bombing: The Quran mentions fighting (military jihad) in some 38 verses. Fourteen of the verses, make glancing reference to fighting in the way of Allah (which can mean anything from defensives military operations to a purely personal struggle to improve spiritual conditions). Seven of the verses criticize cowardice in battle. Three verses deal with Gods commands to the (ancient) treacle of Israel to fight against oppressors, two verses deal with the subject of those who break treaties, two refer to losses in battle suffered by unbelievers and two concerns the offering of peace. The remaining verses refer variously to the account of a battle, an attack on Muslims, the experience of fighting, provisions for battle and fighting during Ramadan (Dewdney, 2003) And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress limits. Truly Allah loves not the transgressors. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190). What is suicide Terrorism? Clear operational definitions and well-defined variables are challenge to researcher who studies suicide terrorism. Some conference attendees disagreed on which definitions of suicide terrorism to use. Andrew Silke of the University of East London noted that through out history, acts that some might dismiss as crazy or diabolical have frequently been employed as rational terrorist tactics. Examples include Catos self-inflicted stabbing and Samsons destruction of the temple where he was held. He noted that groups that have used suicide as a tool include Japanese samurai, English suffragists, IRA hunger-strikers, and Japanese Kamikaze pilots. Silke also raised the questions of how we should consider last-stands battles, such as the Spartans at Thermopylae or Americans at the Alamo. Silkes historical frame work prompted the panel of experts to debate how best to determine the difference between suicide and suicidal (high-risk) acts. Central to the discussion was deciding whether an act that is considered suicidal contributes seminal knowledge to the under standing of suicide terrorism. In other words, should the definitions of suicide terrorism be limited to actions that result only in suicide of should suicidal acts be included as well (Michael, 2006)? Suicide bombing has justly been centre of tending in recent years. A common perception among public and even scientific community is that suicide bombers are abnormal in some way and must be mentally ill. So for there have been no evidence that people who perpetrate the suicide bombing are with mental illness. (Clovard K, 2007). The black and white and simplistic thinking like I am good and right You are bad and wrong are the beliefs which may be fundamental these acts. These beliefs distance people from their foes and make it easier for them to kill people with plain little or no sense of compunction or guilt. However these may be over simplifications for a very complex phenomenon. (Merari A, 2007). Suicide bombers blow themselves up in order to attack people or property. They may seize explosive to their bodies, which allows them to approach crowded areas. Other suicide tactics involve using vehicles to create deadly accidents or run into buildings. Suicide bombers in Afghanistan and Iraq have driven trucks with explosives into buildings to attack them: The 9/11 hijacker flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Suicide attackers know that they will die for their causes, and are therefore believed the most attached of terrorists. However, there is much professional supposition about the motivations and mindset of suicide bombers (Zelman, 2008). Several news papers reports and information from news channels suggested that the phenomenon of suicide bombing is new in Pakistan. November 6, 2002 marked the occasion when a lady blow herself in front of news paper office in Karachi, injuring 6 people. Since the there have been 40 incidents up till now exacting more than 832 lives and injuring about than 1762. There have been constant rise in the incidents since 2006 with its peak in August 2007. NWFP is the most affected province followed by federally administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Regarding targets of the security personals have been the main target of suicide bombings, followed by other religions sects (Kaplan A, 2007). Psychology of terrorism and especially suicide bombing has drawn so much attention compared to other threats to life in recent years. This perception and attitude aspect to suicide bombing of perpetrators is of great interest to social scientists as well as psychiatrists and psychologists. Therefore psychological explanation of such a behavior could be of interest to many segments of society. Psychological perspectives could explain this extreme behavior of suicide bombing to some extent, though may not be fully applicable to all cases (Kaplan A, 2007). The curse of terrorism have left negative imprints on the economy of our country and devastated the socio conditions of our society also. A large number of domestic investors have flown away due the prevailing shadows of suicidal attacks and foreign investors also avoid investing their capital in our country. Which is one of the main sources that stabilize our economy? Many bread-winners of families have been victimized by this evil currently prevailing in our country. On socio front, the element of uncertainty have created in the minds of masses while going outside for job or business, no one knows whether he/she will come back home or not. (Jones, 2008). Purpose of study: District Dera Ghazi Khan geographically located in a key position and preferring the role of heart. All provinces (Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtun khwa and Punjab) are connected here. National trade and social mobility depend on the calm and peaceful environment of this area so the purpose of this study will be to highlight perception of common people of the area about the suicide bombing and also the atmosphere of uncertainty in their social and economic life. In this study, research will concentrate on the perception of people and to examine that how suicide bombing affects their social and economic life. Most previous studies had focused on infrstctural loses of suicide bombing and I will try to high light the social economic and psychological effects of suicide bombing according to the perception of common people. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. 2. To examine the perceptions of people about suicide bombing and its impact on their Socialization process. 3. To find out the perceived impact of suicide bombing on community psychology and Economy. 4. To suggest some possible measures for the reduction of suicide bombing. Review of literature: Saxton (2002) recommended that the economic cost of terrorism is comparable to a security or terrorism tax due to the extra cost of security. These diverse costs represent a supply side shock to an economy and can be very large. For example, in Pakistani Army or security forces clash against terrorist in Wana and Swat and much amount spent on this war it is burden on the country. Abadie and Gardeazabal (2003) the impacts of terrorism on (GDP) Grass Domestic Product per capital in our Country a region that has been weighed down by terrorism. They make an unreal region that consists of a weighted combination of different regions of our country that is planned to act as a counterfactual. It is intended to reflect an economic profile of the region before the start of terrorism. The author says that if any country faced terrorism and then people live difficult life. Palmer (2003) the author explored the general phenomena of terrorism, in a try to inform understanding of terrorist act. He stresses the need for contextualization of acts to terror, their perpetrators their effects on population and individuals, and attention to the psychology of groups. The author covers a brief history of terrorism organizational requirements of terror groups and process of recruiting personnel to them the; the means motives and opportunities terrorist exploit in their work; the need for communication with terror groups; sacrificial death governmental responses to terrorist acts and fear the mental health. The author proposed that terrorist organizations perform some of the functions of a family; that act of terror are propaganda by dead; that terrorism more precisely media treatment of it, breeds formless fears which may directly need to the development of fear-based symptoms and illness with in societies. He noted that terrorism is an enterprise from which many players benefits; that terrorism has a shadow in counter-terrorism, which may range from benign to malignant and that psychiatry could, in this context, acknowledge its bias towards individual psychology and rectify its lack of understanding of groups and the behavior of individual within them. Robert (2003) in his book dying to win; the strategic logic of suicide terrorism controverter many widely held beliefs about suicide terrorism. Based on an analysis of every known case of suicide terrorism from 1980s to 2005 (315 attacks are as part 18 campaigns), he concluded that there is little connection between suicide terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism, or anyone of the worlds religions Rather, what nearly are suicide terrorist attacks have in common in a specific secular and strategic goal: to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from territory that the terrorist consider to be their homeland. The taproot of suicide terrorism is nationalism; he argues it is an extreme strategy for national liberation. Robert work examines group are diverse as the Basque ETA to the srilankan Tamil Tigers. Robert also notably provides further evidences to a growing body of literature that finds that the majority of suicide terrorist do not come from impoverished or uneducated background, but rather have middle class origins and a significant level of education. Tavares (2003) explained that those who conserve suicide attacks are forced by religious beliefs suggest that the bombers believe that God has sent them on a task. They are motivated mostly by the assure of a happy after life and heavenly reward and the threat of pretty payback their basis is that by blowing themselves up in a crowd of people, they are making themselves martyrs and forge their own entrance to heaven. Blomberg, Hess and Orphanides (2004) estimated a number of models in a challenge to estimate the economic cost of terrorism. Using panel regressions calculating for country-fixed effects, they find that the living in a society we faces many problems but the terrorism is big threat for our safety and our country. No one knows that if he go to the job and he come back home or not. And with this curse our total economy affected because foreigner investor not comes here for business. Chen and Siems (2004) determine the impact of terrorism on justice index with an occasion study method. Unusual takings (deviations of situation-event key ethics from the pre-event average) and increasing irregular takings are the needy variables and the number of military and terrorist trial is the events. Using abnormal and collective abnormal returns on the Dow Jones Industrial Average equity index, the authors discover that of the eight terrorist incidents. Nitsch and Schumacher (2004). He suggested that Religious Terrorism is terrorism fragrant by groups or individual, the drive of which is usually fixed in the trust based tents. Terrorist acts during out the centuries have been performed on religious basis with the wish to either reach or implement a structure of belief, point of view or judgment. Religious terrorism does not in it self essentially define a specific religious stand point or view, but instead usually defines an individual or group view or analysis of that belief systems teachings. Piskhiatr and Korsakova (2004) stated that the consequences of terrorist threat and terrorist acts for mental health of the individual, groups of individuals and community in general were analyzed. Mental disorders emerging in the victim of terrorism is described. The problem of terrorist threats use as a psychic weapon is discussed. Tolerance of population to terrorism can be divided into two types that is psycho physiological and socio-psychological. The ways for elevating tolerability to terrorist threat and terrorist acts are suggested. Help in the centers of terrorist acts must be of the complex character, benign provided by different specialists including psychologists and psychiatrists. The importance of state structures and support in this work is emphasized. Abadie and Gardeazabal (2005) examined the impact of terrorism on foreign direct investment (FDI) which, they make up, may be superior to its impact on economic growth. Different other studies, which use also the number of losses or the number of terrorist attacks as their calculate of terrorism, the authors use an index that is based on expert ratings of the drive, company, size, competence, and barrier of terrorism at a country level. PGAP (2005) this pew global survey concerned over Islamic extremism. According to pew global survey, nearly three-quarters of Moroccans and roughly half of those in Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia see Islamic extremism as a threat to their countries. At the same time, most Muslim publics are expressing less support for terrorism then in the past. Confidence in Osama Bin Laden has declined markedly in some countries and fewer believe suicide bombings that target civilians are justified in the defense of Islam has declined significantly, In Turkey Morocco and Indonesia.15% or fewer act now say such actions justifiable. In Pakistan, only one in four now take that view (25%), a sharp drop from 41% in March 2004. Hronick (2006) stated that in a study conducted by Muhammad Hafez from university of Missouri-Kansas reported that suicide bombing were often conducted by secular organizations to advance political objectives against a stronger, technologically superior enemy. He noted that these organizations often invoke religion to appeal to individuals in order to convince them that they are fulfilling a commitment to God. He also explained how what he called the reward of martyrdom might motive an individual to undertake a suicide attacks and cited terrorists in Palestinian society as an example. There, suicide attackers are regarded by some as heroes, with their names given to babies or streets, and their sacrifices promoted by posters and mass funerals. Among the purported rewards for a martyr in the afterlife was the ability to intercede with God on behalf of friends and family and redemption for not only the individual, but for the society as well. Also, organizations that sponsor terrorism often bestow money and status on the families of suicide terrorists. Robert and Badar (2006) had explained the rise of suicide bombing since the early 1980s by focusing on the characteristic of suicide bombers, the cultural matrix which they operate, and the strategic calculations the make to maximize their gains. They offered an alternative approach that emphasizes the interaction between Palestinian suicide bombing and Israeli government actions, analyzing the motivations organizational rationales and precipitants for the 138 suicide bombings that took place in Israel the west bank and Gaza between October 2000 and July 2005. Using several sources including Arabic newspapers they find that much of the impetus for Palestinian suicide bombing can be explained by his desire to retaliate against Israeli killings of Palestinians: and that much of the impetus for Israeli Killings of Palestinians can be explained by the desire to retaliate for suicide bombing. When men are angry they commonly act out of revenge and not ambition. Aristotle, politics oppress ed people can not always be expected to behave in a reasonable manner. Benmelech and Berrbi (2007) showed that they study the relation between human capital of suicide bombers and outcomes of their suicide attacks. They argued that human capital is an important factor in the production of terrorism, and that is if terrorist behave rationally we should observe that more able suicide bombers are assigned to more important targets. The empirical analysis suggests that younger and uneducated suicide bombers were being assigned by their terror organization to more important targets. We found that uneducated and younger suicide bombers are less likely to fail in their missions, and are more likely to cause increased causalities when they attack. Gill (2007) narrated that understanding suicide bombing entailed studying the phenomenon on three different dimensions: the suicide bomber, terrorist organization and the community from which suicide bombing emerge. Political and social psychology allow us to establish the reciprocal relationships that underpin the exchange between three dimensions. This method increases our theoretical understandings of suicide bombing by moving away from the UN dimensional models that have previously dominated the terrorism literature. Hassan (2007) Awake till now, it is not possible to decide to what level children are being used for suicide operations in Pakistan and if it was ever a source of income for the TTP (Terikh Tailban Pakistan). Yet, it is known that the phenomenon does s and is also prevalent in nearby Afghanistan. One of the reasons suicide attacks have flourished in the past few years is the visible rapprochement between al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban. What affects one country will ultimately affect the other, and in the absence of any sign of social and economic development in the most isolated districts of the country, Pakistani suicide bombers tend not to be by-products of the madras system the Pakistani society might have to fear the worst regarding its youth. Unama (2007) presented the main findings Unamas comprehensive inquiry into the phenomenon of suicide attacks in Afghanistan. This study contextualizes suicide attacks in Afghanistan against its occurrence in other theatres, identifying the ways in which suicide attacks in Afghanistan differ from attacks elsewhere. It details available information about the backgrounds of the attackers and sources of support they enjoy, both in Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan. This report described the human cost borne by its largely civilians victims and identifies several policy implications as well as mitigating strategies. While suicide attackers elsewhere in the world tend not to be poor and uneducated, Afghanistans attackers appear to be young, uneducated and often drawn from madras across the border in Pakistan. They were also fortunately relatively inept at this tactic, managing to kill only themselves in many instances. Suicide assailants in Afghanistan and their supporters seem to be mobilized by a number of grievances. These include a sense of occupation, anger over civilian casualties and affronts to their national, family, and personal senses of honor and dignity that are perpetrated in the conduct of counterinsurgency operations. Some attackers are also motivated by religious rewards and duties. Abawi (2008) reported that CNN terrorism analyst Peter Bergen said the number of suicide bombings in Pakistan has reached unprecedented levels in the past year. Previously, Bergen says, such attacks were rare. The reason for this rise was because Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban had morphed together ideologically and tactically, and both see themselves at war with the Pakistani state, Bergen says. Many of the suicide attacks had been aimed at Pakistani politicians, officials and soldiers. Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf had vowed to fight militancy and religious extremism, going after Taliban and Al Qaeda within the country, Pakistans ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Ali Durrani, Some years ago told CNN that the Pakistani military was totally focused in destroying Al Qaeda and the Taliban network and not just one person. Still, the suicide bombers were succeeding targeting political partys rallies military installations and anyone seen as a threat. Meanwhile, civilian s were caught in the crossfire. The bombings, he said, must be stopped. I hope that we will succeed and, God willing we will try to stop these bloody cowards, he says. I dont think they are Muslim. Sayre (2009) analyzed the relationship between Palestinian suicide bombings and economic and political conditions. Labor market conditions can affect the frequency of attacks because when the economy worsens, the opportunity cost of being a terrorist decreases. An alternative explanation is that suicide bombings are responses to changes in the political environment. This paper examined these alternative explanations by estimating court data regression models of the occurrence of Palestinian terrorist attacks from 1993 to 2004. Contrary to the previous literature, this paper found that economic conditions were correlated with suicide terrorism. Specifically, deteriorating local labor market conditions during the al- Aqsa intifada account for nearly half of the increase in suicide bombings during that time. Procedure: The main objective of methodology is to explain various tools and techniques employed for a data collection, analysis and interpretation of data related to research problem. According to Nachmias and Nachmias (1992) the scientific methodology is a system of explicit rules and procedures upon which research is based and against which the claims for knowledge are evaluate. The purpose of the present study is to assess the socio-economic and psychological effect of suicide bombing on community. The Universe of study will be urban areas of District Dera Ghazi Khan. The sample of present study will comprised of 120 respondents. The data will be collected from two union councils of city Dera Ghazi Khan that will be selected through simple random sampling technique. Multistage sampling technique will be used and at first stage, two union councils will be selected. At the second, stage two colonies/Blocks will be selected through simple random sampling technique and the third stage, 60 respondents (30 from each blocks/ colony) will be selected randomly and over all 120 respondents will be interviewed. A research tool (Questionnaire) will be constructed to get information according to the objectives of the study and to check the accuracy and suitability of research tool, 10 respondents will be pretested. After making suitable correction, final data will be ga thered.Collected data will be analyzed by using appropriate statistical technique (descriptive and inferential). Literature cited: Abadie, A .and Javier G .2003. The Economic Costs of Conflict: A Case-Control Study for The Basque Country. American Economic Review: 93:113-132. Abadie, A. and Javier G.2005. Terrorism and the World Economy. Working Paper Harvard Kennedy School of Government, http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~aabadie/twe.pdf. Abawi, A.2008. Pakistan bombings reach unprecedented level. CNN. Com edition. 10january , 2008. And population studies; Princeton University department of; Economics RAND Corporation NBER working paper no.W12910. Blomberg, S. Brock, Gregory D. Hess and Athanasios O.2004. The Macroeconomic Consequence of Terrorism Journal of Monetary Economics. 51(5). 1007-1032. Benmelech, E. and Berrebi C.2007. Terrorism and mental illness is there a relationship. Rand Corporation Labour. Chen, A and Thomas S .2004. The Effects of Terrorism on Global Capital Markets. European Journal of Political Economy, 20:349-366. Colvard K. 2007. Commentary: the psychology of terrorists. BMJ 2002; 324: 359. Dewdney, AK. 2003. Islam does not support suicide attacks. Physics, 911. Scientific panel Investigation Nine-Eleven. http://physics911.net/islamnotsuicidal. Dawn. 2007. Into the mind of a suicide bomber. Available on http:// www.dawn.com. Suicide Terrorism in Pakistan. /2007/07/21/local17.htm Gill, P. 2007. A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Suicide Bombing. International journal of conflict and violence, 1 (2) 142-159 Hronick, S. Micheal. 2006. Analyzing terror: Researchers study the perpetrators and the effect of suicide terrorism.NIJ journal, (254):1-7. Onlinewww.suicideattack.com/palestineattach.html Jones, J. W. 2008. Blood that cries out from the earth: The psychology of religious Terrorism New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Kaplan A.2007. The psychodynamics of terrorism. In Alexander Y, Gleason J editors. Behavioral and quantitative perspectives on terrorism. New York: Pergamum Press 1981: p.35-50. Michael, S.H. 2006. Analyzing Terror: Researchers study the perpetrators and the affect of Suicide Terrorism. National Institute of justice. NO.254. International centre of the National institute of justice Noorani, T.2008. Root causes of terrorism. Associated Press of Pakistan. Merari A. 2007. The readiness to kill and die: Suicidal terrorism in the Middle East. In Reich W editor. Origins of terrorism: Psychologies, ideologies, theologies and states of mind. Cambridge University Press 1990; 118-24. Nitsch, V and Dieter S .2004. Terrorism and International Trade: An Empirical Investigation European Journal of Political Economy. 20: 423-433. Nachmias, C.F. and D. Nachmias. 1992. Research methods in the social sciences. Published by Edwards Arnold. A division of Hodder and Stoughton. London. Palmer, Ian. 2003. Terrorism, Suicide Bombing fear and mental health. International Review of Psychiatry, 19 (3):289-296 Pew Global Attitude project, (2005). A project of the pew research center. Islamic extremism Common concern for Muslim and attitude survey ww.pewglobal.org/Research (NBER)NBER working paper now 12910. Psikhiatr, Zh. Nevrol and Koraskaova, S.S. 2004. Terrorism and mental health (problems scale, Population Tolerance, management of care). {Article in Russia} 104 (6) : 4-8.Russian.PMID:15285627 Pub med -indexed for MEDLINE Robert J., B. and Badar, Araj. 2006. Suicide bombing as strategy and interaction: The case of the Second Intifada. Social Forces, 84 (4):1969-1986. ISSN 0037-7732 Robert, 2003. The strategic logic of suicide Terrorism. American political science Review, 97(3): 1-19. Hassan,S.S.2007. Recruiting Taliban child soldiers. BBC News. 12 June. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6731389.stm Sayre and Edward A, 2009. Labor Market conditions political events and Palestinian Suicide Bombing Peace Economics. Peace science and Public Policy: 15 (1) http://www. Bepress.com/peps/vo115/iss1/1 www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/pgtrpt. Saxton, J.2002. The Economic Costs of Terrorism Joint Economic Committee U.S. Congress. May .Available from http://www.house.gov/jec/terrorism/costs.pdf. Tavares J .2003. The Open Society Assesses Its Enemies: Shocks, Disasters and Terrorist Attacks prepared for the Carnegie-Rochester Conference on Public Policy, Nov. 21-22, 2003. UNAMA. 2007. Suicide attacks in Afghanistan (2001-2007) United Nations Assistance Mission Kabul, Afghanistan. 09-09-2007. Zalman, A.2008. Suicide Bomber. Terrorism issue. About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company http. About.com/od/tacticand weapons/g/SuicideBomber.htm.

Antebellum Slave Culture Essay -- Analysis, The Slave Community

Since the late 1960s, ante-bellum slave narratives have experienced a renaissance as dozens of the thousands still extant have been reprinted and as scholars have published major works on the sources, art, and developmentof the narratives; the people who produced them; and their on-going influence on later work. Drawing upon slave narratives as well among other sources, John Blassingame's The Slave Community (1972), for example, drew attention to the complex social interactions developed in antebellum slave culture. Examining the milieu that spawned the narratives and their development, and providing insights into what the narratives can tell about slavery as well as what they omit, Frances Smith Foster's Witnessing Slavery (1979) gave readers a book-length analysis of the genre. Robert B. Stepto's From Behind the Veil (1979) situated slave narratives at the center of African-American written narrative. John Sekora and Darwin Turner's collection of essays, The Art of the Slave Narrative (1982), focused closer attention on how the narratives achieved their rhetorical effects. In The Slave's Narrative (1985), Charles T. Davis and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. gathered excerpts from some of the best-known narratives and essays about the narratives as history and autobiographical literature. William L. Andrews's To Tell a Free Story (1987) examined the narratives as public autobiographies, at once exploring and demanding freedom. Today, hardly a book is published on American autobiography without a chapter on slave narratives. Not only do scholars writing about African-American literature often refer to the slave 0026-3079/93/3502-073$ 1.50/0 7o Sv'n her babes, so dear, so young, The*e, ev'n these, were torn à ¢way ÃŽ And... ...ased; unlike the narratives written by men, women's narratives do not emphasize this factor. While male narrators accentuate the role of literacy, females stress the importance of relationships. Given the importance of relationships in the lives of most women, this is hardly surprising. Through their narratives, both male and female fugitives and exslaves strove to counter the racial stereotypes that bound them even in "free" societies. Black men and women, however, faced different stereotypes. Black men combated the stereotype that they were "boys" while black women contested the idea that they were either helpless victims or whores. For a male fugitive, public discourse served to claim his place among men; for a female her relationships— as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend—demonstrated her womanliness and her shared roles with women readers.

Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton :: Cry, The Beloved Country Essays

Social Protest Cry the Beloved Country was a book written to bring about change. Through out the book Alan Paton reveal the social injustices of South Africa. This whole book, although a fictional stories, is to protest of the ways of South Africa. Paton brings up the inequity of the natives’ verses the whites; he makes points about education, superiority, and separation. Paton clearly showed that the white man is superiority to the black, he gives numerous examples throughout the novel. The white man had more money, a better job, a nicer house†¦ With James Jarvis, Paton showed that he was superior by making him live on high place, because he was so much superior than the natives that lived below him. At the end of the book James Jarvis (even though he had changed) could not get off his horse to talk to Steven Kumalo. He could have easily gotten off but "such a thing is not lightly done" (307). Paton includes this part in the novel to show that the white man can be amicable with the natives, but they will always have to come out on top. The whites needed to feel like they were on a higher level than the natives. If this country ever wants to be as one the whites are going to have to give up there need for superiority. Many times in the novel Paton showed there was a problem without even saying it. One of the major examples of that would be when he gave the scene of people asking "Have you a room to let?" and the response would always be "no I have no room to let"(85). Paton dosent outright say that its horrible that there is not even enough housing for the natives and they have to cram together in shared houses with no privicy at all. He just tells us the story and the reader recognize that there is a problem. Paton offten leves it up to the reader to figure out the social injustices of South Africa. When Kumalo was talking about his son Absolam he said "he is in prison for the most terrible deed a man can do, He k illed a white man" (144). Here Paton shows, again, how whites were considered to be superior to blacks. It could have been said the worst thing to do is kill a man, but in South Africa’s society it was not the same if a black man was murdered as compared to a white man.

Does Free Trade Retard or Improve Development in Developing Countries E

Introduction The 19th century international system was a very significant era of the doctrine and practice of free trade. This key date in the 19th century was 1846, the year England repealed the corn law. The corn laws had protected British aristocrats and farmers from imported corn. Corn at this time was used to make bread. This dispute pitted industrialists and many workers against landowners and farmers. The industrialist wanted cheap corn so that the cost of bread would be lowered and they could reduce or reduce workers wages. This would give their products a competitive advantage in international markets over products from nations where the cost of food and wages were expensive. The workers in Britain also supported this law because they wanted to buy cheap bread. David Ricardo, a stock trader and member of parliament, articulated the liberal theory of comparative advantage which made intellectual case for free trade. Today this theory of comparative advantage has remained the bedrock of ar guments for economic integration and free trade. The broad purpose of this paper is to try and answer these questions; †¢ Does Free Trade Improve or Retard Development in Developing Countries †¢ Is Free Trade really Free. Free trade is the trade among two or more countries without any limitations imposed by the governments or other regulators; thus the free movement of goods and services across national frontiers (O’Brien and Williams, 2007 p.139). (Vander .W, 2005 p.24). It points to the liberalisation of the markets of nations through the elimination of tariffs, quotas and other form of restrictions to allow the free flow of products beyond national borders. Benefits of Free Trade Trade Openness. Free Trade has remained a fundam... ...the Barrel: Africa’s Oil Boom and the Poor. Available at http://www.crsprogramquality.org/storage/peacebuilding/Bottom%20of%20the%20barrel.pdf European Commission, (2012). Trade, growth and development; Tailoring trade and investment policy for those countries most in need [SEC (2012) 87 final]. O’Brien, R. and Williams, M. (eds.) (2007) Global Political Economy: Evolution and Dynamics. 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave. OECD, (2009). Journal on Development Trading Out of Poverty; How Aid for Trade Can Help. World Bank (2000) World Development Indicators 2000. Washington D.C: World Bank [Online] Available at http://data.worldbank.org/indicator Stop Free Trade : Available at http://www.stopftaa.org/is-free-trade-really-free-what-it-costs-a-country.html UNCTAD, (2004).The Least Developed Countries Report . UNCTAD/LDC/2004 (Overview), sales no.E.03.II.D.9.

Darko Suvin’s “Metamorphoses of Science Fiction” Essay

In Darko Suvin’s â€Å"Metamorphoses of Science Fiction,† Suvin argues that science fiction should be considered its own literary genre. The reason he believes science fiction is distinct from other literary genres is because of its transforming aspects. Suvin describes science fiction as the literature of â€Å"cognitive estrangement,† which includes a â€Å"novum†. It is his belief that both cognition and estrangement must be both present and interactive in science fiction. Although it can be argued that science fiction is not its own literary genre because of its similarities to myth, fantasy, and folktale, it is significantly different from these genres because of its ability to cause the reader to think in a new way about something that is familiar to him/her. Science fiction should be its own literary genre because of its unique ability to cause readers to re-think everyday assumptions. This is important, because if we were not open to change, we would not be able to advance as a culture. Suvin calls this idea estrangement, which he defines as â€Å"something that confronts a set normative system †¦ with a point of view or look implying a new set of norms† (4); meaning something that appears normal, is incorporated with something unknown. Estrangement, thus, would be the process of separating or distancing ourselves from the real world and allowing our minds to imagine or create something that doesn’t exist or might exist in the future. It is taking things that are familiar and making them unfamiliar or taking two things that are meant to be together and separating them from each other. So cognitive estrangement would be the separation or escape from our cognitive thinking or what the reader sees as the real world and allowing his/her mind to imagine and create something that is not of the real world. Suvin uses the example of the transforming mirror, which causes â€Å"a reflection of but also on reality† (10), which means a reflection of what is real and also how the viewer thinks about reality from a strange or new perspective (through the introduction of the novum). This causes his/her view of reality to be transformed. In â€Å"Metamorphoses of Science Fiction,† Darko Suvin defends his cited definition of Science Fiction as its own literary genre, by providing examples and pointing out the similarities and differences arising from the comparison of science fiction to myth,folktale, and fantasy. Suvin says that myths are similar to science fiction in the aspect that they both incorporate the usage of estrangement. However, he points out that there are also many differences between them as well. Science fiction sees the norms of reality as transformable and changeable, whereas myths are the complete opposites. They â€Å"conceive human relations as fixed and supernaturally determined†(8). This mean that the lives of characters are already made for them and that they do not have the ability to change what will happen to them. Folktale is also similar to science fiction where it defies the rules and laws of the empirical environment. However, folktales go above and beyond transforming the empirical environment, it creates a â€Å"closed collateral world indifferent to cognitive possibilities†(8). This means that in the world created in a folktale, anything is possible. He uses the example of a flying carpet, stating, â€Å"The flying carpet evades the empirical law of physical gravity†(8). This quote shows the difference between folktale and science fiction because a folktale creates something that is completely unfamiliar whereas science fiction takes something familiar and makes it unfamiliar. Similar to folktale, fantasy causes tension between the â€Å"arbitrary supernatural phenomena and the empirical norms they infiltrate. †(8) This means things that are completely unfamiliar to the reader intrude into what they see as real. For example in Harry Potter, wizards and witches â€Å"infiltrate† the real world without non-magical people knowing. This can cause confusion, because it does not completely create its own world, and it does not go by the rules and laws of our world, so it is in between the two worlds. Overall, in â€Å"Metamorphoses of Science Fiction†, Suvin creates a clear systematic approach to the defense of his definition of Science Fiction as â€Å"the literature of cognitive estrangement† and why it should be its own literary genre. He provides sufficient and convincing evidence to reinforce his claim by using identifying principles of science fiction, making comparisons, and providing an insightful explanation of his views.