... The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region encompasses a diverse array of countries and economic activities, offering numerous opportunities for private equity investments. However, due to the global economic downturn that impacted the region in 2009 along with the Arab Spring that broke out in 2011, the overall performance of the MENA region and its investing scope were adversely impacted. The ongoing civil war in Syria that also affects Jordan and Lebanon, the insurgencies in Libya and Yemen and the overall spread of the terrorist group ISIS have participated in decreasing foreign direct investments over the last few years. Furthermore Egypt and Tunisia are still undergoing a fragile transition while Morocco and Jordan's liberalization reforms have yet to be fully implemented. In this context of general instability, investors are being extremely cautious and are now focused on markets where economic growth is driven by solid fundamentals and sectors that are resistant to the fluctuations in the global economic cycle. Investors are shifting towards defensive and less speculative sectors that offer turnaround and even high growth potential. The following report will investigate four of these sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure and renewable energy. In order for the MENA countries to become predominant leaders in the future, they need to invest in a solid healthcare system and infrastructure to ensure the needs of their growing population. However...
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...essay will look at the phenomenon of renewable energy. Different states have set up programs to help firms allocate money to provide upgrades to their businesses in form of renewable energy. These state programs are only available to people who live in that particular state. The uprising of these state run programs help keep out international investors. The country of China is investing in the oil and energy market in the United States. This hurts the United States economy because it is taking money out of the American economy and putting it in China’s economy. During a financial crisis it is important to keep funds in the United States economy and not other countries. The United States manufacturing sector produces about 12 percent of the gross domestic product in the United States. The United States manufacturing plants produce 20 percent of the world manufacturing needs ( U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.). Manufacturing factories use a lot of energy. In the 21st century we are seeing a move to conserve energy by way of renewable energy. This move will not only save energy but save money spent on energy. The government of the United States has a good amount of renewable energy projects that they are working on in many of the states. These projects are only granted to people who live in that particular state. It is important that the United States manufacturing firms keeps investing and loaning money to their states to complete these energy projects. These projects will help...
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...Name Institution of affiliation Summary Renewable energy is that which uses natural phenomena such as wind, tide, sunlight, plant growth ( biomass), geothermal heat among others. In fact, it is said, “Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources.” (Conference on New and Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development, Afgan & Carvalho, 2004). This chapter attempts to look at the various sources of renewable energy and how they can be applied in the shipping industry. The renewable energy resources are available across the globe. Unlike traditional sources of energy such as fossil fuel which is located in specific and limited areas, renewable energy sources can be found in most parts of the world. It is believed that with the rapid development of renewable energy coupled with the efficiencies, economies of various countries will sprout and the energy sector will pride itself with having achieved sustainability and stable supply of energy (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.), & United States. 2010). History of Renewable Energy Research has it that biomass is the oldest form of renewable energy whose use dates back to about 790,000 years...
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...As the report points out, by 2050, three of the four largest economies -- China, India, and Brazil -- will be those of countries now described as developing. As development in those and other countries intensifies, their populations will become increasingly urban. By 2050, when the world's population is expected to be about 9 billion, 70 percent of the world's population will live in urban environments, with the great majority living in cities in developing countries. "Urbanization is happening fast," the report observes, "And most of it is being poorly managed, putting hundreds of millions of the urban poor in harm's way." As the economic emergence of developing countries continues, global consumption patterns will become increasingly critical. "Global consumption patterns and trends are putting unsustainable and increasing stress on the Earth's ecosystems, the supply of material resources needed for industrial growth, and human social systems and well-being," the report said. The role of business in addressing the problems of urbanization and unsustainable consumption will be important. "There is no longer a choice between economic growth and environmental well-being: they are interdependent, and if we do not make sure we have both, we risk ending up with neither," the report said. Therefore, it is in the best interest...
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...Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from hydroelectricity. New renewables (small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels) accounted for another 3% and are growing very rapidly. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around 19%, with 16% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3% from new renewables. China has been identified to be the world's largest consumer of energy. The country is poised to spend $473.1 billion on clean energy investments in the next five years. The planned investment is part of China's 12th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2011-2015) which aims for an installed solar energy capacity of 10 gigawatts by the end of the period. China also wants 20 per cent of its total energy demand to be met by wind and solar by 2021. A report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that in 2010, the world's second-largest economy (China), led all nations investing in renewable energy, with $49.8 billion in funds. China had been ranked as the world's largest consumer of energy surpassing, the U.S. and EU. In the next 25 years, 90 per cent of the projected growth in global energy demand will come from non-core economies...
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...going green and although the net return varies according to the sector, in most cases these fears are unwarranted. Sustainable business practices should be evaluated based on a cost/benefit analysis. The benefits for things like brand reputation and employee loyalty, must be weighed against the costs and risks. When considering the value of sustainable practices businesses need to be notified of a wide range of benefits. Human resources are a good example of a department that benefits from greener practices. According to The Harvard Business Review’s summary of a number of green building studies, green facilities have been shown to increase the productivity of employees. Research further reveals that retailers who installed skylights saved energy and boosted sales by as much as 40 percent. Other research has indicated that loyalty and morale are positively impacted by a green workplace. Greening a physical environment contributes to health and reduces sick days. MonsterTRACK.com study revealed that people want to work for a company that is green. These factors enable green companies to attract and retain the best people, while saving human resources time and money. Green initiatives can save money, strengthen employee loyalty, enhance a company’s reputation and increase productivity. (Richard Matthews) Businesses that invest in green initiatives improve their bottom line while businesses that ignore climate change are doomed to incur much greater costs down the road. A cost...
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...carefully and wisely handled. However, the pressure on governments to act on the issue is immensely increasing; evidence is obvious and rather comprehensive. Globally as well as locally governments responded and responding in different ways, presents different arguments and logics, bears different perspectives and struggles to deal with the issue which concerns the effects on the economic growth. Kyoto Protocol is one of the global attempts that spell out the increasing concern of climate change. The urgency to act on climate change issues can not be ignored or denied. Past few decades have evidenced and strengthen its immense impact on every arena of sustainable issues of humanity (Climate trends 2007): ecological, economic, social /culture (‘sustainability’ is meeting the triple bottom line). Action should be taken by the governments to address this issue both on local and global levels. This paper identifies governments should focus on policy reforms in order to address climate change efficiently and effectively. These policy reforms should gear towards investing on human capital / knowledge capital, utilization of market mechanisms and institutional arrangements and utilization of social capital innovatively. However the negative impact imposed on economic growth by climate change control mechanisms is undeniable (Environmental center 2007), but it is short-term, in long-term it is a smart investment for the future generation: ensured...
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...Africa’s Energy Sector Instructor Name: Allana Marie Haist Table of Contents Introduction 3 Literature of Review 3 Africa’s Energy Situation 4 Large-Scale Renewable Energy System 5 Why should Africa promote renewable energy? 6 Why Should Africa Promote Environmental Energy Efficiency? 7 Barriers to Renewable Energy Development 7 Recommendations For Boosting Renewable Energy in Africa 8 Conclusion 9 Methodology 10 Interpretation of The Results 14 Conclusion 15 Recommendations 16 Limitations 16 Works Cited 17 Appendix A 19 List Of Figure: Figure (1)- Place of living 12 Figure (2)- Term Renewable Energy 12 Figure (3) - Implementing Green Energy In Africa 13 Figure (4) – What obstructs people from investing in green energy 13 Figure (5)- Do you think Energy and economic development are related? 14 Figure (6)- After allowing the direct electricity from solar panels to the nearest grid, therefore electricity bills will be lower, are you willing to invest in solar panels 14 Introduction There is a need to meet the growing energy demand...
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...The American University in Cairo School of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Writing RHET 1020 Boosting Africa’s Energy Sector Instructor Name: Allana Marie Haist Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 LITERATURE OF REVIEW 3 AFRICA’S ENERGY SITUATION 4 LARGE-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM 5 WHY SHOULD AFRICA PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY? 6 WHY SHOULD AFRICA PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY? 7 BARRIERS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 7 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BOOSTING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AFRICA 8 CONCLUSION 9 METHODOLOGY 10 INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS 14 CONCLUSION 15 RECOMMENDATIONS 16 LIMITATIONS 16 WORKS CITED 17 APPENDIX A 19 List Of Figure: Figure (1)- Place of living 12 Figure (2)- Term Renewable Energy 12 Figure (3) - Implementing Green Energy In Africa 13 Figure (4) – What obstructs people from investing in green energy 13 Figure (5)- Do you think Energy and economic development are related? 14 Figure (6)- After allowing the direct electricity from solar panels to the nearest grid, therefore electricity bills will be lower, are you willing to invest in solar panels ...
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...global trends in sUstainable energy investment 2010 Analysis of Trends and Issues in the Financing of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency United nations environment Programme Endorsed by Copyright © United Nations Environment Programme and New Energy Finance, 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the United Nations Environment Programme. Disclaimer United Nations Environment Programme: The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Environment Programme concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Moreover, the views expressed do not necessarily represent the decision or the stated policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, nor does citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. Bloomberg New Energy Finance: The information contained in this publication is derived from carefully selected public...
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...SWOTT Analysis - Jumbo Guest Ranch Introduction As a strategic planning tool, SWOTT analysis is used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends of a business. It examines both the external and internal factors that are crucial to the operations and performance of a business. The results obtained from this analysis are useful during the formulation of a strategic plan. Before starting a SWOTT analysis, a clear and attainable business objective should be defined. The purpose of the analysis is to identify the negative and positive factors found within and outside of the company that influence its performance. Background Jumbo Guest Ranch is a ranch that targets the middle income earners and corporations as its principal clientele base. To improve profit margins while focusing on this market segment, the strategy of the ranch is self-sustenance and expansion. These two key strategic components are responsible for the ranch’s differentiation strategy. To enable its self-sustenance strategy, the farm will use renewable energy forms, such as solar and wind while most other resources and materials will be obtained from its farm. The Analysis In an attempt to help develop full awareness of all factors, both internal and external, which may affect the decision-making process and strategic planning, the SWOTT analysis...
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...about a serious topic and not kid around. In an age of growing populations and expanding economies, sustainability and “going green” are huge topics for debate in both residential and commercial communities. Growing concerns about global warming are also calling for everyone to become more environmentally aware. This elevated awareness and actions toward going green are shown through corporations’ social responsibilities to shareholders and individuals alike. While new technologies emerge to make businesses run more clean and more efficiently, the government has also made strides on their behalf in constituting various tax breaks for both individuals and corporations that go green. All businesses should be urged to continue on with the trend of going green and make the conversion as soon as possible. There are a wide range of benefits available for businesses that make the switch, not only for themselves, but for the community as a whole. Almost all experts agree: transforming “old- style” businesses to new, green businesses will cost a lot of money up front. These costs would account for things such as new technology, training and developing new systems for day-to-day activities, and even paying for renewable energy. Conversely, renewable energy is relatively new to the public and has not had the time to develop and evolve to further efficiency. New technology costs money, and to disregard these new endeavors and deprive them of the chance to become more efficient over time...
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...The Entrepreneurs and their Objectives at Start-Up The entrepreneurs behind Green Energy Solution's (hereafter, GES) developing business are the management team of Enertek EMT Canada, with Enertek's CEO George Nemer, acting as General Manager for the initial period. Mr. Nemer has a Bachelor of Science from McGill University, and extensive studies in Marketing and Finance. He is presently working on his Global Energy Executive MBA through the University of Calgary, with an emphasis on environmental studies. He has several years of work experience as a Chartered financial planner for 23 years, and headed Whitewater Lebanon S.A.L. as its CEO while being involved in the construction and management of many of the waterparks built in the Middle East and North Africa. Moreover, he has been active within the renewable energy industry for the last several years. The second entrepreneur responsible for GES is Mr. Alberto Bilotta. Mr. Bilotta graduated from McGill University as a civil engineer, and has over 25 years of work experience as head of Vinac Construction Inc, where he did work on several prominent projects from the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Montreal International Airport to various public institutions such as libraries and hospitals. The original objectives of both Mr. Nemer and Mr. Bilotta were to approach the expanding market of sustainable resources and energy. GES was created to be a division of Enertek EMT Canada as a start-up subsidiary based in Montreal, Quebec. It will...
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...While Shell Oil Company provides administrative support to the Committee, it does not fund the Committee’s donations nor does it make any political contributions itself. We are calling for change, sharing our expertise and co-operating with governments, companies and other partners. Our Business Principles encourage us to contribute to debates on policy issues that affect our business, our employees or the local communities where we operate. Our advocacy Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face. We will continue to work with governments to help them set the policy frameworks to create market-based incentives – such as an effective cap-and-trade market for CO2 – that will contribute towards improving energy efficiency and support lower-carbon energy, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. We advise governments to use different policy instruments for different sectors. For heavy industry and the power sector we advocate an emissions trading systems combined with incentives for the rapid demonstration and deployment of new low-carbon technologies. Transport needs stringent vehicle efficiency targets and incentives for fuels with lower CO2emissions over their lifecycle, as well as measures to manage congestion and road use. Buildings and appliances...
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...Analysis 4 2.2.1 Social Economic and Political Considerations 4 2.2.2 Macroeconomic Trends 5 2.2.3 Aspects of International Trade/Investment 5 2.2.4 Competition Analysis 6 2.2.5 Market Structure and Firm Entry 6 3.0 Opportunity, Issues and Recommended Strategy 7 3.1 Opportunity Description 7 3.2 ATCO Power Current Strategy: Strengths and Weaknesses 7 3.3 Risk Factors in South African Market 8 3.4 Financial Analysis 8 3.5 Recommended Strategy and Entry Mode 9 4.0 Implementation Plan 9 4.1 Immediate Action Plan: 6 Month 9 4.2 Short Term: 1 Year 10 4.3 Long Term 10 4.4 Contingency Plan 10 5.0 References 11 6.0 Exhibits 13 1.0 Executive Summary ATCO Power is yearning to achieve its global expansion goal and establish itself as an industry leading, reliable and environmentally responsible provider of cost-effective solutions for customers and partners worldwide. In search for an investment opportunity in the underserved market in Africa potential target countries were identified based on electricity demand growth trends, production capacity, economic growth and a multitude of political, financial, social and environmental factors. South Africa emerged as the most logical location for ATCO to proceed with an international venture. South African GDP is expected to continuously grow at an annual rate of 4.5% until 2030. This growth signals rising energy demands that cannot be satisfied using the existing power generation...
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