Political Communication in Oliver Stone’s Platoon and JFK Essay

Introduction: Political communication—communication with a political purpose about human interaction—takes many different forms including novels, poetry, music, television, and film, which all have their distinct advantages and disadvantages in communicating with the public. Although some political communication intends to enact or drive social changes, some political communication seeks to maintain the status quo. The film medium, which is the subject of this paper, has a much broader mass appeal than other medias and often changes the viewer’s original beliefs and perceptions when he or she experiences over an hour straight of visual indoctrination of only one view. Over the course of the semester, we have learned about the informal process of the government. In our first paper of the semester, we analyzed how the news media coverage’s role of acting as the fourth branch of the government and its effectiveness in educating the public. The second paper involved the informal workings and strategies of an interest group, but also focused on an interest group’s structure and membership. Finally, we read several political novels to see their role and political impact on the mass public. For this free choice final paper, I decided to analyze Oliver Stone and his two films Platoon and JFK. Oliver Stone, a three-time Academy Award winner and known as one of the best filmmakers in his generation, ignores Hollywood convention warning against making films with a message. Among some of his great films, he made the two films Platoon and JFK. In Platoon, he presents a gritty and emotional examination of American soldiers during the Vietnam War through the lens of Chris Taylor, a biographical representation of himself and so... ...f moviegoers about the concept of war and the government’s intentions. Works Cited Beaver, Frank. Oliver Stone: Wakeup Cinema. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1991. Internet Movie Database. â€Å"Titles with certificate: Vietnam:(Banned).† . JFK (Special Edition Director's Cut). Dir. Oliver Stone. 1991. DVD, Warner Home Video. 2001. Kurtz, Michael L. â€Å"Oliver Stone, JFK, and History.† Oliver Stone’s USA. Ed. Robert Brent Toplin. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2000. 166—177. Mackey-Kallis, Susan. Oliver Stone’s America. Boulder: Westview Press, 1996. â€Å"Novel.† Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 10th edition. 2002. Platoon (Special Edition). Dir. Oliver Stone. 1986. DVD, MGM. 2001. Riordan, James. Stone. New York: Hyperion, 1995.

India Asean Free Trade Agreement

INDIAN-ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES (HONOURS SCHOOL) Supervisor :Submitted by: Dr. Rajesh KumarKumar Ranjan M. S. Sc. (Hons. ) 2nd Semester Roll No. 12 [pic] SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY AMRITSAR 2009 INTRODUCTION India and the association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have concluded negotiations for a free trade Agreement (FTA) after years of difficult negotiations. This agreement will be signed into a treaty at India-ASEAN summit to be held in Bangkok on February 26,2009 (Economic times, January 27, 2009) if every thing goes as planned. Expectation from India ASEAN FTA are high. Joint Media statement of Sixth ASEAM Economic Minister (AEM)-India consultations states that â€Å"the AIFTA (ASEAN-India free trade agreement) could be major avenue in harnessing the region’s vast economic potentials towards sustained progress and improved welfare not only for ASEAN and India but for greater East Asian regions as well†. The India-ASEAN FTA is the result of many international and domestic factors on one hand, the trend of international regionalization and the proliferation of FTA’s and the failure of the Doha round of Multilateral talks to yield concrete results led both India and the ASEAN countries to consider alternative solution towards free trade. On the other hand the adoption policies by India and ASEAN to develop better cooperation with their immediate neighbours in recent years has helped accelerate this negotiation. (www. e_pao. net) INDIA AND ASEAN: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Although India and ASEAN countries have shared cultural and historical ties, India’s interaction with ASEAN countries was quite limited during the cold war as the two pursued policies which were not very conducive to deep rooted interaction. Soon after the end of second world war, India championed the process of decolonization and drew recognition and appreciation from different parts of the world. It become one of the founding members of Non-aligned Movement (NAM). Even though Indonesia was also a member of NAM alongside India, this relationship did not extend beyond that (Sinha, 2007 pg. 357) The arrival of bipolar politics in southeast Asia, the Vietnam crisis and India’s close ties with the Soviet union led to the adoption of divergent policies by both India and ASEAN. ASEAN was formed in 1967 during the Vietnam war primarily to diffuse regional conflict and to promote better relations between members. Communists victory in Vietnam, Laos and combodia soon worsened the already fragile security situation of southeast Asia. Thus by 1976, ASEAN was forced to contemplate to become an association with security as its main concern. The reunification of veitnam and the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia created another security dilemma. Sinha, 2007 pg. 350). While ASEAN chastised Vietnam, India supported Vietnam. ASEAN’s suspicions of the soviet union and the paronoia it had with anything communist led many including India, to regard ASEAN as allies of the capitalists and pro-American bloc. Suspicions was so high during this time that refused to hold dialogues with A SEAN twice in 1975 and 1980. But with end of the cold war, interactions between India and ASEAN became more frequent: and relations between the two began to improve at very fast pace. Following the end of cold war and collapse of soviet union, India began to adopt liberalization policies. Mean while, ASEAN has also emerged as an important regional organization with great potential and opportunities for growth. The transformation of the international system and new outlook led to the adoption of the Look East policy in 1991, it marked a strategic shift in its foreign policy and perceptions towards its eastern neighbours. ASEAN’s strategic importance in the larger Asia-Pacific region and the potentials it has in becoming India’s major partner in trade and investment also added an impetus to India to develop closer ties with it. In addition, considering the proposed South Asian Free Tade Area (SAFTA) is unlikely to produce any solid outcome, this policy shift and agreement on the part of India is a strategic s it is important. In continuance of India’s Look East policy, the process of interregional cooperation was institutionalized with India becoming a sectoral Dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992; a full dialogue partner in 1995 and member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996. India because a summit level partner of ASEAN in 2002 and concluded the ASEAN-India partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity in 2004. India also became enganged in regional initiatives such as Mekong-guga cooperation (MGC) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic cooperation (BIMSTEC). India has also became member of EAST Asia Summit (EAS) in December, 2005, (Chakraborti, World Focus, 2008, 436). INDIA’S LOOK BEST, ASEAN LOOK WEST POLICIES The real turning point in India-ASEAN relations came with economic liberalization in 1991, the end of the cold war and enunciation of India’s â€Å"Look East† policy by Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao. As publication of Indian ministry of external affairs observed. â€Å"There was confluence of nterests. A new world order, the economic Reforms in India along with its â€Å"Look East† policy, coincided with ASEAN’s â€Å"Look West† and regionalization drive. (Baru, February 2001 pg. 13. ) Under the â€Å"Look East† policy pursued increased trade and investment cooperation with South Korea and Singapore. Apart from extending India’s enduring relation with Vietnam, the policy also pursued greater economic relations with Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. India became a ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner’ of ASEAN at the ASEAN’s Singapore, summit in 1992, and a ‘Full Dialogue partner’ of ASEAN at the Bangkok Summit in 1995. In February 1995 the ASEAN-Indian Business council was set up. India was invited to the meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July, 1996. At this it was decided that ARF would only admit as participants countries that have a direct influence on the peace and security of East Asia and pacific region. (Baru, 2001; pg 13). A key objective of India and ASEAN to move from derivative to direct relationship so that there are no distortions, no misperception, no ignorance and no intermediation. There has been doubling of trade between India and ASEAN countries in 1990s and a marked increased in joint ventures and foreign direct investment between the two. Section VI and VII provide a comprehensive account of India-ASEAN trade and investment relation. Suffice it to say that ASEAN has emerged as the third largest foreign investor in India’s after US and EU. There are two dimensions of India’s new relationship with ASEAN. First, the trade and investment dimensions; second, the foreign policy and strategic dimension. Neither of these relations has equal value to all the ASEAN countries clearly, India’s economic relations with some are more developed than with others. Similarly India’s political and strategic relation with some are more developed than with others. Suffice it to say that in no case is the relationship purely undimensional (Baru, 2001, pg 14) DEEPENING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN The deepening of relationship between India and ASEAN is reflected in the buoyancy of trade figures between the two. During April-September 2007-2008, trade grew from US$ 15. 06 billion to US$ 17. 2 billion that is trade grew by 13 percent. India foreign trade with ASEAN, according to directorate General of commercial intelligence and statistics (DGCIS), is also on the rise. During the period 2005-06 to 2006-07 India’s export to ASEAN registered a growth rate of 20. 67 percent. Similarly India’s imports from ASEAN during the same period registered a growth rate of 66% In dia ASEAN trade stoo at US$ 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is projected to reach US$ 48 billion during 2008-09 (Economics times, Jan 10). At the first India-ASEAN summit held at Phnom Penh on November 5, 2001. India called for an India-ASEAN within a 10 year time frame. In this context the second India-ASEAN summit held at Bali on October 8, 2003 was significant landmark in India-ASEAN relations. The summit saw the signing of the framework agreement for comprehensive economic cooperation between India and ASEAN. This agreement envisaged the establishment of an FTA within a period of ten years. In March 2004, an ASEAN-India Trade Negotiation committee (Al-TNC) was established to Negotiate the implementation of the provisions of the framework agreement. India, since than entered into numerous agreement with ASEAN. (Sharma, Third concept vol 21, pg 9,10) At the Sixth India- ASEAN summit held at Singapore on November last year, India proposed to increase its bilateral trade with ASEAN to the time of US$ 50 billion by the year 2010. The latest agreement is therefore the result of many years of tactfull policies that led to the thawing of the ice between these two important emerging power in Asia. In addition to these agreements with ASEAN, India has also made consistent efforts to develop bilateral ties with ASEAN members. With Thailand, India has 61 years of diplomatic relation. India also has free trade agreement with Thailand that was signed in 2004. The framework agreement on bilaterals FTA of 2003 was the basis of this FTA with Thailand. Trade b/w the two increased from a mere US $ 606 million to US$ 3. 14 billion in 2006-07. With the CLV countries Cambodia, Laso and Vietnam, India entered into a number of bilateral agreements for cooperation in the fields of trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, visa exemption, tourism, IT and culture. India has major projects I in the projects in the field of education entrepreneurship development and IT in these three countries. In 2004, India extended a credit line of US$ 27 million to Vietnam. Malaysia is a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, particularly in the areas of LPG, power plant and highway construction. Trade between the two rose from US$ 2. 2 billion in 2002-03 to US$ 6. 6 billion in 2006-07. India public sector undertaking such as BHEL and IRCON have also undertaken and completed a number of projects in Malaysia (www. _pao. net). Presently after India-ASEAN FTA negotiations, it is reported that about 150 Indian Engineering firms are eying to diversify their export base in ASEAN markets and are planning to make Malaysia the Regional hub to penetrate the region. Many of these companies are exploring the possibilities of joint ventures, technology transfer and investment opportunities. It was mainly because of the insistence of Indonesia that Ind ia became a part of the East Asia summit in 2005. Relations between the two had been very good for many years. Bilateral trade between the two increased by 44% from 2005-06 to 2006-07. India has a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) with Singapore since 2005. This agreement include bilateral investment promotion treaty. Double taxation avoidance agreement, an air service agreement and an FTA. Singapore, along with Indonesia had been an important factor for India’s inclusion into the East Asian summit. In addition, it was Singapore’s role that paved the way for India’s association with the ARF. Singapore is the biggest source of FDI for India among ASEAN countries. During the period 2000to 2008, the cumulative FDI of Singapore into India was worth a whooping US $ 4. 35 billion. Concurrently, over two thousand Indian companies were based in Singapore (www. e_pao. net) India also has plans for a free trade area with Brunie, Indonesia and Malaysia by 2011 and with the remaining ASEAN countries by 2016. Since 1995, India have actively engaged Myanmar in Trade. It has singed several agreements and MOU’s including Tripartite Maritime Agreement with Myanmar and Thailand, border trade Agreement and for cooperation between civilian uthorities between India and Myanmar. Since 2000, a number of high level visits have taken place. During these visits, several agreements and MOU’s have been signed in areas ranging from hydroelectric projects on the Chindwin River and IT cooperation to cultural exchange programs. In year 2003 alone, Seven Agreements/ MOU’s were signed to promote trade and communication facilities. By 2006-07 bilateral tr ade between India and Myanmar reached US$ 650 Million as compared to US$ 341. 40 million in 2004-05 (www. e_pao. net). RECENTLY CONCLUDED FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN India is in process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. On 28 August 2008, India ASEAN concluded a trade in goods agreement which will operationalize the FTA in merchandize trade. They will formally signing this TIG agreement in ASEAN-Indian Summit now to be held on 26 Feb 2009. (Economic times, 27 Jan 2009). When India and ASEAN Kicked off Negotiation on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalise a comprehensive agreement that covers goods, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed in India to conclude talks on goods, first and than move on to service and Investment. However signing of TIG Agreement was delayed as the negotiation got stuck a few times due to difference between parties on the coverage of the negative list. In free trade agreement countries are allowed to keep a small number of products out of coverage of the agreement. The issue of the negative list or the list of items that would be excluded from proposed FTA agreement had at one stage brought negotiations to a stands till. The items on the list would have limited or no tariff concession. Indian negotiaters were cautious as there were apprehensions that the ASEAN countries are more competitive in sectors like agriculture, textile, auto and auto components and electronics. India would face negative consequence unless sensitive items in these sectors are protected India submitted a list of aground 1414 products as a negative list. These products counted for 42% of total exports of ASEAN to India. But as the Negotiations from ASEAN insisted that the products include in the FTA, should cover at least 90% of exports to India, a pruning of negative list was done by Rao, Inderjit Singh, (India’s Deputy Minister for Defence). He reduced the number of items to be placed on a negative list from 1414 to 850 on 27 July 2006. In August 2006 These items were further reduced to 560 items. At the end it was decided that each signatory country of INDO-ASEAN FTA can have at most 489 products in its negative list provided that these products do not exceed more than 5% of total bilateral imports. India’s negative list includes 302 agriculture items, 81 items from textile and clothing, 52 items from machinery and auto and 32 items from chemicals and fertilizer plastics. There are 22 other items from various other sectors which are also part of negative list (Thakurta, South Asian Journal, 2007, 107-108). It has been decided in Negotiation that for products which are not in negative list duties will be reduced in phased manger starting from 2009 and the duty cut will be completed by 2018. Under the pact, India and ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. For all product in non negative list duty will be reduced to zero by 2018. India has also identified 611 products, which will only get a partial duty cut. Among these products India has put five products on highly sensitive list. They are Tea, Coffee, pepper, palm oil and refined palm oil (The Economic Challenger, 2008). India stances during the negotiations indicates some what defensive position in goods sector. This is not surprising because India runs a fairly large trade deficits vis-a-vis ASEAN. Acc to data of Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS) published by IMF, India had a trade deficit of $ 14,562 million in 2007 with ASEAN. This is around 15% of India’s total trade deficits. Fore individual ASEAN members, India Trade Pattern show that for the last 10 years (1998-2007) it has a trade deficit each year with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. India runs a trade surplus with other ASEAN member including Vietnam and Philippines (TABLE 1). Table 1: India’s Trade surplus/Deficits with ASEAN Member countries (in million $) |1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | |Brunei Daressalam |3. 05 |1. 73 |2. 63 |2. 90 |3. 72 |4. 22 |4. 31 |32. 64 |40. 34 |50. 07 | |Cambodia |2. 85 |6. 60 |6. 88 |2. 48 |16. 97 |18. 55 |17. 10 |21. 68 |24. 43 |30. 32 |Indonesia |-556. 28 |-635. 64 |-536. 55 |-717. 28 |-541. 06 |-883. 68 |-1160. 84 |-1492. 88 |-2450. 39 |-3975. 02 | |Laos |0. 98 |1. 35 |5. 00 |5. 52 |1. 84 |0. 59 |2. 00 |1. 59 |5. 68 |7. 05 | |Malaysia |-1137. 28 |-1504. 35 |-820. 68 |-1032. 57 |-627. 00 |-1044. 68 |-1206. 95 |-1231. 50 |-4429. 51 |-4599. 52 | |Myanmar |-151. 45 |-139. 05 |-131. 31 |-144. 76 |-274. 11 |-304. 77 |-295. 35 |-383. 30 |-473. 73 |-587. 90 | |Philippines |113. 80 |85. 83 |126. 53 |147. 41 |299. 41 |236. 62 |208. 86 |272. 87 |233. 00 |176. 98 | |Singapore |-754. 57 |-862. 95 |-655. 53 |-2001. 17 |-92. 87 |26. 29 |919. 87 |209. 5 |-4000. 42 |-5664. 81 | |Thailand |63. 60 |103. 33 |174. 60 |81. 65 |301. 66 |250. 02 |72. 60 |95. 74 |-513. 20 |-1035. 06 | |Vietnam |116. 70 |136. 25 |195. 85 |157. 36 |280. 97 |356. 22 |427. 08 |534. 92 |648. 69 |1035. 88 | |Overall trade deficits |-2298. 61 |-2806. 93 |-1632. 41 |-3498. 46 |-630. 45 |-1340. 29 |-1011. 32 |-244. 77 |-10915. 11 |-14562. 02 | | Source: – (EPW, 15 Nov 2008) However, overall trade balance is significantly negative. The concern is that if India has already such a huge trade deficit, reduction of tariff rates may worsen the situation unless there is a significant export boost. Among ASEAN members, India already has preferential trade agreement with Thailand Myanmar and Singapore. India, Myanmar and Thailand are part of the Bay of Bengal Institute for multi sectoral technical and economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) which is now knows as Bangladehs, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No. 16, pg 108). India also has a seprate FTA with Thailand. India and Singapore have signed a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) few years back. Though the terms and tariff reduction conditions of these agreements may be different from the present agreement but still it can be assumed that the marginal impact of Indo-ASEAN FTA will be less for these three ASEAN countries (i. e. Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore). Among other ASEAN members, India has significant trade with Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. Though the current volume of trade with Vietnam is low, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and trade potential between India and Vietnam is considered to be significant. Nityanand Deva, India’s look-East policy, www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/ OP104/ OP104html. HOW TARIFF PROFILE EFFECTS FTA? Tariff reduction, especially of custom duties on imports of Agricultural commodities, is an extremely sensitive issue in India. Till India initiated economic reforms in 1991, the peak custom duty rate used to be as high as 150 percent. (Thakurata, South Asian Journal, pg 110). One assumed that In dia will have some advantage in the ASEAN market because of tariff margin given TIG agreement. The India-Asean pact on goods trade will result in the signatory countries abolishing customs tariffs on 80% of goods including key raw material like Iron ore and aluminum, plastic goods and certain kinds of machinery. The deal is likely to be operational from January 2009 when the signatories to the pact will begin cutting import tariff in phased manner, import duties on normal goods will be reduced to zero over a period of six years and on items in the sensitive list will have a partial tariff reduction over longer period of time. (The Economic challenger, pg 18). It look six long years for the two sides to conclude the negotiation of ROO’s (Rules of origin). ROO means that goods exported from certain destination must have a minimum value addition in the country of origin of proportion specified. India has reportedly agreed to have 35 percent value addition and changes in tariff at level of sub heading whereas in case of bilateral arrangements with individual countries like Thailand and Singapore, the rules specify 40% value addition and tariff changes at the level of headings. ROO’s are major reason why negotiations between India and Thailand over expansion of items in FTA list are stalled. New Delhi fears that further relaxation of ROO’s could lead to imports for third world via Thailand that would, in turn, antagonize Indian industry. (www. bilaterals. org/article. php3? id_artilce=13650) India lowered its duties on crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil to 37. 5 and 45% (against 80%) respectively. It has also agreed to lower duties on coffee and tea to 45% and pepper to 50% (against 100%). Under the pact India-ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. India will keep 489 items in negative list of products to be excluded from tariff reduction commitments. Tariff rates in manufacturing goods in India is high whereas in major ASEAN countries are quite low. Therefore India is unlikely to get too much advantage because of tariff preference (The Economic Challenger, vol41, pg 18). On the other hand, the FTA is likely to allow the ASEAN countries to take advantage of the large gap between high Indian applied tariff rates and the preferential rates. It is expected that agreement will open up considerable market for ASEAN countries in Agriculture, electronics, motor car equipment and other light manufacturing goods in India. This way negatively affect domestic farmer in agriculture and small and medium enterprises in light manufacturing including textile in India. There are reports that Asian development bank to contribute to a fund to help compensate industries that likely to be hit by Indo-Asean free trade agreement (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov, 15, 2008). WHAT ARE EFFECTS OF SERVICE TRADE ON FTA The crux of welfare gains from India ASEAN market integration does not rest on free trade in goods, but on free flow of service and investment. That is India’s service industries-IT services, design services and call operators-have long been a hub or source of outsourcing and off shoring from develop economies especially United States and the European Union. The India-ASEAN FTA that successfully liberalises trade in service and investment will therefore provide economic opportunities companies in ASEAN countries to strengthen their competitiveness in global market by fragmenting their production and establishing industrial clusters. www. bilaterals. org/article/phg3? id_article=13650). A treaty which involves services will be extremely important for India also because India sees a big market for its services export in ASEAN. India presently is one of top exporters of services and according to WTO data it is ranked 10th in the world ahead of ASEAN countries like Singapore (rank ed 16th), Thailand (ranked 27th) and Malaysia (ranked 20th). In 2006 reports of services from India were around $74 billion. India is particularly strong in Information technology enables services (ITES), professional services, telecommunication services, health care, financial services and distribution services. ASEAN is also big market for service imports. It is not importer of services and according to WTO (2007), total imports of service by ASEAN members was close to $ 150 billion in 2006. To put this figure in perspective, US imports of services was around $ 300 billion in the same year. ASEAN also has a major export interest in some services sector. Tourism in one of the most important services trade for ASEAN countries. Apart from that they are major exporter of air transport, construction, logistics insurance and financial services. (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov 15, 2008). When India and ASEAN kicked off negotiations on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalize a comprehensive agreement that covers good, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed on India to conclude talks on goods first and then move on to services and investment. India’s trade with the ASEAN, its fourth largest trading partner after the EU, US and China has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27%. Bilateral trade stood at 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is project to reach $ 48 billion in 2008-09. The agreement on services allow Indian service providers to access the ASEAN Market and set up operation there. The investment agreement in expected to work both ways in terms of attracting FDI from ASEAN member, especially Singapore and Malaysia, and providing opportunity to Indian companies in sectors like pharmaceuticals, coal mining and automobiles to invest in ASEAN region (Economic times, Jan 10, 2008). For a major region which has liberal policies for merchandise trade, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated. As Karmakar (2005) points out, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated for foreign suppliers but the restrictions are also there for intra ASEAN, trade. Efforts are being made to gradually integrate service trade among ASEAN members. The ASEAN Framework agreement on services (AFAS) provide broad framework to achieve this. The target is to make ASEAN a single market and production base through free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and free flow of capital by 2015 (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). HOW ENERGY SECURITY HELPFUL TO FTA? Apart from other items, closer economic and political ties with ASEAN are likely to held India’s quest for energy security. Indian position on global civilian nuclear cooperation received a boost as the 16 leader’s of ASEAN and its dialogue partner signed what was described as landmark declaration on Energy security at the second East-Asia summit. The Cebu Declaration on Energy security was signed by leaders of East Asia summit-an evolving regional forum that includes the ASEAN and six dialogue partners (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand). The declaration calls for reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and fossil fuel in the context of surging global crube oil prices and seeks to intensify the search for new and renewable energy resources and technologies with focus on civil nuclear power and biofuels (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No 16, pg 107). India is heavily dependent on west Asia for oil imports, which is geopolitically tense part of the world. India is currently the world’s sixth largest energy consumer, and third largest oil and gas consumer in Asia after China and Japan. For India oil imports account for about 72% of total oil consumption of which 67% is being sourced from west Asia. Hence on external front India is pursuing diversification of supply sources and trying to significantly increase exploration of oil and gas. Among the ASEAN countries, India at present import crude oil from Malaysia and Brunei, which contributes 5. % of its total oil from Malaysia which comprises just 3. 5% of its total LPG import on the other hand, among the ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have about 1% of total world’s proven oil reserves and 3% of the world’s proven gas reserves (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). CONCLUSION To conclude it can be said that the Indo ASEAN trade in goods agreement may not be beneficial for trade in short run but it can be thought of as a part of long runs strategy to improve India’s economic, and strategic presence in the neighbourhood. Though India shares a land border with Myanmar and maritime border with Indonesia and Thailand, the ASEAN countries has never been economically very close to India. In fact India and the ASEAN countries are not considered natural trading partners. This is indirect contrast to China which was established a distributed regional network of production and trade in this region. The Indo-ASEAN FTA can be perceived as an intial step towards increased economic integration of India with South east Asia. From a broader perspective, the Indo-ASEAN FTA can also be viewed as other cog in the wheel of increasing South-south cooperation. This is important because the world economic system is presently going through some significant changes. On the one hand there is severe economic showdown and major financial problem in the developed world. On the other hand there is talk of developing countries like China and India emerging as driver of southern economic growth. Though the impact of China on other developing countries is much stronger. India can play a complementary role. While China provides a big market for exports, via a manufacturing supply chain for other Asian countries, India can potentially become a hub of services-led growth. If India aspires to play a prominent role in global economy and Governance, increased cooperation with ASEAN make a sense as a strategic move. BIBLIOGRAPHY Baru, Sanjay, â€Å"India and ASEAN: The Emerging States Relationship Towards a Bay of Bengal community†. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relation, February, 2001. Chakraboti, Tribdib, â€Å"India and Indo China states in the 21st century; Challenges and opportunities† World Focus Vol 347-348; Nov-Dec 2008. Dasgupta and Pal, â€Å"Does a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN make sense† Economic and Political weekly. Nov 15, 2008, Economic Times, January 27, 2009. Joseph and Parayil, â€Å"India-ASEAN cooperation in Information and Communication Technology: Issues and Prospects: RIS Discussion paper (www. ries. org. in) Sharma, Madan Lal, â€Å"India ASEAN Relation†; Third Concept Dec 2007, Vol 21. No 250. Sinha, Prabha Chandra, Handbook of ASEAN and Regional Cooperation. 2th Summit and beyond 2007. Takhurata, â€Å"India’s free Trade Agreement with ASEAN† South Asian Journal, April June 2007, NO. 16. â€Å"The Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN†. The Economic Challenger 2008, No 11, issue 11. WEBSITES www. aseansec. org/4920. htm. www. artilcebase. com/politics_articles www. bilateral. org/rubrique. php3? id_r ubriqu+159,13650,12959 www. econoimctimes. com www. e_pao. net/epsubpageextracts. asp? src=education. scientificpapersIndia-ASEANFTA. www. heindia_au. org/pr_072. html. www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/OP104. op104. html

Final Monster Energy Bars

Have you ever thought of eating energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, AMP, NOSE and Rocks instead of drinking. We are not talking about any food item which will take you hours to cook food. It is not a product which comes in a large box or you have to heat it. Instead, we are launching a product which will save your time in cooking when you will eat it will provide you instant energy, nutrients and vitamins with four delicious and tempting flavors. The wait is over!! It's a launch of a product which is known as â€Å"Monster Energy Bars†, the name says it all.It is a bar which provides energy and revalidated as suggested by our tagging â€Å"To Recharge the World† Monster Beverage corporation, always believed in innovating new product with different flavors and proved themselves by satisfying customer taste buds. Monster is leading in the market for energy drinks in terms of flavors. The target group for â€Å"Monster Energy Bar† is 19 to 33 years; mainly individ uals who live an active sports life, corporate professionals, students, active youth. The product ingredients include various health factors related to our daily life.Packed with all natural ingredients such as fruit extracts, rotten, cocoa and caffeine, Monster Energy Bar is a great source of energy on the go. In the present scenario most people leaving a busy life often is avoiding healthy food and the necessary protein and calories intake which can cause health issues. Offering most of the great flavors and ingredients featured in energy drinks, Monster Energy Bar is likely to appeal all existing Monster Energy drink fans and new consumers. Mission Statement: We truly believe that time is the most valuable asset.Our main goal is to give our customers the most natural, nutritious and great tasting energy in the fastest way possible. We appreciate each and single one Of our customers and we know that our success and growth comes from not only meeting their needs, but exceeding expe ctations of our loyal consumers. We, as a team work really hard, to insure that we keep surprising and inspiring our customers with great new flavors. It makes us happy if our product helped someone to have a more productive day, reach the finish line, or simply go that extra mile.Macro – environmental analysis The macro environmental analysis is essential for the company. This analysis will help us to know whether the outside forces are beneficial for the many or not. The below are the forces which will help to determine the analysis for the product: Demographic forces will help to analyses the gender, age, income, and location. Monster Beverage Corporation already has its own target market, since â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† is a new product in terms of category and the aim is to provide energy on the go.The target market will be male and female between the age group of 19 to 33 years. The â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† are priced in such a way that youth such as st udents as well as professional (corporate people) can afford it. Strategically, location is targeted where here is lot of sport's activity, young students and commercial place are located. Economic: Sports nutrition is non-essential considered by customers, so the affordability plays an important role to market. The other factor which can affect is inflation.During inflation the spending habits of the people will change. Also, sports nutrition and particularly energy drinks and energy bars are recovering after the economy recession and appear to still growing. (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2005) Natural Forces: The natural forces which affect the products are natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, cyclone, etc. The other product ingredients related natural forces for energy bars contain Caffeine and Turin as their major ingredients which in high intake be considered not good for health.This is creating a shift to natural resources such as grains, natural caffeine or fruit based for health reasons. Technological: New trends are emerging in the sports nutrition business which is focusing on the delivery of new experiences through the development of new technology to improve the manufacturing process. Political/Governmental Regulations: The political and government regulations may affect the product. Food and drug administration may regulate the product because â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† contain caffeine content and other energy enhancements.The other impact which can affect the product is change in the government, new rules for the specific industry / category and changes in taxes. Cultural Forces: It is well known fact that Canada is multi-cultural- It has a diverse cultural where people are coming across the world. Although people are from different culture the main priority is healthy and convenient lifestyle, and sports nutrition products (I. E. Energy bars which provide energy) are the option to satisfy this need. The sports nutrition is s egmented in main categories: body builders, Pro / Amateur athletes, recreational users and lifestyle users. Canadian Community Health Survey, 2005) Marketing Segmentation: We will segment the market on the basis of Geographies, Chirography's, Demographics and Behavioral. Geographic Segmentation: This segmentation will consist of our target market location. As monster energy bar is the source of energy which is targeted for youth, sport's athletics and corporate people. The potential in the sports nutrition market is around IIS $4. 6 Billion (Euro monitor International 2010). Also is important that the maturity in energy drinks market drives the opportunity to expand the market towards the energy bars, in order attract new customers.The proportion of residents by province shows that British Columbia has the highest rate with 64% of people physically active followed by Yukon with 66% and Ontario the third with 54% (Canadian Community Health Survey, n. D. ). Chirography's Segmentation: The chirography's segmentation is based on various aspects like social class, lifestyle and personality characteristics. This segmentation will help us to identify the people from different lifestyle, their aloes and beliefs. Behavioral Segmentation: This segmentation will help Monster to segment their customers on the basis of usage of the product.The consumption of the bars will help us to segment the product to the target customers. Mostly customers are going to use for snack purpose, instant energy or during hectic work schedules. Demographic Segmentation: The demographic segmentation will help to segment the market on the basis of different perspective from customers. Monster Energy Bars will also be percept in another way because it is not just a natural bar. It is an energy bar which is healthy and active, targeting age group from 1 9 to 33 years.Also, the way We use to segment the marketing is considering the physical activity in the population by Age, Income, Gender, and p hysical activity preference in Canada. The household income play an important role a report shows that 32% of people with the highest income are physically active followed by 29% of high middle and 26% with middle household Income (Canadian Community Health Survey) Genders: Both Female & Male (with higher focus on males) Age: 19 to 33 province main focus and launch: British Columbia and Ontario MarketSegments: Young working professionals, college students and sport oriented, athletic people Income level: Middle to high Income Market Segmentation and Target Market The target market are based on the statistics that shows that the age range is important to consider because young men and women from 12 to 18 are physically active, we cannot target people under 18 due to ingredients in the energy bars and also the price is also a factor for the segment. The target market for our segment is 19 to 33 years which align very well with our product.To launch the product we will focus on Vancouv er, BC where sports s jogging, biking and swimming are the most common for the people and finally the income household targets from Middle to High in zones as: Anymore, Bellary, Greater Vancouver, Lions Bay, North Vancouver, West Vancouver (Census Data, Statistics Canada, National Housing survey, 2001). Multi-segments Our product is multi segment because Monster E Bar can benefit any type of consumer by providing instant energy. 1st Segment: Young males and females involved in various sports and recreational activities. ND Segment: Youth, college students and young working professionals. Is your product designed for consumers or business or both†¦. Why? The product is designed for consumers. Today consumers are very busy in their day to day life. Consumers are going out for long hours they can grab this bar and have it anywhere. It's for the people who needs source of energy, workout and for the students have very hectic schedule, many occasions they are rushing for meetings an d usually skip their meals. This bar is being very useful for them; it will keep them active and provides the ARQ aired energy.Why is the target market you selected profitable, sustainable, and how does it align with your product? The target market is profitable and sustainable because Monster Energy Bars has the potential to satisfy the customer needs by delivering the additional energy for the physically active people and professionals with busy work hours which directly align our target market. The initial launch itself is with four different flavors which will provide consumers to try new and different options Also, within the segment the household income of the target market is good and they will have the willingness to pay for the product.Decision on New Product Name: Strategically we have opted for name â€Å"Monster Energy Bar†. Monster Beverage Corporation has its own goodwill and very well renowned in the market for its energy drinks product. We chose this name beca use this company is well established and has provided various options to consumers in terms Of flavors and preferences. It is a new product that never existed before. It is energy drink that is in form of a bar. Monster Energy Bar is a new kind of energy bar based on ingredients and flavors of existing energy drink It's the first time when the energy drink is introduced in a form of â€Å"Monster†. Bar. â€Å"Monster† Energy bar is a soft and moist bar infused with combination f cacao, coffee and fruit flavors. It is the first and only energy bar on the market that does not consist of granola, oats, nuts and dried fruits, and is completely opposite to the rest of crunchy and chewy granola energy bars. Has absolutely different texture than a regular energy bar on today's market. â€Å"A 2009 Angus Reid survey for Contra Foods Canada found that 53% of working Canadians spent their lunch break reading, surfing the Web, or not stopping for lunch at all.If they do stop for lunch, they only break for 16-30 minutes, speaking to the need for convenience. Other attributes are also needed-?32% are looking for healthy ingredients, 25% are looking for quality, and 17% are looking for flavor. † (CNN Newswire Company, 2009) Our product is created to solve the issue above. It combines all natural, high quality and great flavors that along with compact size makes a perfect option for a quick, nutritious meal substitute that not only tastes great, but provides strong source of energy.Product Strategy The main strategy of our team is introduction of new, innovative and best fit solution for consumers when it comes to satisfying a need for extra energy. Our product is created to not only attract new potential consumers and early adopters who are willing to pay a higher price for a great quality; but entice already existing consumers to switch to our product. Thus we are planning on gaining a share of energy' bars market and keep on extending it with introduc ing new variations and flavors in the future.Upgrade Currently we are entering the market with four main flavors (Monster E Java, Monster E Cranberry/Raspberry, Monster E Citrus, and Monster E Banana). As our product will be growing we will expand the brand by introducing new labors, sizes and a bar that will consist of two flavors in one bar. We will also be able upgrade the quantity in which we sell our product by introducing such options like a bundle of two or three bars. But still it can be append with other monster products.At the same time our bar would be a perfect add on with a customer who frequently purchase energy drinks (especially Monster Energy) and would buy our energy bar on top of that. Packaging Packaging is very essential for any product development. The strategies we are going to use for packaging of â€Å"Monster Energy Bars† are clear visible of amen, logo and flavor. The logo will be same as â€Å"Monster Energy Drinks† because it has already cr eated image in the mind of the customers. This will help to draw attention towards existing customers and generate new customers.We are going to use airtight, vacuum, packaging with black, red, orange and yellow colors (corresponding to each flavor). The bar is going to have very clean and distinctive design and matte finish. The packaging will have English and French version of nutrition facts, ingredients, manufactured date, best before use and it will be certified by government (all of the ingredients are approved by required health standards). The packaging will be recyclable. On the shelves, bars would be displayed by color: black (Java), red (Berry), orange (Citrus), yellow (Banana) in that order.Pricing Strategy While launching our product we will use skim pricing strategy where we are going to set the price higher that other regular granola bars and energy drinks which are our main competition. We want our bar to be percept as a new, innovative, high quality product. By choo sing skim pricing strategy we are aiming to establish a recognizable, high quality product that will attract early adopters and those people who follow the latest trends and innovations and are looking for new and exciting products and flavors on the market.The MSP is 52. 4 CAD with a mark-up of 71 % from the unit cost of $0. 7 CAD, and there's is a margin of 48% for the wholesaler. MSP $2. 40 Wholesaler price $1. 34 Cost $0. 70 There is a cost per unit of $0. 7 CAD, includes Manufacturing materials, labeling and packing. The expected mark up for the product is 48% assuming that 44% will be the cost of the wholesale. We have calculated the cost which contains overhead expense, cost of goods sold, etc. As we have adopted skimming marketing strategies the price margin is also higher.Our MIMIC should be one that can create and nourish profitable relationships with our target customers and create an avenue for purposeful dialogue with them. For our Integrated Marketing Communications st rategy, we are going to incorporate the producer marketing activities to retailers and wholesalers who resell to our target customers, the rationale behind this is to ensure trade promotion(Cooperative Advertising) by producer and personal selling, as well as to enhance sales promotion by wholesaler or the retailer and public relations.

How Does Music Affect Our Lives

How Does Music Affect Our Lives: The Connection between Communication and Music Music is present throughout our lives, from the moment we wake up and hear that song that starts our day off, to that song that reminds us of that relationship we once had with that special someone, or a song that a city uses as its anthem for it’s sports team or a song that a country listens to, that helps comfort them in a time of tragedy and loss. Music helps us communicate and relate to things when we can not find the words to help us express our feelings. When we have had a tragedy in our lives some people turn to alcohol, drugs, or something else to get rid of a terrible memory. After the attacks of September 11th music was used as instrument in rebuilding the lives of the many New Yorkers who had lost loved ones, or had witnessed the horrific events. Bruce Springsteen was one artist that released an album at this time; the album was titled The Rising. This album conveyed the feelings of the citizens of New York City. Some of the tracks were titled, â€Å"Into the Fire†. â€Å"You’re Missing† and â€Å"Lonesome Day† We also had Sir Paul McCartney’s Freedom a song that was used as a memorial for the 9/11 attacks. Another band that helped heal the wounds of 9/11 was U2. Since the beginning they have written songs that reach a wide variety of fans from all over the world. One song that sticks out is, â€Å"Pride (In the Name of Love)† these lyrics talk about many great figures throughout history, including Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi. These are some of those lyrics. One man come in the name of love One man come and go One man come, he to justify One man to overthrow In the name of love What more in the name of love In the name of love What more in the name of love One man caught on a barbed wire fence One man he resist One man washed on an empty beach. One man betrayed with a kiss In the name of love What more in the name of love In the na me of love What more in the name of love Early morning, April 4 Shot rings out in the Memphis sky Free at last, they took your life They could not take your pride†¦ (U2 The Unforgettable Fire, 1984 Island Records) Music is also used at funerals as a send off into the next life or as a testament to the life of that person. My uncle was murdered in the fall of 2002. Everyone including my grandmother took it hard. They song my cousin chose for her father was Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Music has been there for me when I have no one to talk to. In the book Popular Music and Communication by James Lull there is a paragraph that explains musicians and how they communicate to their fans, â€Å"Popular musicians are loved, even worshiped, not only for their abilities to write songs and perform them publicly, but for their ability to â€Å"speak† to their audiences. Even an artist whose only contact with the audience is through the sale of millions of compact discs and tapes communicates â€Å"personally† with each listener† Pg. 33 of Popular Music and Communication by James Lull Sage Publications, C 1992. Everyone has a soundtrack to their lives and I found the first part of mine in 2000 with an album by a band named Papa Roach. My mother and father are separated; there divorce was based on the fact that my father was abusive towards my mother. The one song I could strongly relate to on that album was a song titled â€Å"Broken Home† I can't seem to fight these feelings I'm caught in the middle of this My wounds are not healing I'm stuck in between my parents I wish I had someone to talk to Someone to I could confide in†¦ Broken home All alone I know my mother loves me But does my father even care If I'm sad or angry You were never ever there When I needed you I hope you regret what you did I think I know the truth Your father did the same to you†¦ (Infest, Papa Roach, April 25, 2000, DreamWorks Records) When I heard this song it really opened my eyes, for the past sixteen years of my life I never knew that my fathers father had left when he was very young, it was a revelation to me, that this man who is my grandfather, that I have only seen a few times in my life, and my father were one in the same. After recently ending a relationship with someone that had truly changed my life I continue to listen to this song from a popular punk rock Band MxPx. The song is about someone giving up on girls and relationships and joining G. S. F. â€Å"Girls Schmirls Foundation† â€Å"You didn't have to be so mean to me I guess now I see how it's gonna be I'm joining GSF, I've made up my mind Forget this thing called love, it's a waste of time Girls ain't no good anymore, anyway! Not for one second have I understood Why they do what they do, why they say what they say Always happens to my friends, it always happens to me It's taken me 19 years to finally see She said â€Å"Can we just be friends? It's just not working out. † Another broken heart that I can do without Girls ain't no good anymore, anyway! Not for one second have I understood Why they do what they do, why they say what they say† Many of my friends say that they can relate to how I feel and the song is a good way for me to get my feelings out and to show that girl she hurt me. Music is also used to help boost morale in teams and fans at sporting events. Once a Spurs fan hears, â€Å"Are You Ready for This? † they automatically begin to get hyped for the preceding game. The same is at football games, especially college football games. When the fans at Texas State hear â€Å"Go Bobcats† they automatically get on there feet and begin to participate in the hand gestures and sing the chorus. The football team, whether win, lose or draw will be on that field singing the Alma Mater. There are those fan jams that are required at any sporting event, such as Queens â€Å"We Will Rock You† and â€Å"We are the Champions† Music is used at these events to get a crowd hyped and the teams pumped and excited that they are playing in front of a large group of people that believe in them. As you can see Music is all around us. It is apart of our lives. It helps us express our feelings towards other people, it helps us to close old wounds made by tragic events, it also give us a reason to cheer and sporting events, but the most important thing music gives us is a voice, a reason, a definition of who we real are. Bibliography 1. McLaughlin, Terence. Music and communication, New York, St. Martin's Press [1971, c1970] 2. Lull, James. Popular music and communication, Newbury Park, Calif. : Sage Publications, c1992. 3. Lynyrd Skynrd. Lynryd Skynrd, MCA Records, c 1973 4. Papa Roach. Infest, DreamWorks Records, c April 25, 2000 5. Paul McCartney. Freedom, Capitol Records, c November 13, 2001 6. U2. The Unforgettable Fire, Island Records, c 1984 7. MxPx GSF, At The Show, Tooth and Nail Records, c. July 27, 1999

Bad essay.

Stereotypes can be created from past experiences, reading books, watching movies, or through talking with friends and family. â€Å"In many cases, these stereotypical generalizations are reasonable (believed to be) accurate. † Current Stereotypes Even in this day and age, people of different cultures, religions, appearance, education, sexuality, and history are Judged based upon stereotypes that often have no connection to the person standing in front of them. An example of a culture that is limited within society based upon stereotypes within the Spanish culture, usually are only given T.V. And movie rolls as thugs, gangsters, maids, gardeners, or the sarcastic over drinker, in the film industry illustrating character traits of dishonesty, undereducated backgrounds, and very traditional appearances and customs. For a long time African-Americans were described as lazy, violent, and unintelligent which have limited chances of advanced employment and have been shown negatively i n the media. Blonds have been portrayed as limited both physically and mentally, which can be heard in stereotyped Jokes, in film, and in literature.Christians are seen s uptight and Judgmental of others without any connection to their actual belief. Recently with world affairs, Americans of Middle Eastern descent are being treated poorly based upon culture, appearance, or religious views because of terrorist attacks. Those without a high school diploma are seen as uneducated and shamed as they struggle through life with limited Job opportunities. Even people from the same country living in different areas such as mountains, rural, suburbia, and cities are Judged differently without any other facts about who they are.Comments such s connected to the earth or backwards based on living in the county and cultured and non-caring or rude living in the city. Historically In the sass's Native American were forced into slavery or forced to assimilate to European cultural norms because of li ving very differently from the colonists. Forced to assimilate the way they lived, dressed, and religious beliefs and many were forced into slavery. Similar stereotypes defining this cultural group such as lack of intelligence, dependency, and misunderstood cultural acceptance continue to affect Native Americans today thousands of years later.Through the sass's and sass's, hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens, from northern and western Europe, fled from their homeland to find a better future in America. Most of these immigrants were skilled workers with a high rate of literacy, who were easily incorporated into American society. Near the end of the century, many Jewish, Catholics, and Greek Orthodox immigrated from southern and eastern European countries. A high percentage of them were illiterate and poverty-stricken. These particular immigrants mostly settled in major cities along the coast, maintaining their language and customs.In the early 20th century, groups were formed to segregate the first wave of immigrants from the second. The purpose of these groups were meant to prove that the immigrants from the south and east were racially inferior to those from the north and west. The activities of such groups led to laws such as the Quota Act of 1921 which was the first law in effect that would restrict the number of immigrants allowed to migrate to the United States. A prejudice in America today is that all people of Mexican descent are Roman Catholic.While Roman Catholicism is the nominating religion amongst the Mexican population, that statistic clearly does not mean they all follow that religion. Catholicism first became an important aspect of Mexico culture when the Spanish invaded as conquerors and embarked on an aggressive push to convert indigenous populations. Since Catholicism shares similar beliefs with the with the indigenous religions- such as the Aztec, Catholics both believe in pilgrimages, fasting, and the idea of a divine mother figure- mis sionaries were able to capitalize on these similarities when converting the population.The influence of Catholicism was furthered when the Federal Constitution of the Mexican States of 1824 was enacted on October 4th, 1824, which made it illegal for any Mexican citizen to practice any religion besides Catholicism. As a result, you can find in many horror films (Paranormal Activity, Devil) Mexican maids or priests having the ability to perform religious exorcisms, repeating catholic beliefs and shunning those who never â€Å"believed. † Examples of stereotypes effecting people day to day in their social, emotional, and educational lives are to many to name.To dismantle stereotypes the key is to understand that, â€Å"There are many biological and genetic differences between the races. † But there are no 100% facial statements that can define a group of people either by social, intellectual, topographical, appearance, religion, or histories. We must first stop believing such outlandish statements. Dig deep and really think, â€Å"Could one blank statement really apply too whole group of people? † We must stand together and stop all stereotypical Jokes, comments, and misinformation and lead the next generation of people into a world hat Judges each individual by their actions and their actions alone.Don't partake, encourage, or enable others in spreading stereotypes. In the work place we must work against what we've been told and our prior experiences and give people a chance to stand up as the person they are. Not be Judged by others actions that could of happened thousands of years ago or thousand of miles away. We need to think about why we have the feelings we do and where they are coming from. Ask ourselves if we are allowing stereotypes to influence our decisions. The more we think through our actions and disprove the stereotypes that surround us the more e will influence change.When others speak about stereotypes we need to speak up ag ainst such actions and encourage a change in the culture we live in. The last step is to fully understand that everyone lives with stereotypes. Some people may be more aware then others but we all carry the effects of stereotypes with us. By connecting with others, the negative effects that stereotypes have played in our, lives we are better able to battle against this invisible enemy. Take a stand and fight against stereotypes, no longer be silent and allow such ignorance to hurt another person again. Works Cited Gary M.

Week8 cal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week8 cal - Essay Example nts with regard to carrying out research internally or externally, and also how related matters or politics within the organisation could best be managed. Various types of organisational politics were discussed. I learnt about PAR i.e participatory action research, and about grounded research i.e. research where data is collected and then a theory developed, rather than the more usual creation of a hypothesis in the first instance. Research ethics was considered both from the reciprocity point of view i.e where researchers and those under consideration could both benefit, and also from a safety/informed consent/confidentiality view point. Bell and Bryman, (2007) stated that ethics should not just be a check list to be completed, but an aspirational part of research design. The members of my learning set helped me on the subject of research being emancipatory, that is free from imposed constraints, or not. The main features of PAR are diversity, case orientation, collaboration, the linking of social action to scientific knowledge, eclecticism, using local knowledge and the emergent process. In my particular situation it is collaboration between the various sectors within the company which needs to be improved and this will require the participation and intervention of top management. Zuber-Skerritt and Perry in 2002 made suggestions as to how to both connect, and at the same time differentiate, between the theories behind a piece of research and the pragmatic actions required. I will be able to follow their advice during the preparation for my thesis. My major concern is improving the motivation levels of employees as I stated earlier. The creation of knowledge and its dissemination are improving. There are employees who have come gradually to understand the importance of this, but others remain seemingly overly concerned about their job security, feeling that if lots of information is created and shared around this could place their further employment in

Tax and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tax and Ethics - Essay Example Companies are required to keep absolute and precise records of their accounting and other business transactions details that may be required in court as evidence against tax case. Businesses are required to obtain adequate information and competent advice concerning the tax assessment. Companies’ are then required to file their tax returns properly on the specific dates to ensure tax compliancy to avoid heavy penalties and interests because of non-compliance. Companies must ensure that they enroll for corporation tax online services and choose suitable software to use. Both resident and nonresident companies liable for corporation tax must ensure filing an online company tax return. Companies must ensure that all the deductions are deducted from their taxable amounts before submitting their returns and that all the tax reliefs, losses and allowances are accounted for. In addition, companies must ensure that all the statutory deductions such as PAYE are accounted for before sub mitting their returns. All the penalties and interests have to be incorporated in the tax returns’ computation by the companies. Companies may as well challenge tax assessments in court or tribunals. The companies may assign a tax specialist to deal with their tax matters. Companies should contact corporation tax office in case there is any legal reason for not filling the corporation tax returns such as winding up order. A company must authorize in writing to use an accountant on their behalf. The role of professionals in the tax system is very important in the tax system since companies and businesses depend on them for advice. Tax experts may advice the company on the information concerning corporation tax compliance and VAT, tax efficiency and mitigation. The tax professionals, having been employed by the companies, are required to register their companies on the corporation tax online services whether the companies are residents or non-residents. Tax experts compute all the taxable amounts of the corporation on behalf of the business. The tax experts will compute individual accounts for the subsidiary companies and consolidated accounts for the parent companies that do business in UK. Moreover, the experts may compute their client’s oversees companies that were incorporated in UK. Tax experts, while computing their client’s taxable income, must ensure that all the allowances, deductions, and reliefs are accounted for. Tax professionals may also advice the companies on the important documents to be kept by the companies for tax purposes. A tax expert may be liable if their clients fail to file their returns on time or under calculated taxable income based on the expert’s advice. The government pays extremely pivotal role in addressing the tax issues. The tax authority gathers tax from the corporations and persons. The government must ensure that it taxes all the taxable individuals and companies without bias. Government forms po licies with the intention of ensuring unbiased sharing of the tax weight. The administration must make certain implementation of all the policies made. Government should put heavy penalties and interests to companies that break the tax laws by setting examples to other businesses hence discouraging tax evasion. In addition, the government shall set reliefs and allowable items hence minimizing tax burden among the companies. The government must ensure very high level of tax compliancy by the companies and