...Jenna Cardone International Economics WTO Phase II February 8, 2014 United Kingdom/European Union The European Union is a union of twenty eight member nations that work together to delegate political and economic issues. These countries have formed a single government that allows each nation to be interdependent on one another and, henceforth, reducing conflict between them. There is the free movement of goods, services, people, and money between each nation. The last one is made easiest through the common currency of the Euro. The only exception is the United Kingdom, who identifies with the Pound instead. The United Kingdom, along with being the only member of the EU that does not identify with the Euro has the ninth largest GDP in the world. The UK has the second largest GDP in the EU, second only to Germany, while the EU is the second highest GDP overall, just behind the United States (I). It just goes to show that while the European Union has some very strong economies in its membership, together they have created a world power. Imports in regards to the EU center primarily around dairy products, sugars and confectionery, and animal products, which, respectively, have MFN averages of 52.9, 32.1, and 20.4. The lowest average MFN is cotton, which is at a value of 0. The rest of the products are between a value of 1 and 20 and, for various reasons, are higher in value than cotton and much less than dairy, sugar, and animal products (II). The goods that are...
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...------------------------------------------------- Does Chinese Foreign Policy reflect the concerns of a status quo power or a revisionist power? INTRODUCTION Before addressing this question, it is essential to establish what is meant by a status quo or revisionist power. Hans Morgenthau described a status quo power as one that favours and aims to maintain “the distribution of power as it exists at a particular moment in history”,. Similarly, proponents of power transition theory use the concept of the “rules of the game” regarding nations’ power relations to define status quo and revisionist states, the latter desiring to “redraft the rules” out of a “general dissatisfaction” with their share in the system. Randall Schweller furthers this point by adding military force as a requisite of such ambitions to amend the status quo. For the purpose of this essay, whether a power is status quo or revisionist will be determined by whether its policies aim at acquiring a new power order in its favour. Using this yardstick, this essay will elaborate China’s current behaviour and underlying aspirations to argue that it would be inappropriate or at least premature to stamp the country ‘revisionist’. I will also incorporate Morgenthau’s viewpoint on a status quo’s ‘minor adjustments’ into my reasoning of China’s policy to argue that what could be currently perceived as evidence of Chinese aggressive ambitions are not attempts to reverse the current power relations but merely manifestations of a self-defensive behaviour and natural...
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...for Asian firms and thought that she understood the culture well enough to fit in. Her problem was also compounded by the fact that she would be a woman trying to trail blaze into a field and culture dominated by men. It definitely did not help that she didn’t speak the language and from the reading doesn’t appear to have tried to really learn it instead relying on her associates to speak to her in English or having to use an interpreter. She came into the job with big ambitions and plans to change her Korean associate’s way of doing business not understanding that they didn’t want to change. Now let’s look at Hofstede’s five dimensions of culture to compare Korean and American assumptions. First, Power Distance (P/D) According to Mind Tools: This refers to the degree of inequality that exists – and is accepted – among people with and without power. A high PD score indicates that society accepts an unequal distribution of power, and that people understand "their place" in the system. Low PD means that power is shared and well dispersed. It also means that society members view themselves as equals. Application: According to Hofstede's model, in a high PD...
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...Book Review: This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein, published: Sept. 2014 Summarize the book. What is being discussed? Rob Nixon of the New York Times called Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate” “a book of such ambition and consequence that it is almost unreviewable.[1]” Naomi Klein researches the impact of Climate change and its relationship with free market capitalism. She discusses capitalism as failed economic system. She goes into great depth on the subject of resource extraction, pollution and the events of surrounding the affected communities in these regions across the world. However, rather than concluding that things are hopeless Naomi Klein argues that: We can build something better and reclaim our economic system. She argues that the market cannot save us. We have the tools/technology to get off of fossil fuels, but it requires leaving free market capitalism behind. We need to rebuild local economies, reign in corporate power and reclaim democracy. She argues that we aren’t all the all powerful saviours of the planet, but that as visitors on the earth we have to save ourselves from an earth that is rocking, burning and driving humanity into extinction because of our actions. Describe the three most important arguments or claims made in the book. The first argument Naomi Klein makes is that world leaders and climate scientists agree if we are going to avoid truly catastrophic consequences of climate change; we need to...
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...May 5, 2014 Ashley Webb Motivation and Empowerment Motivation and empowerment are very important aspects of leadership in any organization. Halting someone with ambition serves no purpose; however, many in leadership roles who do not understand the front line theories involved serve to offer nothing but confusion and discourse among their men. According to “More, Vito, and Walsh” (2012), “Motivation is a predictor of overall effort as an individuals ability, and an organizations support will determine the level of an officers job performance (p. 181). Knowing this concept wins, in this paper we will compare motivation and empowerment, discuss components of empowerment, and implications of empowerment to an organization, as well as the roles of trust with personnel issues. Comparing Motivation and Empowerment Motivation and empowerment go hand and hand, let’s start by defining what is Motivation? The process, by which a person’s efforts are energized, directed and sustained toward attaining a goal. Someone who is motivated will forth effort and work hard to accomplish their goal, and they will channel their energy in doing what is best the company, and one will stay the course and be diligent and persistent in achieving the goal. What is Empowerment? It involves helping others build their own power bases, most company will go all out by empowering their workers with tools that will benefit their business and help the company grow to the next level. (Mooney, N.D) Empowerment...
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... rank order the words in each ROW below where 4 is high and 1 is low in terms of their importance to you. A. Promotion ( ) Learning ( ) Expertise ( ) Escaping ( ) B. Variety ( ) Adventure ( ) Power ( ) Craftsmanship ( ) C. Recreation ( ) Moving Up ( ) Skill ( ) New Challenges ( ) D. Artisan ( ) Executive ( ) Vagabond ( ) Researcher ( ) E. Wandering ( ) Controlling ( ) Studying ( ) Perfecting ( ) F. Knowledge ( ) Rapid Change ( ) Talent Recognition ( ) Advancement ( ) Please double check that you ranked the ROW items above. Each row should have one word ranked 1, 2, 3, or 4. 4 is high, 1 is low. Once you’ve confirmed your answers, turn the page to learn what your responses might mean. 2007 © James G. Clawson, 2007. All rights reserved. -2 Theory Society defines success, typically, in terms of wealth and power. We read about the rich and famous in the newspapers and biographies, and see them in the news and in films. It turns out though, that left to their own devices, people will choose a variety of career paths, only one of which really leads ever upward. Professors Michael Driver1 and Ken Brousseau of the University of Southern California have identified alternative patterns that people seem to choose. Before we say more, though...
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...100 years of Strength. Performance. Passion. Corporate Sustainable Development Report 2011 20 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 37 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 54 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 71 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 88 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Holcim’s original cement plant in Holderbank in the Swiss canton of Aargau. 100 The new Ste. Genevieve plant of Holcim US in Missouri. Contents Introduction Performance against targets Chairman’s statement CEO interview Vision and strategy Q “Delivering value to your stakeholders is part of your mission. How do you achieve results while operating with sustainability and integrity? Are incentives for sustainable practices integrated into performance compensation plans?” SD challenges Sustainable solutions and construction Q “What is Holcim’s contribution to improve efficiencies in the building materials industry?” Energy and climate Q “Holcim appears to be ahead of its competitors with regards to its level of carbon emissions. How does Holcim plan to further reduce its CO2 footprint, while providing the construction materials for the schools, hospitals, homes and infrastructure the world needs?” Biodiversity and water Q “Reducing energy use will in turn reduce CO2 emissions and water consumption. How can Holcim ensure that the overall synergies between energy, climate, biodiversity and water are taken into consideration?”...
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...Lincoln High School IB History Internal Assessment Student Handbook Table of Contents What is the History IA? Planning Your Historical Investigation Examples of Types of Investigations Examples of Research Questions Choice of Topic 20th Century History of the Americas Alternative The Written Account & Assessment Criteria A. Plan of the Investigation B. Summary of Evidence C. Evaluation of Sources D. Analysis E. Conclusion F. Sources and Word Limit Sample History IAs 1Trotsky and the Russian Civil War 2US in Chile 3Women in the French Revolution 4PreWWI Alliances 4 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 1 2 2 3 4 10 16 Information in this guide is gathered from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to: The IB History Course Guide, Oxford’s IB Skills and Practice, IBOCC, and anecdotal experience. What is the History IA? The History IA is your chance to explore a period, theme, or event in history that you are interested in. For full IB Candidates, it also serves as 20% of your final History Grade. The final paper will be assessed by your teacher, with a sampling sent off to IB for score moderation. The History IA asks you to use the full range of skills you have been taught in class. In particular: ● knowledge and understanding ● application and interpretation ● synthesis and evaluation...
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...MILITARY INTEGRATION AND EUROPEAN UNIONS ROLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL Introduction The European Union as a sole entity is comprised of 27 countries and its total population ranks third highest in the world, following behind China and India. Not only is the European Union considered to be one of the largest populated regions of the world, it is also considered to be one of the most important and influential leaders on the global stage. The Union impacts tremendously on the following: trade, financial aid and assistance to those countries less fortunate and poverty stricken, anti-terrorism activities, civilian conflict prevention measures, security and defence policy along with also tackling environmental issues such as global warming and carbon emission. In the development of this essay I will primarily focus on Europe’s road towards military integration, understanding the political, institutional, technological developments towards a Common European Security and Defence Policy. In order to discuss the above mentioned topic and to create a clearer and more concise linkage I will also briefly introduce the following: Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP), Treaty on the European Union (TEU), European Defence Community (EDC), Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), Western European Union (WEU), Inter-Governmental Conference (IGC), Synchronized Armed Forces Europe (SAFE), and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)....
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...The Truman Doctrine Background, Truman's Speech to Congress, Results The Truman Doctrine and Containment Links Spartacus page An interview with Clark Clifford (1998) Did Truman cause the Cold War? Background Events The Truman Doctrine was a response to a crisis. Behind it lay the Communist/Soviet takeover of many of the countries of eastern Europe by ‘salami tactics’ – which, Truman alleged, was in breach of Stalin’s promises at the Yalta Conference. Then, in February 1947, the British government – which had been helping the Greek government resist Communist rebels – announced that it could no longer afford to keep its soldiers there. It seemed to Truman and his advisers that, of they did nothing, it was only a matter of time before the communists took over YET ANOTHER country. Background Truman’s Speech to Congress, March 1947 On 12 March 1947, President Truman spoke to Congress. His speech is very famous. What he said became known later as the ‘Truman Doctrine’. Truman began by outlining the situation in Greece. ‘Assistance is imperative if Greece is to survive as a free nation’, he told Congress. ‘Greece must have assistance if it is to become a self-supporting and self-respecting democracy.’ Without help, Greece would fall to Communism. Nearby Turkey, he added, was in a similar situation. Getting involved in Greece, Truman knew, would go against the belief of many...
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...Strengthening the Non-Proliferation Regime: The Role of Coercive Sanctions Author(s): T. V. Paul Source: International Journal, Vol. 51, No. 3, Nuclear Politics (Summer, 1996), pp. 440-465 Published by: Canadian International Council Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40203123 Accessed: 30/11/2010 19:58 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublisher?publisherCode=cic. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. Canadian International Councilis collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve...
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...The European Union and its power over opinion: what can Belarus tell us about the European identity? Contents Abstract Page 4 Introduction ` Page 5 Chapter 1: Constructing a European identity Page 8 Chapter 2: The European Union as a normative actor Page 21 Chapter 3: The Belarusian problem Page 30 Conclusion Page 49 Bibliography Page 52 Abstract Europe has embarked upon an unprecedented process of state integration witnessing the widespread deferral of policy making to intergovernmental institutions. The European Union’s institutionalism has facilitated an assimilation of values into an increasingly coherent, if complex regional identity. A normative self-conception has emerged that Brussels has sought to project onto its external relations through the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Brussels increasingly considers itself a transformative actor in global politics offering an alternative to great power realpolitik. This paper finds that while European multilateralism offers an environment conducive to a normative foreign policy, the extent to which it is able to exert any ideational influence is constrained by the level of engagement it is willing to pursue. Europe maintains a policy of isolating the Lukashenko regime and has failed to engage Belarusian civil society. As a result it has had a negligible impact on Belarusian political culture. Europe’s failure to adequately engage Belarus also...
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...achieved without enthusiasm. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means. (Albert Einstein) Collectively, these three short quotations capture some of the key characteristics of transformational leadership, a form of leadership argued by some (Simic, 1998) to match the Zeitgeist of the post-World War II era. Academic debate about the nature and effectiveness of transformational leadership has developed since key work on the topic emerged in the 1970s. This short paper sets out to provide summary answers to three main questions about transformational leadership. What is it? How is it applied? What are some of its key weaknesses? In the course of the discussion, the following pages also provide a brief background to the origins of transformational leadership theory and point quickly to a possible theoretical future for a transformed transformational leadership. Transformational Leadership TheoryAccording to Cox (2001), there are two basic categories of leadership: transactional and transformational. The distinction between transactional and transformational leadership was first made by Downton (1973, as cited in Barnett, McCormick & Conners, 2001) but the idea gained little currency until James McGregor Burns’ (1978) work on political leaders was published. Burns distinguished between ordinary (transactional) leaders, who exchanged tangible rewards for the work and loyalty of followers, and extraordinary (transformational)...
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...CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY REPORT 2010 1 2 UMW HOLDINGS BERHAD CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY REPORT 2010 3 CONTENT 02 04 - 05 06 - 07 08 09 - 11 12 - 14 15 - 18 19 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 31 32 RATIONALE PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT UMW STRUCTURE OUR ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT AWARDS RECEIVED WORKPLACE MARKETPLACE ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE DATA PROFILE DISCLOSURE FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS ABOUT THIS REPORT UMW’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report supplements our other publications, including the Group Annual Report, our internal staff magazine “U”, regular media releases and investor updates, as well as our Group and divisional websites. This report is also a follow-up to the Group’s maiden CSR report, launched in 2008. The report brings together the Group’s economic, social and environmental performance from 2007 to 2009. We have also included some information for 2010 which was available before the collection deadline. The report covers the entire UMW Group, and those subsidiaries that are included in Group consolidated financial statements. In the Environment section of this report, we have particularly concentrated on our Automotive Division, as it is the Group’s largest profit contributor and accounts for around 60% of our physical assets and 70% of our workforce. We have also included relevant environmental data from our other divisions, to provide a more complete picture of the Group’s environmental initiatives and performance. "Corporate Responsibility...
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...Effective Teamwork A Best Practice Guide for the Construction Industry Innovation s Best Practice s Productivity Constructing Excellence is driving forward productivity improvements in the UK construction industry through a set of integrated programmes focused on delivering process, product and cultural changes. The key objectives of Constructing Excellence are to improve performance through increased productivity and competitiveness; to improve the industry’s image by changing its culture, developing its people and engaging better with communities and customers; and to engage and take action with individuals, businesses, organisations and industry associations. This guide demonstrates how teamwork can be an important tool in achieving Constructing Excellence objectives. Drawing from the management literature on teamwork, together with original research, the guide examines various aspects of setting up and managing teams, with practical examples from the construction industry and a useful team self-assessment tool. Effective Teamwork was prepared for Constructing Excellence by Eclipse Research Consultants. For details of how to contact the authors see the inside back cover of this guide. Illustrations were by Gerry Armstrong (gerry.armstrong@virgin.net). For more information about Constructing Excellence, please see: www.constructingexcellence.org.uk Or call our helpdesk on 0845 605 5556. 2 Effective Teamwork Contents Introduction ...
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