International trade opportunities between the United States and Essay - 1

International trade opportunities between the United States and Guatemala - Essay Example In the years between 1950 and 1990, the U.S. supplied the Guatemalan army with guns, military training, and financial resources. This period in Guatemalan history is filled with much political conflict and civilian bloodshed. Despite the growing economy, Guatemala is still a very poor country with 56% of the roughly 12 million inhabitants living below the poverty line. During the civil war as many as 1 million people left Guatemala and took refuge in the United States. Today remittance from Guatemalans working in the U.S. brings an amount of money to the country equalling the value of two-thirds of all exports (Guatemala, 2008). Half of the work force in Guatemala participates in the agriculture industry. The main exports are coffee ($473 million per year), fruits and nuts ($367 million per year), and sugar ($261 million per year) (International Trade Centre, 2005). Textiles, petroleum, perfumes, and other foods including plantains make up most of the other products exported from Guatemala. The manufacturing sector has been an important part of the international export industry. Clothing and textile fabrics account for a large proportion of exports as well. The United States is the recipient of nearly $1.1 billion worth of all of these export items each year. In return, Guatemala imports from the United States more than $676 million each year of grains including wheat and corn, soybeans, meats and animal fats, pharmaceuticals, paper products, and communications equipment. The United States provides over 34% of all Guatemalan imports and takes in over 42% of all its exports, making the U.S. one of its most i mportant trade partners (Guatemala Times, 2008). Current barriers to trade with Guatemala include past allegations of corruption from government officials. Confidence levels of investors may have been weakened by concerns about security in this historically war torn Central American country. However, Guatemala is

Ways of Knowing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ways of Knowing - Assignment Example Nevertheless, enlightenment cannot be exactly known without discussing it in the context of ignorance. When one is ignorant, one is pictured as extremely sensitive and vehemently opposing something without even realizing why. For example, one is into anarchism, or the condition where one is â€Å"unrestricted by man-made law† and believes that â€Å"all forms of government rest on violence† (Goldman 583). This is actually such a negative standpoint from which to proceed. Nevertheless, the ignorant are relentless in believing that â€Å"God, the State, and society are non-existent† (584). This they proclaim while contending that â€Å"the individual is the heart of the society† and that â€Å"society is the lungs which†¦keep the life essence† (584). How then can society be the â€Å"lungs† that keep the individual alive when in fact it had previously been declared that the society is â€Å"non-existent†? Thus, the ignorant do not realize that their principles are actually contradictory. Moreover, if the great French anarchist Proud hon states that â€Å"Property is robbery,† then I am not even entitled to own my physical body lest I be called a robber (584). Why then should anarchism be the solution to all the ills of the world when anarchism can in fact totally annihilate everything? The ignorant stops here and cannot answer such a question. This is the problem of having contradictions. Such contradictions may have only been a theory by Goldman but they made up the entire philosophy of Marx and Engels – the philosophy of communism, which was loosely based on opposition. Judging only from their own limited or ignorant points of view, the authors contend that opposition exists among the social classes: â€Å"†¦every form of society has been based†¦on the antagonism of oppressing and oppressed classes† (Marx & Engels 487). If such oppression did exist in

The effect of terrorism since September 11,2001 to the present day on Term Paper

The effect of terrorism since September 11,2001 to the present day on the hospitality industry - Term Paper Example The hospitality industry felt the impacts more than any other sector or industry in the country. The attacks posed long-term repercussions that continue to reflect in hospitality industry. This essay will give scrutiny on the effects felt in the law, economic and tourism sectors. Tourism activities are reported to have decreased majorly owing to the fact that many passengers reduced travels to the USA. This is because when tourists visit the country they rely on the hotels and restaurant for accommodation, food and general upkeep. The image of the nation having been damaged by terrorist attacks caused visitors to fear for their security at the hotels since they are aware they are being targeted by the terrorists. For instance, cities like the USA as well as New York suffered10-27 % decline in revenue with regards to hotel room occupancy (Lin, 7). This was enhanced by media-led concerns about the terrorist attack that was heard all over and received worldwide attention making governments of other nations to givetravel advisory to their citizens. The tourism sector has been damaged by terrorism since even hotels situate at the airports faced economic recession by 20% for fear of terror attacks (Lin, 7). Moreover, the hotel industry has suffered deeply and seve rely from the 9/11 attack. Owing to the fact that hotels are usually one of the main targets of terrorists, this has resulted to decrease in hotel occupancy and average daily rate. Therefore, the hotel industry as pertaining to restaurants, lodging facilities, and guest houses experienced more negative effects as the bookings have greatly reduced (Prideaux 117). This is because the visitors avoid residing in the hotels in fear of terror attacks and hence they prefer remaining at their homes because they fear about their own security and safety. This has caused a significant negative impact on the country’s economy due to reduced revenues from guests’ room facilities. Terrorists

World Wars I and II Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

World Wars I and II - Research Paper Example In the Second World War, there was the Allies on one side and the Axis on the other side. Thus, there are a myriad of differences and similarities characterizing the two wars. This paper compares and contrasts the two wars with regards to their origins. The First World War began on July 28, 1914 and came to an end on November 11, 1918. The war was majorly fought in Europe and it incorporated the world’s greatest powers which had formed two major alliances opposing each other. On one hand, there was the Allies which was based on the Triple Entebbe of the United Kingdom, Russia and France (Dowswell, Brocklehurst, and Brook 57-59). On the other hand, there was the Central powers which consisted of the Tipple Alliance of Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary. Even so, the alliances were not inclined to the six countries exclusively. With time, more and more nations joined the war expanding the alliances even further. Also, the alliances reorganized themselves as time went by. In the final analysis, there war attracted over 20 million soldiers across the world with Europeans constituting a larger percentage (Duffy). The origins of this war can be attributed to a myriad of both long-term and short-term causes in the world history. As such, the long-term factors include a variety of conflicts and hostilities that had marred the European nations prior to the war. This includes the imperialist foreign polices that had dominated the European great powers including the Russian empire, the French Republic, the Austro-Hungarian empire, the British Empire as well as the Italy. However, the most immediate cause of the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was an heir to the Austria-Hungary throne. According to Duffy, the assassination occurred on June 28, 1914. Following this tragic assassination, a series of wars were triggered. To begin with, there was a Habsburg ultimatum against Serbia. Consequently, the alliances which had been

Importance of self analysis and continuous self development Essay

Importance of self analysis and continuous self development - Essay Example Analysts argue that individuals are bound to have flaws in their personalities; a factor that may cause a lot of predicaments in their lines of work. It is worse still, when individuals notice the possibility of hitches and not make any efforts to improve on their weaknesses. In line to this argument, therefore, it is important that self-analysis and self-development be regarded as the best paraphernalia towards successful business operations by managers. According to Colbert and Bono (2005, pp.200), self-analysis is a methodology that an individual undertakes in an endeavor to understand their own individualities, emotions and conducts. Through self-analysis, individuals are able to weigh their weakness, avoid culpabilities that may emanate from their weaknesses, as are able to handle them. On the other hand, it is only through, self-analysis that, individuals can utilize their strengths to the maximum. Continuous self- development Self-development is a term used to refer to the str ategies applied by managers to remain relevant in various occupations. Rees and Porter (2008, pp.274) argue that, continuous self-development is a process of search for answers and feedback, as well as, setting goals that are directed towards coming up with purposes of development of individuals. Self-development is self-directed and requires the individual to be dynamic in order, to grasp concepts that relate to their line of duty. Future manager with self – analysis and continuous self – development According to Meyer (2001, pp.7) self-analysis allows managers establish the roots of their weaknesses whilst in their jobs. Upon detection of managers’ quandaries, managers are able to devise the best measures, in an attempt to find the best solutions to their problems. Analysts argue that, it is through self-analysis that individuals are able to fit in various settings and interact with fellow workmates. If individuals have no self-identity, it automatically becom es an uphill task trying to establish a rapport between them and the other workmates. It is also through self-analysis that, individuals have total control of their actions. In this way, managers are able to access all forms of feedback form fellow workmates, and then devise a working plan on time. Managers acquire strength from self-analysis. Gold and Mumford (2004, pp.148) argue that, through self-awareness, managers are made aware of their weak points, work on the weaknesses, consequently, gain strength to run the organization. In the course of working, learning cannot be alienated form the venture. Most managers do not realize their potential and capabilities unless they undergo a series of self-analysis. Once managers go through a series of self-analysis, managers are in a better position to handle tough situations in their organizations by devising the best work plans to self-predicaments. In essence, self-analysis, allows managers have more strength to handle tough situations that may occur in the future. Self-analysis allows managers familiarize themselves with their work places and discern the sections that need modifications (Rothstein, 2010 pp.35). Upon familiarization, managers take up the responsibility of ensuring that employees are conversant with the goals and objectives of the organization. Communication on the goals of the organization is not possible if the managers are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. In this context, therefore, self analysis is credited to an establishment of professional rapport between managers and employees. In turn, the mission of the company can be easily interpreted and

Organisations, People & Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Organisations, People & Performance - Essay Example Modern human resource management has shifted and it has entered the core of business strategy. Unlike the earlier times when HR strategist were never included in the core firm strategy, a modern firm has to include it in its core strategic planning because HR has become the most important resource a firm can have (Stonehouse & Houston, 2013). Easy Jet is a London based airline which operates within Europe and is headquartered in London Luton Airport. The airline is a low budget airline and offers low cost flights between cities within the euro region (Topham, 2014). According to Michael Porter, being a low cost producer is one of the strategic edges a firm can have (Stonehouse & Houston, 2013). Most of its airbuses make return flights, landing back to their airport of origin within twenty four hours. Easy Jet intends to be the pioneer and the leader in Europe’s short haul flights. Easy Jet also looks to have a customer-centered strategy which is geared towards making sure that customers are happy with its services. It intends to do this by having a good HR strategy that is geared towards having a safe workplace with positive values and a healthy working requirement. Michael Porter (2008) defined competitive strategy as anything that gives a firm an edge over its competitors. He argued that this competitive edge can be derived from five major business factors. Cost is one of these factors and those businesses which are able to drive costs down while maintaining good quality are at a better chance of succeeding in the market (Schuler & Jackson, 1987). Easy Jet has operated on the business strategy that is based on cost leadership. The firm has managed to be in the market even during the most chaotic market times. To be able to maintain this strategy in the future, easy Jet must be able to have a HR plan that is just as useful and make sure that its HR costs are kept down. Miles and Snow (1978) described the various ways in which

Organizational psychology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational psychology - Assignment Example Administers process organizational tasks and establish work environments. Leaders are mainly mandated with execution of administrative duties, inspiring supporters and creation of underlying common managerial cultures and tenets (Leonard et al, 2013). While managers deal with the underlying intricacy, leaders deal with initiating and adjusting underlying change (Aamodt, 2013). Leaders are majorly mandated with undertaking tasks that pertain to setting a way or idea, aligning populace to share goals, collaborating and motivating. Approaches of studying leadership in I/O psychology are widely categories into Leader-focused, Contingency-focused and Follower-focused approaches. Leader-focused approaches mainly focus on the organizational leaders in determining the underlying features of real leadership. Trait approach defines effective leaders to being having particular traits that are lacks in the ineffective leaders (Hersen & Thomas, 2003). The approach is mainly utilized in predicting leader emergence. Leader emergence is mainly predicted via analysis of the traits such as high intelligence, elevated desires for dominance, lofty self-motivation and communally perceptive (Aamodt, 2013). Behavioral approach as a leader-focused approach mainly emphases on the prevailing behaviors that differentiate effective from the corresponding ineffective leaders. Two main categories of leadership are contemplation and instigating structure. Behavior that is related with category of consideration pertains depiction of subordinates that they leaders value and care about them (Leonard et al, 2013). Moreover, behaviors that are related to initiating structure entail simpl ification of the task performance of the prevailing groups (Aamodt & Aamodt, 2007). Power and influence is also approach of leader-focused that mainly pertains to the means on how effective leaders influence people in line with the underlying organization’s mission and objectives (Hersen & Thomas, 2003). The degree of influence of a leader relies on the social power and corresponding probable in regard to manipulating their subordinates (Messick & Kramer, 2005). The major foundations of supremacy entail forcible power, authentic power, referent power, reward power and informational power. Leaders normally utilize numerous diverse tactics in manipulating others in their respective organization. The common tactics mainly entail rational inducement, inspiring appeal, session, ingratiation exchange, alliance, individual appeal, and pressure and legitimating (Hersen & Thomas, 2003). Contingency-focused approaches of leadership are the most dominant and are mainly based on the lead er’s efficacy on their capability in assessing and adapting to their behavior. The theories within this approach assume that the prevailing leaders are capable of reading the underlying a circumstance and dexterously employ a leadership style that warrant the individuals connections in behavior task at hand (Lowenberg et al, 1998). The main theories in the Contingency-focused approaches are Fiedler’s Contingency theory that outline that effectiveness of a leader depends on the underlying collaboration amidst their features and corresponding characteristics of the condition (Aamodt & Aamodt,