Mexico and The World Bank: Rebuilding a Country :: Essays Papers

Mexico and The institution margin Rebuilding a CountryThe 1994/1995 financial crisis in Mexico abnormal me in a very personal way. My family is from Mexico City, and my dad owns a small private firm that specializes in manufacturing tools. After the devaluation, I not only watched my gravel struggle with the failing economy and lack of business addition opportunities, I also witnessed a country begin to sink deeper into poverty and despair. There argon legion(predicate) reasons for the devaluation, but one of the main ones is probably the brusk savings rates and the low rate of investment (only saved 19 percent of gross domestic product from 1980-1994) (Bloomburg). Low levels of social development and high levels of poverty consistently served as a drag to economic growth and reform measures. Next fall I am going to spend a quarter in Washington D.C. completing an internship at the World Bank. I am going to work in the Latin American department, so I will drive the oppor tunity to deal very closely with the Banks strategies and projects in Mexico. Therefore I progress to decided to research the relationship between the World Bank and Mexico. The World Bank is one of the worlds largest sources of development economic aid. It is not real a bank, but rather a specialized force comprised of 184 member countries. Along with several other institutions, the Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries. The Bank has provided assistance to Mexico for over 5 decades, and projects loans totaling $5 billion to Mexico up to the stratum 2005. Mexico holds the second largest share of the Banks portfolio, which totals to a whopping 11.1 billion dollars (9.4 % of total portfolio). The Bank works alongside Mexican authorities and officials and both regional and municipal levels to lay out plans and devise strategies that will hopefully help to build up the Mexican economy and social welfare. The Bank currently runs 31 active projects with a net commitment of $5.4 billion. Today Mexico is defined as a middle-income country, although many of its residents continue to survive off less than 1 or 2 dollars per day. Those who live on less than $1 per day do not have access to sufficient food or clean water. Income per capita is $5070 (the highest in Latin America).Mexico and The World Bank Rebuilding a Country Essays PapersMexico and The World Bank Rebuilding a CountryThe 1994/1995 financial crisis in Mexico affected me in a very personal way. My family is from Mexico City, and my dad owns a small private firm that specializes in manufacturing tools. After the devaluation, I not only watched my father struggle with the failing economy and lack of business growth opportunities, I also witnessed a country begin to sink deeper into poverty and despair. There are many reasons for the devaluation, but one of the main ones is probably the poor savings rates and the low rate of investment (onl y saved 19 percent of GDP from 1980-1994) (Bloomburg). Low levels of social development and high levels of poverty consistently served as a drag to economic growth and reform measures. Next fall I am going to spend a quarter in Washington D.C. completing an internship at the World Bank. I am going to work in the Latin American department, so I will have the opportunity to deal very closely with the Banks strategies and projects in Mexico. Therefore I have decided to research the relationship between the World Bank and Mexico. The World Bank is one of the worlds largest sources of development assistance. It is not really a bank, but rather a specialized agency comprised of 184 member countries. Along with several other institutions, the Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries. The Bank has provided assistance to Mexico for over 5 decades, and projects loans totaling $5 billion to Mexico up to the year 2005. Mexico holds the s econd largest share of the Banks portfolio, which totals to a whopping 11.1 billion dollars (9.4 % of total portfolio). The Bank works alongside Mexican authorities and officials and both regional and municipal levels to lay out plans and devise strategies that will hopefully help to build up the Mexican economy and social welfare. The Bank currently runs 31 active projects with a net commitment of $5.4 billion. Today Mexico is defined as a middle-income country, although many of its residents continue to survive off less than 1 or 2 dollars per day. Those who live on less than $1 per day do not have access to sufficient food or clean water. Income per capita is $5070 (the highest in Latin America).

Grandma, Schnitzel and Politics :: Personal Narrative Profile

Grandma, Schnitzel and Politics   I strolled the streets of Tel Aviv taking in the smell of heat up falafel mixed with the salty ocean breeze. I watched people hurrying, lunging for bus doors before drivers pulled away. Then I realized that if I didnt get to my grandmothers in x minutes, Id be late - an offense that could provoke the dreaded silent treatment. I ran from the beach to her apartment on Bet-Lechem street and flew up the steps two at a time, jumping over the Arab lady who sat scrubbing the floor. I arrived at the fifth story apartment breathless, wondering how the old lady climbed the stairs run foring five kilos of fruits and vegetables in each hand. She opened the door and squeezed me hard reminding me how she managed the stairs. She offered a wrinkled, rubbery cheek to kiss and then immediately ushered me to my place at the table, guarantee me that lunch was all ready.   I sat down and skimmed through her copy of the Post, vowing not to let her sucker me i nto a political discussion. She returned with the first course.   I made a chicken soup with canadelach special for you, she said. Grandma, next time write me a list, and Ill go shopping for you. She snorted, You know how to pick vegetables. Then, Ill just carry the bags, I offered. Darling, when I cant take care of myself, Ill write a big Shalom on the wall, she made a sweeping gesture indicating the whole dining way of life wall, and thats this Ill take all my pills.   Then on her feet again, she plunged out of the room with her gray head down. A minute later, she returned with a full tray of salad, tehina, fresh bread, schnitzel, peas, beer and apple compot. The schnitzel itself left little room on my plate for other food.   I also made blintzes for you special, darling because I know you love them, she said.   As I sat, she told me stories Id heard before. She told me how when she was a girl in Poland, they hadnt had cars yet. They rode in horse and carriage. An d when she came to Israel, the men stopped and stared at her. She told me for the nine-hundredth time that it was her father who had built the building we were sitting in.

Poem #640: Interpretation :: essays research papers

I cannot live with YouIt would be LifeAnd Life is over there__Behind the ShelfThe sacristan keeps the Key toPutting upOur lifeHis PorcelainLike a CupDiscarded of the HousewifeQuaintor BrokeA newer Sevres pleasesOld Ones mountain passI could not diewith YouFor One must waitTo shut the Others Gaze downYoucould notAnd ICould I jut byAnd see YoufreezeWithout my Right of FrostDeaths privilege?Nor could I risewith YouBecause Your FaceWould put out JesusThat youthful GraceGlow plainand foreignOn my homesick EyeExcept that You than HeShone closer byTheyd judge UsHowFor Youserved paradiseYou know,Or sought toI could notBecause You saturated SightAnd I had no more EyesFor sordid excellenceAs ParadiseAnd were You lost, I would beThough My NameRang loudest On the Heavenly fameAnd were YousavedAnd Icondemned to beWhere You were notThat selfwere Hell to MeSo We must meet byYou thereIhereWith just the Door ajarThat Oceans areand PrayerAnd that White SustenanceDespair"I cannot live with Yo u", by Emily Dickinson, is an stirred rime in which she shares her experiences and thoughts on death and love. Some critics believe that she has written about her struggle with death and her desire to have a relationship with a man whose vocation was ministerial, Reverend Charles Wadsworth. She considers suicide as an option for relieving the pain she endures, but decides against it. The narrator, more than likely Emily herself, realizes that death will leave her even supercharge away from the one that she loves. There is a possibility that they will never be together again. "Arguing with herself, Dickinson considers three major resolutions for the frustrations she is seeking to define and to resolve. apiece of these resolutions is expressed in negative form living wither her lover, dying with him, and discovering a world beyond nature. Building on this series of negations, Dickinson advances a enrolment of reasons for her covenant with despair, which are both final and insufficient. Throughout, she excoriates the social and religious authorities that impede her union, but she remains emotionally unconvinced that she has correctly identified her antagonists." (Pollack, 182)Dickinson begins her poem by saying that she cannot live with her lover because their life together is an object that can only be opened with a key. The Sexton, or church military officer in charge of the maintenance of church property, keeps the key. The reverends involvement with God and with a woman at the same time is like a porcelain cup that is easily broken. This is an example of Personification.

The North Korean Nuclear Crisis Essay examples -- Weapons Nuclear Kore

The Nuclear Crisis of 1993The question of a nuclear North Korea has roots dating back to the 1980s. Initial c at a timerns arose in the mid-1980s, with intelligence reports proposing the potential for North Korean nuclear ambitions. Reports cite the construction of a nuclear reactor capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium . The reactor in question, located in Yongbyon, was the focus of the for the first time North Korean nuclear crisis in 1993. The Clinton administration springed with diplomatic efforts, forging an agreement by 1994 that effectually ended the crisis. Under the Agreed Framework, North Korea concur to (1) halt operation and construction of nuclear reactors, (2) freeze reprocessing of spent fuel (from which plutonium can be derived to make nuclear weapons), and (3) allow IAEA inspectors to monitor nuclear facilities. In return, the US agreed to (1) lead an international consortium in the construction of two proliferation-resistant light-water reactors (L WR), and (2) supply fuel oil until the first reactor is deemed running(a) . The Current Crisis in BriefThe current crisis officially began in October 2002, when a visiting US delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State pack Kelly, confronted North Korean officials with evidence of a nuclear weapons program (using enriched uranium, as opposed to the plutonium used in its first weapons program). Pyongyang admitted to the program?s existence, stating, ?We will meet the sword with the sword. ? The US, South Korea, and Japan subsequently halted all shipment of fuel oil to North Korea, in November, on the grounds that the once covert nuclear program was in violation of the Agreed Framework. In December, North Korea announced the reactivation of its nuc... ...?we will not attack you? if all nuclear ambitions argon abandoned . The administration should also make good on its proposition to agree on a system in which ?corresponding measures? are interpreted on both sides to resol ve the crisis. It will be imperative to develop a verifiable means of dismantling Pyongyang?s weapons program. Furthermore, the focus of future day dialogues should be on the issue of nuclear dismantlement, straying from the topic as sparingly as possible.As President Bush and other administration officials stupefy reminded the international community, and in particular North Korea, ultimately ?all options are on the table.?Given the current status of dialogues and continued willingness of countries in the region to proceed with diplomatic efforts, however, the option for military action is effectively taken off the table for the US for the time being.

Analysis of Paragraph on Page 271-272 of Porter’s Pale Horse, Pale Rider :: Porter’s Pale Horse Pale Rider

Analysis of Paragraph on Page 271-272 of doormans Pale Horse, Pale riderIn the opening sentence of this paragraph, dickens workers at the report office are described. They are not, however, described as people though, they are instead utter to be solely two pairs of legs (door guard 271). By describing solely this part of the people, door guard is drawing attention to a part of the body seemingly unrelated to newspaper writing. This gives the reader the impression that these two writers are either unskilled in the area or writing, or unimportant to the speaker. Interestingly, the legs are also described as, dangling, which paints the mental image of a lifeless body. This could be perhaps indicating that these people are dead to her both unimportant and unwanted. Porter then goes on to describe the legs as universe stuffed thickly into funnels of dark expensive-looking material. The way in which this is described seems to imply that the fabric itself is strangling these legs th at have now become representative of the speakers magazine at the newspaper. By describing the material as dark and expensive looking, Porter makes the writers at the newspaper appear to be both evil and fake. As Porter continues her description of the two writers, she notes how one of then was oldish and the other youngish. The vagueness in this description goes along with the feeling of universality in the writers that Porter has achieved by having them correspond by a mere body part. Also, by having one writer be old, and the other young, the writers are closer to representing every man. As Porter describes the writers as having a stale air of borrowed importance which apparently they had got from the same source she is indicating that the newspaper itself, and thus the media is the source that writers in this wartime community derive their unreal importance. Porter makes the speaker seem almost intimidated by the writers as she euphemistically refers to them as being well nouri shed rather than fat. This is again referenced when Porter states that Miranda pulled out her chair without removing her cap or gloves () as if she had not a moment to spare. Mirandas resentment of the newspaper community is embodied in these two people.

Analysis of Paragraph on Page 271-272 of Porter’s Pale Horse, Pale Rider :: Porter’s Pale Horse Pale Rider

Analysis of Paragraph on Page 271-272 of Porters Pale Horse, Pale RiderIn the opening sentence of this paragraph, two workers at the newspaper office are expound. They are not, however, described as great deal though, they are instead said to be simply two pairs of legs (Porter 271). By describing solely this part of the people, Porter is drawing attention to a part of the body seemingly unrelated to newspaper writing. This gives the reader the impression that these two writers are any unskilled in the area or writing, or unimportant to the speaker. Interestingly, the legs are also described as, dangling, which paints the picture of a lifeless body. This could be perhaps indicating that these people are dead to her both unimportant and unwanted. Porter then goes on to describe the legs as being stuffed thickly into funnels of colorful expensive-looking material. The way in which this is described seems to imply that the fabric itself is strangling these legs that have now become representative of the speakers time at the newspaper. By describing the material as dark and expensive looking, Porter makes the writers at the newspaper appear to be both evil and fake. As Porter continues her description of the two writers, she notes how one of then was old and the other youngish. The vagueness in this description goes along with the feeling of universality in the writers that Porter has achieved by having them represented by a mere body part. Also, by having one writer be old, and the other young, the writers are closer to representing every man. As Porter describes the writers as having a stale air of borrowed importance which obviously they had got from the same source she is indicating that the newspaper itself, and thus the media is the source that writers in this wartime community derive their unreal importance. Porter makes the speaker seem almost intimidated by the writers as she euphemistically refers to them as being well nourished rather than fat. Th is is again referenced when Porter states that Miranda pulled out her chair without removing her cap or gloves () as if she had not a moment to spare. Mirandas resentment of the newspaper community is embodied in these two people.

How do the camera shots, lighting effects and music help embellish the theme of the film ‘We Were Soldiers’?

We Were Soldiers is a engage that attempts to expose the devastation and desperation of struggle within Vietnam. During my essay, I will focus on the significant aspects of this cinematic version of one of histories most brutal wars. Although war has several points of view, my aim will be to explore the diverse perspectives of both the Americans and Vietnamese in hope to begin that the director has captured both sides equally and with realism. Ultimately, I must question whether the music, light effects and camera shots depict the moment authentically.The opening scenes of Saving individual(a) Ryan sort out a new benchmark in war films, one that We Were Soldiers has raised to yet greater heights of goriness. It is never romanticised and purely foc phthisiss on the explicit see to itry youd expect in a war film, unlike We Were Soldiers where Mel Gibson stars as Lt. Col. Harold Moore whose bravery and determination ensures his survival. The close-up battle scenes atomic number 18 not for the squeamish, particularly the images of Vietnam victims, who passim the film are seen as the weaker side.The film, originally a book by Randal Wallace, reflects on the general and recognisable images of war, with various close-up and point-of-view camera shots focusing on bloody and disturbing finis scenes. The rapid pace of the footage we see and hammy music we hear set the scene perfectly. This adds a sense of accretion, by the gory close-ups presumably building to a climax. We instantly recognise that the war is set in relatively modern day times because it uses explosives, gunfire and sophisticated fighter and bomber planes that imply the war is an ambush.We are then introduced to Mel Gibson, where he faces the emotional task of saying goodbye to his wife and children. This particular scene is filmed with much silence and feels moving by the heart-stopping case of a father potentially saying his final leave to his family. In the background, melancholy music pla ys which substitutes the use of speech effectively. It is apparent to the audition that Mel Gibsons character is uncertain if hell return or die. Music is an aid that suffices give the scene this atmosphere.His wife pretends to be asleep so that she can avoid a sombre farewell however when she later tries to find him, the camera juxtaposes to a shot of him already leaving. Moments like these fuddle peoples heart sink, when they feel they are embroiled within the plot line and attached to the characters emotions. The final shot of the scene where we see Mel Gibson walking down the street in the distance uses a long shot, to show that the audience is left(p) behind, and ultimately showing how Mel Gibson has to be somewhere else. We see a dark silhouette gradually decreasing in size as he walks push down the street.After the sadness of the expire scene, the following part of the film builds tension and suspense, showing soldiers arriving on buses to be escorted to war. There is a limited use of light, and a constant alarming style of music. Dim lights and ambient sound muffle the speech and imagery, with a range of close-up shots building to a climax. The sound of trail feet and whistles can be heard in the distance as it builds to a sharp stop. We then juxtapose to daylight, which is a complete contrast and helps progress the film in terms of its duration.The next scene shows the army arrive in Vietnam. Dismal music is applied to epitomize the depressive feeling within the soldiers. The scene includes softened motion effects which emphasize the slow progression of time that, for the soldiers, is time spent without loved ones. A shot of Mel Gibsons foot landing on Vietnamese soil is shown, symbolising that Vietnams opposition has arrived. Later on in the film, the same shot is shown but in reverse, indicating that Mel Gibson had managed to survive and, as he promised his men, would be the last to leave.Subsequently, complete destruction takes place with the camera zooming in on huge explosions, countless gunfire shots and corpses. Like many times in the film, it juxtaposes to the Vietnamese camping area underground creating contrast. The loud shouting and explosions are quietened to signify the camera is underground and subtitles can be seen at the bottom of the screen when the Vietnamese speak. Saving Private Ryan, unlike We Were Soldiers is dedicated to Captain John Miller, whereas We Were Soldiers is dedicated to both sides of the war. The two films do have their similarities as well as differences, like both constitute objects that we can recognise symbolically like the trumpet in We Were Soldiers and a water bottle in Saving Private Ryan.Later on in the film, the situation of war on the screen is alleviated by the camera juxtaposing to a domestic scene. The director shows Mel Gibsons wife cleaning the house so the audience can witness how people are affected by the war and how they cope with the situation. In addition to this , we see women deliver telegrams to the wives of the soldiers. This helps the audience to see the difference between war and back home, and both male and female reactions to death.At the ambush scenes, lighting effects are cunningly used to distinguish dark from day. We see blue light glowing on the soldiers faces so we know that is early evening. As well as this, soldiers appear to keep sentimental pieces with them throughout the war to remind us of the contrast between the masculine, fighting soldier, and his true, human feelings.As the film evolves, we become more engaged by the increasing dramatic effects. The moment where a Vietnamese soldier suffers burns to his face intensifies his pain through the music. In Saving Private Ryan similar techniques are used to help the audience believe that what they are seeing is real. The director uses a shaky hand-held camera effect to completely involve the audience, giving the feeling of organism one of the men at the battle site. The mos t significant part of the battle scene is when Tom Hanks, playing the lead role in the film, simoleons next to a barricade and looks around to view the chaos that is surrounding him. The hand-held camera is positioned from Tom Hanks view to deliver a clear image to the audience of what Tom Hanks is feeling and viewing.Towards the end of We Were Soldiers, black and white images of the dead are shown one after the other, helping the audience to reflect on the lifelessness thats left.After these images are shown, the pace of the film slows down, and the camera begins to film from low down on the ground. Doing this shows the audience the level at which the dead soldiers lie and what surrounds them. general I think the film is truly realistic, although I was never there to witness what happened. It appears to be an accurate rendition one that embraces compassion, love, death and symbolism to make the audience think as well as watch. The camera angles allow the audience to witness the w ar from different perspectives, whilst the variety of music is an aid to hit the ceiling the overall effect.

Conflict and Negotiation Essay

Decision making is about coming to agreement on the perceptibly best (optimal) course of action, given several competing odds and scenarios. In many an(prenominal) cases, there is more than one person involved in the decision making process. Given the realities faced by the various parties involved in deliberations that moldiness lead to decisions, and the shades of information and viewpoints available to these parties, steps that lead to decisions must be clear on desired outcomes and accommodate different perspectives.Conflicts and the need to treat must arise sometimes become people ar need-driven and see things from their own points of view for good reason. For instance, in my experience, I have encountered several instances where HR, descent units and IT seemed to be working at cross-purposes even though they insist they are all focused on doing the best for the same organization The HR conductor was looking at employee time-tracking software from the standpoint of complian ce and what needed to be in or out to protect the fellowship from reputational risks such as litigations and restrictive penalties. The frontline business unit managers focus was on quick delivery so as to book the next sale and achieve his physical object profitability. The IT manager serving both the HR and business manager was looking at both groups needs from the standpoint of overall company priority since IT resources were limited. It thus becomes important for participants to be clear on the overall goal, even though they come from different points of view.There is always the need to do some give-and-take with regards to points of view, so the final decision has the coverage, goodwill and support it needs to serve the needs of all concerned and the organization as a whole. Conflict can be either functional (constructive) or of dysfunctional (destructive), depending on whether or not the negotiation process is focused clearly on solving problems or distracted by a selfish i nvestment in rigid viewpoints.When conflicts are functional, they lead to creative tensions that challenge orthodoxy, lead to creative ideas and enhance organizational performance. When conflicts are dysfunctional, they result in narcissistic negotiations. Kofman, F (n. d) In this case, the potential advantage in group decision making of gulp from the experiences and perspectives of a larger number of individuals is lost. Instead, individual/groups mistakenly view themselves as the organization, thus fueling frustration and wasting the larger rganizations time and resources. Has anyone encountered individuals who are very self-centered in negotiations? Did you feel frustration and why? How did you get past the frustration point and get to some resolution? 1. Kofman, F (n. d) axialent. com productivity Killers Narcissistic Negotiation Retrieved May 15, 2013 from http//www. axialent. com/resource/article_details/79 2. Bauer, T. , & Erdogan, B. (2009). Organizational behavior. (Vol. 1. 1, p. 270). Irvington, NY FlatWorldKnowledge, Inc

Globalization and Regional Strategies Essay

Executive SummaryIt is clear enough that in todays era it is exceedingly critical for firms to adopt spheric and domainal descent strategies in order to attain sustainable competitive advantage. further the question arises regarding classification of a MNE (Multinational Enterprise) as a ball-shaped firm. This essay critically analyses the work on regional dodging as a response to Osegowitsch and Sammartino and attempts to cover the following aspects in detail. notion of globularization and Global StrategyThis section highlights the notion of human(a)ization and way brasss today establish a global presence by adoption of uncommon business strategies. This part excessively details the three different kind of global strategies.regional Strategy AnalysisThis part analyzes the surmisal and trust of regional brass concept of Globalization in particular as a response to Osegowitsch and Sammartino (2008). It aims to shrive that in todays era real hardly a(prenominal) glo bal firms exists and secondly that sufficient amount of international business literature and theory is required to draw reflection on regional vs. global MNEs (Multinational Enterprises) dodging.The Theory of the Regional StrategyThis section explains the concept of regional strategy analysis and illustrates the various regional theories as explained by Osegowitsch and Sammartino.IntroductionWith the concept of globalization and internationalization gaining more and more momentum everyday, this essay attempts to critically analyse the work of Osegowitsch and Sammartino on regional strategy. It starts with explaining the concept of globalisation and global strategy and tries to justify that in todays era very few global firms exist. Secondly, it tries to establish that signifi rouset amount of international business literature and theory is demanded in order to draw conclusion on regional vs. global MNEs strategy by exploring the theory of regional strategy.Notion of Globalization and Global StrategyGlobalization can be defined as a complex concept which enables firms to operate in various continents and countries across the globe in order to remedy and maximise their profit margins, sustainability, worldwide existence and economies of scale (Blyton et al., 2001). Globalization provides platform not only to consumers but in like manner to organizations to help them satisfy their needs globally. harmonise to Marquardt & Berger (2003), Trade, Travel, Technology and Television are the four major developments that be possessed of resulted in Globalization. The four Ts of global development are the outcome of military personnel brain and its creative innovations.These advancements have further encouraged and made possible continuous exchange of ideas, information and knowledge between human resources by breach the barriers of duration. Moving ahead, Bratton & Gold (2007) state that Globalization is a global process of political convergence, social economie s and national sen agents, in which space, time and Government are not given much wideness. The paragraph below give now highlight the three different views on global strategy. The runner view states that the global strategy is one of the particular and specific forms of Multinational Enterprise (MNE) Strategy. Further, it highlights the fact that Globalization considers all the countries of the world alike (Levitt, 1983). The Second view considers global strategy as International Strategic charge (Bruton et al., 2004) which is no doubt wider concept than global strategy mentioned in the first view.Lastly, the trine view describes global strategy in even broader term The strategy of the firms that exist all over the globe and this can be concluded as the firms theory of how to become a advantageful competitor (Peng, 2006). Having discussed the various forms of global strategies which are adopted by firms today, this essay now moves ahead to analyse the theory and approach patt ern of regional strategy concept of Globalization in particular as a response to Osegowitsch and Sammartino (2008). It aims to justify that in todays era very few global firms exists and secondly that sufficient amount of international business literature and theory is required to draw reflection on regional vs global MNEs (Multinational Enterprises) strategy.The Regional Strategy TheoriesAccording to Rugman and Verbeke (2007), recent literature on globalization suggests that a firm is categorised as global if maximum 50% of its total gross sales are in its hearthstone territory (EU) and minimum 20% of sales in each of the NAFTA zone and Asia. He adds to it by take to sur pillow slip the outcome of survey based upon this theory that indicated only nine global firms in Fortune Global 500 and also the orientation of more firms towards the infrastructure-region. In response to the above mechanism for classifying the firm as global, Osegowitsch and Sammartino (OS) (2008) have pro vided three basic criteria and comments that can be helpful in future classification of firms according to their geographical sales dispersion. Firstly, OS suggest that it is not appropriate to classify statistical information straightaway.It should be realised that since this is a growing field of view of research, usage of all kind of classification tool is open to criticisms as it is not simply the categorization of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) following particular regional strategy theories. As an example, OS focus on building and having strong position in the region by illustrating that if the EU, NAFTA region and Asia represents 90% of the total world sales output, an absolute division would require all the three regional collars to have 30% sales each and not 33.3% in order to encourage the strategy of lower thres bags. In other words, a firm can be defined as global if it has at least 20% of the total sales in the two host-triad regions and without any kind of impos ition on the maximum sales brink in the home territory (Rugman and Verbeke, 2007). Additionally, it should also be famed that it is not at all relevant to categorize a firm as having strong position in the market if its threshold is lower than 20% of the total sales.OS even conducted a simulation using threshold value as 10% of the net sales in order to constitute a string position in the host region as it would result to USD $1 billion even for the smallest of the Fortune Global 500 firms. But unfortunately, it didnt present a strong position and can by no means be considered as an essence for strategic decision fashioning in the worlds largest organizations. OS clearly argues that using various thresholds is helpful in assessing the sensitivity of firms positions in the classification system but the main function should always be to provide an assessment of the Future Global 500 and to easily track firms whose thresholds are continuously changing from one kinsfolk of thresh old to another. A clear example of this is Nokia which encountered a 4% decline in sales in the year 2002.However, this change in sales archetype reflected a short term failure in inter-regional growth but OS criticizes that it cannot be simply neglected. Movement of Nokia from a global organization in 2001 towards a home based firm in 2001 was a remarkable concern. In one line, it can be tell that having threshold below 20% simply leads to generation of more bi-regional firms and which cant be regarded as truly global organizations. Moving ahead, the second regional strategy criterion which OS highlights is that the sales variations are highly industry specific. According to OS, industry plays a significant role and all future researched should aim at exploring the regional vs global strategies at the industry specific levels and try to establish the difference. It is truism that a majority of firms are not properly internationalized and their sizes varies across regions but then its some(a) of the worlds biggest MNEs that have constantly been regarded as capable of compensating for the weaknesses of the other sectors in different regions of the world.The main point to be considered is that our analysis are unconditional of differential size of numerous industries that exist across the region, as MNEs are able to establish regional markets and to further develop insufficient markets. Lastly, in third comment it is argued that it would be irrelevant to prefer regional strategy over global strategy. Regional strategies come into existence when it becomes very difficult or unthinkable to adopt conventional global strategies efficiently, or when they fail to function, keeping in mind that global strategies cannot be evaluated in isolation. Further, it can be said that manifold geographic space beyond the home country border is essential for just about of the companies now if not all of them.Moving ahead, this section of the essay will now make an attempt to tackle the criticism formed by OS concerning the contribution of regional strategy to the international business theory. According to (Rugman and Verbeke, 2007), the regional strategy is structured around three simple but fundamental empirical observations which demand international business theory to be extended and enhanced. First of all, only a small physique of MNEs have a balance geographical sales distribution pattern across the global market, although it counts towards the risk variegation at the downstream end of the value chain. OS illustrate that a balanced and structured distribution of sales geographically would contribute towards enhanced global acceptance by the customers of the companys products and services. With only the exception of resource-based industries, the triad comprising the EU, NAFTA region and Asia demonstrates a first cut though not certainly a fixed one mechanism to identify the extent to which an MNEs net sales are distributed worldwide.Further, thi s triad has gained so much importance as it is the home of worlds most large MNEs as well as the locus for a number of outstanding innovations in most industrial sectors. The triad also demonstrates the world demand pattern for most knowledge intensive services and goods. But its unfortunate to mention that only a small number of MNEs in the Fortune Global 500 are capable of performing equally well in each of the three regions of the triad. It is often observed that a strong position in the home-triad region is not support with an equally strong position in both the other two remaining triad environments. Classification tools are now irrelevant as among the firms with international operations only a small percentage are truly global i.e. may be even less than 5% (Ghemawat and Ghadar, 2006).They further add to it and state that different firms rule in different parts of the world. Second wing of the regional strategy focuses on the fact that several MNEs have regional features in th e organizational structure such as geographic divisions and having individual divisions for different regions is supported mainly by the concept of regional heterogeneity demanding idiosyncratic management. In this case, the intra-regional institutional and economic distance is not just smaller but also very different from that of the interregional. It has been observed that for most MNEs, managing operations and work system in EU is very different from functioning system of the NAFTA region or as compared with the work cultural of Asian environment. These differences may further be enhanced if the work unit is further subdivided into smaller units. Fratiannin (2006) states that these differences in work system signal the importance of regional level in the business strategy and structure of MNEs.Today, almost all big firms such as Toyota, General electrical (GE) have embedded regional elements in their business and operational strategies and these companies are often wrongly refer red to as global organizations not just because of lack of balanced geographic distribution but also because of their world wide global operations and manufacturing (Ghemawat, 2005). Thirdly, it should be noted that more than fifty percent of the geographic battlefield in terms of sales is normally the main source of the firms cash flows and the centre point of most of the firms both tangible and intangible asset assets. In the coming long time, the concept of having more than 50% sales in the home territory would not be significant enough in EU and North America specifically but it would gain momentum in Asian region as intra-regional distance is minimizing and thereby driven by a reduction of investment barriers and trade. Competition among industries would be more prevalent at the regional level instead of the national level.OC highlight that attention should now be laid on the development of classification tool that will help bundle the home country sales with the sales in the remainder of the home territory rather than paying attention separately to the sales in the home region and remaining of the home region especially for MNEs based in Asia and EU. Moving ahead, the above discussed observations and theories clearly demonstrate the need for an extended international business theory. These observations are independent of specific categorization come upes to measure specific home-region vs. rest-of-the-world market position of MNEs. A trend has always been seen that all the MNEs are much stronger in their home regions as compared to that in other triad regions. These top MNE firms have formulated their organizational structures around the regional component and a varying market position in each region raises call for a regional approach rather than a global strategy approach.The paragraph below now will bring to surface the three main components for the extension on mainstream international business theory (Rugman and Verbeke, 2007). Firstly, it is not iced that impact of country border does not provide strong basis for distinguishing between non- location dancing (or internationally deployable/exploitable) and location bound. In todays period of excess regionalization, it is very easy for some companies to exploit and deploy their strengths throughout the home country border. Further, proxies for internationally transferable FSAs such as firms level predictors of internationalization like firms level of R&D do not hold much importance in explaining intra-regional expansion occurring in home region, given the distance gap between the home country and rest of the home region is very less. As a result of well-functioning trans-European transport and logistics meshings enabling fast response and just in time strategies covering the whole continent, the significance of geographic distance has decreased in EU. The EU integration process itself has let to decrease in Institutional distance.Further, Economic distance has lost its relev ance because of many reasons such as development of new services and products at par with European level, possibility of cross border shopping made possible by web based searches, continuous attempts made by many companies to gain scale and scope efficiencies at the European level and lastly, increased importance of EU as a geographic space to ascertain companys conduct, structure and importance. Finally, decreased significance of conventional measures of cultural distance mainly in the business to business area as it is easy to get labour in Europe, considerable increase in use of English as the knife franca inside the region. On sharp contrast between past and present position of conventional location bound FSAs it can be clearly stated that forwardly they allowed firm expansion only up to country borders but now it can be easily upgraded, and made deployable and exploitable even beyond the home country borders and also in other home region countries.Secondly, there is a need to reconsider the fact that non-location-bound FSAs like technological knowledge or brand can be easily exploited and deployed nationwide. Today also it is necessary to complement existing FSA bundles with an additional FSA bundle in high distance environments which implies distance still plays an important role. According to Ghemawat (2005), there are several ways to differentiate between low and high distance environments, one major distinction being that between home regions and host regions in a triad context. Moreover, it is clear that extension and scope of mainstream international theory is free from any scholars disagreeing with the concept of the triad region as the best proxy to discriminate between low-distance environments (in this case the home-triad region) and high-distance environment (in this case the two host-triad regions). High distance implies to fashioning more substantial investments in order to complement its present FSA bundles, also enabling maximum and prof itable exploitation in the host region environment.Here, the apparent trade off becomes obvious further the efforts to expand the high-distance environment may not be proved to be as successful and profitable as the expansion of low distance environment, even if it is suggested by macro-level parameters which measure the attractiveness of the high-distance environment that they have strong location advantages. As stated by Nachum and Wymbs (2007) in regard to global cities that FSAs and location advantages are dependent on each other. High distance bundles also has many risk factors along with it like melding the surviving FSA bundles with newly developed or accessed resources in the high distance environment may lead to burdened with several operational problems, decreased or dissatisfactory sales, as exemplified by the retreat of some of the worlds largest MNEs from high-distance contexts, for example, Wal-Marts exit from Germany and Korea. .Thirdly, the theoretical difference between the two FSAs namely location bound and non-location bound FSAs assume conventionally easy developments and profitable exploitation of FSAs (like brand names or technological knowledge of proprietary) across borders. Moreover, it is very essential to adapt the brief contents of these two concepts to the authenticity of regionalization. More particularly, the factors that determine the extent of FSAs are, its distance accompanied by its geographic, institutional, economic and cultural components.The level at which a FSA should be called location-bound vs non-location bound is estimated by decay in value across a space. On the basis of terms like region bound record of FSAs and the liability of inter regional foreignness it has been highlighted that for international business other geographic borders hold more importance than conventional country borders in our previous study. After studying the concepts and theories of regional strategy, we now try to establish the extent to which Procter & Gamble could be categorized as a global firm in terms of its business and operational strategies.The Case of Procter & GambleProcter & Gamble Co. One of the worlds leading consumer goods manufacturer such as Tide, Pantene, Ariel etc was established in 1837 from an original certificate of deposit and soap company. The firm now operates in 180 nations with more than 138,000 employees. According to Lafley, A. G., Chairman of the Board and chief Executive Officer, P&G, the firm has over 171 years of history and has always been driven by creativity and innovation. Additionally, improved sales and long term success have always been the strategic goals of this corporation. And it understands the fact that these goals can be attained by constantly appreciating changing consumers needs, innovation, branding and market needs.Depending entirely on skunk work such as acquisitions, upcountry R&D and selective innovations has proved to be inefficient and insufficient for attai ning the business target of $4 billion business in a time period of one year. It can be clearly seen that invent- it-ourselves model along with global research facilities and recruiting and holding of the best talent nationwide attained success till the year 2000 but nowadays satisfying high levels of top line growth has become a big challenge for an organization The approach through which the radical strategy of open innovation helped an organization attain its business mission and goal can be typified in the following lines. To face the challenge, P&G adopted a brand new technique of innovation Develop and Connect model in the year 2000 which lays great importance on searching good and new ideas and information outside and bringing them in, in order to give internal capabilities a boost and make most out of them.With the perspective of manufacturing improved and relatively cheaper products faster the business strategy involved in this model was to leverage assets of people, produc ts and property available externally and applying it to their respective(prenominal) R&D labs, purchasing, market capabilities and production. The foremost work of this strategy is to recognize top ten preferences and needs of the consumer. Moreover, it is very essential that the customers are fully conform to by the products manufactured and which will finally result in increased sales and profit. Moving ahead, alike products or related technologies which already exist in the market and occupy good position are recognized. Lastly, analysing the influence of technological acquisition of one area over the other areas.Networking is the backbone of this approach. Along with having business collaborations with open networking companies such as InnoCentive and Ninesigma, the P&G group has long chain of suppliers and technological entrepreneurs worldwide. They play a crucial role by conclusion solutions to P&G internal problems in the outside world. Thus, by constructing such type of in frastructure P&G has been able to reduce its investment in engineering along with achieving stable top line growth and required sustainability. According to Huston and Sakkab (2000), by shifting to Connect and Develop model there has been a remarkable increment in our R&D production by 60% and the progress rate of innovation has undoubtedly doubled. The Procter & Gamble figures out how an organization can maximize its profitability levels by switching to new and innovativeThe Procter & Gamble examples mirrors the way how switching to new and innovative approaches of using information and technology can help maximise profit margins. It is one of the organisations which has developed enabling infrastructure fabricated around innovation with a huge worldwide network combining human capital, ideas and technology.ConclusionThis essay has brought to surface a number of strategies which can help firms to establish strong positions globally like having a threshold of 20% etc. The main aim w hich was to justify that a firm cannot be simply categorized as global based upon statistical data has been justified. A number of measures have also been illustrated which can help differentiate the firms regional strategy from the global strategy.ReferencesBlyton, P., Lucio, M., McGurk, J. and Turnbull, P. (2001) Globalization and trade union strategy industrial restructuring and human resource management in the international civil aviation industry, International Journal of Human Resource Management, pp. 445-463. Bratton, J. and Gold, J. (2007) Human Resource Management Theory and Practice (4th edn), New York Palgrave Macmillan. Bruton, G., Lohrke, F. and Lu, J. W. (2004) The evolving definition of what comprises international strategic management, Journal of International Management, Vol. 10, pp. 413-429. Fratianni, M. (Ed.) (2006) Regional economic integration, Research in Global Strategic Management, Vol. 12, Oxford Elsevier. Ghemawat, P. (2005) Regional strategies for globall eadership, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 83, No. 12, pp.98-108. Levitt, T. (1983) The globalization of markets, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 61, pp. 92-102. Marquardt, M. and Berger, N. (2003) The Future Globalization and New Roles for HRD, Advances in Developing Human Resources, pp. 283-295. Nachum, L. and Wymbs, C. (2007) The location and performance of foreign affiliates in global cities. In A. M. Rugman (Ed.), Regional aspects of multinationality and performance, Research in Global Strategic Management, Vol. 13, pp. 221-257, Oxford Elsevier. Osegowitsch, T and Sammartino, A. (2008) Reassessing (home-regionalisation), Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 39, No. 2. Peng, M. W. (2006) Global Strategy, Cincinnati South-Western Thomson. Rugman, A. M. and Verbeke, A. (2007) The theory and practice of regional strategy A response to Osegowitsch and Sammartino, Kelly School of Business, Vol. 2, pp. 1-7.

Handel’s Opera

George Friderick Handel (1685-1759) writes all of his opera for over 35 years. Almost within his lifetime though his operas were considered to be about obsolete with regards to format yet were of the finest kind. Due to format Handels opera were the most neglected in all of his constructs until recently. As with most of the musical operative of his time, Handels opera were modeled on both German and Italian style, with some modifications to suit his artistic taste and that of the English for which they were produced (Sadie, 1992, 614). In the span of his career, Handel composed to a greater extent than forty operas.True to the nature of Baroque music, most of these operas show elements of the use of dance rhythms and elaborate melodic lines. Although born a German, Handels opera was influenced by the conventions of the Italian opera seria, became its most important composer with Fench grandeur. Perhaps Handels greatest contribution to the field of opera was his ability to convey e motions with sincerity and clarity through melody, so that he often used the opera seria convention of the da capo aria with dramatic and surprising effect (Sadie, 1992, 614).Handels first opera was Almira composed in 1705. His fascination with Italians trends showed through his dictum arias and obbligato accompaniment in concerto style. In this work however, Handel also showed the influence of his German training as seen by his tendency to repeat rhythmic patterns and relatively infrequent use of highly melismatic melodies. Handel had tried to replace the dis nonionised plots of much serious middle Baroque opera, with a new type which was strictly organized and formally predictable.Each scene was constructed mostly by a series of alternating recitatives and arias (usually da capo arias) after which the main characters would exit. His opera entitled Agrippina (1709) shown in Venice catapulted Handel to fame. This work shows an extensive borrowings from an earlier (lost) opera, Rod rigo, as well as his earlier cantatas. His success in opera occurred at a time when opera was forbidden in Rome (OGrady, 1998). Handles major Operas were Ottone (1723), Giulio Cesare (1724), Tamerlano (1724), Rinaldo (rev. 1731).