Saturday, August 31, 2019

A Choice We Make through a Decision of Our Will

We cannot let the world's wounds destroy our spirits. We cannot let our hurts and betrayals destroy our capacity for growth and caring. That there will be Judgment and, perhaps, Justice, is necessary. That the violence be confronted and, if possible, contained is essential. But, most important is our capacity to nurture a loving heart, to affirm and not to curse, to forgive even when we cannot completely forget. † – Glenn H. Turner Some Questions to ask: How do you respond when you are wounded? How do you feel toward the person who has hurt you?How long do you carry your anger and how does that re-sentment (feeling it again and again) continue to hurt you? Can you forgive and break the cycle? Can you understand the other? What does forgiveness mean to you? It is not uncommon for Christians to have questions about forgiveness. Forgiveness does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we've been injured. We don't naturally ove rflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness when we've been wronged Is forgiveness a conscious choice, a physical ct involving the will, or is it a feeling, an emotional state of being?The Bible offers insight and answers to these and many more questions about forgiveness. We'll take a look at the most frequently asked questions and find out what the Bible says about forgiveness. Is forgiveness a conscious choice, or an emotional state? I believe forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive. The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us: Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one nother.Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) How do we forgive when we don't feel like it? How do we translate the decision to forgive into a change of heart? We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete. I believe God honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please him when we choose to forgive. He completes the work in his time.We must continue to forgive (our Job), by faith, until the work of forgiveness (the Lord's Job), is done in our hearts. Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT) How will we know if we have truly forgiven? Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, â€Å"When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself. ? More Forgiveness Quotes that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hear ts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us. Most times, however, forgiveness is a slow process. Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, â€Å"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? † Jesus answered, â€Å"l tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV) This answer by Jesus makes it clear that orgiveness is not easy for us.It's not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is important to the Lord. We must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our heart. Is it okay to feel anger and want Justice for the person we need to forgive? This question presents another reason to pray for the person we need to forgive. We can pray for God to deal with the injustices, for God to Judge the person's life, and then we can leave that prayer at the altar. We no longer have to carry the anger.Although it is normal for us to feel anger toward sin and injustice, it is not our Job to judge the other person in their sin. Luke 6:37 Do not Judge, and you will not be Judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV) Why must we forgive? The best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven: Matthew 6:14-16 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also orgive you.But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) We also forgive so that our prayers will not be hindered: Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV) In summary and in closing, we forgive out of obedience to the Lord. It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this â€Å"forgi ving,† we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness†freedom.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Politics and Emigration Paper Essay

In Jen Sookfong Lee’s The End of East, the dreams and hardships of three generations of Chinese Canadians settled in Vancouver are explored profoundly. One dominant notion that is ever present is what leaving home symbolizes for Seid Quan – the first immigrant, Pon Man – his immigrant son and his youngest Canadian born granddaughter, Samantha. Leaving home for Samantha not only meant freedom from her own family, but also facing similar adversities like making countless sacrifices and enduring numerous obligations which both Seid Quan and Pon Man underwent as well. Although they are generations apart, they lived their lives in parallel lines; however, since they were not at ease with their own identities, they could not communicate with each other past their differences. Seid Quan was very sceptical from the beginning of his journey to Canada and all the opportunities that lie ahead of him. On the boat he hears, â€Å"†¦ but there would be jobs, good paying jobs, jobs with which you could feed your family for a year with two month’s pay and in a place with that kind of opportunity, the going could only be easy† (Lee 15-16). Even these words of promise couldn’t assure him as he clearly observed that he doesn’t see any rich man on the boat. Later, he is reminded by other immigrants that he can doubt all he wants, but remember how much money the people in his village saved to send him to this golden mountain (Lee 16). At that point he realises the moral obligation towards the villagers and prepares himself for the sacrifices he will need to make. Therefore, he picked up any work that came knocking i.e. cleaning at a tailor store. To deceive himself he would say, â€Å"As long as I can send money home, that’s enough for me† (Lee 29). For Seid Quan, leaving home meant an opportunity, a chance to end poverty for his family and the villagers back in China but at the cost of being lonely. Not only was he lonely from leaving everyone he knew behind; he never got the sense of belonging in Canada even after working hard, â€Å"They are not citizens and they do not vote, so, like the ge neration before them who died, weathered and forgotten, on the cold rail lines, their suffering is barely noticed† (Lee 44). For Pon Man, leaving home wasn’t a choice; rather it was imposed on him by his parents. Even though it wasn’t his preference, he had high ambitions and expectations from Vancouver, Canada. On the contrary, his dreams start to tremble since the very first day as he says to his father, â€Å"I don’t see anything worth money here, just a room we have to share.† Disregarding the fact that Pon Man grew a teenager without even seeing his dad, he did not like his father for plenty of other reasons. For example, he loves to draw on the sketchbook which was a go away present from his mom but according to Seid Quan, â€Å"this drawing is a waste of time, time that could be spent on working hard and helping me save.†(Lee 87) Secondly, he never liked working at the barber shop which his father owned, â€Å"Pon Man gagged whenever he had to touch the wet clumps of hair that gathered in the corners of the shop and collected in the sinks.† (Lee 75). He did not like that his life was totally governed by his dad every step of the way. However, he clearly remembers his obligations towards his dad from his mother saying, â€Å"You must do what your father tells you, even if you don’t like it or don’t want to do it†¦. He’s your father and deserves your obedience.† (Lee 80) Thus, leaving home for Pon Man not only meant leaving China where he lived for the first fifteen years of his life but also breaking free from the invisible shackles that bound his dreams and ambitions to his father. Home for Samantha was something she was frightened of, as she says, â€Å"But really I am simply afraid†¦ with my mother’s footsteps coming up quick behind me, I know that I have irrevocably returned† (Lee 3). Samantha’s mother Siu Sang was very controlling of her daughters and would expect nothing but perfection as it is evident when she starts throwing the dishes (with the smallest speck of g rease) just cleaned by her young daughters. She was obligated to listen to everything her mom asks, especially coming from a Chinese background. For a period of six years she had enjoyed the freedom from her family, escaping to Montreal for studying. However she had to sacrifice her freedom and come back due to her elder sister, Penny, getting married. She looks at Penny’s face and observes, â€Å"†¦ the loosening of the muscles around her eyes and mouth. I wonder if I looked the same when I left Vancouver for Montreal six years ago, delirious with the kind of happiness only escape can bring.† (Lee 6) She realizes that her obligations for her family have made her come back to the very place which she thought she has left for good. Conversely, this time around she is certain that she will never be able to leave her responsibility as the youngest daughter, taking care of her aging mother as she says, â€Å"†¦ they all left, gradually, one after the other. Somehow, it never occurred to me that, in the end , I would be the only one still here.† (Lee 62). Thus, leaving home for her meant escaping from Vancouver, escaping from her mother – towards her freedom. Leaving home for Seid Quan and Pon Man meant similar sacrifices and obligations; however, the small differences in their ideologies created a massive communication gap between the father and son. As Seid Quan tries to make his son understand the reason for coming to Canada, he elaborates saying, â€Å"There’s no money to be made in the village, just remember that† (Lee 74). He explains the hardships back home and the importance of money. However, he contradicts himself by saying, â€Å"It’s not about expensive things. It’s about hard work and saving and supporting a family† (Lee 74). Even after working in Vancouver’s Chinatown for many years, Seid Quan wonders, â€Å"if he will ever go home for good, or if he will always be stuck in this land that shimmers with rain and is not quite dream, not quite day.† (Lee 39) He wants t o go back home but again he thinks of bringing his family over as he says, â€Å"†¦we could have built something here, lived in a house, walked through Stanley Park together.† (Lee 45) Regardless of their differences, Pon Man was like his father in a few ways, always thinking dually and that life in China was better. For example after observing the place where him and his father will be staying he says, â€Å"Our house in the village was nicer, and it didn’t smell so mouldy.† (Lee 74) He also reflects that everyone, like him, wants to escape this city, for despite the trees and mountains and pure water, Vancouver is as cold and hard at its core as anywhere else in Canada. Even though he thinks of going back and the harsh conditions life threw at him, he stays in Canada, works hard in the morning and studies in evening to become an accountant, in which he finally succeeds and moves out of Chinatown. Both father and son lived their lives in parallel lines; however they could not communicate to each other as Shew Lin, wife of Seid Quan says, â€Å"her son and husband, two men who have barely said a dozen words to each other in the last year†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lee 166). They never learnt to express their feelings and had to keep their inner desires hidden, unspoken, forgotten but not forgi ven. It is apparent, when Pon Man thinks he needs to be forgiven by his father, whom he despised all throughout his life, â€Å"†¦ he knows he needs to be forgiven for something, but what?† (Lee 218). In addition, Seid Quan also wanted something similar as he thought, â€Å"it was beyond him, to imagine the things he would want to say to his son, the kinds of things, he would want to ask forgiveness for (Lee 239). Thus, the very notion of cognitive dissonance is vivid throughout both their lives. On the other hand Seid Quan barely spoke with his youngest granddaughter Samantha; not because of their gap in generation but rather less because both of them were not the talkative type. After all it is repeated over and over again, how less they speak about something that actually matters as it would not make any difference to what will actually happen. It always came down to what was needed; not for the individual but for the entire family. Besides their unspoken similarities, both shared an unbound connection to their birthplace. Seid Quan always wanted to go back to China after his debts were paid off instead of bringing the family over and Samantha always wanted to leave Vancouver but leaving this place was like leaving herself. (Lee 11). In addition, it was through finding of Seid Quan’s cigarette tin, Samantha unearth a lot about her grandfather as she found the Head Tax certificate (Lee 5). In comparison, both lives of Pon Man and Samantha were governed by Seid Quan and Siu Sang respectively. Both father and daughter were under their control and always sacrificing for the family in order to meet their obligations. For Pon Man, it meant giving up art and not pursuing education after high school. Not only his dreams had to be sacrificed, he also had to work in the barbershop against his will (Lee 75, 86-87). Along the same line, Samantha had to leave Montreal and come back to Vancouver and take the responsibilities of her mother; thus sacrificing her freedom and her love affair with Matt. Both Pon Man and Samantha take defiance as their only way to revolt against their over controlled lives. Pon Man disobeys Seid Quan and goes smoking with his high school friends (Lee 81) and Samantha defies her mother by going around and having rough consensual intercourse casually. However, both father and daughter pay a price for their defiance. Pon Man gets cancer from smoking which leads to his death and Samantha wakes up from a night’s sexual encounter with a pool of blood on her bed and a visit to the hospital (Lee 154,180). Maybe it was karma or just a co-incidence but nonetheless they both had to pay for their actions. The very essence of cognitive dissonance is prominent between Seid Quan, Pon Man and Samantha in Jen Sookfong Lee’s The End of the East. Duality guided their daily lives, always having to surrender their inner desires to meet the obligations required by their family. Since none of the characters could have a firm grip on their own identities, they always suffered from expressing their feelings, even to the ones closest to them. Thus, it caused the three generations to not be able to communicate with each other past their self identity crisis.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Characteristics of Anthroponyms

Viktoriya Melnychuk; Khmelnyts’kyi regional MAN department; Shepetivka educational complex #1; form 11; Tarnavska Olena Myhaylivna, the candidate of philological sciences, associate professor of department of English philology of the Volynskiy national university named after Lesia Ukrainka. The purpose  of this paper  is to analyze anthroponyms, their semantic, social pragmatic and functional characteristics of  anthroponyms (based on the novel  John Updike  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Centaur†). The full communication, that is correct perception, evaluation and interpretation of information, is impossible without knowing the specific set of anthroponyms and their functions in language and text. The names of famous personalities, literature characters make up a significant part of knowledge, necessary for understanding and assessment of the culture different people. Therefore, our research is relevant. The subject of the research is semantic, social pragmatic and functional characteristics of  anthroponyms (based on the novel  John Updike  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Centaur†). Anthroponomastics  , a branch of  onomastics, is the study of  anthroponyms  , the names of  human beings. Anthroponyms often preserve lexical elements that have dropped out of the standard  lexicon  of a  language. The subdivisions of anthroponymy include: given names, surnames, clan names, matronyms, patronyms, teknonyms, nicknames, ethnonyms. Allusion is the main feature of the anthroponyms. Allusion is a brief reference to some to some literary or historical event commonly known. Allusion is a subtype of metaphor. Metaphor denotes expressing remaining on the basis of similarity of two objects: the real object of speech and the one whose name is actually used. But there is only affinity, no real connection between the two. Most of anthroponyms in the novel John Updike â€Å"The Centaur† are the individual, which expressed their own names, surnames, status names and perform the nominative function.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Dell Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dell Marketing - Case Study Example The Chinese market had grown to be the largest in the region from a volume standpoint, and as with each of the company's international channels posed its own set of unique challenges. The market leader domestically was Lenovo, a company which had an extensive small-to-medium scale business model appropriated for the country. In order to compete with Lenovo, for starters Dell tripled its production capacity by shoring up its operations in Xiamen. Bear in mind that for any sustainable competitive advantage to be achieved by the company in the region, the strategic plan must be closely adaptable to the pertinent market segments. Although opening its doors has resulted an a hitherto unseen westernization of the country, the smaller cities remain highly industrial in nature. Hence, the market demographic remained strictly lower income, most of whom were not comfortable ordering over the Internet. Dell's strategic answer to this was to open numerous offices across Chinese cities in deference to their direct sales business model. And as mentioned earlier, the unfamiliarity with E-commerce led Dell to make extensive use of toll-free numbers to cater to the less sophisticated business segment.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

International business - Essay Example In order to solve any kind of issues related to customer queries or quality of services and products offered, the company has hired well trained and skilled staff. This study proposes to evaluate Starbucks from an international strategic viewpoint. It will also shed light on the coffee industry of USA. The primary rationale behind the industry analysis is to present strategies followed by the company and the advantages and disadvantages. The organisational structure is explained in detail. Apart from the external business environment, the report will also analyse using PESTEL analysis. The next part will be about identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the company. The main findings include business strategies for future. Methodology Organisational Structure In order to combine functional and divisional structures, Starbucks have used a matrix configuration. As a result of complex matrix structure, the company is known as a mechanistic firm. There is high level of horizontal and vertical complexity, high centralisation, high formalisation, high standardization and narrow control spans. The senior management has planned to create a more streamlined and efficient structure where free flow of information will be present. This will help in exchange of important information and feedback from consumers and front level executives to the organisational level (Anthony, Gales and Hodge, 2003). In a complex structure, this is often difficult to achieve. The matrix structure is used by Starbucks in order to avoid breakdowns in communications especially in case of vertical integration. As we go down in the organisation, authority level increases. Starbucks have divided its workforce into cross-functional teams, allowing workers to report to different supervisors. This organisational structure has helped the employees to have efficient and successful communication downward, upward and lateral with the workers. Matrix structures have also helped Starbucks in creating succ essful external and internal communication. To increase internal collaboration, the management encourages discussions and exchange of ideas in a timely manner. External communication is achieved by promoting ownership and loyalty with customers and stakeholders. Regular feedback is solicited in order to generate updated customer preferences. Strategic Management of the Company In the year 1971, Starbucks was launched (Starbucks, 2013a). The firm started as a small retailer of whole beans and ground coffee, tea and spices in a single store in Seattle. Today, the company has millions of customers. The products of Starbucks include more than 30 blends of premium coffee, merchandises, handcrafted beverages, consumer products and fresh food products. Starbucks coffee and Seattle’s Best Coffee are the best selling brands of Starbucks. The corporate value of the company lies in building an organisation with a soul. The company owns more than 20,000 stores located in 50 different cou ntries (Starbucks, 2013b). These stores are categorised into company owned and licensed stores catering people all over the world. Starbucks is not in favour of franchising because of culture and quality control issues. The business of Starbucks runs on ethics and doing the right

Monday, August 26, 2019

Finance and Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Finance and Accounting - Essay Example Return on Capital Employed EBIT/ Shareholders funds + LT Liabilities EBIT $ 13,302 $ 11,876 Capital employed $ 69,326 $ 66,864 ROCE = 19% 18% Net Margin Net Income/ Net Sales Net Income $ 9,197 $ 8,081 Net Sales $ 98,458 $ 91,115 Net Margin 9% 9% Gross Margin Gross Profit / Net Sales Gross Profit $ 57,745 $ 53,198 Gross margin = 58.6% 58.4% Finance and Accounting P 4 Overheads as % of Turnover Distribution & Admin (Excl amortization of Goodwill) Distribution $ 8,244 $ 7,402 Marketing & Admin $ 34,465 $ 32,421 Total Overheads $ 42,709 $ 39,823 Turnover $ 101,805 $ 102,718 Overheads as % of Turnover 42% 39% Distribution as % of Turnover 8% 7% Marketing & Admin as % Turnover 34% 32% Turnover / Capital Employed 1.47 1.54 Turnover / Fixed Assets Fixed assets $ 20,230 $ 18,990 Turnover / Fixed Assets 5.03 5.41 Turnover / Net current Assets Net Current Assets $ 35,305 $ 41,765 Turnover / Net current Assets 2.88 2.46 Turnover / Stock $ 5,926 $ 5,926 stock Finance and Accounting P 5 Turnover / Stock 17.18 17.33 Current Ratio Current Assets $ 35,305 $ 41,765 Current Liabilities $ 32,479 $ 35,854 Current Ratio 1.09 1.16 Acid Test current assets less stock/ c liabilities...The ratios as computed showed that these are the financial indicators distilling the relevant information with regards to the entity of business by quantifying the relationship among the selected items appearing on the financial statement. The ratios of the entity may also be compared with the different ratios of a different period and to the industry's ratios. These comparative analyses shown below were able to identify the trends that may be very significant with the investors, the lenders and at the same time other parties who are very interested. The profitability ratios of both companies are for purposes of measuring the income in relation to some base and the more general is due to profit wherein these are the results of many factors such as the operating decisions, the leverage and the other considerations necessary for both companies. The liquidity ratio or simply the solvency Both companies have shown that they are good indicators in terms of current ratio because as compared with the last year's performance, both companies are doing very well. These ratios are designed for the purpose of highlighting the relationships considered to be meaningful between those financial data.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Choose for me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Choose for me - Essay Example According to the annual report 1997-98 presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there was a decline in the birth rate for teenagers between the age of 15-19 between 1991 and 1996 in all states. During this period, the overall U.S. teen birth rate fell by 12 percent, by 12 percent or more in 28 states, by 16 percent or more in 13 states, whereas, decline in 4 states exceeded 20 percent. Although the figures show that there has been an improvement in teen birth rate but it’s still an issue which is creating a lot of problems for the young mothers, the government as well as the society. Teenage childbearing is associated with serious health risks. Adolescent mothers, especially who are less than 15 years of age have a higher rate of birth complications including anemia, hypertension, prolonged or premature labor, pregnancy related infections and abnormal bleeding etc. There are greater chances of having a low birth weight and neonatal death rate, which means that the infant dies within 28 days of the birth, as compared to adult pregnant women. Other medical problems associated with teenage mothers are poor maternal weight gain, premature birth and they are also more prone to contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Poor diet is another factor associated with negative pregnancy and so is the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking. The teenage mothers not only suffer from ill health and medical risks, but also face psychological problems which include school interruption, limited vocational opportunities, persistent poverty, separation from the child’s father and at times repeated pregnancies. In some cases if the school is not interrupted, it results in poor academic performance. â€Å"Teen mothers are in psychological jeopardy because they experience higher levels of stress, despair, feeling of helplessness, low self-esteem, a sense of personal

What is the hejab Why has it become so popular in recent decades, Essay

What is the hejab Why has it become so popular in recent decades, France banned hijab in 2004 - Essay Example It is important to consider all these aspects because the hijab has grown to be a weighty and contested symbol that needs thoughtful decoding. Owing to its connections with various political as well as cultural representations in different circumstances, any analysis of the function of the hijab also has to take into account political as well as social elements that modern Muslim communities are faced with on a daily basis. Islam supports the notion that devout men as well as women ought to wear extremely conservative clothing in order to be able to focus on the aspect of daily communication with and worship of ‘Allah’. For women, this translates to wearing an outer garment that completely obscures the female form. This garment, the ‘Abaya’, is then rounded off by the ‘Hijab’, which is a veil that covers the neck and forehead (Bowen, 2010). This garment is primarily worn by women when they are in public places. However, there are even women who wear them in their homes. The more devout female devotees even add an additional net-like cloth, known as the ‘niqab’, over the eyes in order to completely cover all surfaces of the body. Such severity of dress is more common in nations with fundamentalist governments such as Saudi Arabia. However, in Western nations, women are more likely to don the simple veil, the ‘hijab’, to cover their hair an d neck area. According to Freedman (2004) in Muslim societies, it is considered that any girl born into the world experiences two births. The first takes place when the girl is physically bornand the second takes place upon reaching the age of puberty, upon which she is encouraged to adopt the hijab. The wearing of the Hijab is believed by many Muslims to have religious origins. According to Bowen (2010) the hijab was actually a gift from Allah to women. In a verse in the Holy Quran, Allah stated, ‘O Prophet! Inform your spouses

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Compare And Contrast Lions And Tigers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Compare And Contrast Lions And Tigers - Essay Example The paper discusses that both lions and tigers happen to be big cats that share many similarities and tend to differ in many aspects. Lions tend to be the largest members in the cat family that are found in Asia and Africa. Lions are mostly yellowish brown in color with no peculiar features on their skin. Lions are not good swimmers (Robinson 46). Lions usually live in families called feelings of pride, in which both the male and females participate in raising cubs (Robinson 47). When a new lion takes over a pride, he kills the cubs born of the previous male that led the pride (Robinson 48). Tigers are big cats mostly found in Asia (Robinson 131). Tigers have a striped hide and are mostly yellowish brown or white. Tigers are good swimmers. In contrast to lions, the tigers do not live in feelings of pride but tend to be alone, except during the mating season (Robinson 131). The caring of the cubs is mostly confined to the female. Tigers though being territorial do not kill the cubs born of other tigers while courting a female. Lions and tigers both belong to the cat family. Lions are mostly found in Asia and Africa while the tigers are confined to Asia only. Lions are single colored while the tigers have a striped hide. Lions and tigers both happen to be territorial. In mating season lions kill the cubs born of other males, while tigers do not do so. Tigers, unlike lions, are good swimmers. Lions and tigers both happen to be members of the cat family sharing many similarities and differences.

Friday, August 23, 2019

World of Global and Knowledge Economies Literature review

World of Global and Knowledge Economies - Literature review Example As the report declares the classical perspective is also more relevant to the current knowledge based economy that the improvement in the performance of the employees and resultantly that of the organization depends upon how knowledgeable the employees are. This is also relevant because knowledge based economy concepts advocate that in order to reduce the impact of diminishing returns on the capital, it is important that new ways of doing things are created. Classical perspectives therefore is relevant in the sense allow knowledge based economies to gain access to the more qualified and high performing employees. According to the paper findings organic perspective is critical in the sense that it advocates the formation of networks and hubs where people work in an informal manner. Knowledge based economies are also based upon the informal networking of the individuals through digitization which has been made possible with the help of globalization. What is also critical to note that organic perspective directly asserts the impression that the knowledge workers need not be concentrated in one place? Thus the current derive in digitization and globalization actually allowed the organizations to harness the power of the competencies of their employees while transcending the traditional borders. Organic perspective is significantly more critical due to the fact that it focuses on the understanding the needs of the employees and allow the emergence of concepts like group leadership.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Personal Reflections Paper Essay Example for Free

Personal Reflections Paper Essay In this paper, I am going to identify a state of time in which I experience invidious comparison and vicarious traumatization. While recognizing propositions to angles, I am likewise going to deliver how to stop invidious comparison. As well as distinguishing procedures that I use to keep away from vicarious traumatization in my own individual life. I will likewise go into profundity to demonstrate to keep away from vicarious traumatization as a human service worker. Finally, I am going to address the systems that can be considered or created to avoid vicarious traumatization. What is invidious comparison? Invidious comparison is the contrasting yourself with others. It can be through race, sexual introduction, and religion. Invidious comparison can make an individual feel that their self-esteem is not needed and even take its toll on the individual doing the comparison themselves. It can send you into a depressive state where you create levels of anxiety. To stop invidious comparison, we should first get a seeing on others and acknowledge the distinctive perspectives that other may have. Everybody is diverse in their own particular manner. There will likewise be a person that may exceed expectations in diverse things that you may have thought you were great in. Some may be unequipped for capacities that one may have. By understanding these angles we must recognize the qualities that we have and dont have without harping on the shortcomings of others. All over we go there are comparisons, it is critical to become involved with a circumstance where you begin to wind up judgmental. The standard of characteristic determination is taking into account rivalry inside an animal groups. It is generally assumed that every individual from the species is looking to his own particular prosperity and recreates in extent to his wellness. Rivalry between distinctive individuals is true instigated by the way that assets are rare in any given environme nt, and survival is guaranteed just for the  fittest.(Eaton, B. C., Eswaran, M., 2003). We must acknowledge qualities that we esteem lesser than ourselves so as to enhance in our own particular life. In my own particular individual experience, to maintain a strategic distance from invidious comparison I have a tendency to veer far from perspectives and circumstances that make me judge others. I separate my individual life and my business life in light of the fact that there is a spot and a period to raise certain circumstances and work would not be suitable for things concerning home matters. At whatever point there is a circumstance at work, I stay clear of it to keep away from any association. In any work environment there is dramatization, it is your decision on whether you need to be a piece of it or not. I work for an intellectual inclined agency and all over around there is a show. Once in a while this is tricky to keep away from in light of the fact that there are associates heading up to me attempting to enlighten distinctive things concerning others yet I essentially pick not to expand on the circumstances. A few techniques that I use to avoid invidious comparison is abstain from, comprehension, and acknowledge. Human service workers manage numerous sort people regularly. Some case may be more serious than the following. In the feeling of vicarious trauma, it is the procedure in which change happens on the grounds that you feel some sort of regret for others that they may have been harmed. It is a greater amount of a nature for you to have the capacity to feel in charge of that single person. A percentage of the circumstances that cause this is stories of trauma, the inclination of needing to help change a circumstance of a single person. Service workers can likewise feel submitted and feeble when they dont see a positive change inside the circumstance that they are included in. In due time, this specific methodology can prompt a physical, mental, otherworldly change inside oneself. A few methods that service workers can adjust comprise of evading, resting, and getting a charge out of ones own time. When you escape places, for example, work it can help you mentally and physically. Going out to with companions to places of delight can certainly offer assistance. Resting is additionally essential. It can facilitate a considerable measure of anxiety and strain that is developed. In some cases only a decent days of rest can do the trap. In conclusion, having fun and participating in specific exercises can support your vitality also. Placing you in a much more content  condition of being. I have experienced numerous people that have been through injury and I urge them to continue thinking constructive and prizes will come at last. I for one accept that each human service should receive these systems it can help over the long haul. There are numerous different strategies that one can create to help with vicarious traumatization and attempting to help prevent it. A few strategies that can likewise be utilized is understanding your qualities and having the capacity to play of them, sharpening your aptitudes by looking for preparing or having a coach, watch how others are and act appropriately towards them. You must know your points of confinement and where you have the capacity to go. Knowing the amount you can take is a vital perspective also. You need to discover time to unwind. You should likewise have a seeing on the strategies that are inside an org and work on staying cool when managing circumstances. These steps and systems can help you mitigate pressure that is connected with working. In a few circumstances, helpers dont search out the suitable help when they are confronted with vicarious traumatization. Human service workers once in a while perspective having individual issues similar to a disappointment and that they should have them in any case. As human service workers, they have to be mindful of the assets that are accessible keeping in mind the end goal to get the particular help that is required. In a few occurrences, some human service workers feel that it is a humiliation to get help basically on the grounds that they are the expert and they should not need help. Human service workers should not hold up to look for help in light of the fact that it can take an extraordinary toll on their lives also. â€Å"As psychiatric professionals treat victims of trauma and abuse more frequently, the impact of close, prolonged therapeutic work with these patients has been recognized as having serious mental health hazards for professionals themselves.† (Blair, D. T., Ramones, Valerie A, RN,C., M.S., 1996) Taking everything into account, being adequate and comprehension the diverse perspectives that others may have can help you maintain a strategic distance from invidious comparisons. You must put aside all judgmental perspectives that one has to acknowledge others. There are numerous strategies that are accessible to assist human service workers the way, it is there occupation to pick as needs be to the circumstances that they are in. REFERENCES Blair, D. T., Ramones, Valerie A, RN,C., M.S. (1996). Understanding vicarious traumatization. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing Mental Health Services, 34(11), 24-30. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1024301513?accountid=458 Eaton, B. C., Eswaran, M. (2003). The Evolution of Preferences and Competition: A Rationalization of Veblens Theory of Invidious Comparisons. Canadian Journal Of Economics, 36(4), 832-859

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Emerging Technologies: Business And Society

Emerging Technologies: Business And Society Over the last decade, emerging technologies have no doubt influenced almost every sector of society and business. Whether by their promise of better society and business or by the curse of disquiet etched in their wings; Robotics and Nanotechnology, among a few other emerging technologies, have certainly played a part in shaping todays business and society for tomorrow. The emergence of Nanotechnology and Robotics was, to some extent, instigated and inspired by certain fundamental needs and pursuits of society and business. The business desire for cost-efficiency and societys pursuit of sustainability in the form of better health care, a cleaner environment, security, etc are just a glimpse of what may have triggered the emergence of these among other technologies. However, the technologies success, or lack of it, is to a large extent dependent on, the overall short and long term, how well they respond to the primary needs and pursuits of businesses and society. This report focuses on Nanotechnology and Robotics discussing some of their varied range of practical, theoretical and experimental applications. The report, in essence, draws from the diverse applications of these two technologies, their implications and impacts on businesses and society hitherto and perhaps in the near future. The analysis, also acknowledges and draws from lessons learnt in preceding and contemporary technologies such as genetic engineering and nuclear energy. The analysis shows that the success of the technologies depends on their close evolutionary interaction with their resident businesses and society which are also changing in response albeit at a different pace. Introduction The influence of emerging technologies on almost every sector of business and society cannot be overstated over the last decade. Whether by their promise of better society and business or by the curse of disquiet etched in their wings; Robotics and Nanotechnology, among other emerging technologies in the frontline, have certainly played a part in shaping todays business and society for tomorrow. The emergence of Nanotechnology and Robotics may, to some extent, have been instigated and inspired by certain fundamental needs and pursuits of society and business. The desire for greater efficiency cost or otherwise in business, better health care, a cleaner environment, security and etc for sustainable society are just a glimpse of pursuits that may have triggered the emergence of these two among other technologies. However, just as their preceding or contemporary counterparts such as genetic engineering, their success, or lack of it, is to a large extent dependent on the overall short and long term impact they portend for business and society. Robotics and Nanotechnology are two among the foremost of countless emerging technologies ushered into the new century whose impact on society and business is yet to be fully realised or determined. Determining the impacts of these two is no simple task. The range of applications for these two technologies, whether already practical or still theoretical, is quite enormous and diverse making it even more difficult for one to establish the full extent of their impact. There is however no doubt that these two have had their share of both positive and negative impacts on business and society and will continue to during their evolution. Whatever the impacts, their measure may be drawn from how businesses and society have responded so far. Many studies done on these technologies indicate enormous initial investments by businesses and more recently, measured but nonetheless important investments by society. Nano-scale technology or Nanotechnology has been defined generally as the creation of functional materials, devices, and systems through control of matter on the nanometer (1 to 100+ nm) length scale and the exploitation of novel properties and phenomena developed at that scale. [1] Nanotechnology, just as many other technologies before, has especially pledged enormous benefits for businesses and society. Many studies indicate enormous initial investments by businesses and more recently, measured but nonetheless important investments by society anticipating mostly the benefits it promises. Nonetheless the studies also show that it bears its own brand of curses or threats alike especially for society. Some of the threats may well be known, anticipated and resolved in good time. Others may only be revealed later on in its evolution. Either way, it is imperative that its benefits and identifiable threats be reasonably considered and embedded in their evolution if these two, among others related, are going to succeed. On the other hand, a robot is generally defined as a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks (Robot Institute of America, 1979)[15]. Robotics is thus concerned mainly with the study, design, building and operation of robot systems for certain specialised tasks [14]. Business and societys desire for greater efficiency cost and better health care, a cleaner environment, security etc respectively also continue to inspire heavy investments in more cost-efficient technologies. Achieving these either by automation, miniaturisation or by the use of better building blocks or materials for technology and products are among the main approaches that converge research and development of Robotics and Nano-scale technology or Nanotechnology among other related technologies. Apart from the brief introduction above, this report is organized into two main sections. The first section covers a brief description on the fundamentals of Nanotechnology. This section is followed by discussions on some of the principle practical, theoretical and experimental applications tracing and focusing on their impact on business and society. The second section deals with robotics and likewise describing the fundamentals of robot systems. This section too is followed by an examination of the major applications of robotics with a focus on their impact on society and business. Nanotechnology As mentioned in the introduction, Nanotechnology generally involves engineering at the nano-scale level (1 to100nm) leveraging novel properties and phenomena of matter at this scale. The concept of engineering at this scale may well be attributed to Feyman (1959) [2]. Modern understanding of Nanotechnology as defined above was built on the initial concept by other eminent scholars like Drexler (1992) [3]. Merkle (1997) [4] also went on to propose additional concepts like building materials by specifically positioning each atom and cost effective mass-assembly of the atoms At the close of the last century in 2000, presented with the anticipated advances and subsequent benefits of Nanotechnology by proponents such as Drexler (1992)[3], Merkle (1997)[4] among others, galvanized leaders in technological research and development, cutting edge innovation and business to converge and discuss extensively the implications of engineering at this scale. At a workshop organized by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), leading experts gathered and to present their views on Nanotechnology and its implications focusing its potential applications in business and society. A resulting report on the proceedings of the workshop presents rather varied views and perpectives, perhaps due to the diverse applications of the technology or backgrounds of the participants. However, the urgent need for a foundational and comprehensive analysis of the technology and its implications seems to be the leading theme. This was a defining moment in the evolution of Nanote chnology. Below is a summary of nanotechnologys focus and principle applications as reported in the NSF (2001) [5] workshop and are being refined with time as shown in the National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (2007) [6]: Industrial Manufacturing Materials and products, Chemical Processing Electronics application in Information Technologies and Communications Medicine and Health applications in Medicine and Pharmaceuticals. Aerospace For aerospace and planetary exploratory applications. Transportation and civil infrastructure Lighter Materials Sustainability in Energy, Water, Agriculture Food, Materials, Clean environment Defence and Security applications. Even though the current and potential applications of nanotechnology reach deeper than revealed by the above summary, there is no doubt that the above applications have impacted both businesses and society over the last decade in one way or another. Some researchers have even suggested at the emergence of Nanotechnology signalling the entry into the Age of Transitions [6] [7] there would be profound waves of change whether in society or business. Impact of Nanotechnology on business Every category of application highlighted above is representative of a range of industries and businesses that have already responded to, or must soon do so, to the diverse and vast influences, potential or practical, wielded by Nanotechnology. Some of these influences are certainly not unique to nanotechnology and may have been wielded by contemporary and preceding technologies. Others, however, such as the rapid parallel advances in research and development hardly witnessed by preceding technologies have compelled many a business in any of the application categories to reconfigure itself and its approach. These cycles of reconfiguration will even be more rapid when Nanotechnology converges with other emerging technologies that portend similar characteristics. Good examples are traffic on the internet; wireless capacity and computing performance which are said to double every 6, 9 and 18 months respectively [7]. Industrial Manufacturing: Nanoscale engineering of materials and products forms the bulk of current and perhaps even future applications of nanotechnology in industrial manufacturing. This has witnessed the introduction of new materials and products and thus new markets for businesses over the last 10 years. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) forecasted the 2010 2015 Nanotechnology market at over 1 trillion US dollars as shown in the chart below. Chart 1: Estimates of the nanotechnology market by 2010-2015 USD trillions: 1.1 Source: National Science Foundation Subsequent research (RNCOS research) [8] has upwardly revised estimates within half the period settling at 1.6 trillion USD by the year 2013. The market estimates probably continue to inspire a steady increase in investment. Cientifica estimated the global government funding stood at a little less than 9.75 billion USD for nanotechnology. The US government alone invested 1.6 billion USD a steady increase from about 500 billion in 2001. [8] Apart from specialized materials such as nano-composite polymers and other nanoscale structured materials and chemicals; the inventory list of consumer products with a nanotech component currently stands at over 800 and will obviously continue to grow [9]. With this kind of diversity in terms of products and an expanding market, businesses, especially those in manufacturing, will do well to quickly adapt continue their success. Electronics: The potential application of nanotechnology in electronics is set to take the miniaturisation of computers to the next level. It is also set to improve the cost-efficiency and performance of electronic products even introducing product variation that have been hitherto unrealistic. [10] Figure 1: Manufacturing cost projection for logic at silicon-area and transistor levels as illustrated by Doering (2000) [5] As shown in Figure 1, the cost of achieving electronic function is on the decline thus inspiring the continued introduction of new electronic products and business and a consequent the market for the products. This will no doubt also augment advances in related areas such as telecommunications further opening up opportunities for business as illustrated in Doerings (2000) [5] projections in Figure 2 below. Figure 2: Illustrates projected growth of electronic market place with decreasing feature sizes and function cost. Doering (2000) [5] Medicine and Health: Nanotechnology has been applied in medicine, healthcare and pharmaceuticals to introduce better drug delivery and diagnosis mechanisms (targeted) [10] [11]. The resulting advances achieved hitherto continue to attract, not just government funding, but private businesses and organizations are also joining the fray investing themselves in nanotech medicine and healthcare. Of course theres the prospect, albeit some of it being still experimental, of resolving age old problems like cancer. Figure 3: An illustration of Nanotech funding Adapted from ETC Nanotech Report (2006) [11] There is also the prospect of making viable, products that have previously not been viable for business. The overall positive impact of nanotechnology on business related to medicine and health care is that it introduces a new range of products subsequently expanding the existing markets or even reconfiguring them all together [5], [10]. Some studies estimated the world markets expansion for these products from 1 billion USD in 2005 to be tenfold at 10billion USD by 2010 [11]. On the flipside, an expanding product base also means the introduction of products that carry along with them originally unintended effects or even products that are downright harmful to the business side of medicine and healthcare [10] [11]. Aerospace: Businesses and organizations in aerospace research and development have also invested themselves quite heavily with the intention of reaping some of the benefits of Nanotech application over the last decade or so. The introduction or potential introduction of lighter, stronger nanostructured materials or building blocks for aerospace equipment can only portend a positive outlook for this business since this ultimately implies an eventual reduction in costs e.g. in fuelling as well as wholesome aerospace projects [10]. Transportation and civil infrastructure: Lighter high-strength materials developed through nanotechnology implies a reduction of costs; whether in fuelling or maintenance in transportation and infrastructural developments. Impact of Nanotechnology on society The almost definitive nature of business, at least in objective makes much simpler the exercise of nanotechnologies impacts on business. This however, is not the case when it comes to determining societal implications and impacts brought about by technologies; nano or otherwise. Many attempted studies at this exercise acknowledge this difficulty [5] [10]. The period of time required for one to actually determine a certain technologys impact on society as well as the often unpredictable nature of society have been cited in the studies among major challenges to the accuracy of determining societal implication of technology; nanotechnology in this case. The impact of nanotechnology and its related advances on society hinges on certain major areas of life that are important to the makeup of that society. Below are some of the major areas cited by some studies like the NSF (2001) [5] report on Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the Royal Society Royal Academy of Engineering (2004) [10] report on Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties: Health care: Among the benefits pledged by nanotechnology, certain applications are meant to improve the quality of health care. Society at an individual level desires health and long life. New products and technologies such as targeted drug delivery mechanisms and diagnostics introduced by nanoscale engineering for health care promise a healthy and quality for individuals and society as a whole. [11] On the flipside, some products developed through nanotechnology also pose a threat to health. Some nanomaterials and particles have presented hazardous characteristics to human health and performance. Analyses and studies on some of the nano products and technologies which present unintended health hazards recommend responsible research and application of nanotechnologies [5]. Sustainability: Society looks for the sustainability of the resources that are its lifeblood. The current application and potential of Nanotechnology focusing on sustainable energy, water supply, agriculture food, materials and clean environment directly impact on the societys quality of life. Energy applications of nanotechnology pursue a parallel advance in achieving sustainable energy building on existing technologies. The threesome approach deals with: efficient energy conversion from primary form using a number of nanotech mechanisms e.g, nano-engineered solar cells, efficient storage energy storage through the use of supercapacitors developed through nanotechnology, and efficient energy saving mechanisms e.g. through the use of better thermoinsulators created using by nanomaterials [12] Sustainable energy is tightly bound with a clean environment. Achieving the former dramatically improves the later. Water supply is also an issue of concern for society where nanotech products and approaches are being used to improve the level of water supply either e.g. using nanotech for desalination. Agriculture and food production are also set to benefit from sustained research and development of nanotech application to agriculture. Defence and Security applications: Defence and security have long inspired the emergence of technologies perhaps because societies have often been reconfigured by conflict. The practical or even just the potential applications of nanotechnology to defence and security either in military weaponry and equipment or in intelligence continue to profoundly affect society. [5] A fundamental concern for society is who controls the resulting advances of nanotechnology thus raising legal and ethical issues. Studies show that society needs to respond at a quicker pace by being involved right from the get-go, putting in place and redefining policy mechanisms, regulation and control of these technologies [10]. Education and Culture: A combination of nanotechnology and other contemporary technologies such as Biotechnology and Information Technology portends a true Age of Transitions for society as has been argued by some experts [7]; a time when social structures and cultures are rapidly reconfigured and reengineered by a rapid technological evolution and eventual revolution. Robotics Robotics is area of emerging technologies that involves the study, design, construction and operation of robot system(s). Slightly variable definitions of a robot to encompass humanlike characteristics describe a broadened modern concept of robotics [13]. The application of Robotics, since the first practical realization of the concept in the early 60s, has increasingly worked its way into many sectors of todays business and society. The primary application of robotics has mostly to do with tasks that are either too dangerous or those that are too repetitive and too precise for humans. In essence, robotics seeks to enhance human performance. The general areas in business and society that continue to benefit from application of robotics in include [14]: Industrial, mainly in manufacturing either in precise or repetitive assembly repair among others so far the most established application of robotics. Healthcare performing complex and precise surgical procedures such as Radiosurgery, Tele-robotic surgery among other medical procedures. Aerospace, Military and security performance of dangerous and precise tasks relating to defence and security example of practical applications include the unmanned aerials and ground vehicles for surveillance, reconnaissance and exploration of hazardous environment. Agriculture Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure again, the use of robotics for the recovery and sometime repair of dangerous environments and difficult to reach areas of infrastructure respectively. Consumer Robotics for day-to-day tasks and service provision the least developed area of robotics but picking up pace. Impact of Robotics on business The robotics principle inspiration of enhancing human performance and the fundamental objectives of increasing productivity and quality in business foreshadow the impact of robotics in business. The application of advancing robotics to various areas of traditional business has and continues to compel change in business design and approach. Business and organizations trading in the primary areas of robotics application have had to reconfigure themselves inspired by this change. In many ways, the impact of robotics on manufacturing business foreshadows the impact of robotics on almost all other areas of industrial robotics application. Manufacturing thus may well be viewed as representative of other areas Infrastructure development, Agriculture and healthcare. Manufacturing: the extensive industrial application of robotics has, to a large extent, improved the efficiency of manufacturing businesses that have properly invested themselves in the potency of robotics. Case studies on some of these businesses show marked improvements in their performance, quality. Chrysler, for example, a leading automobile manufacturer was able to cut cost and improve its flexibility by remodelling its business for the market and by leveraging advanced robotics. Their application of robotics enabled them to cost-efficiently produce a wider range of products [16]. The increasing need for application of robotics in other manufacturing areas like packaging and processing is also opening up new business opportunities for robotics. The trend in manufacturing now is that more and more businesses are inclined to robotics and related automation for their existence. However, although the benefits of applying robotics are worthwhile on the long term for business, the initial investments are, more often than not, prohibitive. This has been the case and will probably continue to hound business into the next generation. Parallel advances in complimentary technologies however likely to mitigate problem. In healthcare, apart from the performance of repetitive tasks, the cutting edge application of robotics is mostly towards the performance of highly complex surgical procedures. However, robotics application here is tightly bound to the human in the sense that robots are not autonomous. Consumer robotics is a fairly new application area that involves a much smaller scale of applications compared to industrial. This might be at the product distribution level like dispensing machines Military and security: investments in robotics for military and security use are leading the advance in robotics as a technology through research and development. Often, the output of these advances translates to new business opportunities when converted or modified for civilian applications. Contemporary technologies such the internet and wireless telecommunication were first military and defence technologies before they became commercialized for business. Aerospace applications: Robotics application in exploratory research and development like aerospace are also contributing to the advancement of robotics and in turn inspiring fresh business area applications such as infrastructure maintenance and transport. Impact of Robotics on society As mentioned above, robotics portends to improve and enhance human performance. To some extent, this does impact society positively. A societys health and safety is improved for instance by the use of robots to perform dangerous and hazardous tasks. However, large scale industrial robotics application may mean job losses especially when robots begin to replace human workers. The implications here are far reaching. Apart from the short term effects of conflict, there is the long term reconfiguration of society to accommodate the changes. In the long term, education and training and other related areas have to be reviewed. There are also broader societal issues such as the need for environment sustainability where robotics portends both positive and negative impacts. The application of robotics in military defence, weaponry and security such as the use unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance revisits the concern of who controls technologies thus raising legal and ethical issues. Robotics and other complimentary technologies continue to influence social evolution by directly effecting change in education and social culture. In other worlds robotics has contributed to the change in the way we live our lives. There is an increasing societal dependence on technologies even though they dont resolve age old societal challenges such as poverty and justice. Conclusion Emerging of technologies often invite scrutiny in the interest of business and society the ultimate consumers of technology. Nanotechnology and Robotics are no different. This scrutiny, as has been illustrated in this report, often takes the form of assessments on the impacts of these technologies on business and society. Again, as shown, assessing and articulating the impacts of technologies is not a simple exercise especially when they are just emerging. It is often a process informed by diverse and sometimes opposing views from leading experts and representatives from society and business. In the end, the impacts identified, positive or negative, define the viability of an emerging technology. The assessment of Nanotechnology and Robotics in this report, perhaps because of the width and depth of their potential applications, yields an overall positive outlook for business and society and in turn for their success as emerging technologies.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

FDI and Balance of Payment Relationship in Canada

FDI and Balance of Payment Relationship in Canada Chapter One Introduction History of FDI Foreign investment was very common in the late nineteenth century. It was a strategy from British to provide fund for economic development in other nation, as well as to gain ownership of financial assets. Godley 1999 mentioned in his research that the bulk of FDI that was based on British manufacturing industry before 1890 was in industrial goods sector. He also mentions that most investors failed as a result of narrow focus and their major concern his to enhance British market. Singer Manufacturing Company was an exception due to its commitment to FDI and being the first biggest and modern Multinational Corporation in the world (Moosa, 2002). During the era of interwar in the twentieth century, FDI declined and later rose but there was an astonished development in that period, British status was lost as a world creditor, and USA became the economic and financial power and FDI was favoured by USA tax law. After the world war, FDI increased as a result of two reasons: firstly, good technology in the area of communication and transportation that eliminate distance barrier. Secondly, the need of reconstruction of war damages by European countries and rest of the rich nation around the world. (Moosa, 2002). In the 1980s, there was a decline in FDI (outward). This was due to the fact that most host countries started resisting U.S control and ownership of domestic firms. Also, host countries recovered by initiating FDI in USA which affect US net inflow. In the 1970s, there was a big fall in the U.S FDI but British was back to FDI business as a result of North sea oil boom and the abolition of foreign exchange controls in 1979. In 1980s, changes in FDI occurred in which USA became a net debtor nation and major recipient of FDI with an unfavourable net international position. This was caused by depreciation of U.S dollar, restrictive trade policy and low saving rate in U.S economy. This disenabled the U.S in financing its own investment in its economy, giving rise to needs of FDI from other nations like Germany and Japan. Also, in the 1980s Japan became a major supplier of FDI to U.S.A, Europe and South East of Asia. Most countries embrace Japanese investors because of its provision of chea p labour. The revolution of FDI in the 80s can be attributed to globalization. (Moosa, 2002). In the 1990s, there was reasonable improvement in the investment climate which exposed most countries to the benefits of FDI. Some of the reasons that led to the improvement FDI of are: removal of FDI obstacles, changes in attitude and increases in FDI intensive. The removal of local hindrances through deregulation and privatization was favourable to FDI. Another remarkable thing that happened in the 1990s was the fall in the importance of Japan as a front runner of FDI. This caused economic doom in Japanese economy. Finally, FDI has gone through many reforms from countries to countries, in the late 90s, the number of treaties for the avoidance of double tax reached a total of 1871. In 1998 and 1999 some measures like protection, liberalization and promotion was brought in by the host nation (policies) on FDI. (Moosa, 2002). Globally, the economic development of deeper and more sophisticated internal and international financial market, improvements in information network and technological advancement have made contribution to sound financial and economic integration. For a nation to partake in any of the economic gains arising from these processes it need to adopt reform policies to improve efficiency. Most countries advocate FDI to encourage economic development because of its indirect impact in the host economy due to increase in competition, technical know-how and technological spill-over via multinational corporations to domestic firms. Gorg and Greenway (2002, stated in Morris 2008, p.4) that a possible channel is one in which domestic firms are thought to imitate the technology used by the companies. This will result to better ways of local firms of making their production. Competition is another positive effect of FDI. The entry of foreign companies compels the domestic ones to be more efficient in all ramifications. The latter gains better skill will from employee training through new improved technology requirement in the production process. (Morris 2008). FDI helps local firm to bypass government bureaucracy, legality and financial obstacles encountered in the host economy. International organisations always recommend that less developed countries rely mainly on FDI as a source of external finance. Hericourt Poncet (2008, p.1) confirm that the development of cross border relationship with foreign countries help private domestics firms to bypass both the financial and legal obstacles that they face at home At the same time, many may not be pleased with the policies that encourage FDI which might be unfavourable to host economy since foreigners will have share in domestic economic activity. According to Holden (2007), there was an argument that foreign-controlled investments may be bias and not act in the best interest of locals and nationals; that profit may be exported out of the country; and that foreign ownership could have national security implications in situation where industries or products are of strategic importance. These concern links to energy and natural resource sector. The concerns may lead to countries to place restriction on investment in sector that involves strategic importance. Canadian Chamber of Commerce had an annual general meeting in 2007. A resolution was passed Attracting FDI to Canada, among the issues discussed in the meeting was an advise for Canadian government to adopt policies that encourage foreign investor to Canada, even though some call for tighter restrictions for FDI due to its demerits (Morris, 2008). Canada was among the countries that provided a shield for his economy with the provision of 1985 Investment Canada Act. This Act states that any proposed foreign direct investment above a certain amount is subject to review and approval from the industry Minister. For the proposed investment to be approved, it must demonstrate that its proposed investment provide a net benefit to Canada, some of the things the industry Minister will consider are; employment, investment in Canada to compete in the world market, the compatibility of the investment with national industrial, economic and cultural policies and many others (Holden, 2007). Using Canada (a country that has benefited from FDI in all ramifications from the perspective of macro economics level down to the micro level, from one sector to another sector) as a case study. It is obvious that Canada has gained so much in FDI both in forward linkages and backward linkages. According to the Daily (May 6, 2008), the stock of FDI in Canada sky rocketed in the last eight years, and the sector that had the biggest share were the resource based industries. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting (2007) passed a resolution titled Attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Canada. The meeting called for the Canadian government to send a clear and positive message to foreign investors that Canada wants inbound investment through a proactive investment strategy and promotion champagne (Morris, 2008). Aim Most previous studies focused on the role of FDI on economic growth but their findings shows that FDI is not significant to economics growth. Carkovic and Levine (2002), prove that FDI does not independently influence on economic growth. However, economic growth and balance of payment (BOP) as a macro-economic objectives of any rational nation, in which there is sort of trade-off in both objectives.(this will be explain in the literature review section ).(pass et al. 1995). Countries calls for FDI coming between the two objectives as result nation rationale of protectionism ( quotas ,high import duties and embargo) to resolve balance of payment problem, and to achieve import substitution and export promotion agenda. Keynesian economic growth model, which is measured with Gross Domestic Product (GDP), have many component such as government expenditure, consumption level, investment, and export minus import (BOP current account). Changes in any of these components will have multiplier effect on the economic growth. (Moosa, 2002). FDI will have direct effect on host nations balance of payment which will indirectly impact the host country growth. The question being asked in this research is there any relationship between FDI and BOP? The aim of this dissertation is to determine the relationship between FDI and Balance of Payment in Canada over the period of 1990 to 2008. This aim will be achieve by building a model to explain the casual relationship between dependent variable and independent variables to figure out the relationship between FDI and BOP. Also, hypothesis will be formulated to test some of the objectives of the study. Robin says in Saunders (2007) that with deductive research its necessary to deduct a hypothesis. The study explores six possible issues: Objectives To determine the proportion of Canadian Capital account explained by growth in FDI in Canada over the period of 1990 to 2008. To determine the proportion of Canadian Current account explained by growth in FDI in Canada over the period of 1990 to 2008. To determine the proportion of Canadian Import explained by growth in FDI in Canada over the period of 1990 to 2008. To determine the proportion of Canadian Export explained by growth in FDI in Canada over the period of 1990 to 2008. To ascertain the relationship between Canadian FDI and Canadian BOP over the period of 1990 to 2008. To examine the major (countries) contributor to Canadian FDI over the period of 1990 to 2008. Significant of the study The significant of this study is to know the role of FDI in achieving one of the macro economic objective. This to ascertain if FDI will affect BOP in Canada positively or negatively. If the effect is positive, there will be needs of improving scope or magnitude for FDI in Canada for the future .However; if it is negative there may needs for government policies to restrict the inflow of FDI to Canada so as to achieve a favourable bop. The consecutive chapters will structure in the following ways: chapter two discusses the theoretical background information related to FDI, chapter three examines the academic literature relevant to the topic and also describes the methodology while chapter four presents the empirical analysis and discusses the econometrics result. The concluding chapter provides a conclusion of the research work. Chapter two Literature Review Theoretical Background (Moosa,2002) defines Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as the process whereby residence of a country (the source country) acquire ownership of asset for the purpose of controlling the production, distribution and other activities of a firm in another country (the host country). It involves the transfer of financial capital, technology and other skills such as managerial, marketing, accountancy, and so on. International Monetary Funds Balance of Payment Manual defines FDI as an investment that is made to get a long lasting interest in a organisation operating in an economy difference the investor. (Canada Statistics, 2008) defines FDI as a component of a nations international investment position which explains a countrys investment position: the difference between aggregate financial assets and aggregate financial liabilities. Direct investment, portfolio investment and other investment are the component of financial asset and financial liabilities. (Frankel and Romer, 1999) describe FDI as one of the crucial catalysts for economic growth in a nation especially in less developed countries. This statement describes the significance of FDI to a nation. FDI can also be described as a company from one country making physical investment into building a factory in another country. It is the establishment of an enterprise by a foreigner. (UNCTAD, 2002) defines FDI as investment made to acquire lasting interest in enterprise operating outside the investors economy. In short, a business or firm that undertake FDI become a multinational national company (MNCs) because of it ability to own many subsidiaries in many foreign countries. Foreign Direct investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in any host economy in the aspect of economic prosperity and building wealth. It also leads to increase in capital flow and, highly skilled human power, and reduction in unemployment and importation of advanced equipment and technology to enhance output level. This has a direct impact on the nations gross domestic product by promoting economic development. Mutenyo (2008), said most less developed countries now adopt policies that encourage FDI. Among these po licies are privatization, trade and exchange rate liberalization, and, tax rebate and incentives for foreign investors to enjoy the business environment. FDI is different from other components (such as international financial assets, portfolios and so on) of international investment. International Monetary Fund (IMF 2003, p.6) define FDI as a category of international investment that reflects the objective of a resident in one economy (the direct investor) obtaining a lasting interest in an enterprise resident in another country (p.6). IMF further explained that a direct investment is established when a foreign investor has more than 10% ordinary share or voting right of a host country enterprise (IMF 2003, p6-7). In Canada, direct investment is measured as the total value of equity, net long-term claims and net short-term claims held by the enterprises border (Canada Statistics, 2008). FDI has been increasing globally over the last two decades. Especially in the 90s, FDI increased more than the world economic growth. According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data collection pertaining to FDI regulations in 1991, it shows that between January 1991 and December 2002, total of over 1600 measures were introduced by 165 countries; more that 90% of them was in favour of FDI in terms of changes; the nature of the introduced measures ranging from security for investors, to liberalization of rules governing the inflow of foreign investors, to measures that are promotional in nature(UNCTAD, 2003). The measures were extended to the international level through double taxation treaties (DTT) and bilateral investment treaties (BIT). Over the last four decades, FDI have gone through series of transformation in Canada. Gellaty 2006 (in Morris, 2008, p6) explained the reason for the emergence of the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA). Due to growing concern of FDI in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA) was established to regulate and monitor FDI. The regulation governing FDI and FIRA was replaced with Investment Canada in 1985. The regulation was aimed at protecting and promoting FDI in Canada. There was also an implementation of Canada-U.S Free Agreement (CUFTA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to promote FDI further in Canada. FDI appear to be a topic that covers both narrow and broader area. Feenstra (1999,quoted in Liebscher 2007, p.3) expresses FDI as the combination of both international trade in goods and international financial flows, and as a phenomenon more complex than either international trade or international financial flow. From micro-economics perspective, FDI raises the issues of location consideration and ownership. From the macro-economics angle, FDI considers the fear of unemployment and the loss of freedom. For Policy makers, FDI is an issue to balance the benefits of spillovers with growing concern of the public. The concern authorities will be rational in policies that will favour FDI and all concern parties. FDI is one of the key features of the modern globalized world. According to (Peter 2008), most industrialists believed that there is international links in the late medieval and early modern era. They were also of the opinion that multinational firms became crucial in numerous ind ustries in the late nineteenth century but the period since World War II and in particular, since 1985 have seen an explosion in FDI both in relative and absolute terms to the levels of trade and gross domestic product. However, economic theory provides an extensive economics literature which was developed to investigate the causes, nature and consequences of FDI. One of the reasons for the creation of FDI is as a result of cheap cost of production in the host economy. FDI occurs when the benefits of producing in a foreign market out weighs the cost of economic of scale from producing exclusively in the firms home plant (Neary 2008, p.13). This benefit can be explained by the concept of proximity –concentration trade-off. That is foreign firms take advantage of trade off in production in home countries which will expose them to high exportation cost and international trade barriers relative to proximity to customer and low transportation cost. There are some conflicting predictions about the effect of FDI on economic growth. Blomstrom and Kokako (1998, quoted in Mutenuyo 2008, p.3) explain that spillover occurs if the entrance of multinational enterprises (MNE) result to efficiency and produc tivity benefit to the domestic firms in the host country and MNE is not able to internalize the full value of these benefits. On the other hand, negative externalities exist if the activities of FDI result to loss in efficiency, productivity and profitability among the local firms and the alien investors do not compensate them for their loss. In a nutshell, FDI can be detrimental to an economy. MNE are assumed to compete favourably with the more advanced local firms since the local firms will have an edge over the foreign investors in local market share, skills, export contracts, cordial relationship with suppliers and the customer and so on. On the other hand, the foreign firms may be more advance in technological know-how, research and development, and the financial resources for their home economy.(Hericourt and Poncet ,2009) confirms that the development of cross-border relationships with foreign companies helps private firms to bypass both the financial and legal hindrance that they face at home. Types of FDI The types of FDI can be considered from dual angle: from the perspective of foreign investor country and from the perspective of host country. Since the study is focused on Canada, FDI will be examined in both ways. There are three types of FDI- vertical, horizontal and conglomerate- from the perspective of the source nation (investors). Vertical FDI: (Hill,1998) provides a clear illustration of vertical FDI by dividing into two: Forward vertical FDI and Backward vertical FDI. The former is applicable in a situation where a local firm invest into another industry abroad that sells the output product of the local firms production process, while the latter is used when the foreign sales of a firm provide inputs for the downstream operation of the local firms. Horizontal FDI: is applicable when the goods produced in the host country are the same as in the home country for horizontal expansion (Caves, 1971). (Hill,1998) defines it as firms invest in the same industry as the same operational activity in their homeland. Conglomerate FDI is the combination of horizontal and vertical FDI. That is, firm operating in separate business, (Luladhar 2008). FDI FROM THE ANGLE OF HOST ECONOMY Export-increasing FDI: is caused as a result of items produced in host country as an input for home country; such as raw material or intermediate goods. This type of FDI will enhance the exportation of the host nation if there is high demand for the raw material or intermediate goods from the home country. Import- substituting FDI: This type of FDI is applicable when the goods previously imported from the home country are now been produced from the host economy which will generate more employment .This is caused as a result of host government policy on trade barriers, market size, labour cost and so on. Government initiated FDI: This is when the policy makers provide some incentive that attracts foreign investors into the host economy. This incentive could be tax holiday, tax discount and so on. The Determinant of FDI (Motives) There are four motives that determine FDI. These determinants provide reason why firms should use FDI to tap in business globalization. These motives are acquired inputs (raw material orientation), market orientation, cost orientation, and strategic asset seeking motives orientation. Raw Material Orientation: According to Dunning (1993), availability of raw material is the bed rock of any firm, especially the manufacturing firms. Usually the cost of importing raw material from the source to where is needed is outrageous, even the duration cost of getting the raw material to host firm is another visible problem that affects the overall performance of production. Therefore, it is more economical for firms to produce in an environment that has easy access to raw material.s (Atik et al., 2008). Market Orientation: This is when firms produce goods in a host country instead of shipping it directly from the home country. This occurs when foreign market is protected by the government restriction goods importation or high importation duties. It will cost less to produce in the host economy market to avoid international restriction and unnecessary cost. Market orientation draws foreign supplier closer to the buyers in the host economy. (Atik et al., 2008). Cost- Orientation Motive: Cost minimization is one the firms strategy to optimize profit. Porter (1998, stated in Atik et al.2008, p 29) explains that among the generic strategies of a firm, cost leadership is the best strategy. In cost leadership strategy, a firm will prefer to become the lower cost producer in its industry. So firm prefer to site their location where they will enjoy the lower cost of factors of production. Good examples of this firm from developed nation prefer to locate their firms in less developed nation because of cheap labour and other cost of production. Asset Seeking FDI: Foreign firms prefer to have access to gain industrial asset in host country which will more profitable to have in there home country. The foreign firm will sustains or advance its international competitiveness, technological advancement, and opening up the new market though its asset accusation from the host nation (Atik et al., 2008). There fore, a firm that owes foreign asset is better positioned in global market competition compare to its counterpart. Theories of FDI Most literature reveals why investors prefer to produce abroad instead of staying in the home country. Dunning 2003 p.278) assert that the growth of existing foreign value activities in service might require a different set of explanations than to follow initial decision to invest abroad. There are some theories that explain FDI and MNEs in global business especially in goods sector. (Helldin ,2007) is of the opinion that FDI theory is fragmented and consists of various economic theories. There are no complete theories that explain FDI; it was just the bits by bits from numerous authors. Hymer was one of the first authors to explain the theory of FDI in 1960(mention in Na, Lv Ligthfoot, 2006). Hymer believes that the multinational national companies (MNCs) have the potential to expand the business due their oligopolistic nature. He said MNCs have firm specific advantages that create market power on global market due to their technical know-how, product differentiation, RD and so on. Dunnings Eclectic Paradigm (Professor John H. Dunnings 1977 OLI-framework also called Dunnings eclectic paradigm) Dunning 1977,Helldin 2007, p8), explains that the three factors that constitute to MNEs location in host country. These factors are Ownership Specific Advantage (O), Location-Specific Advantage (L) and Internalization Advantage (I). Ownership specific are business advantages such as capital, advance technology, well known brand names and product with dominant standard (p8). It further explained that the higher the level of business competitive advantage are compare to foreign competitors on a specific location the more the business will be involved in foreign production. Location will also be based on the countries competitive advantage, originated in the partners home countries (Helldin, 2007). Ekstrom (1998 stated in Helldin 2007) is of the opinion that the combination of O with L is why a specific location is chosen to make FDI. The third (internalization) advantage is meeting demands on global market by trading. (Dunning 1977, Helldin 2007, p8). Ownership Specific Advantage (O): MNEs enjoys business advantage in some area such as size, established position, and monopoly power. MNEs also have some specific advantage in some business area such as capital, advance technology, research and development, highly skilled human capital, trade marks, receipt of government grant and property right over intellectual property (Bennett, 1999). Location Hypothesis (L): This hypothesis explains the existence of FDI which is a result of international immobility of factors of production: labour, natural resources and weather. The immobility factors result to location-related differences in the cost of production. Horst (1972b, quote in Moosa, 2002, p.33) used this hypothesis to explain US FDI in Canada. Most MNEs prefer to locate their production facilities in an area where there is cheap labour. Lucas (1993) proves that there is inverse relationship between FDI and wages. He explained that a rise in wages in the host economy will increase the cost of production and have adverse effect on production and FDI. This will shift the host economy from labour incentive to capital incentive and will also encourage FDI Lucas (1993). The advantages of location specific (L) include low transport cost, low purchase input, economics of large scale, good communication, low labour cost, near to market advantage, availability of local business support ( market research firm) and the avoidance of trade restriction (artificial barriers) impose by host nation to reduced import (Bennett, 1999). Internalization Hypothesis Internalization hypothesis explains that FDI arises due to the impact of MNEs. MNEs is established to replace market (external) transaction with internal transaction. Coase (1973, says in Moosa, 2002) is of the opinion that market cost can be saved by forming a firm (p, 32). He gave an example of bottleneck encountered in purchasing oil product while compelling a firm to buy a refinery. These problems are caused by market failure and imperfection in intermediate goods, including technical know how, marketing and management enterprises (Moosa, 2002). MNEs invest in host countries in order to boycott expensive suppliers and distributors. Foreign government import restrictions will be avoided through local subsidy rather than exporting direct. Also the marketing aspect will be managed and controlled by the producing firm; there will be no intermediate sales or Value Added tax (Bennett, 1999). According to Dunning (2003), internalization incentive advantages are to protect or exploit mar ket failure (p.99). The Product Cycle Theory The theory was invented by Vernon in 1966. This theory explains the competitive advantage possessed by MNEs or potential MNEs originated in a country instead of another. The competitive advantage move from a stage of local production in home market, to exportation, and then to FDI (Dunning 2003). His theory was a based on U.S. directs investment in import substitution producing activities standards and economics structure. Also the ownership advantages of firms that produces or supplies a product had a little say about the advantages of common governance (Dunning, 2003). The theory is more useful in analysis of MNEs in FDI activities such as capital exportation, services activities, inward outward investment and so on. Core –Asset Theory Core Asset Theory was propounded by Hymer in 1976. Dunning said the theory explains the territorial expansion of a firm in terms of its exclusive or privileged possession of intangible assets, which it perceived could be utilized in a foreign country Dunning (2003, p.279). Several writers have to identify which O specific right were the most significant in determining the ability of MNEs to compete in foreign market. The theory examines the role of Foreign Service firms in market seeking sector, which is different from Product Cycle Theory focus on resources based industries or manufacturing sector. Also the theory was less concerned with where firms or MNES are located. According to Dunning (2003), the theory underestimates the important of the organizational mechanism by which the competitive advantage (Product Cycle Theory) is exploited (Dunning, 2003). The theory is limited to FDI or MNEs in technological advancement ,RD, position, product quality and so on, but it just examines the growth in foreign firms in global oriented and integrated service industries (Dunning ,2003). Strategy Related the Theories Knickerbocker, in 1973, was the first person to examine the strategy of MNEs. His analysis was that MNEs activities will be a function of high seller concentration. Dunning (2003) stated that Knickerbocker hypothesized that MNE activity would tend to be concentrated in industries characterized by high seller concentration, and that firms in those industries will engage in follow my leader tactics in the timing of their foreign investments, to protect or advanced their global competitive position (Dunning, 2003, p.280). Most studies on MNEs, the area of extraction, manufacturing and the likes was in support of this theory but the theory was less relevant in foreign firms activities in service industries because of its less oligopolistic nature (Dunning, 2003). However, these theory was fragile in MNEs with high level of diversification since one of the main aims of MNEs is expansion and diversify in area like service sector which may be outside their main activities which will create problem for the theory. The Risk Diversification Hypothesis The theoretical background of this hypothesis can be traced back to the theory of portfolio selection by Markowitz (1959) and Tobin (1958). The risk diversification hypothesis was propounded by Grubelin in 1968, but the idea was revisited and made known by Rugman in 1979. The hypothesis was that MNEs reduces the portfolio risk by diversification, which is investment in foreign assets that usually consist of service industries like banking, insurance, communication and so on. Most construction firm may want to make their working capital active by buying financial assets (Dunning, 2003). This kind of investment is not capital intensive. The Aliber Thesis Alibers (1970 1971, quoted in Dunning, 2003, p.280) seek to determine why firms pay their foreign assets in local currencies when they produce abroad. The theory explains that foreign firms take advantage of the home stronger currency to acquire ownership of assets in host economy due to their weak currency. Albert also argues that fluctuation in foreign exchange market that result to undervaluation or overvaluat

Monday, August 19, 2019

Attitude Towards War in The Soldier and Anthem for Doomed Youth Essay

Attitude Towards War in The Soldier and Anthem for Doomed Youth The two poems that I will be comparing in this essay are: â€Å"The Soldier† By Rupert Brooke, and â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† By Wilfred Owen. Both of these poems are sonnets and both are written during The First World War. Although both sonnets are set during the same time period and are about the same war, the poets have very contradicting views; these views are expressed in their work. The first poem; â€Å"The Soldier† is focused on the different meanings and aspects of dying for your country in a foreign land, or behind-enemy-lines. In a war as brutal and tragic as the Second World War, the death of a mere soldier is often neglected and cast aside. Therefore, the poet concentrates on not only the physical consequences and effects of his death, but the mental and spiritual ones too. The poet believes that because he is an Englishman he represents a small moving part of England. This leads him to believe that if he dies on the battlefield, the ground on which his corpse decomposes will become a tiny fraction of England. The poet believes that the only purpose of his death is to bless the land he dies on. â€Å"If I should die, think only this of me : That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England.† This is proof of the poet’s belief that if he is to die away from his homeland he will turn the ground he dies on into a piece of his homeland. This shows that he is patriotic and that even in death he feels he will be doing something to help his country’s cause in the war. In the same stanza the poet goes on the praise the rich and wealthy value his death will bring to the country he dies in. The poet sees England as a super... ...e readers attention. After reading these two poems, I had a very different opinion of war. The references to â€Å"cattle† in the second sonnet and the patriotism in the first particularly helped me to understand war more intelligently. If three-hundred people die in a plane crash, it is seen as a tragedy. If one-million people die in a war, it is seen as a statistic. By understanding the emotions and opinions of people truly affected by combat, you can gain valuable knowledge and insight into the real horrors and atrocities of war. It is often the dream of schoolboys to go to war and fight. If they understood the more horrific and damaging aspects of conflict I am sure that they would not dream for a second, of going to war. That is why I believe these poems are very valuable in the modern world. They are an effective tool in the education of young minds.