Privatizing the Electricity Sector

Introduction In the recent past, a number of countries have embarked on an ambitious program of privatizing the electricity sector. While some governments have sold part of their shares to the private sector, there are others who have sold all the shares to the private sector, leaving such governments with no power to control the actions taken by the new electricity company owners.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Privatizing the Electricity Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are some people who perceive this as a bold move while others have a different opinion. Those who view this as a positive move argue that, most of the government owned organizations lack proper ways of carrying out their work because of the bureaucracy involved. Furthermore, most of these institutions have been perceived as havens of corruption, since most of the governments lacked the capacity to fight corruption. Liter ature review A remarkable number of scholars have had their input on this field, where a number of them seem to concur with each other while a substantial of them differ in a big way from their counterparts. This has therefore led to lack of consensus between the two camps since each perceive their arguments as the one holding water. It is important to recall that the ideas of privatizing the government utilities was a condition set out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the late 1980s, for any country that wished to have its loan application considered by the two bodies. These reforms were referred to as the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) and were aimed at minimizing the government expenditure on non performing utilities. The critics of this program claims that it was structured in a way that poor countries in Africa, South America, and Asia would continue depending on the developed countries for assistance. Izaguirre (2000) claims that electricit y privatization has helped eradicate the corruption involved while seeking for electricity connection. According to Cook (2007), in the developing countries for example, it used to take months for a person to have his house connected to electricity because the corrupt officials in the main office wanted kick backs for the whole process to start. He observes that the public demanded accountability from their government and as a result measures were taken to privatize most of the government’s non performing utilities that included the electricity sector.Advertising Looking for critical writing on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The above sentiments were echoed by Vivien (2008) who asserted that privatization has enhanced service delivery to the members of the public. According to her, the private sector is geared towards making profits. As a result of this, Paul (2002) has argued that the people owning this se ctor have to put in measures that ensure that the people, who are the main customers, have their needs addressed as fast as possible. He observed that prior to privatization, other sectors owned by the governments regardless of the country suffered similar problems of slow service delivery and corruption riddled offices. Furthermore, David (2003) has observed that privatization of electricity sector has helped eradicate matters of favoritism. According to him, some governments, especially in Africa and other developing countries in the world, had the tendency of allocating national resources, including electricity, to areas they perceived as having the support from the people. According to Fereidoon (2006), such a move led to an imbalance in development because others who were seen to oppose the government were neglected and made to suffer for supporting the opposition. Therefore, according to Gerard (2008), privatization has helped the distribution of electricity in all areas of a country regardless of the peoples’ support to the government. According to Mark (2006), private companies are capitalist in nature and therefore they would do all within their disposal to make sure that they make an extra coin from their investment. In addition, Paredes (2007) has argued that privatization of the electricity sector is likely to reduce the cases of illegal connections that have been witnessed in the past, when the government was the only shareholder in the sector. According to Mert (2010), the government lacked adequate personnel to monitor how electricity was being distributed to the people and industries. He says that since the private sector is wholly owned by individuals whose motive is making profit, they will make sure that there are no illegal connections that deny them revenue by employing a good number of people to patrol certain areas such as the ghetto, where these acts are common.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Pr ivatizing the Electricity Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In Europe and other developed countries like Japan and United States of America, Czamanski (1999) points out that the number of companies offering electricity is more than one, hence eradicating the idea of monotony in the business. Newbery (2001) has asserted that this has created a battle between such companies, a situation that has led to a decrease in the amount charged per kilowatt used by the people and the industries. He says that, just as is the case with mobile phone companies, the consumers are migrating to the service provider with high quality services and cheap rates as well. According to Stiglitz (2000), the idea of privatizing the public sector has increased the government revenue through the taxes levied on these companies. He points out that, due to the inefficiencies of the former officials in charge the electricity distribution, companies in many coun tries used to record losses year in year out. He claims that since the new owners are profit minded, the government collection will be on the rise. On the other hand, there other scholars as earlier stated who perceive privatization as a negative move that is by no means going to help the consumers. One of such scholars is Knight (2002), who claims that most of these private firms lack sufficient capital to boost their business. The same ideas are shared by Paredes (2003) Bernardo (2004) who point out that the amount of money required to be injected in such a project are beyond reach to most of these companies. Therefore, they argue that unless they get financial assistance from banks and other financial institutions such companies may never realize any meaningful growth in their first years of operations. As a result, Zaccour (1998) recommends that the government should continue running such institutions until when a well financed company comes along and wins the tender to manage and supply electricity on behalf of the government. According to Kilick (2004) privatization of the electricity sector can lead to the exploitation of the consumers by the electricity suppliers. He notes that since the government does not have any significant control in such a company, the management might keep on adjusting their charges upward, making the consumers the victim of privatization.Advertising Looking for critical writing on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To add on that, Jordana (2008) points out that the main objective of adjusting the tariffs on the higher side is to make the company be in a position to finance their new investments. In the long run, Scott (2006) asserts that, the rate of inflation is likely to go up because the costs of producing basic commodities in the industries will go up, making such a commodity be beyond reach of many people. The issue of job security has also been cited as the main reason why privatization should be opposed by all means. This is according to Baldwin (1999) who claims that the new owners of the company have to restructure the company so that they can reduce their expenses incurred, particularly in paying of wages. According to Bacon (2008), majority of employees in the junior positions are usually the main victims, while only a few in the management level are affected. Therefore, in his opinion, the government should have the interests of its people first before it can think of privatizing s uch companies. Critique of the work From the above discussion it is quite clear that the private sector is likely to improve the service delivery to the people. However, Fantini (2003) points out that this has not always been the case because even when the new company starts its own operation independent of the government, the people at the helm are the same who were in charge of the privatized company. Therefore, these people might carry along with them their old ways and as a result make the company be unable to fulfill its objectives of bettering its services compared to the government. This therefore calls for more research to be carried out to identify whether all privatized companies perform as expected of them by the government and the people at large. In addition, Shuttleworth (2002) has observed that privatization of the electricity sector does not always lead to improved service delivery to the people. He claims that privatization has led to many people having access to il legal connection because the company lacks the power to prohibit people from making illegal connections. According to Parker (1997), the illegal connections are in many instances conducted by the current or former employees who want to make extra money from what they are paid at the end of the month. From the above point he has noted that the government revenue might not be realized because as claimed earlier in the discussion, these electricity companies may continue making losses as their predecessor used to do. Furthermore, Cowan (2004) has pointed out that there are some governments that have been regulating the amount levied on the consumers to prevent cases of exploitation by the private companies. Therefore it would be necessary to try and analyze the various actions taken by the government after relinquishing their claims on such public utilities because the writer may have looked at a certain country and left others. The major hurdle affecting these companies is the continu ed interference from the government, even after acquiring the majority of the shares in that company. Such actions are the ones that have contributed to the slow implementation of reforms needed to revitalize the electricity sector. As a result, the company remains in a stagnant position because the government won’t let any meaningful project be undertaken without its consent, despite the fact that it is a minor shareholder. The strength and the weakness of the past scholars The scholars who have carried out this research should be credited for bringing out some of the issues that are of benefit when a government utility has been privatized as well as the short comings associated with such a move. However, the same group of scholars can be blamed for not carrying out a comprehensive research that would have eradicated the critique provided earlier. Most of these scholars seem to agree that although privatization has its own shortcomings, it is the best solution to the majorit y of the government institutions and organization because in most cases sanity is restored. That is, most of these organizations are dens of corruption but when they are privatized most of them are seen to start operating as required of them. However, the same scholars seem not to be reading from the same scripts on matters pertaining to the privatization and the exploitation of consumers. Whereas some see this move as resulting to exploitation of consumers, others see the government’s hand in it to prevent such an eventuality. Conclusion Privatization seems to provide the solution to many government projects that are non-performing. As a result, every government should try and let the private sectors run some of these utilities with close monitoring to ensure the people benefit from such a move. Reference list Bacon, C., 2008. Generating Efficiency in the Public and Private Sectors. Paris: OECD. Baldwin, R., 1999. Understanding Regulation: Theory, Strategy and Practice. Oxfo rd: Oxford University Press. Bernardo, B., 2004.The challenges of privatization: an international analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Cook, P., 2007. Regulation, markets, and poverty. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc. Cowan, M., 2004. Regulatory Reforms. Cambridge: MIT Press. Czamanski, D., 1999. Privatization and restructuring of electricity provision. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. David, P., 2003. International handbook on privatization. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc. Fantini, B., 2003. Regulation and Privatization: The Case of Electricity. Milan: FEEM. Fereidoon, P. S., 2006. Electricity market reform: an international perspective. Amsterdam: Elseiver Ltd. Gerard, R., 2008. Privatization: successes and failures. New York: Columbia University Press. Izaguirre, A. K., 2000. Private Participation in Energy. Washington, D.C: World Bank Jordana, J., 2008. The politics of Regulation: Institutions and Regulatory Reforms for the Age of Governance. Cheltnham: Edward Elgar. Kilick, P., 2004. Privatization and Utility Regulation in Developing Nations. Chichester: Wiley. Knight, F., 2002. Risk, Uncertainity and Profit. Washington: Beard Books. Mark, S., 2006. Energy Regulation in the 21st century. London: Routledge. Mert, Y. K., 2010. Privatization and Liberalization of the Electricity Sector in Turkey. Istanbul: Sabanci Center. Newbery, D., 2001. Privatization, restructuring, and regulation of network utilities. Massachusetts: MIT Press. Paredes, J., 2003. Redistributive Impact of Privatization and Regulation of Utilities in Chile. Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing. Paredes, J., 2007. International experience in the Restructuring of Electricity. Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing. Parker, D., 1997. The Impact of Privatization: Ownership and Corporate Performance in the UK. London: Routledge. Paul, S., 2002. Structural adjustment in the transition. Washington: World Bank. Scott, T., 2006. Impacts of energy privat ization. Philadelphia: McGraw Hill. Shuttleworth, S., 2002. Competition and Choice in Electricity. Chichester: Wiley. Stiglitz, J., 2000. Economics of the Public Sector. New York: W. W. Norton Company. Vivien, F., 2008. The impact of private sector participation in infrastructure: lights, shadows and the road ahead. Washington: World Bank. Zaccour, G., 1998. Deregulation of Electric Utilities. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers. This critical writing on Privatizing the Electricity Sector was written and submitted by user Dangelo Ryan to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Workplace Issues in the Tourism Industry

Workplace Issues in the Tourism Industry Introduction Many researchers say the hospitality industry experiences high employee turnovers than most sectors of the economy (Davidson Wany 2011). Albeit this fact is widely undisputed, it is important to understand what researchers mean by â€Å"employee turnover.† Davidson Wany (2011) say employee turnover denotes the rate at which a company gains and loses its workforce.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Workplace Issues in the Tourism Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Companies that have a high rate of employee turnover tend to lose and gain their employees quickly, while companies that have a low employee turnover do not lose their employees often. Besides understanding the definition of employee turnover, it is also crucial to understand the hospitality industry and its subsections. Davis (2010) says the scope of jobs in the hospitality industry is wide. Indeed, this industry includes several sectors (like restaurant and accommodation sectors). Simply, PROTEL (2013) says most jobs that involve hotels and resorts (or similar establishments) fall within the hospitality industry. This paper identifies four key issues that emerge in the assessment of high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry. They include high rates of employment turnovers (as a global phenomenon that affects accommodation and restaurant sectors), factors that cause high employee turnovers and the effectiveness of government and industry responses to this issue, implications of high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry, and recommendations that could address high employee turnovers in this sector. However, this paper focuses on conducting a literature review that explores the first issue, by explaining the high rate of employee turnover as an age-old problem in the hospitality industry and its prevalence in certain sections of the sector. Literature Review Willie Jayawardena (2008) say t he high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry mirror the poor strategies of hoteliers (and similar entities) in motivating and retaining their employees. These strategies are however region-specific because different hoteliers adopt different managerial styles. This difference explains why different countries have varying rates of employee turnover.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Australian hospitality sector is an example of this analysis. The Australian hospitality industry is an important sector of the Australian economy. Indeed, the sector accounts for about 8.7% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) and generates about 6% of the total jobs in the Australian economy (Griffith University 2006). The importance of the Australian tourism industry stems from its growth trajectory. Griffith University (2006) says the sector’s employment pot ential has increased by about 8% (between 1997 and 2005). Despite the importance of the hospitality industry to the Australian economy, the figure below shows that it posts the highest rate of employee turnover in the economy Figure One: Industry analysis of worker turnover in Australia (Source: PROTEL 2013) A report by the Australia and the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre showed that the annual turnover of operational employees in the accommodation industry was about 50.74% (Griffith University 2006). The findings especially singled out the â€Å"Restaurant/Bar, Housekeeping, Kitchen, and Front Office departments† (Griffith University 2006, p. 4) as the highest contributors of the high turnover rate. Besides operational employees, the rate of turnover for departmental managers, general managers, and top-level executives was about 39% (higher than the global average). Through the comparison of high turnover rates for low-level and top-level managers, Poulston (2008) explains that both groups of employees share the same experiences in the industry. For example, he said that both groups of employees look for better terms of employment and new opportunities to advance their careers (Poulston 2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Workplace Issues in the Tourism Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, Tanke (2001) believes that top-level managers are mainly motivated to change their jobs because of better terms of work and better working hours. From the identification of the above reasons for the high turnover rate in Australia, Griffith University (2006) suggests, â€Å"higher wages and better working hours (whether less hours or more flexible or suitable hours) are the major drivers for managerial employees to leave. Similarly, operational staffs seek better wages, better working hours, and improved career opportunities† (p. 4). The high turnover rate in the Australian tourism industry has a huge cost to several hoteliers. Most of these costs trace to the amount of money spent to replace the employees. Griffith University (2006) says that most hotels incur about $109,000 to replace top-level executives alone. In fact, Griffith University (2006) estimates (from a survey of about 64 hotels in Australia) that the cost of replacing top-level managers/executives could be as high as $7 million (for all the 64 hotels surveyed). Before the publication of the above findings, Griffith University (2006) also reported that the average cost of replacing one low-level employee was close to $10,000. The study also established that the total cost of replacing all low-level employees, for the surveyed hotels, would be $42 million (these figures only relate to transaction costs and not costs that may associate with the loss of valuable skills, gaps in the decision-making process, and loss of business acumen). Tanke (2001) says the high rate of turno ver for the hospitality industry is a serious issue for most hotels. To affirm the seriousness of this issue, Griffith University (2006) shows that the total cost of the high turnover rate (for the hotels surveyed) was $49 million. If we extrapolate this figure to the entire Australian hospitality industry, it may increase to hundreds of millions. Based on the seriousness of this issue, it is important to say that the high turnover rate for the industry is unsustainable.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Comparatively, the impact of high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry emerged in a recent report, by McGregor (2013), which highlighted a demonstration of fast-food restaurant staff in more than 50 cities in the United States (to raise public awareness regarding the plight of workers in the restaurant sector). Uniquely, the protesting employees did not emerge from one company because they associated through a common plight of low wages and high employee turnovers across the hospitality sector. Many of them also felt that since they work for individual franchises, a change needed to occur at the national level (federal level), as opposed to the organisational level (McGregor 2013). In part, some of the employees believed that the high employee turnover rate that has characterised the hospitality industry (for decades) has created little attention at the organisational level. Therefore, very few managers express the need to mitigate this worrying trend. Studies by Deery (20 08) have investigated the rates of employee turnover in the hospitality industry by categorising the phenomenon in two distinct categories large firms and small firms. The researcher says the rate of employee turnover in a large firm is lower than the rate of employee turnover in small and medium enterprises (Deery 2008). The differences between these turnovers stem from the adoption of employee-friendly human resource practices in large firms, compared to small firms. To explore this idea further, Deery (2008) says that large firms perceive their employees in a professional trajectory that small and medium enterprises do not. Stated differently, there is a possibility that most employees who work in large firms may have prospects of advancing their careers, while employees in small and medium enterprises may lack this opportunity. The accommodation and restaurant sectors post the highest levels of employee turnover in the hospitality industry. Researchers have advanced several rea sons to explain this fact, but little pay (close to minimum wage) and intensive work schedules emerge as the main reasons for the high employee turnover in the accommodation and restaurant sectors (Deery 2008). Moreover, the accommodation and restaurant sectors require their staff to be highly helpful to customers. This situation requires the staff to be highly enthusiastic and helpful, always. Certainly, since the accommodation and restaurant sectors are service-oriented, employees are required to have many emotional investments in their jobs, to keep the customers happy. The lack of unionisation in the hospitality industry does not help to alleviate this situation because the workers do not have a reliable platform where they can bargain for better terms and conditions of work. The poor economic conditions that have characterised most global economies in recent decades have also aggravated this situation because many hoteliers have reported declining profitability (Deery 2008). Th e reduced profitability has led to the absence of permanent jobs for workers in the accommodation and restaurant sectors. Most employers therefore hire their workers on a temporary basis and when the business is not doing well, they lay them off. This situation explains why the restaurant and accommodation sectors report the highest rates of employee turnover. Furthermore, since these conditions are unfavourable to the workers, most of them have to depend on their clients for tips to supplement their incomes. Recommendations This paper shows that high employee turnover rate in the hospitality industry is a serious issue for the Australian economy. The need for mitigating this issue is therefore an important prerequisite for the success of the industry. However, mitigating this problem is a multifaceted issue. This paper proposes that most hotels and companies that experience this high rate of turnover should start with the basics of hiring the right employees, as an effective and in expensive strategy of reducing employee turnover rates. Many experts affirm this measure as being the first line of defence against high turnover rates (Tanke, 2001). Stated differently, companies should not only interview potential employees to ascertain their skill levels, but also to understand how well they fit within the organisational culture. This way, they would be sure that whomever they employ feels comfortable to work in the organisation (employee satisfaction). Since this paper shows that most employees leave their job for better salaries and better terms of work, it is also important to underscore the importance of companies to set the right pay standards for their employees. Here, companies should use their human resource departments to come up with innovative ways on how they can introduce more flexibility to employee work schedules and how they can improve their employee pay frameworks this process should however occur periodically (at least annually). Hoteliers sho uld also understand that they should accord a lot of sensitivity to the personal needs of employees (bolster employee engagements). In sum, managers should not overlook the importance of providing employees with a comfortable and satisfactory work environment to operate. Indeed, as Tanke (2001) argues, employees appreciate a comfortable work environment where they feel appreciated and compensated for their contributions to the company. Conclusion Even though the high rate employee turnover in the hospitality industry is undesirable, many observers fear that this trend may persist in the future (Willie Jayawardena 2008). Through this understanding, most analysts deem it is wise for players in the hospitality industry to formulate efficient strategic plans that would mitigate this problem (Willie Jayawardena 2008). The success of such plans may include the interventions of governments and industry players in this issue. From this understanding, it is inevitable to mention that the s uccess of the hospitality industry depends on putting the interests of the employee first, in the same way as most organisations have strived to put the interests of their customers first. References Davidson, M Wany, Y 2011, ‘Sustainable Labour Practices? Hotel Human Resources Managers Views on Turnover and Skills Shortages’, Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism, vol. 10 no. 1, pp. 235-253. Davis, G 2010, Why the staff turnover is so high in the hospitality industry. Web. Deery, M 2008, ‘Talent management, work-life balance and retention strategies’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 20 no. 7, pp. 792 – 806. Griffith University 2006, Labour Turnover Costs in the Australian Accommodation Industry. Web. McGregor, J 2013, Fast food workers are staying longer on the job–and wanting more. Web. Poulston, J 2008, ‘Hospitality workplace problems and poor training: a close relationship’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 20 no. 4, pp. 412 – 427. PROTEL 2013, High employee fluctuation in the hospitality industry. Web. Tanke, M 2001, Human Resources Management for the Hospitality Industry, Cengage Learning, London. Willie, P Jayawardena, C 2008, ‘Attracting and retaining quality human resources for Niagaras hospitality industry’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 20 no. 3, pp. 293 – 302.

Social implications of IT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Social implications of IT - Essay Example It is the fastest growing branch of electronics and computer technology. The distinguishing feature of VR is that its users feel that they are living in the computer – generated scene. VR games and other accessories are generally available with Incredible Universe and CompUSA chain stores. The present estimation regarding sales in the virtual reality market is approximately ninety million dollars per annum; and this is expected to increase to nearly six billion dollars in the future1. Virtual reality can be attributed to Sutherland who performed several pioneering works to develop the concept of virtual reality in the 1960’s. However the phrase virtual reality was coined for the first time in the late 1980’s. Some historians claim that the VR industry emerged during the 1990’s. VR gained popularity due to the extraordinary efforts of the early pioneers in this field2. Virtual reality is a computer – simulated world with which users can interact. These simulations, generally have some common characteristics, such as shared workspaces for the interaction of people with the programme, graphical user interface, real – time action, interactivity and persistence. Almost all simulations can be accessed over the internet. In those simulated worlds, there will be changes to the themes and landscapes, irrespective of the users who access the site. Online real time games come under this category of VR. For instance, Massively – multiplayer online role – playing games or MMORPGS are played in the virtual worlds. These are video games, which allow players to choose the persona of the characters in the play, and these persona are termed as avatars. MMORPGs and other virtual worlds are considered to be social networking programmes. Moreover, players can interact, form clubs, groups and chat with each other3. The availability of personal computers increased in the

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 27

None - Essay Example Specializing in a single field is thus very important. This will enable someone to become skilled and therefore will find ways to attract the majority of customers. Having a variety of product may make the buyer feel that they are of less quality compared to that one person with a specific product. Therefore, it is important for an individual to focus on one product (Wiid, 96). Specializing in a specific product is very important. This is because people that are familiar with your kind of work will always think of you when they find someone a specific type of service since they know that you so good at. This position is identifiable within a subculture where the people involved are so passionate about a specific act, an example is Dave Company. This is not just but a regular bar and a restaurant, but rather it is also a place with video game meant for the adults (Hague, 89). They have found a position where adults comfortable do take beer, play games without having to deal with cases of people running around with quarters or screaming children’s that they are competing with. It is important to identify a suitable geographical place to place a business. Later one is to identify what the people within the location really want. This will help one package their product and services so that they benefit the people. This will enable the business to receive the maximum profit within a short span of time. Creating effective communication among the buyers and the sellers is also important. This will help provide more insight to what the majority of people expect. One will also identify the major gaps within the business and sell them (Wiid, 100). Identifying the problems people within a geographical location do face is also important. This helps identify products that are most needed in the geographical area. Through consideration of such factors, one will be able to identify a suitable market. Brainstorming on how the problems

Extra credit Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Extra credit - Assignment Example entioned it clearly in the policy statement that it was â€Å"necessary and desirable that areas of unusual natural significance be set aside and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations†¦Once the areas have been destroyed, the areas cannot be wholly restored† (The Nature Conservancy, 2015). Development of the Mounds Lake Reservoir would also put the natural lands at risk, that the state has invested years of effort and money to build and protect for environmental beauty, health, and safety. There is possibility of development of a state water plan while it is established whether development of the Mounds Lake Reservoir is avoidable or unavoidable for being a public necessity. The water plan would yield information about the state’s water needs along with protecting the sustainability of the water sources. The material presented relates to a range of course topics in general and to the topics of biodiversity; population and community ecology; eco systems; and water quality, solid waste, and agriculture in

Youtube: Teaching And Learning English

Youtube: Teaching And Learning English Today, perhaps more than ever before, it is important to recognize that learning is a lifelong experience and is the key to the future we want for ourselves. Thus, with tireless efforts, people always want to explore different methods of learning and teaching. These days, lifelong learners are supported by advanced learning technology to structure and organize their lifelong learning process. Computers and the Internet have broken through school walls, giving students greater opportunities to personalize their education, access distant resources, receive extra help or more-challenging assignments, and engage in learning in new and unique ways. It has become a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to learn or practise a foreign language, especially English. A key aspect in the process of learning a language is repeated exposure to the language in its natural form, in a real-life context. Thus, video as a tool for education can bring multiple benefits for both teachers and students in this case. Money and Time are two things which have been creating so many hurdles in accessing the authentic video content in the past (Tarunpatel,2009). But today the English Language teaching process has been energized with the arrival of YouTube, a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share video clips means it has become a wonderful tool for teaching and learning. The convenience is that English learners have to pay nothing to access to a seemingly endless supply of spoken and written content at anytime o the day via YouTube. A recent article in Wired cites claimed that an average of 65,000 uploads and 100 million videos viewed per day on YouTube (Godwin-Jones, 2007). YouTube is increasingly being used by educators as a pedago gic resource for everything from worthy events to slice of life videos used to teach student in English classroom. So the question to be raised is How can we as educators engage the YouTube? Therefore, the focus of this paper will be on the strategies and benefits of using Youtube in teaching and learning English. This study hopes to shed some light on finding out new trends in education make students more willing to learn the language. If you are a dynamic internet user, it is probably that you have heard of YouTube before, but there are many people who are actually unsure about what it is. If you are one of those, it is recommended that you should find it out, or you could be missing out on one of the best online experiences, ever. In the first part of this paper, the writer would like to give you an overview of YouTube. Overview of YouTube 1. What is it? YouTube was founded by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim. Hurley and Chen developed the idea for YouTube in 2005 after having experienced difficulty sharing videos that had been shot at a dinner party. YouTube is a compound noun of you and tube, in which Tube is American slang language means television, so YouTube would mean something like a TV in your hands. It is video-sharing service that lets users upload files to YouTube servers. With the exception of content that is offensive or illegal, videos can be animations, footage of public events, personal recordings of friends, virtually anything a user wants to post (informational, entertaining, or purely personalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) One of an emerging class of social applications, YouTube allows users to post and tag videos, watch those posted by others, post comments in a threaded discussion format, search for content by keyword or category, and create and participate in topical groups. It ties into several blogging applications, giving users a quick way to blog about a particular video and includes a link to it (Educause learning initiative, 2006). 2.How does it work? According to Educause learning initiative (2006), YouTube is free and available for everyone, through you must register with the site, creating a profile in order to post videos or comments. Videos which include tags, categories, channels and a brief description can be public or restricted to members of specified contact lists. Several tools allow viewers to sort through videos to locate those of interest. Links allow a user to share a movie through e-mail, add it to a list of favorites, post a text-based or video comment about it, and read others comments. Meanwhile, YouTube also allows videos hosted on its site to be embedded in other Web pages, such as blogs or personal Web sites. In addition, videos generally stream smoothly. What are implications for teaching and learning? The total free and conveniences of YouTube are opening the experience of online video to a wide range of users. It draws members the opportunities for expression through videos by self-publishing, and making content available for anyone interested in consuming it. The site further engages users, offering them into an environment that encourages them to communicate to new people, view and share their own opinions as be parts of the community. Therefore, YouTube is casing a revolution amongst the educations with amazement and a certain amount of enchantment. It is found that YouTube contains hundreds of, thousands of educational video clips and becomes a foothold in academics as well as in corporate trainings. Many organizations are beginning to realize the power of Web audio and video to get their messages across to customers, members, investors, and employees. This includes training classes, executive speeches, product demonstrations, video news releases, shareholder meetings, and co verage of corporate events. In addition, The site offers users into the experience of viewing video and engaging with the content as commentators and creators, activities that heighten students visual literacy, an important skill in todays electronic culture. Many educators believe that the act of creating content-in virtually any form-is a valuable learning exercise, helping develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the tools used to create that content, enriching lessons and bringing lessons to students who are home sick, and capture the learners imaginations. To the extent that it facilitates such creation, it has the potential to expose students to new insights and skills, as well as link them to various online communities. As a social-software application, it is part of a trend among Net Generation students to replace passive learning with active participation, where everyone has a voice, anyone can contribute, and the value lies less in the content itself than in the networks of learners th at form around content and support one in learning goals (Educause learning initiative, 2006). On March 2009, it lauched YouTube EDU, an educational hub volunteer project sparked by a group of employees who wanted to find a better way to collect and highlight all the great educational content being uploaded to YouTube by colleges and universities (Arrington,2009). Video in an online course As video recorders are becoming more economical and available to use, it is easy for anyone to produce a video, so we should have a careful look at the use of videos in education Whatley and Armad (2007, p.186) showed that video , as an instructional tool and a communication medium has been widely used over last two decades in classroom, is a combination of a moving image and accompanying sound, so whereas an audio recording gives the voice or sound alone, video retains the visual cues that are essential for full understanding of the communication. Video, as an educational media, can provide vivid  ­descriptions to articulate tacit information and knowledge difficult to achieve through text or verbally (Goodyear Steeply, 1998, p.16). There are several ways to use video in teaching, including talking head lectures (images of the lecturers face and shoulders), interviews, video diaries, recordings, demonstrations and instructions. Broadband connection to the Internet enables us to distribute the recordings online for the benefit of students, providing for greater accessibility for all .We are now looking for ways to use video in more imaginative ways, which are pedagogically sound, and help students to achieve learning outcomes, moving away from using video just as a presentation tool, to using it also as a tool for networked learning (Young Asensio, 2003). According to Nash (2009), there are basically five different kinds of video in education, all of which contain the potential for various and observational learning: 1. Demonstrations of procedures and skills: These are often professionally produced and are incorporated within the online modules (economics, mechanics, technology, etc). Because students will learn what they are observing, it is important to show the procedure done correctly. If not, they maybe learn the wrong approach, so the videos should be careful when showing mistakes. 2. Movies, television, and film: Excerpts or snippets from television and movies are often used to illustrate certain points in a course. It is an opportunity to view critically, and to make connections between course content and examples. Active viewing, with the help of guided questions is a good idea; otherwise, it is too easy to become a passive, uncritical viewer. 3.News and documentaries: Some textbooks, such as Cengage, have made ABC News videos available. The Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and other documentary producers are eager to sell their content to strengthen curriculum. Students may be learning only one side of a story. Instructor-posted video content: Instructors may create their own content (introductory videos, explanations, more), often by sitting in front of their webcams and simply recording themselves as they sit at their computers and chat. Other instructors may post or embed videos they find on YouTube or in other locations. Student-posted YouTube videos: Students may post them as an illustration of a point made in the discussion board. They may be posting videos as a part of an e-portfolio. In either case, it is important to keep in mind that any violence, aggression, or antisocial behavior that is enacted will be learned by the viewer. Strategies for Using YouTube in Teaching and Learning We are all believed video can be a powerful educational and motivational tool; however, the power lies not in itself but in how we used it as a means toward achieving learning goals and objectives. YouTube is now increasingly being used by educators as a pedagogic resource from the latest events to daily life videos used to teach English for students. According to Duff (2008, p.126), video learning shouldnt be passive. These are some guidelines relating to the specific use of video to promote active viewing and maximize learning: 1. SEGMENT- Allow your students to watch the video in short segments 2. NOTES- Videos are ideal for developing note-taking skills. Take notes on the first viewing, then rewind, replay and check them. This can be done individually or collectively as a class discussion / brainstorming session. 3. PAUSE- Use the pause feature to temporarily stop the tape and allow your students to try to predict/recall what will happen next. 4. SOUND OFF- for video sequences that rely on visuals, turn the sound off and narrate. This technique works especially well for listing the steps of a process. 5. PICTURE OFF- Use the audio clues to describe what is on screen. Compare and contrast the predictions with the actual video. 6. LISTEN UP- Students concentrate on specific dialogue to listen to features of pronunciation. 7. SCRAMBLED GLOSSARY- Students put word cards in the correct order as they listen to a clip. 8. PREVIEW- each video carefully to determine its suitability for the lessons objectives and students learning outcomes. 9. INTEGRATE- the video into the overall learning experience by adding an experimental component to the lesson. Activities can be done prior to viewing; to set the stage, review, provide background information, identify new vocabulary words, or to introduce the topic. The activity can be done after viewing to reinforce, apply, or extend the information conveyed by the program. Often the video can serve as an introduction or motivator for the hands-on activity to come. 10. CUT-use online video editors like www.cuts.com or www.eyespot.com to capture the concepts that are most relevant for your lesson topic. It is often unnecessary and time-consuming to screen a program in its entirety. When previewing a program, look for segments particularly relevant or useful to the lesson or activity planned. 11. FOCUS- give students a specific responsibility while viewing. Introduce the video with a question, things to look for, unfamiliar vocabulary, or an activity that will make the programs content more clear or meaningful. By charging students with specific viewing responsibilities, teachers can keep students on task and direct the learning experience to the lessons objectives. 12. AFTER when students have viewed the video consider; what interested them? What didnt they understand? How can you relate the program to their experiences and feelings? Ask the students to add comments / blog on the video. How can you validate and appreciate diverse reactions to the material? Teacher can ask students to view a scene then write about what they have witnessed. Below are some specific examples of approaches to incorporating YouTube into the teaching and learning experience: YouTube can be used to create a learning community where everyone has a voice, anyone can contribute, and the value lies equally within the creation of the content and the networks of learners that form around content discovered and shared. (Educause Learning Initiative, 2006); Allow your students to create a short video as part of an assessment item instead of the traditional essay. Becoming involved in the creation of a video, heightens a students visual literacy, an important skill in todays electronic culture (Educause Learning Initiative, 2006); Record a video of a guest presenter relevant to your content and use the YouTube comments feature to generate some discussion; The use of video also has several advantages over graphic and textual media. For example, portrayal of concepts involving motion, the alteration of space and time; the observation of dangerous processes in a safe environment; dramatization of historical and complex events; demonstration of sequential processes the viewer can pause and review (Misanchuk, Schwier Boling, 1996); Benefits of YouTube Video It is said that images can be worth 1000 words, and moving images, as video, can add authenticity to the portrayal of theoretical material. Video can enable improved communication of lecture material. The English language teacher has been using video as an instructional tool and a communication medium for teaching English in since many years ago. The organizations like BBC and CNN have even made billions of dollars selling the video content for teaching purposes, but for last three and a half years, at YouTube, anyone can post / access to a number of different feature video content without having to pay a thing. There are two types of videos that you will use to learn on YouTube: The first type is created by language teachers who explain grammar points or give various kinds of lesson in the language. Often, you can get access to a variety of videos where people whose profession is to teach the language will sit down and teach you a grammar point or two. This is the most suitable for beginners The second type is created by native speakers of the language you are trying to learn. You can find video blogs and other types of entertainment videos which are probably the best for intermediate or advanced levels. Usually these types of videos are fun to watch, so you will not feel much like studying or doing work. Besides, YouTube contains enormous amount of video in many fields for users to choose, some of which is highly recommended in education. The site is considered as a huge library for English educators with a number of ways of ranking: Features Rising Videos Most Discussed  ­Ã‚ ­ Most Viewed Top Favorited Most Popular Top Rated Most Responded Or devided intoSeveral categories Auto vehicles Comedy Education Entertainment Film Animation Sports Gaming Music News Politics NonprofitsActivism People Blogs Pets Animals ScienceTechnology Travel Event In addition, the videos quality is relatively good and users can choose the quality levels of video (standard, high and definition high). Besides, there are many English channels from native teacher, non-native teacher, or English organizations (ETS, BBC, Havardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..) for learners to enjoy on YouTube. After watching or learning, they can join video-conferences to discuss or raise their doubts by comment (Joe, 2009). For instance, On March 17th 2009, ETS officials announced the launch of TOEFL TV and indicated it was the official TOEFL channel on YouTube. The channel includes videos by teachers and students giving tips for improving English-language skills, videos by test, and videos by students about how they prepared for the test. Of course we want these videos to be fun and helpful for students to view, and we also believe that teachers can incorporate these videos into their lessons as teaching tools. says Gena Netten, TOEFL Brand Manager (2009). Koumi (2006) has described three primary value of videos such as: cognitive value, experiential value, and nurturing value to instruction. These functions have been mapped to existing online video clips from sites such as YouTube. Cognitive value may be added through strategies such as animated diagrams to show processes, use of real world examples, or demonstration of skills by experts. The experiential value of videos is illustrated through clips that capture real-world events that are unusual, dangerous, or involve interactions among people or animals that may be difficult to reproduce. The nurturing value of videos is introduced through the impact on motivation or attitudes. It is clear that learning in a classroom or from a book is one thing, but when students find themselves among people using the language in natural conversation, they often struggle to understand and feel overwhelmed or out of their depth. Online videos, such as those available on YouTube, show real speakers in a natural environment engaging in real social situations. The advantage here is that you can watch again and again without having to ask a person to repeat. To make the task of understanding even less daunting for learners, it would be useful, when using such videos, to pre-teach key vocabulary that is likely to be unknown, a recognized technique in language teaching (Richards, 1992). The real advantage of YouTube, at least from a language learning point of view is that it offers authentic examples of everyday English used by everyday people (Beare,2008),has potential to link students to various online communities(Ybarra-Green, 2003)and helps students to explore online English learning possibilities (Godwin-Jones, 2007) One of the best ways to learn English is to interact with other English speakers, and YouTube allows students to do that through video, says Gena Netten, TOEFL Brand Manager. And former ESL Teacher Not only will nonnative English speakers be getting tips about how to improve their English; they will also be able to make their own videos to practice (Ewing, 2009). At the same time, use of videos enables teachers to attach the students to the real life nature of these videos. By creating context for these short videos students can be helped to explore a world of online English learning possibilities. Some teachers reveal YouTube videos enrich lessons and bring lessons to students who are home sick, and capture the learners imaginations. Students in many contexts have said they like video activities because they provide a break from the usual textbook-based activities, and even when the activities challenge them, video learning is more enjoyable (Tarunpatel, 2009). Besides, Videos have been updated everyday which makes YouTube to become unlimited resources for people. It is estimated that 15 hours of new videos are uploaded to the site every minute and that in 2007 YouTube consumed as much bandwidth as the entire Internet in 2000 (Arrington, 2009). Easy access to the videos by all students should reduce the amount of time that tutors spend doing this in the future. Therefore, YouTube videos can be used in an English language teaching classroom for various teaching (vocabulary, pronunciations, translation, etc). There are two ways to teaching and learning from Youtube. They are directly on YouTube and on other websites which are embedded by youTube videos. Sample Lessons You and I were all students once, and all know how boring and monotonous classes could be if the learning resources are limited to textbooks only. It is wondered what if we could make our classes more educational but still interesting? In this part, the writer would like to represent a sample lesson of using YouTube video in an English class. In doing so, it is hoped to enhance English classes, ultimately making them more enjoyable for both English teachers and students. Speaking and Listening The video I would like to introduce lengthens 5:40 minutes. This is about Susan Boyle who is very famous for her voice and her dream. This is received 45,443,686 views and kept increasing now. You can download the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk Aim: Practice Listening Speaking Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to Understand about Susans life and her talent. Materials : YouTube video Steps/ Activities: 1) Pre watching T gives a short introduction to Susan video. Susan Boyle, a 47-year old unglamorous Scottish woman, astounded the judges and the audiences in the TV contest of Britains Got Talent. Susan Boyle Singing Brings Tears to Eyes of Everyone, Everywhere Pre- teach vocabulary: Britains Got Talent: Cuà ¡Ã‚ »Ã¢â€ž ¢c Thi Tà  i năng nÆ °Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ »Ã¢â‚¬ ºc Anh 2) While watching T shows the videos for Students and asks students to watch carefully. T gives some discussion questions for students 1. What do you think about Susan Boyles singing? 2. Why did it become such a sensational story worldwide? 3. Describe what you saw in the picture. 4. How will the success change her? 5. Why did people root for her despite of her look and age? T asks Students to work in pair. T calls on some groups and checks their vocabulary, pronunciationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. 3) After- watching T lets student to write a Susans biography. As a new educator, the author is looking for the best means to help students in their learning. It is believed that there are improved means of helping through the use of learning technology advancements, which are becoming less costly everyday. Taking advantage of developments in technology combined with appropriate learning theory supports the suggestion that students should be exposed repeatedly to the topic through different delivery methods in order for them to digest the subject matter. Therefore, the rise of video-sharing technologies (besides classroom lecture, PowerPoint-slides note, handouts and tutorialsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) have opened new possibilities for education, are another practical and technically possible means of achieving this. While video has long been used in education, there has never before been such a massive quantity of short video clips delivered through the Web, especially YouTube. The documents and data shown in this report demonstrate how YouTube is such a powerful technology, and if used correctly can really improve teaching and teaching techniques. The use of YouTube video as an educational tool has a very positive meaning for both students and teachers. These pilot study findings have implications regarding to provide the use of YouTube in class and online courses, and perhaps to student users as well.

Thoedore Roosevelt :: essays research papers

Theodore Roosevelt and the Modern Presidency I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Early Political Career Despite ridicule from his educated and respectable friends, Roosevelt entered politics immediately after graduating from Harvard College in 1880. In 1881,Roosevelt showed the strength of his intention by winning election to the New York State Assembly. He gained reelection twice before personal tragedy, On February 14,1884, in a tragic coincidence, Roosevelt’s young wife died in childbirth just hours after the death of his beloved mother. Emotionally shattered, Roosevelt left politics and fled New York for the Dakota Territory. In 1886, after a disastrous winter demolished most of his cattle herd, Roosevelt returned east to politics, his first love. For the next 12 years, he held various government positions, from Civil Service Commissioner to Assistant Secretary of the Navy. When the United States went to war against Spain in 1898, Roosevelt resigned and organized a group of volunteers called the Rough Riders. Their successful assault on San Juan Hill in Cuba made Roosevelt a National hero. He rode his new fame to victory in the 1898 race for governor of New York. II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Roosevelt and McKinley   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When President McKinley prepared to run for reelection in 1900, he needed someone to replace Garret Hobart, his first vice president, who had died in 1899.Roosevelt seemed a logical choice. Basically a man of action, Roosevelt considered the vice presidency a do-nothing position leading to political oblivion. The bosses schemed to kick Roosevelt out of New York to serve as McKinley’s vice president. After he and McKinley won the election, Roosevelt sadly wrote to a friend, â€Å"I do not expect to go any further in politics.† Wherever Roosevelt went he became the center of attention. During the late 1800s, the country had been designated by strong Congresses and relatively weak presidents. Roosevelt reversed that traditional division of power. The new president employed the considerable powers of his office and his own personal magnetism to bypass congressional opposition. In doing so, Roosevelt became the first modern president. III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Managing Natural Resources   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1902 Roosevelt supported passage of the Newlands Reclamation Act, which authorized the use of federal funds from the sale of public lands to pay for irrigation and land development projects in the dry farms and cities of the West. Under new law, Roosevelt supported the construction of 25irrigation or reclamation projects. Roosevelt also backed efforts to save the nation’s forests by preventing shortsighted lumbering companies from overcutting. He appointed close friend Gifford Pinchot to head the U.

More testing, More Learning Essay

All students wish to finish their college year with a good grade. There is a lot to learn in every chapter of textbooks. Even if a student spends most of his time studying, he will get very stressed when a midterm or final comes. These exams will judge how well that student is doing for the whole entire semester. Patrick O’ Malley in â€Å"More Testing, More Learning† mentions that more testing provides students better learning opportunities because more testing forces students to have good study habits. It also helps students to focus on every unit in the textbooks and encourages them to learn from their mistakes. Providing exams more often makes students have good study habits. Students need good time management in order to balance between their college lives with their study lives. According to O’Malley’s essay â€Å"Greater frequency in test taking means greater frequency in studying for tests†. Giving students more exams is a way to keep them in track and force them to focus more on class. Although students are adults and should be able to manage their own lives, they still need a teacher to coach them. If professor gives students more frequency in-class exams, it will force them to do more practice and students will learn better. Having an exam at the end of the unit helps students deeply focus on what is in the classroom. There is a lot of information in a textbook and if students have a chance to have quizzes after the major chapters, it will help them to deeply understand the materials. From Patrick O’ Malley’s proposal â€Å" This solution would have the advantage of reducing students’ anxiety about learning every fact in the textbook, and it would clarify the course goals, but it would not motivate students to study carefully each new unit, concept, or text chapter in the course†. Students who understand the concept in their textbooks will do well in class and satisfy with their college lives. Having an opportunity to review the in-class exams benefits students to focus what they have missed. From O’ Malley suggestion â€Å"It makes sense that in a challenging course containing a great deal of material, students will learn more of it and put it to better use if they have to apply or â€Å"practice† it frequently on exams†. Student should be able to see how well they are doing in class before their major exams. Practicing with more exams releases students’ anxiety. Their lives are not depending on only one or two exams. More in-class exam gives students the opportunity to study and learn from the mistakes that they did in the past tests. Being a student is not easy. A good student is the one who can maintain the student activities, work and grades. There are many ways that professors can encourage students to study. Providing students more of the exams before midterm and final is a way to help student learn. More testing helps them to focus on the contents, decrease their anxiety, keep them focused in school and also helps students learn from their own in-class exam.

20 Economics Essay Topics Hot Issues Related to the Worker#8217;s Remittance

20 Economics Essay Topics Hot Issues Related to the Worker#8217;s Remittance If you are tasked with writing your next 5 paragraph essay on worker’s remittance, you might struggle to find an appropriate topic. It is for this reason that a handful of potential topics are listed below: Why Are Migrant Remittances the External Sources of Capital among Developing Countries in a Region of Your Choosing How Migrant Remittances Grow in Spite of Falling Capital Market Flows/Foreign Direct Investments How Remittances Compensate Human Capital Loss for a Developing Country of Your Choosing Determinants of Remittances in an Area of Your Choosing Transfer Channels Used for Workers Remittances in an Area of Your Choosing Methods Used to Estimate Workers Remittance Flows Costs of International Money Transfers on Fund Transfer Markets in an Area of Your Choosing Effects of Remittances on Inequality in an Area of Your Choosing Growth and Balance of Workers Remittance Payments in an Area of Your Choosing Performance Based Pay’s Impact on Remittances in an Area of Your Choosing Why Workers Remittances Move Counter-Cyclically with GDP in an Area of Your Choosing Behavior of Workers Remittance Flow in an Area of Your Choosing Countries Where Workers Remittances Are the Largest Source of Financing Why Are Workers Remittances Unilateral Transfers How Workers Remittances Mitigate Future Liabilities like Profit Transfers Factors Which Motivate Worker’s Remittance How Parallel Reductions of Remittances Can Deepen Financial Crises How Parallel Reductions in Workers Remittances Can Reduce Credibility of a Recipient Country of Your Choosing How Reductions in Workers Remittances Can Contribute to Economic Instability Impact of NAFTA on Mexican Workers Remittances Sample 5 Paragraph Essay: Impact of NAFTA on Mexican Worker’s Remittances On January 1, 1994 the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was put into practice, eliminating most of the barriers to trade that had existed between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Some barriers to trade were removed immediately, while others were removed over a period of time. NAFTA addresses textile and apparel, transportation, energy, intellectual property, investment and more. After the creation of NAFTA, two additional related agreements were created to address labor and environmental issues. Prior to NAFTA, U.S. exports to Mexico were in a decline. After NAFTA was introduced, that trend was reversed and 72% of the agricultural products imported into Mexico in 2007 were from the U.S. This agreement has negatively impacted local Mexican labor leading to higher levels of workers remittances. It has also negatively impacted the agricultural sector of Mexico leading to higher levels of workers remittances after workers migrate to America. Finally, it has increased the number of farmers who migrate for long periods of time away from families in search of illegal jobs in America leading to higher levels of workers remittances. Due to NAFTA Mexico has made strides in nearing the levels of exports of the United States and Canada. Mexican imports to the U.S. have increased four times since the implementation of NAFTA, rising from $60 billion per year to $280 billion. In addition, Mexico has moved from a closed economy becoming open to investments and foreign markets. The amount of foreign direct investment in Mexico has also increased from $1.3 million prior to the implementation of NAFTA to $14 billion after the agreement was launched. Mexico has faced challenges as a result of NAFTA. For instance, the creation of the free trade agreement has not raised the standards of living nor has it created increased incentives for Mexican workers to remain in Mexico instead of migrating north and sending workers remittances. In addition, the agricultural sector in Mexico has suffered. The Mexican agricultural sector had been highly segmented and contained a large number of small and medium size farmers. It simply was not ready to bear the deregulation of the market as a result of NAFTA. In spite of initial promises by the government to impose tariffs that would ensure a more gradual transition, those promises were never implemented. Instead the market was opened up to imported farm and food products from the U.S. The effect was severe for small and medium size Mexican farmers, who found it difficult to compete with U.S. producers that were large and substantially subsidized. U.S. farms tend to be much larger in terms of crops and acreage and are often heavily subsidized. Consequently, products can be sold at prices that are much lower in Mexico as compared to locally grown products, particularly maize or corn. In America agriculture is primarily concentrated on a large number of farms in rural areas that are huge and specialized. Less than one-quarter of the population in the United States now lives there. These farms, which are highly mechanized and productive, employ only a small percentage of U.S. workers. In place of the work animals that were once used, some 5 million tractors are now utilized. As a direct result of this transformation, agriculture in the United States has become very efficient and able to contribute to the overall growth of the economy in the U.S. Output from farms in the U.S. has increased dramatically, making it possible for consumers to spend a much smaller percentage of their income on food. In addition, a large percentage of t he population has been freed to enter non-agricultural occupations that support economic growth and development. This transformation has been spurred by innovation in technology along with changing market conditions.   As a result, production agriculture has become a much smaller player in both national as well as local rural economies. Although an increasingly integrated market structure has been established in order to meet safety and quality demands from American consumers, global markets have also introduced new consumers at the same time as well as new competitors. This has led to workers illegally crossing the border into America in search of jobs, and using workers remittances to help their families back home. Overall, NAFTA has proven detrimental to the agricultural sector of Mexico which simply cannot keep in pace with American production. This has led to workers moving to America in search of jobs, both legally and illegally, which has impacted the rate of workers remittances. Moving where there is work, many farmers from Mexico leave their families for extended periods of time in order to send back as much money as possible. References: Aggarwal, Reena, Asli Demirgà ¼Ãƒ §-Kunt, and Maria Soledad Martinez Peria. Do workers remittances promote financial development?.  World Bank Policy Research Working Paper  3957 (2006). Amuedo-Dorantes, Catalina, and Susan Pozo. Workers remittances and the real exchange rate: a paradox of gifts.  World development  32.8 (2004): 1407-1417. Ascencio, Fernando Lozano.  Bringing it back home: Remittances to Mexico from migrant workers in the United States. Vol. 37. Center for Us-Mexican Studies, 1993. Barajas, Adolfo, et al. Do workers remittances promote economic growth?. IMF Working Papers  (2009): 1-22. Jongwanich, Juthathip.  Workers remittances, economic growth and poverty in developing Asia and the Pacific countries. United Nations Publications, 2007. Mohamed, Sufian Eltayeb, and Moise G. Sidiropoulos. Does Workers Remittances Affect Growth: Evidence from Seven MENA Labor Exporting Countries.  International Research Journal of Finance and Economics  46.14 (2010): 181-94. Neyapti, Bilin. Trends in Workers Remittances: A Worldwide Overview. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade  40.2 (2004): 83-90.

The raise of Taxes at the United States

The raise of Taxes at the United States Abstract This essay will look at the effect of a change in tax rate in an economy. Based on the current economic and financial crisis relationships with be established on taxation with work incentives, labor productivity, investment decisions, budget and the rich so as to make informed opinion.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The raise of Taxes at the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When an economy is facing a crisis, it adjusts its tax system as policy to rectify the deficit in the economy. For instance, United States has been hardly hit by the economic crisis and is contemplating on increasing taxes for the rich. The change in taxation has both positive and negative effects. Introduction The current economic and financial crisis has adversely affected all the countries in the world. Those that have been hard hit by the crisis include the United States of America and European countries. Other countries, especially developing countries are suffering from the spill over effects. In United States, the effects of this crisis have been evident in various sectors of the economy. The country has been hit by high rates of employment with nearly ten million people registering for the unemployment benefits. The number of people registering in job search centers has increased, with fresh graduates taking the highest percentage. The economy has failed to create new jobs, with jobs lay off mounting by the day. Most industries are streaming their workforce since they cannot adequately meet their needs, such as paying salaries and other benefits. The situation has rendered a high percent of the populace jobless, with most of them having difficulties in paying their bills. Those who are unable to meet their bills have resorted to pegging in streets so at least to get something to sustain them. The suffering of most Americans has not gone unnoticed, with the President Barack Obama const antly giving an account of government progress on how the crisis is being handled. The most recent announcement by the President is an increase in the rate of tax for the rich. The tax raise among the rich will lead to an increase in national revenue that can then be used to create jobs at national levels. This move has elicited controversy, with some supporting while others attack the move as inappropriate. It is like taking from those who are rich and distributing it to those who are poor. Despite raising taxes for the rich, taxes for foreign people should be lowered. Discussion Taxation is a fiscal policy tool that government can use in order to have a balanced fiscal budget. The government to attain certain objectives like full employment, price stability and economic growth normally uses fiscal policy. Other policy tools that can be used include printing of money, sell of fixed assets, internal or external borrowing as well as consumption of fiscal reserves.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When a government is facing huge deficits, tax revenue can be raised by increasing the tax rates. Taxation is a tool that can be used to rescue an economy facing difficult times. Proper design of a tax policy can be a panacea to the prevailing economic hard times such as unemployment. United State has sought to follow Germany’s way to rescue its economic from adverse effects of its current debt position. Economist asserts that the only way in which an economy can reverse a crisis is using an expansionary fiscal policy. This will solve the issue of fiscal budget imbalance, unemployment and ‘crowding out’ effect. Conversely, high taxes will look out private companies from investing in the country because of the cost of production which will translates to higher commodity prices. It will be hard for businesses to carry out bus iness in countries with high tax rates. This is because it will render most establishments less competitive in the global market. To encourage foreign investment tax rates should be reduced for them and sometimes coupled with tax havens, allowances and subsidies, this will encourage them to take up their new investment in the economy (Kivel, 2002). Taxation and work incentives When there is an increase in the rate of income tax, the effect will be that the post-tax income of individuals will reduce. This is because the net income resulting from each hour of work will be lower. The move might encourage workers to increase their number of working hours to meet their target income. On the other hand, an increase in tax might be used as a disincentive to promote less work. The government normally sets a lower income tax rate for low-income employees. This will act as an incentive for workers to do their job for long hours and earn more money. Low taxes on low-income earners serve as a t ool of reducing ‘poverty trap’ risks where individuals will get high net financial benefits from their work. When tax reforms are favorable, it leads to an increase in supply of labor thus a reduction in unemployment equilibrium rate hence, the growth rate will increase. Taxation and the pattern of demand Demand patterns for goods and services vary as indirect taxes are changed. When value added taxes (VAT) on commodities such as alcohol and cigarettes increase, it is aimed at causing a low consumption among consumers or a substitution effect. The result will be a low demand for such commodities. Indirect taxation can be applicable where there is a total market failure, as well as when the government wants to ensure equitable distribution of resources such as health care.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The raise of Taxes at the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Taxation and invest ment decisions When the rates of business taxes and corporate tax are low, this can stimulate a business to increase its spending in fixed capital investment. An increase in investment will mean that the capital stock of a nation has increased thus an increase in capital stock of every worker employed (Mankiw, 2011). Government can use incentives such as tax allowances to boost research and development and in encouraging new business developments. A tax regime that is favorable will attract increased inflow of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). This will be a stimulus that will benefit an economy’s aggregate supply and aggregate demand. Low rates of corporation tax will attract huge amounts of private investment. Tax changes act as a stimulus of investment in capital assets, social infrastructure, and labor force skills as well as in technology. A good tax system will ensure an improvement in infrastructure, which is essential for economic growth through increased production an d competitiveness. Government spending can be terms of development of an education system that is skills oriented and technology focused. This will ensure a steady long-term supply of human resources (Dye, 2011). Company’s risk attitude and corporate income tax are the main factors that are considered by an organization before making an investment decisions, this is because this factors can affect the rate of return on investment. Amount of corporate tax to be paid is an important factor that is taken into consideration before making a financial investment decision. This is because low taxes will mean lower prices for goods and higher revenue generated. The Rich Should Pay More For equal sacrifice and fairness among citizens, those individuals who benefited from favorable economic times such as boom, rescue packages among others should find it necessary to shoulder the costs that arise from a crisis. There willingness will save the economy from suffering the worst effects of a crisis that a time may spill over to drain resources of the rich. This argument looks at increasing government revenue through an increase in income as well as an increase in capital gains tax. This was illustrated by Germany’s case after the World War II where legislation was passed which mandated financial compensation to gather for loses that arises during the war. This lead to a creation of tax on property and capital, this law was applicable to individuals who still possess substantial assets after the war. The law required them to pay half of their asset worth to a compensation fund over a period of thirty years. In case of United States, an increase in tax has no chance any time soon. The reason being the required budget consolidation should occur on the expenditure part. This will imply a reduction in government expenditure and this will have adverse effects on the economy. On the other hand, an increase in income tax disproportionately has an effect on higher earne rs. The impact of high tax on the rich is minimal because large proportions of their income go to savings while minimal amounts are spent (Blinder Baumol, 2011).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More United States cannot undertake spending cuts since it will adversely affect their growth. This is because the economy is spending less on infrastructure, education and social transfers. For other countries that are facing similar crisis, an increase in government revenue will serve the country better. Therefore, if Americans refuse to contribute more to their economy through tax, they will suffer from a middling economy. Conclusion Taxation as an expansionary fiscal policy is applicable when an economy is facing difficult economic times, where the government spending exceeds its revenue significantly. The current financial and economic crisis has led to increase of tax rates to generate more revenue. The revenue generated is ploughed back to the economy to offset the high standing levels of debts. Increased tax will hurt the economy in terms of reducing the disposable income of consumer and investment income for companies. Individuals will be left with insufficient money to spend he nce a decline in aggregate demand. The rich should make a greater sacrifice to shoulder the costs that have accrued due to a crisis as the low-income earners still pay their tax at the usual lower rates. Poor economic standing of an economy will imply that sectors such as education, health care, communication, physical infrastructure among others will suffer, yet they are the main drivers of economic growth. A good tax system should be developed to realize economic progress. Good taxation we stimulate accumulation of capital stock in the economy in terms of new industries being set up and new technology adopted. This will ensure that the rate of unemployment reduces with a significant margin. Increase the tax rates for the rich will increase the revenue base of a country with the money generated channeled towards job creation in the economy. An economy in a crisis should receive compensation from those who benefited from it during good times such as times of rescue package, social t ransfers and boom. The wealthier should make huge sacrifices in terms of tax payment even though the burden may be overwhelming. A good tax system should act as a magnet for attracting foreign investors through the provision of tax haven for newly established industries. This will encourage foreign investors in the country; hence help in solving the problem of unemployment. References Blinder, A. S., Baumol, W. J. (2011). Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy. New York: Cengage Learning. Dye, T. R. (2011). Understanding Public Policies (13th ed.). Boston: MA Pearson. Kivel, P. (2002). Uprooting racism: how white people can work for racial justice. New York: New Society Publishers. Mankiw, N. G. (2011). Principles of Economics. New York: Cengage Learning.

Suggestions on the strategic quality Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Suggestions on the strategic quality - Assignment Example In this case the prospector strategy. Prospector strategy involves active programs that enable a firm expand into new markets stimulating new opportunities. An organization following this type of prospector strategy should be highly innovative and continuously seeking new markets and prospects (Sun, 2006). The firm should be conversant with growth and should be able to take risks (Millington, 2015). KFC should use prospector strategy because they are a growing market and need to experiment regularly with potential responses to environmental trends that are emerging from the new market that they are creating. Instead of KFC centering their focus on the young generation, they can develop a new idea that should be serving different categories of customers with different meals. It can come out with a family package that serves the whole family KFC can also come out with new products and including them in their menu. They can also venture into catering services and functions like after school parties and site selling for outdoor events. It should also encourage its employees to develop new ideas and products so as to excel in the business market (Millington, 2015). Organizations that adopt the defender strategy are companies that produce a restricted set of products directed at a very constricted section of the total market (Sun, 2006). These organizations ignore trends and progress outside their distinct area and their growth is often based on market penetration (Marek, 2014). Firms with this kind of strategy try to avert other companies from entering their market. McDonald’s has a global, extensive presence and acclaimed products. It is an already established company and can use this strategy to deter other firms from entering its market by lowering prices that their competitors would fail to meet in regards to making profits. McDonald’s is a capital intensive company ranked at the top in terms of sales and assets. It can, therefore, use

Bullying In The Work Place Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bullying In The Work Place - Essay Example It is often extremely hard to prove to bully as a form of criminal activity. Many perpetrators of bullying behavior often go unpunished because there lacks enough evidence to prove that their behavior causes harm. Nonetheless, the best way to deal with bullying in the workplace is to be informed on how to protect oneself from any acts of abusive conduct perpetrated either from a co-worker or the manager. Maintaining substantial personal boundaries with your seniors and bullying co-workers is perhaps the best way to self-protection. When one is being bullied especially by a co-worker, the best way is to stop them from their actions and explain how one feels about their harassing behavior. This action, as he reiterates, invokes in them the consciousness of their behavior prompting a change from their actions. Keeping calm is another way of dealing with a bully. This helps in preventing a confrontation if one were to react towards the bullying behavior. Keeping calm helps someone from g etting upset, thereby avoiding a collision that would otherwise project the whole situation.There are numerous consequences of bullying to the employee affected. There have been cases of reported health problems to persons exposed to this misconduct. These include psychological and physical harm and injuries. Targets of bullying have cited health implications on their part that include psychological and physical concerns. Bullied workers have demonstrated signs of acute stress which affects their overall performance in the workplace.