Monday, August 12, 2019

Marxism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marxism - Essay Example Marx observed that men were below and even seemed that under the control of the society. This is the main point of agreement with Friedrich Engels who wrote the Principles of Communism (Kuper, 1972). Marxism started as a principle to manage the material conditions within the society such as the production of goods. According to Marx, the materialist conception should be the main focus in the record of history of human society because material production is the basis of social life, thus, the real history. He expressed that in the production of goods the process and development as well as the instruments and methods used were clearer and more distinct indications of the differences in the periods of human history (D’Amato, 2006). Basically, the main content of the evolution of Marxism is based on the economic views ad capitalism. Although Marx perceived that this view is a holistic approach to the determination and study of the different stages in human history, the different succeeding philosophers created different perspectives within his classical view to the modern views. The main achievement of Marxism is the importance given to the meaning of capitalism. Prior to the concept, the perspective of the society is focused on different aspects. Through Marx and Engels’ views, the economics of capitalism and the labor theory of value acquired more attention and became the subject of research. Marx focused his work in the systematic description of commodity which became the focus of his capitalist principle. Through the course of his career, he built up on the concept. He presented important factors that can affect the capitalist structure, for example the scarcity and the human labor (D’Amato, 2006). Based on the analysis of Marxism, the feasibility of the principle can be compared to the life of an organism that grows, develops and

Sunday, August 11, 2019

The Strategy of International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

The Strategy of International Business - Essay Example This situation has not only reduced the profitability and market share of the local firms, but also has enforced a number of local firms to sell their businesses to the international giants. Hence, the report has elaborated a number of market strategies that can assist the local firms to strengthen their competitive position to ensure their long-term profitability and sustainability. The term ‘liberalization’ describes the process of relaxation of governmental regulations and restrictions in different areas such as trade, economy, social, political etc (Alessandria and Choi, 2014). Globalization has highly influenced the practices of trade and economy related liberalization within different industry sectors of developed as well as developing countries (Dix†Carneiro, 2014). The United Kingdom can be utilized as a successful example which has initiated and efficiently conceptualized liberalization in their different industry segments, mainly the energy segment. The rapid changes in the business processes and trade policies in the globalized economy influences government authorities to modify the trading policies of the nation to accommodate it with the global economy, political regulations and social practices. This intervention of government authorities has allowed a number of industry sectors to avail the facility of free trade in terms of the ir international business venture (Corbet and Robertson, 2014). The further topic will emphasize on liberalization and its impact on the internationalization of businesses. The study will also evaluate the impact of liberalization on the domestically focused business industry in terms of increase in competition within the local and global market. Finally, the discussion will elaborate various strategic reactions which can assist various domestically focused industries of the UK to face the increased competition of foreign competitors. The increasing

Saturday, August 10, 2019

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Tolstoy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Tolstoy - Essay Example He has family, friends and a good position that he devoted a major part of his life in cultivating. As a result he has political, personal and social freedom. Ilyich’s free and easy life is pleasant with decorum and lightheartedness, and his nature is agreeable. Through this narrative, Tolstoy studies both life and death, Ivan’s realization about his life not truly lived, and his eventual making of peace with the inevitability of death. Thus, only in his last moments does Ivan Ilyich lose his fear of death, and joyfully perceives the light which replaces it (Tolstoy 56). Great scholars such as Vladimir and Mahatma Gandhi acclaimed the novella as the greatest in Russian literature. The work is interesting to read, rich in insights about human nature, and educative in its content. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to examine Leo Tolstoy’s story The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and discuss why the main protagonist’s life was not truly lived. Why Ivan Il yich’s Life was not Well Lived Tolstoy through his story insists that Ivan Ilyich is not different from others in the world, and that his extremely simple and ordinary life is â€Å"most terrible† (Tolstoy 9). ... The author depicts his protagonist as a selfish, short-sighted and mediocre person, since the latter’s ideal goal in life was to avoid unpleasantness. Ilyich’s main pleasures in life included playing bridge with his friends, besides liking antiques and living properly and pleasantly. However, it is evident that none of these normal, ordinary qualities can condemn Ilyich as wicked. This is the exact message that Tolstoy wishes to convey to the reader. While Ivan’s existence was akin to living death, his death is a rebirth into a new spiritual life. Therefore, his fatal flaw was that he had lived in a spiritual void (Hobby 34). According to Tolstoy, the fact of living and life ironically includes the certainty of death. Living with pain and illness everyday, Ivan Ilyich suffers for several months while refusing to accept the inevitability of his death (Tolstoy 7). The core of his life had consisted of emptiness, self deception and false values. Most human beings, i n the process of living, we commonly deny the truth of our human condition, pretend to forget about death; and this lie forms a part of the other lies that vitiate our beings. This means that Ilyich had been â€Å"living a literal, physical life but had been spiritually dead† (Hobby 34). Olney’s (p.110) analysis of the story differentiates between â€Å"life as experience† and â€Å"life as meaning†, and states that Tolstoy’s vivid representation through the fictional narrative helps the reader comprehend the truth that was present in the author’s own soul. For Tolstoy the actual meaning of life was different from indulgence in parties, tastefully decorating one’s home, and other

Friday, August 9, 2019

The Women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Women - Essay Example She begins to critically examine her life and her relationship with men and the people around her. At some point, she considered divorce, and this would have not only affected her but also their daughter. This play thus helps to remind the audience that although one might appear to lead a happy and comfortable life, problems in marriage can make life bitter. Friends and family play a vital role in resolving such domestic problems. The intent of this production, in my view, was a good idea. This play speaks to everyone; the married and the unmarried. It helps us examine our families, our actions and how best we understand the people around us. There are two main issues raised in the play that make it important and applicable. First, through the life of Heines and the unfaithfulness of her husband, the play reminds us of the importance of safeguarding marriages and building strong family ties. The suffering brought to Haines through her husband’s infidelity is traumatizing. The play further highlights the need to solve domestic or marital problems without taking rush decisions. Secondly, the play helps us re-examine the role played by our friends in our lives. In the play, Selvia knew that Heines’ husband had an extramarital affair yet she did not inform her friend about it. She instead spread the rumor among other women. This play thus allows the audience to examine whether or not to keep some of their friends. In particular, this play reminds us of the role friends play in marriages. Overall, the play challenges and provokes the audience. The intention is to make people examine their behaviors, beliefs and their general view of life. This play succeeds in provoking us into asking ourselves questions regarding our lives, and how we treat those around us. After watching the play, I believe that the play achieved its purpose. First, in a good play, characters need to portray the events as real as they possibly can. In this play, the characters portrayed

Thursday, August 8, 2019

3 insights and questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

3 insights and questions - Essay Example Diversification is a good strategy instead of unwise capital investments and the point raised by the Chairperson of Harrah’s that when the novelty of the new investment fades, the market also falls with time. Geographic diversification can shift the prospects of gains form one region to another especially this reduces the exposure of firm to business cycles (fluctuations) resulting form seasons. The glitter and glamour (amenity values) is not always important and an interesting example is found here when the customers accepted the free rooms and lunch in one place and gambled at another. Keeping the human resources happy is also a major thing especially if a business depends mainly on them for all the functions. Harrah’s is such a case. The service is more important here than the building and hence proper incentives like bonus schemes are important for an organization like this. The hotels and tourism industry, especially the exclusive bars in fact can learn quite a lot from the casino’s experience focused here. An industry, which is based on entertainment and yet fast opportunities of earning money offcourse, has a lot to make from wise

Different topics Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Different topics - Annotated Bibliography Example In fact, Anderson conducted this study at the University of Massachusetts, and submitted it to the American Behavioral Scientist. As such, it would not appear that he was influenced in any way to alter his findings one way or the other. Having explored this site extensively, all information appears current and there are no missing or broken links. All articles cited in the study are detailed and quickly available for further reference. In short, this particular article appears to be a well-documented source that would help a great deal in my own study. Milne, G. R. (2000). Privacy and ethical issues in database/interactive marketing and public policy: A research framework and overview of the special issue. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, 19(1), 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/30000482?uid=3739136&uid=2&uid=4&sid=47699091448147 Milne (2000) recounts the fact that privacy is of increasing concern. This is a public policy issue that does affect consumer and marketers. These concerns have been compounded by the growth of online marketing. Such marketing schemes have resulted in the Federal trade Commission becoming involved and placing such activities under review. This author makes the point that exchange mechanisms between marketers and consumers should be improved. In so doing, consumers will have more control over who has access to their personal information and under what terms. Mitrofan, O., & Spencer N. (2009). Is aggression in children with behavioral and emotional difficulties associated with television viewing and video game playing? A systematic review. Child: Care, Health, & Development, 35(1), 5-15. Doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00912.x. The authors of this study are professors in the School of Health and Social Studies at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. They have previously published studies areas focusing on child aggression and the causes thereof. This study is designed to

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Development of the Bond Market in Bangladesh Essay Example for Free

Development of the Bond Market in Bangladesh Essay It is a privilege to be here this morning at this pioneering event, and I would like to congratulate the Bangladesh Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission for hosting the first-ever international workshop on the development of bond market in Bangladesh. Bond markets link issuers having long-term financing needs with investors willing to place funds in long-term, interest-bearing securitiBangladeshes. has both the issuers and the investors in place but it still has not been able to link them effectively through a bond market. The positive effect of developing a domestic bond market on the economy is well-known. On the one hand, bond markets are essential for a country to enter a sustained phase of development driven by market-based capital allocation and increased avenues for raising debt capital. On the other hand, the central position occupied by domestic bond markets in markedly increasing the resilience of a country’s financial system and insulating it against external shocks, contagion and reduction of access to international capital markets is established. Capital markets are essentially about matching the needs of investors with those that need capital for development. Bangladesh has no shortage of both such parties, a young and dynamic population that increasingly wants, and is able to, make provision for lifetime events, to save for children’s education, for the possibility of ill health and ultimately for old age and retirement. On the other side of the equation, Bangladesh has a pressing need for investment resources to bolster its stretched infrastructure resources, to build more power stations, bridges, ports and gas-pipelines to empower the people in the development of enterprise and the creation of jobs. Debt markets are an extremely effective mechanism for matching the long term needs of savers with those of entrepreneurs. Term capital is a precious commodity and it has been a frustration to see the process of long term savings, such as provident funds and life insurance contracts, being invested in short term instruments such as bank deposits, a process we call ‘reverse term transformation’ but we could equally call it â€Å"reverse alchemy† in which the gold of term capital is turned into the lead of short term iabilities. As a development institution it is our goal to establish sustainable capacity. As Bangladesh has led the world in its development of the microfinance industry, you have impressed us all with your ability to mobilize funds for productive purposes at the community level in the villages. What we need to see now is a similar degree of success at the institutional level in terms of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and other uses of long ter m funds. At the World Bank, we would like to help you in this endeavor; it is much more useful that Taka funds are mobilized to fund projects whose sole revenue source will be in Taka. I am sure that it is a shared ambition of us all that Bangladesh should play a larger role in mobilizing its own capital resources and reducing the dependency upon donor institutions such as ourselves. We at the World Bank would like to work with you to this end, so that we can move on from providing infrastructure finance for sustainable development to a higher level of developing a sustainable, national, infrastructure financing capacity. Bond markets in most countries are built on the same basic elements: a number of issuers with long-term financing needs, investors with a need to place savings or other liquid funds in interest-bearing securities, intermediaries that bring together investors and issuers, and an infrastructure that provides a conducive environment for securities transactions, ensures legal title to securities and settlement of transactions, and provides price discovery information. The regulatory regime provides the basic framework for bond markets and, indeed, for capital markets in general. Efficient bond markets are characterized by a competitive market structure, low transaction costs, low levels of fragmentation, a robust and safe market infrastructure, and a high level of heterogeneity among market participants. It is my hope that this Workshop will debate and discuss the various initiatives that are necessary to develop the intermediaries, infrastructure and the regulatory regime so that a vibrant bond market becomes a reality in Bangladesh soon. An important element of a domestic bond market is the government bond market. Development of a government bond market provides a number of important benefits if the pre-requisites to a sound development are in place. At the macroeconomic policy level, a government securities market provides an avenue for domestic funding of budget deficits and avoid a build-up of foreign currency-denominated debt. A government securities market can also strengthen the transmission and implementation of monetary policy, including the achievement of monetary targets or inflation objectives, and can enable the use of market-based indirect monetary policy instruments. The existence of such a market not only can enable authorities to smooth consumption and investment expenditures in response to shocks, but if coupled with sound debt management, can also help governments reduce their exposure to interest rate risk – a situation that is looming large in the National Savings Certificates market, currency, and other financial risks. Finally, a shift toward market-oriented funding of government budget deficits will reduce debt-service costs over the medium to long term through development of a deep and liquid market for government securities. The prerequisites for establishing an efficient government domestic currency securities market include a credible and stable government; sound fiscal and monetary policies; effective legal, tax, and regulatory infrastructure; smooth and secure settlement arrangements; and a liberalized financial system with competing intermediaries. Since pension and life insurance reform helps in the development of government securities market, starting the process of pension and insurance reform now might be prudent because of the time it takes to feel the positive impact of such reforms on the capital market. While some of these prerequisites have already been met, I hope that this Workshop will discuss the initiatives, their prioritization and the time horizon for their implementation, which will be necessary for putting the rest in place. Before ending, I would like to table a few suggestions for consideration in the Workshop. These are: 1. Creating a bond market in Bangladesh will be a long process, and the hard work of many architects, artisans and craftsmen will be required in the construction. I am optimistic that the foundations are now in place and this seminar is going to be one of many uilding blocks that will help create the market framework. This framework must be solid if a bond market is to gain investors confidence and hence allow public and private sectors to raise capital for the much needed investments in Bangladesh. 2. To ease the process, the Government bonds must come first. To increase the attractiveness of these bonds and to ensure their soundness, Bangladesh Bank w ill need to continue its initiatives to develop the secondary market, lower transaction costs and improve upon the market infrastructure to support secondary market liquidity. The Bangladesh Bank has already achieved a great deal to this end in a very short time. It was not so long ago that government debt market trading was effectively zero; now we see a disciplined, organized market taking shape with maturities in traded securities out to ten years. We congratulate the Governor and his team for their achievements in this field and are proud if we have been able to play some small part in support of the Government and the Bangladesh Bank in this success. 3. Banks are invariably amongst the major users of long term debt markets in order to raise long-term subordinate debt to supplement their capital bases. Many regulators now actively encourage the issuance of debt by banks in the local currency market as a step towards the discipline of â€Å"market monitoring† envisaged in the Basel II capital adequacy regime. It is probably the case that the state of the banking system in Bangladesh makes this a medium-term project, however, we have already been presently surprised by the progress we have seen in several fields in terms of banking sector reform and debt market development. A prior requirement to facilitate issuance of fixed income capital instruments is the adoption of international accounting standards, and more effective enforcement of Bangladesh Bank’s supervisory standards. The increased use of credit rating agencies has often accompanied this development, but this can add value only to the extent that the opinion of the rating agencies is valued by the market. We have noted with interest the nascent development of a debt rating capacity in Bangladesh and hope to see this sector rise to international standards. . One other extremely important role that debt markets can play is in the development of the housing finance market, an area of activity where the ordinary citizens need to have access to long-term loans to fulfill their dream of owning their own property. While capital markets can not bring down the price of real estate in Bangladesh, efficient capital markets can make housing more affordable, and more attainable, through extending t he maturity of loans and lowering monthly repayment terms. 5. Not only will a bond market require good financial foundations, but long-term investment institutions will also need to be developed with demand for longer maturity assets. The insurance and pension markets are currently not fully developed in Bangladesh. These markets should be reformed as they are the natural buyers of long-term securities. We understand that the Ministry of Commerce is now in the process of disseminating much awaited investment guidelines which will allow insurance companies to offer more competitive products to their clients by allowing them to invest more productively, and securely, in the capital markets. Reform and development of the pension sector, combined with a new approach to the NSS, should be next on the agenda. 6. The World Bank is already working with the Government and Bangladesh Bank on some of these key issues, and we shall be ready to work further with them within the limits of our own comparative advantage. We have been extremely pleased to see the coordinated approach of the Bangladesh Bank, Ministry of Finance, the SEC and the National Board of Revenue to work with IPDC to bring the first securitization transaction to market in Bangladesh. This has been one solid step towards mobilizing finance for entrepreneurs and has confounded those skeptics who thought that securitization is â€Å"too sophisticated† for Bangladesh. Perhaps those skeptics would benefit from seeing the collected talent and enthusiasm for development gathered here in this room today. We would very much like to hope that the next securitization will be another transaction close to our heart, that of the securitization of a portion of the toll revenues of the Jamuna Bridge. The IPDC loan securitization was a long time in the making and the Jamuna Bridge securitization appears to be following the same path. This is a transaction which all experts agree would have a major positive impact not only on capital market development in Bangladesh, but also in mobilizing taka finance for other strategic infrastructure developments such as the proposed Padma Bridge. We can only hope that the Jamuna Bridge securitization will enjoy the same long term success. To facilitate this process, it would be useful to have designated counterparts from the Government and Bangladesh Bank. Such a crucial market as a domestic bond market needs excellent domestic regulation and supervision if investors and borrowers are not to be disappointed or worse. It cannot be created by outsiders. Along with you all, I am eagerly looking forward to the technical sessions, which have been very well-organized. In conclusion, I would urge the participants to discuss the issues at length and provide some specific recommendations for the Government, Bangladesh Bank, the SEC, and indeed all the stakeholders, which can be implemented immediately. This could pave the path for a well-functioning bond market that can change the existing bank-oriented financial system to a multilayered system, where capital markets can complement bank financing. I wish the workshop and its participants all success.