What Is the Fairness Doctrine (FCC History Policies)

The fairness doctrine was a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policy. The FCC believed that broadcast licenses (required for both radio and terrestrial TV stations) were a form of public trust and, as such, licensees should provide balanced and fair coverage of controversial issues. The policy was a casualty of Reagan Administration deregulation.The Fairness Doctrine should not be confused with the Equal Time Rule. History This 1949 policy was an artifact of the predecessor organization to the FCC, the Federal Radio Commission.  The FRC developed the policy in response to the growth of radio (unlimited demand for a finite spectrum lead to government licensing of radio spectrum). The FCC believed that broadcast licenses (required for both radio and terrestrial TV stations) were a form of public trust and, as such, licensees should provide balanced and fair coverage of controversial issues. The public interest justification for the fairness doctrine is outlined in Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1937 (amended in 1959). The law required broadcasters to provide equal opportunity to all legally qualified political candidates for any office if they had allowed any person running in that office to use the station. However, this equal opportunity offering did not (and does not) extend to news programs, interviews and documentaries. Supreme Court Affirms Policy In 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously (8-0) ruled that Red Lion Broadcasting Co. (of Red Lion, PA) had violated the fairness doctrine. Red Lions radio station, WGCB, aired a program that attacked an author and journalist, Fred J. Cook. Cook requested equal time but was refused; the FCC supported his claim because the agency viewed the WGCB program as a personal attack. The broadcaster appealed; the Supreme Court ruled for the plaintiff, Cook. In that ruling, the Court position the First Amendment as being paramount, but not to the broadcaster but to the viewing and listening public. Justice Byron White, writing for the Majority: The Federal Communications Commission has for many years imposed on radio and television broadcasters the requirement that discussion of public issues be presented on broadcast stations, and that each side of those issues must be given fair coverage. This is known as the fairness doctrine, which originated very early in the history of broadcasting and has maintained its present outlines for some time. It is an obligation whose content has been defined in a long series of FCC rulings in particular cases, and which is distinct from the statutory [370] requirement of 315 of the Communications Act [note 1] that equal time be allotted all qualified candidates for public office...On November 27, 1964, WGCB carried a 15-minute broadcast by the Reverend Billy James Hargis as part of a Christian Crusade series. A book by Fred J. Cook entitled Goldwater - Extremist on the Right was discussed by Hargis, who said that Cook had been fired by a newspaper for making false charges against city offic ials; that Cook had then worked for a Communist-affiliated publication; that he had defended Alger Hiss and attacked J. Edgar Hoover and the Central Intelligence Agency; and that he had now written a book to smear and destroy Barry Goldwater....In view of the scarcity of broadcast frequencies, the Governments role in allocating those frequencies, and the legitimate claims of those unable without governmental assistance to gain access to those frequencies for expression of their views, we hold the regulations and [401] ruling at issue here are both authorized by statute and constitutional.[note 28] The judgment of the Court of Appeals in Red Lion is affirmed and that in RTNDA reversed and the causes remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion.Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. Federal Communications Commission, 395 U.S. 367 (1969) As an aside, part of the ruling could be construed as justifying Congressional or FCC intervention in the market to limit monopolization, although the ruling is addressing the abridgment of freedom: It is the purpose of the First Amendment to preserve an uninhibited marketplace of ideas in which truth will ultimately prevail, rather than to countenance monopolization of that market, whether it be by the government itself or a private licensee. It is the right of the public to receive suitable access to social, political, esthetic, moral and other ideas and experiences which is crucial here. That right may not constitutionally be abridged either by Congress or by the FCC. Supreme Court Looks AgainOnly five years later, the Court (somewhat) reversed itself. In 1974, SCOTU Chief Justice Warren Burger (writing for a unanimous court in Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Tornillo, 418 U.S. 241) said that in the case of newspapers, a government right of reply requirement inescapably dampens the vigor and limits the variety of public debate. In this case, Florida law had required newspapers to provide a form of equal access when a paper endorsed a political candidate in an editorial. There are clear differences in the two cases, beyond the simple matter than radio stations are granted government licenses and newspapers are not. The Florida statute (1913) was far more prospective than the FCC policy. From the Court decision. However, both decisions discuss the relative scarcity of news outlets. Florida Statute 104.38 (1973) [is] a right of reply statute which provides that if a candidate for nomination or election is assailed regarding his personal character or official record by any newspaper, the candidate has the right to demand that the newspaper print, free of cost to the candidate, any reply the candidate may make to the newspapers charges. The reply must appear in as conspicuous a place and in the same kind of type as the charges which prompted the reply, provided it does not take up more space than the charges. Failure to comply with the statute constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor...Even if a newspaper would face no additional costs to comply with a compulsory access law and would not be forced to forgo publication of news or opinion by the inclusion of a reply, the Florida statute fails to clear the barriers of the First Amendment because of its intrusion into the function of editors. A newspaper is more than a passive receptacle or conduit for news, comment, an d advertising.[note 24] The choice of material to go into a newspaper, and the decisions made as to limitations on the size and content of the paper, and treatment of public issues and public officials - whether fair or unfair - constitute the exercise of editorial control and judgment. It has yet to be demonstrated how governmental regulation of this crucial process can be exercised consistent with First Amendment guarantees of a free press as they have evolved to this time. Accordingly, the judgment of the Supreme Court of Florida is reversed. Key CaseIn 1982, Meredith Corp (WTVH in Syracuse, NY) ran a series of editorials endorsing the Nine Mile II nuclear power plant. Syracuse Peace Council filed a fairness doctrine complaint with the FCC, asserting that WTVH had failed to give viewers conflicting perspectives on the plant and had thereby violated the second of the fairness doctrines two requirements. The FCC agreed; Meredith filed for reconsideration, arguing that the fairness doctrine was unconstitutional. Before ruling on the appeal, in 1985 the FCC, under Chair Mark Fowler, published a Fairness Report. This report declared that the fairness doctrine was having a chilling effect on speech and thus could be a violation of the First Amendment. Moreover, the report asserted that scarcity was no longer an issue because of cable television. Fowler was a former broadcast industry attorney who argued that television stations have no public interest role. Instead, he believed: The perception of broadcasters as community trustees should be replaced by a view of broadcasters as marketplace participants. Almost concurrently, in Telecommunications Research Action Center (TRAC) v. FCC (801 F.2d 501, 1986) the D.C. district court ruled that the Fairness Doctrine was not codified as part of the 1959 Amendment to the 1937 Communications Act. Instead, Justices Robert Bork and Antonin Scalia ruled that the doctrine was not mandated by statute. FCC Repeals RuleIn 1987, the FCC repealed the Fairness Doctrine, with the exception of the personal attack and political editorializing rules. In 1989, the DC District Court made the final ruling in Syracuse Peace Council v FCC. The ruling quoted the Fairness Report and concluded that the Fairness Doctrine was not in the public interest: On the basis of the voluminous factual record compiled in this proceeding, our experience in administering the doctrine and our general expertise in broadcast regulation, we no longer believe that the fairness doctrine, as a matter of policy, serves the public interest...We conclude that the FCCs decision that the fairness doctrine no longer served the public interest was neither arbitrary, capricious nor an abuse of discretion, and are convinced that it would have acted on that finding to terminate the doctrine even in the absence of its belief that the doctrine was no longer constitutional. Accordingly we uphold the Commission without reaching the constitutional issues. Congress IneffectiveIn June 1987, Congress had attempted to codify the Fairness Doctrine, but the bill was vetoed by President Reagan. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush followed suit with another veto. In the 109th Congress (2005-2007), Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) introduced H.R. 3302, also known as the Media Ownership Reform Act of 2005 or MORA, to to restore the Fairness Doctrine. Although the bill had 16 co-sponsors, it went no where.

Bitcoins Undeniable Impact On Online Casino - 1932 Words

Blog 5 – Bitcoin’s undeniable impact on online casino gaming There is arguably no other industry in the world that has grown at a faster rate than the online casino industry. From small and somewhat unsteady foundations, the industry has flourished, so much so that you can’t move for seeing online casino advertising and marketing in 2015. As the industry revenues, profits, and payouts continue to grow, gross winnings topped out at â‚ ¬28.24 billion in 2014, so does the industry’s level of innovation. Part of this expansion has come through the introduction of a brand new cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has now become a key factor within various online casinos and is clearly having an undeniable impact on the field. Meeting Consumer Needs No matter where you look in the world, the impact of online casino industry is plain to see. While this the case, the online casino industry has had issues with regards to currency, with plenty of controversies occurring due to such. Considering the virtual element of the online casino industry, many consumers have long since backed the introduction of a true virtual currency to support the industry. Bitcoin has proven to be that very currency, with many online casinos already adopting it. Major names like Coin Palace Casino, Omni Slots Casino, BitStarz, and Jubise Casino openly accept the currency with more names soon to follow. Early Days In all seriousness, while many are adopting the cryptocurrency, it must be said that the integration of the

Poverty and Homelessness in the United States Free Essays

string(79) " will be an explored and better understood reality that all Americans witness\." Poverty and Homelessness in the United States Poverty in America is a subject that though everybody recognizes is existent, most do not pay attention to very often. In 2010 the poverty line for a family of four was $22,314. 00 and 15. We will write a custom essay sample on Poverty and Homelessness in the United States or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1% of Americans were living off of less than that (Tavernise, 2011). While 15. 1% is a high number to begin with, the truth is that many more people are living on the verge of homelessness. Countless families are split up every night with children going to a friend’s house or an extended family member’s house to ensure that everyone has somewhere to sleep. These people are called the â€Å"hidden homeless† by the Charlotte Observer (Whitesides, 2011). Even more people are either living in tent cities or in their cars all around the United States. The events that lead to homelessness range from drug abuse to being laid off from a career because of a poor economy; but sadly the former makes it seem as if everyone who is homeless is in their situation because of their own faults. Many people who are approached by someone who is homeless or sees them panhandling for money hesitate to offer money because of the discourse that all homeless people are alcoholics and drug abusers. Unfortunately, the truth is that â€Å"many adults panhandle on corners for money to pay for a cheap motel room so that their children can have a warm place to sleep for the night† (Whitesides, 2011). Through this essay, the topic of homelessness and poverty in America will be explored by understanding some of the causes that have contributed to poverty throughout history and how the homeless are coping with their situation. Hundreds of people all around the city of Seattle, Washington are homeless or living in their cars. In Ballard alone, there are an estimated 150 people living in their cars (Thompson, 2011). A new program in January is to begin, opening up church parking lots in Ballard for up to five cars to spend the night somewhere safe. All who want to spend the night in the parking lots must apply and be screened which is a task that the state and city combined granted $30,000 towards (Thompson, 2011). So far, Redeemer’s Lutheran Church has stepped up to host the homeless in cars decided by a unanimous decision in September (Thompson, 2011). While people all across the United States are visibly poor, like those who are living in their cars, many others are suffering just as well with the stress of not knowing whether or not they ill have a roof over their head at night. Many of these people are teenagers who either do not have parents who can support them, are too old for foster care, have mental-health issues, or have been evicted from their homes (Whitesides, 2011). These teenagers are ones who go bounce from friend to friend sleeping at their houses every night because the y have no other place to go. The homeless problem is one that is growing worse and worse as the years go on. In 2010 46. 2 million people were living below the poverty line which is the highest number in the past 52 years (Tavernise, 2011). Economists say that joblessness is the main cause of poverty in America (Tavernise, 2011). 48 million people between the ages of 18 and 64 did not work even one week of the whole year, which is up three million from 2009 (Tavernise, 2011). While maintaining a job and progressing through a company is hard enough with a college degree, full-time male workers with no college degrees on average have made no progress (Tavernise, 2011). Of the 46. 2 million Americans living below the poverty line, 20. 5 million are surviving off of less than half of the $22,314. 0 poverty line. To save money, many Americans are cutting as many costs as they can in their daily lives. One of these costs, unfortunately, is insurance. The number of uninsured Americans increased by 900,000 to 49. 9 million people (Tavernise, 2011). In Gaston County, North Carolina community meetings are held focused on finding ways to help those who are having a hard time financially. At these meetings suggestions are made such as, donating houses to be used by families, becoming a foster parent, and if in the position to, create jobs in the community. While reading about homelessness through the media, one must be sure to realize that even the articles written include discourses and also that they omit details in order to keep the attention of the readers. In Seattle the program that is to allow people living in cars to spend the night in church parking lots seems like a great idea that will help out dozens of people. Something to consider though, is the fact that many people are not willing to open up a safe haven, such as a church, to potentially dangerous. Even though many people try to go through their days without judging people, it is inevitable to have discourses towards people. In America people grow up hearing stories about how if you give a homeless person money that he or she will most likely use it on beer or drugs. These discourses need to be eliminated in order for the country’s problem to be solved. The United States is known as a country full of opportunities, a place where anyone can succeed but behind that visage is a reality that is becoming worse and worse as time goes on. While people go throughout their days pretending that everyone lives a comfortable life in a warm home, the truth is that at any given moment there are thousands of Americans who are homeless. Problems that have been existent since the beginning of the United States have contributed to this ever-growing problem that is prominent now. Through a political economic analysis of the history of the United States, homelessness will be an explored and better understood reality that all Americans witness. You read "Poverty and Homelessness in the United States" in category "Papers" Prior to World War II, the United States was going through the Great Depression in which the economy crashed leaving millions without jobs. The start of World War II created many jobs and brought the country out of the depression. Later, the Vietnam War and the Cold War took a toll on the United States economy. Because the United States had to spend so much money on these wars, the country printed more money than they had gold to back it up. To solve the issue, President Richard Nixon removed the United States off of the gold standard, dropping the value of the US dollar. The effects of Nixon’s decision were increases of oil prices by 400% by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and stagflation. During IDL 3, the United States increased interest rates to counter inflation which caused extreme debt in developing nations. While taking the United States economy was improving from the removal of the gold standard, there was still a problem of distribution of wealth within the country. Since the 1920s the top 1% of wealth holders in the United States held 30% of the total household sector wealth, leaving the bottom 99% with only 70% (Keister Moller, 2000). Through the years the division of wealth distribution only grew wider. In 1989 the top 1% held 38. 9% of the total household wealth. The division between the top 1% of wealth holders in the United States and everyone else is so drastic that although the GDP per capita in 2010 was $47,184 it does not accurately portray the mass majority of individuals who live with far less money than that in 2010 (GDP per capita (current US$), 2010). When separated into five sections, the top quintile consists of about 85% of the total wealth and 50% of the total family income of the country (Keister Moller, 2000). Another contributor to homelessness in the United States, along with uneven distribution of wealth, is the outsourcing of American Jobs overseas. Between 2000 and 2004 more than 2. 5 million American jobs were lost due to outsourcing jobs to India (Chithelen, 2004). No longer are only blue-collar, manual labor jobs being shipped off to other countries, but also white-collar and professional jobs. This movement of jobs has left many Americans unemployed and without many options. These groups of people, who may have once been part of the top 1% of the country, are now in the bottom with no source of income. The corporate businesses outsourcing are doing so because they know that in countries such as India workers can be found for much cheaper than those in the United States. Cutting losses and raising profit are the benefits that top executives look towards as they will use the saved money as larger bonuses for themselves (Chithelen, 2004). The jobs that international employees are taking from Americans are in the IT field and many workers, especially from India, are finding themselves having to move back home because the jobs they have are being outsourced for cheaper labor (Chithelen, 2004). It is estimated that by 2014 approximately 3. 3 million American business service jobs will be outsourced. The result of outsourcing and the uneven wealth distribution are that many people are left without jobs and no way to pay for a home. In 1988 68,0000 children were homeless and 186,000 children were living at a friend’s or extended relative’s home (Lewit Baker, 1996). While those numbers are high, there is no doubt that 23 years later those numbers will be much higher. These economic factors and homelessness have much to do with inequality. Because the distribution of wealth is so great, it makes it extremely difficult for people on the bottom who are poor to get anywhere successful. People with money have power and the top executives of the big corporations have the power to take the jobs away from hard-working Americans to save a couple of dollars, which in the end will return to the executives, by outsourcing to countries overseas. Because the United States is a Global North county that is part of the OECD, it often times takes responsibility over Global South countries that do not have as many resources as opportunities. The United States has many large corporations that have the ability to create jobs overseas like how they are when they outsource jobs to places like India. Though it is worsening the situation in America, many of opportunities have opened up for people in Global South countries. Media often times discusses homelessness in America through a sympathetic viewpoint. In the articles used for this paper, a majority of the blame for people being homeless is pointed towards the poor job market rather than the laziness of the people stuck in the situation. Poverty in America is a problem that is not just one on the national level, but also locally. Cities such as Seattle have hundreds of homeless citizens who get walked past every day without anybody noticing. In today’s society seeing homeless people on the sidewalks and under underpasses is the sadly the norm. Those living in poverty and who are homeless get tagged with the discourse by many people that they are in their situation because of their own faults; that they are alcohol or drug abusers, are poor workers, or are lazy members of society who want to bum off everyone else who works for a living. The truth is, as showed through this paper, that many of those who are homeless are in their situation because they have lost their job to a wide array of reasons or because they were never able to find a job in the first place. As displayed through the political economic analysis, many jobs in the United States have been and will continue to be lost to workers in overseas countries such as India. In these other countries, large corporations are able to find workers for just a fraction of the cost of workers in America. To go along with the outsourcing of jobs, the distribution of wealth in the United States is extremely uneven. With the top 1% of wealth holders in the United States held 30% of the total household sector wealth; the middle and lower-class citizens have very little power. The top 1% just so happen to be the people who have say in how large corporations are going to run and whether or not they want cheap, unethical, sweatshop labor overseas. The amount of poverty and homelessness that is existent in the United States is both overwhelming and extremely disappointing. Many families who thought of themselves as well-off very quickly had their lives flipped around during the past few years as the economy took a turn for the worst. Because of the poor economy, many employers look for ways to cut costs and one of their solutions is to fire employees. In 2004 more than 2. 5 million jobs were sent overseas and taken from American workers. The sudden loss of work has left more Americans in poverty than there have been in 52 years. Through the analysis of this issue, hopefully the issue of homelessness will be one that is less ignored on a daily basis. Hopefully in the upcoming years more people will step up to help in the same way that Redeemer’s Lutheran Church has chosen to open their parking lot to those who live in their cars. Bibliography GDP per capita (current US$). (2010). Retrieved 12 6, 2011, from The World Bank: http://data. worldbank. org/indicator/NY. GDP. PCAP. CD Chithelen, I. (2004). Outsourcing to India: Causes, Reaction and Prospects. Economic and Political Weekly, 1022-1024. Keister, L. A. , Moller, S. (2000). Wealth Inequality in the United States. Annual Review of Sociology, 63-81. Lewit, E. M. , Baker, L. S. (1996). Homeless Families and Children. The Future of Children, 146-158. Tavernise, S. (2011, 09 13). Soaring Povert Casts Spotlight on ‘Lost Decade’. Retrieved 12 08, 2011, from The New York Times: http://www. nytimes. com/2011/09/14/us/14census. html? pagewanted=all Thompson, L. (2011, 11 24). Seattle may Help Homless Car Campers. Retrieved 12 05, 2011, from The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes. nwsource. com/html/localnews/2016849799_carcamping25m. html Whitesides, S. (2011, 11 07). ‘Hidden Homeless’ are Growing in Gaston County. Retrieved 12 05, 2011, from Charlotte Observer: http://www. charlotteobserver. com/2011/11/27/2797440/hidden-homeless-are-growing-in. html How to cite Poverty and Homelessness in the United States, Papers

Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel about a young boys coming of age in Missouri of the mid

Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel about a young boys coming of age in Missouri of the mid-1800s Essay Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel about a young boys coming of age in Missouri of the mid-1800s. The main character, Huckleberry Finn, spends much time in the novel floating down the Mississippi River on a raft with a runaway slave named Jim. Before he does so, however, Huck spends some time in the fictional town of St. Petersburg where a number of people attempt to influence him. Before the novel begins, Huck Finn has led a life of absolute freedom. His drunken and often missing father has never paid much attention to him; his mother is dead and so, when the novel begins, Huck is not used to following any rules. The books opening finds Huck living with the Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson. Both women are fairly old and are really somewhat incapable of raising a rebellious boy like Huck Finn. Nevertheless, they attempt to make Huck into what they believe will be a better boy. Specifically, they attempt, as Huck says, to civilize him. This process includes making Huck go to school, teaching him various religious facts, and making him act in a way that the women find socially acceptable. Huck, who has never had to follow many rules in his life, finds the demands the women place upon him constraining and the life with them lonely. As a result, soon after he first moves in with them, he runs away. He soon comes back, but, even though he becomes somewhat comfortable with his new life as the months go by, Huck never really enjoys the life of manners, religion, and education that the Widow and her sister impose upon him. Huck believes he will find some freedom with Tom Sawyer. Tom is a boy of Hucks age who promises Huck and other boys of the town a life of adventure. Huck is eager to join Tom Sawyers Gang because he feels that doing so will allow him to escape the somewhat boring life he leads with the Widow Douglas. Unfortunately, such an escape does not occur. Tom Sawyer promises much but none of his promises comes to pass. Huck finds out too late that Toms adventures are imaginary, that raiding a caravan of A-rabs really means terrorizing young children on a Sunday school picnic, that stolen joolry is nothing more than turnips or rocks. Huck is disappointed that the adventures Tom promises are not real and so, along with the other members, he resigns from the gang. Another person who tries to get Huckleberry Finn to change is Pap, Hucks father. Pap is one of the most astonishing figures in all of American literature. He is completely antisocial and wishes to undo all of the civilizing effects that the Widow and Miss Watson have attempted to instill in Huck. Pap is a mess: he is unshaven; his hair is uncut and hangs like vines in front of his face; his skin, Huck says, Is white like a fishs belly or like a tree toads. Paps savage appearance reflects his feelings as he demands that Huck quit school, stop reading, and avoid church. Huck is able to stay away from Pap for a while, but Pap kidnaps Huck three or four months after Huck starts to live with the Widow and takes him to a lonely cabin deep in the Missouri woods. Here, Huck enjoys, once again, the freedom that he had prior to the beginning of the book. He can smoke, laze around, swear, and, in general, do what he wants to do. However, as he did with the Widow and with Tom, Huck begins to become dissatisfied with this life. Pap is too handy with the hickory and Huck soon realizes that he will have to escape from the cabin if he wishes to remain alive. As a result of his concern, Huck makes it appear as if he is killed in the cabin while Pap is away, and leaves to go to Jackson Island a remote island in the Mississippi River. It is after he leaves his fathers cabin that Huck joins yet another important influence in his life: Miss Watsons slave, Jim. Prior to Hucks leaving, Jim has been a minor character in the novel he has been shown being fooled by Tom Sawyer and telling Hucks fortune. Huck finds Jim on Jacksons Island because the slave has run away. He has overheard a conversation that he will soon be sold to a slave owner New Orleans. Soon, after joining Jim on Jacksons Island, Huck begins to realize that Jim has more talents and intelligence than Huck has been aware of. Jim knows all kinds of signs about the future, peoples personalities, and weather forecasting. Huck finds this kind of information necessary as he and Jim drift down the Mississippi on a raft. Huck feels a comfort with Jim that he has not felt with the other major characters in the novel. With Jim, Huck can enjoy the best aspects of his earlier influences. As does the Widow, Jim allows Huck security, but Jim is not as confining as the Widow. Like Tom Sawyer, Jim is intelligent but his intelligence is not as intimidating or as imaginary as is Toms. Similar to Pap, Jim allows Huck freedom, but he does it in a loving, rather than an uncaring, fashion. Thus, early, in their relationship on Jacksons Island, Huck says to Jim, This is nice. I wouldnt want to be nowhere else but here. This feeling is in marked contrast with Hucks feelings concerning other people in the early part of the novel where he always is uncomfortable and wishes to leave them. At the conclusion of chapter 11 in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck and Jim are forced to leave Jacksons Island because Huck discovers that people are looking for the runaway slave. Prior to leaving, Huck tells Jim, Theyre after us. Clearly, the people are after Jim, but Huck has already identified with Jim and has begun to care for him. This stated empathy shows that the two outcasts will have a successful and rewarding friendship as they drift down the river as the novel continues. Twain, Mark Mark Twain and racism almost always appear together in critics articles yet is racism really the problem? There is a major argument among literary critics whether Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is or is not a racist novel. The question boils down to the depiction of Jim, the black slave, and the way Huck and other characters treat him. The use of the word nigger is also a point raised by some critics, who feel that Twain uses the word too much and too loosely. Mark Twain never presents Jim in a negative light. He does not show Jim as a drunkard, as a mean person, or as a cheat. This is in contrast to the way Hucks white father is depicted, whom Twain describes using all of the above characterizations and more. We see Jim as a good friend, a man devoted to his family and loyal to his companions. The Red Tree analysis essayIn his subtle manner, he creates not an apology for slavery but a challenge to it. Salwen, Peter The entire plot of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is rooted on intolerance between different social groups. Without prejudice and intolerance The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would not have any of the antagonism or intercourse that makes the recital interesting. The prejudice and intolerance found in the book are the characteristics that make The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn great. Wagennacht, Edward C. The author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who is more commonly known by his pen name, Mark Twain. He was born in 1835 with the passing of Haleys comet, and died in1910 with the passing of Haleys comet. Clemens often used prejudice as a building block for the plots of his stories. Clemens even said, The very ink in which history is written is merely fluid prejudice. There are many other instances in which Clemens uses prejudice as a foundation for the entertainment of his writings such as this quote he said about foreigners in The Innocents Abroad, They spell it Vinci and pronounce it Vinchy; foreigners always spell better than they pronounce. Even in the opening paragraph of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Clemens states, Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot. Twain, MarkKaplan, Justin The World Book There were many groups that Clemens contrasted in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The interaction of these different social gro ups is what makes up the main plot of the novel. For the objective of discussion they have been broken down into five main sets of antithetic parties: people with high levels of society and people with low levels of society, rednecks and scholarly, children and adults, men and women, and finally, the Sheperdsons and the Grangerfords. Whites and African Americans are the main two groups contrasted in the novel. Throughout the novel Clemens portrays Caucasians as a more educated group that is higher in society compared to the African Americans portrayed in the novel. The cardinal way that Clemens portrays African Americans as obsequious is through the colloquy that he assigns them. Their dialogue is composed of nothing but broken English. One example in the novel is this excerpt from the conversation between Jim the fugitive slave, and Huckleberry about why Jim ran away, where Jim declares, Well you see, it uz dis way. Ole missus-dats Miss Watson-she pecks on me all de time, en treats me pooty rough, but she awluz said she woudn sell me down to Orleans. Although this is the phonetic spelling of how some African Americans from the boondocks used to talk, Clemens only applied the argot to Blacks and not to Whites throughout the novel. There is not one sentence in the treatise spoken by an African American that is not comprised of broken English. But in spite of that, the broken English does add an entraining piece of culture to the milieu. Blair, Walter The second way Clemens differentiates people in the novel of different skin color. Blacks in the book are portrayed as stupid and uneducated. The most blatant example is where the African American character Jim is kept prisoner for weeks while he is a dupe in a childish game that Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn play with him. Clemens spends the last three chapters in the novel to tell the tale of how Tom Sawyer maliciously lets Jim, who known only unto Tom is really a free man, be kept prisoner in a shack while Tom torments Jim with musings about freedom and infests his living space with rats, snakes, and spiders. At the end of this chapter Tom even admits, Why, I wanted the adventure of ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The next two groups Clemens contrasts are the rednecks and the scholarly. In the novel Clemens uses interaction between backwoods and more highly educated people as a vital part of the plot. The main usage of this mixing of two social groups is seen in the development of the two very entertaining characters simply called the duke and the king. These two characters are rednecks that pretend to be of a more scholarly background in order to cheat people along the banks of the Mississippi. In one instance the king and the duke fail miserably in trying to act more studiously when they perform a Shakespearean Revival. The duke totally slaughters the lines of Hamlet saying, To be, or not to be; that is the bare bodkin. That it makes calamity of so long life. For who farfel bear, till Birnam Wood do come to Dunshire, but that fear of something after death. Blair, Walter Thirdly Clemens contrasts adults and children. Clemens portrays adults as the conventional group in society, and children as the unconventional. In the story adults are not portrayed with much bias, but children are portrayed as more imaginative. The two main examples of this are when Huckleberry fakes his death, and when Tom and Huck help Jim escape from captivity. This extra imaginative aspect Clemens gives to the children of the story adds a lot of humor to the plot. Fourthly in the novel Clemens contrasts women and men. Women in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are portrayed as frail, while men are portrayed as more outgoing. The foremost example of a frail woman character in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is Tom Sawyers Aunt Sally. One example was when Tom and Huck were collecting wildlife to live in the shack that Jim is being held prisoner in they accidentally let loose some snakes in Aunt Sallys house and Aunt Sally, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦would just lay that work down, and light out. The main reason that Clemens portrays women as less outgoing is because there are really only four minor women characters in the novel, while all major characters are men. Lastly Clemens contrasts two families engaged in a feud. The names of the two families are the Sheperdsons and the Grangerfords. The ironic thing is that, other than their names, the two factions are totally similar and even attend the same church. Blair, Walter This intolerance augments a major part to the plot because it serves as the basis for one of the escapades Huck and Jim get involved in on their trip down the Mississippi. In conclusion the entire plot of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is rooted on intolerance between different social groups. Without prejudice and intolerance The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would not have any of the antagonism and intercourse that makes the novel interesting. Therefore making it not a racist novel, but historically accurate tail of life at that time. Mark Twain is innocent of all wrongdoing.

Internationalization and Cultural Implication for Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia

International business text has paid particular interest to the study of internationalization and entry mode approaches of companies in various segments. However, very little studies that consider cultural implications in internalization have been accomplished. This paper shall review different literatures on internalization and cultural implications for joint ventures in Saudi Arabia.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Internationalization and Cultural Implication for Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More First, a general explanation of the internalization process shall be presented followed by an in-depth review of joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and the cultural implications of doing business in Saudi Arabia, a nation dominated by the Islam, religion. A conclusion that summarizes the key points shall then be presented. Internalization During the process of internationalization, companies increasingly spread their business functions and activities outside their national borders (Ahmad and Kitchen, 2008). International extension compels companies to construct three tactical decisions including: which target markets to go into, the right time of entry, and the way to penetrate those preferred markets (Hill, 2008). Besides, a firm has to design a marketing plan with guidelines on how to enter the alien market and lay down a control mechanism to keep an eye on its business progress (Hill, 2008). Foreign market choice is a compound process and is separated into four phases including: state recognition, preliminary viewing, thorough viewing and final assortment (Johansson, 2008). To emerge victorious, firms must identify market prospects and discern appropriate foreign markets. Kirzner (2005) reveals that the market can not be at equilibrium due to the gaps amid the demand and supply. Hence, firms should identify these gaps and monitor the markets vigilantly for investment choices. According to Hohenthal et al. (2006), companies face diverse economic, cultural, political and organization’s situation from their home. As a result, firms may choose markets that are related to their state of origin to avoid insecurity in an alien nation (Johanson Vahlne, 2006). Time of entry is another significant decision that influences the cost and profits of investment (Kwon Konopa, 2003; Sivakumar, 2004). Market information plays a very important role in entry timing (Mitra Golder, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In case a company accumulates adequate information on the economic and cultural surroundings of alien markets; it is fitting to penetrate those markets. Deficiency of knowledge and risk evasion hinders several firms entering indefinite and risky borders (Griffin Pustay, 2007). An essential subject in international extension is that according to the timing of entry, companies face different stages of institutional insecurity, which influences the competence of the entry plan (Papyrina, 2007). Entry manner is a type of strategy and dedication of resources that a company adopts when it settles on entering an alien market. The selection of the best entry mode is amid the vital strategic decisions for companies in the course of internationalization (Nakos and Brouthers, 2004). Assuming appropriate entry modes can help a company to achieve enhanced performance and endurance in alien markets since it involves diverse threats (Ekeledo Sivakumar, 2005). Entry mode preferences are separated into two features: equity and non-equity modes. Equity entry modes incorporate joint ventures and sole ownership (Wild et al., 2008). According to Griffin Pustay (2007), non-equity modes are further separated into market leaning modes and contractual modes. When a company adopts an equity mode, it’s supposed to make a prefer ence among establishing a business from the start, purchasing an established firm, or a blend of both approaches (Griffin Pustay, 2007; Wild et al., 2008). Every entry mode approach has merits and demerits. Companies may pursue a range of criteria to select an appropriate entry mode. To acquire elevated returns from alien operations, companies may necessitate high resource dedication. Nevertheless, this augments the threat of international venture. Hence, companies must exercise superior control over their alien operations and partners (Blomstermo et al., 2006; Ekeledo Sivakumar, 2005)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Internationalization and Cultural Implication for Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Theoretical Views of Internalization Internationalization Theory As per the internationalization process theory, companies will pursue a regular process to internationalize their activ ities overseas (Johanson Vahlne, 2006). A company’s deeds during the institution of international extension begin from little resources dedication to a following greater dedication and power. Companies chiefly enter the markets that are well-known and have less paranormal space with their local state. According to Andersen ( 2003), this theory supposes that â€Å"for alien activities, a company moves via four phases starting with no consistent export deals, then export through host state mediators, followed by export via a foreign sales subsidiary, and lastly, foreign manufacture by an entirely owned subsidiary† (p. 57). Several scholars have condemned the internationalization process theory (Root, 2004). The series of phases was constrained to a precise state market (Andersen, 2003). The conjecture also ignored joint ventures and other contractual entry modes (Sharma Erramilli, 2006). Besides, this conjecture is too deterministic in character and is only significant in the premature stages of internationalization as markets turn out to be homogenous and supernatural space decreases (Melin, 2006). Networks Theory The networks method is usually founded on sociology of organizations. As Zacharakis (2005) proposes, the local state networks are initial point for the worldwide expansion of companies. Enduring competitive advantage is acquired via synergy. When a company has an enduring competitive advantage, its potential and resources are long-lasting, hard to spot and recognize, imperfect, transportable and difficult to imitate. The, theory then stresses the impact of firm-specific resources and trade networks on the global tactics of companies. In line with this theory, a system of interpersonal and inter-organizational associations that form the performance of firms to internationalize is the effect of the business and social systems but not via the internalization system of the market (Malhotra et al., 2005).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While the network theory presents a priceless approach towards the function of systems in internationalization, it fails to clarify the outcome of environmental aspects. Eclectic Paradigm Theory According to Dunning (1988), the eclectic paradigm also known as the ownership, localization and internalization model stresses that a firms’ global extension and entry tactic relies on a company’s resources together with relational and host state factors. Grounded on this perspective, if the local market has a location advantage greater than the target alien market, making sales to other countries is an appropriate entry mode. In case the host bazaar has a position advantage, the contractual entry mode is likely to be considered by companies (Sharma and Erramilli, 2006). In case the risk of agreement with home partners is elevated, foreign direct investments become the most suitable mode; if not, licensing is assumed (Sharma and Erramilli, 2006). This theory extended to joint venture mode (Agarwal Ramaswami (2000). The theory was expanded by considering the abilities and potential of the partners, spatial amalgamation amid positions and joint organizations (Sharma and Erramilli, 2006). Regardless of its experimental support, this conjecture is unable to offer an incorporated view for the elucidation and calculation of entry mode selection. It fails to explain why two companies operating in an identical business and with parallel rights internationalize. The model also disregard the effect of local state and internal aspects like a firm’s assets and manufactured goods character on the preference of entering alien markets. Additionally, it presumes that in absence of market failure, foreign direct investment does not take place but companies are usually implicated in alliances to enhance their competitive pose (Ekeledo and Sivakumar, 2005). Transaction Cost Theory The evasion mode of action in alien markets is low-control modes, although when compa nies experience elevated transaction costs allied to bargaining, supervising and executing a contract, they will prefer high power entry modes. Transaction Cost (TC) theory, argues that when competition is perfect, companies are synchronized and resources can be relocated among companies (Ekeledo and Sivakumar, 2005). Whilst a market is entirely aggressive, the market will control transactions by price system. This theory supposes that in the market where persons are usually investors, information will be unevenly shared among all trading firms, and asset exactness influences the character of the transaction (Cheng, 2006). The TC is not capable of validating the selection of entry mode in the fresh global business scenery. It is not able to balance foreign direct investment (FDI) with exporting successfully as it focuses on market malfunction situations that outcome in FDI. Besides, the theory does not acknowledge that strategic fears can inspire a firm to use a joint entry mode. Al though this theory gives reasons as to why a company may favor FDI as its entry mode, it neglects the function of location benefits (Ekeledo and Sivakumar, 2005). Resource-Based View to Resource-Advantage Theories Barney (2005) deems that companies have a basis of competitive advantage rooted from their priceless resources like assets and abilities. Firms can battle and attain their long-term aims if they have adequate resources and employ them efficiently (Sharma and Erramilli, 2004). The resource-based view (RBV) theory proposes that a company’s achievement in the market does not solely rely on environmental aspects but also on the company’s role and power on the environment (Barney, 2005). This conjecture argues that companies with precious capabilities and resources support high power modes, particularly when it pursues an international strategy (Ekeledo and Sivakumar, 2005). Hunt (2006) built on the thoughts of RBV in his resource advantage (RA) conjecture. He ass erts that since firm resources are varied and comparatively still, a number of firms may benefit from competitive advantage and improved performance. In addition, the specific manner of function in indefinite markets relies on the sort of resource advantage (Malhotra et al., 2005). Though some scholars view the resource based conjecture as the most outstanding clarification for the international development of companies, it fails to account for the selection of some entry mode policies including joint venture. Additionally, gauging some insubstantial assets seems tricky (Malhotra et al., 2005). Factors Affecting Internalization of Firms In general, business organizations do not pursue any exclusive model to internationalize their processes since they face diverse environmental surroundings. They may go into an exacting target market via different entry approaches based on their definite resources, abilities and tactics. Two sorts of factors control the international tactic, market c hoice and the selection of entry mode that is external and internal aspects (Quer et al., 2007). Internal aspects incorporate tactical considerations and firm-specific resources which can be controlled by companies. External aspects like industry factors and country factors are typically outside the power of the company (Ekeledo Sivakumar, 2005). Koch (2004) recommended that market choice and entry mode selection are influenced by several internal features, for instance the tactical concerns, a company’s resources , alien business practice and networking, and external features including latent and risk, target market and comparison amid host and home markets. Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia Joint ventures are the leading type of multinational business in Saudi Arabia. Besides, joint ventures are commonly favored by most industrial investors in Saudi who are in search for foreign allies. A joint venture in Saudi Arabia normally involves a business amid a company that has super ior business and technical abilities and a company that boasts superior local acquaintance and broad commercial potency (Mababaya, 2002). One of the toughest pleas of joint ventures is that they significantly decrease, by the sum of the partner’s input to the business enterprise, the fiscal and political threats which are the chief barriers to direct foreign investment. Most entrepreneurs feel that the existence of a home partner in a business enterprise overseas safeguards absolute expropriation in the more wobbly nations in the globe. Similarly, some other emerging nations do not allow a subsidiary run by an alien licensor to pay royalties. An additional benefit of joint ventures is that they ease admission into a novel market and access to market data. Joint ventures are also beneficial in pooling the required capital, knowledge and skills, which are feasible amid local and alien partners (Ali, 2009). Jointly, the partners provide capital which either one solely would not afford or fear to risk. With the increasing demand for private investment among other motives, most people believe that the all-inclusive joint business venture will eventually turn out to be the most vital means of private foreign investment in the world. In the emerging world, Saudi Arabia included all types of joint ventures lead international activities (Mababaya, 2002). Actually, joint ventures are employed four times more often in less industrialized nations than in industrialized nations. Nevertheless, all these does not mean that joint venture in the less industrialized nations, counting Saudi Arabia, does not pretense any possible disadvantage. From the stance of multinational businesses, one general problem they encounter is finding suitable partners in the alien nations, who have both administrative talent and funds (Ali, 2009). Some global companies favor totally owned subsidiaries overseas as they are not ready to sacrifice sovereignty of action in their fabrication and marketing actions either locally or overseas. For them, joint ownership means joint administration, takings and control. A number of companies may try to evade joint venture due to the complexities occurring from disparities in cultural values and principles of business, which force them to compromise so as to persist and do well (Ali, 2009). In some emerging nations, joint ventures may equally be negatively affected by detrimental business environment occurring due to substandard communication services, poor infrastructure and bad market projections. Apart from the need to deal with cross-cultural disparities, the abovementioned problems of cross-region joint ventures do not exist in Saudi Arabia. Actually, a joint venture amid an alien entrepreneur and a Saudi partner is deemed the best, in addition to being the most common method of doing business in Saudi Arabia (Mababaya, 2002).Multinational organizations having joint ventures in the territory profit from the accessibility of first-class infrastructure, up to date communication amenities and low-priced public services. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s strategic position being in the middle of West and East allows it to be an excellent base for supply in the close bazaars of the Middle East and other places. Joint ventures with Saudi partners are as well striking due to the existence of an established economic and political atmosphere; knowledgeable personnel in marketing and administration; good fiscal, credit and borrowing services from banks; as well as tax holidays (Ali, 2009). Fresh incentives to alien investors have additionally been established in the Foreign Investment Act. Under this fresh act, alien investors are permitted have complete ownership of ventures and to enjoy liberty to send back profits and capital (Mababaya, 2002). Similarly, a licensed business venture mutually owned by a Saudi resident and an alien partner or entirely owned by an alien investor shall have all the motivations, ben efits and securities of a national venture consistent with all relevant policies and orders. In every joint venture, the alien partner should be set to realize and consider the desires of his local complements in the business. In fact, practicing a joint venture across state borders requires trust, thoughtfulness, taking several risks, setting-up connections, conciliation skill and tolerance on both parties concerned. Trust is an essential requirement for the collaborating group to fruitfully pursue their joint aims. Equally, partners’ dedication must be there for the joint venture to thrive. Alien companies should also consider investment guidelines of the regime in the host nation. In several Asian states and in many other places, foreign direct investment is permitted but foreign impartiality is limited to less than 49%. In Saudi Arabia, the regime does not bar the institution of a 100% alien controlled company, although pursuing it will deny the global business a chance t o get incentives that are typically given to joint ventures in Saudi Arabia. Generally, joint venture agreement or the wider notion of coalition capitalism is regular with the concept that synchronization is made on an arm’s length center or inside the open market structure. Joint ventures match with liberated private enterprise economies, where harmonization of fiscal activities takes place through non-coercive deliberate collaboration, so that the parties concerned can take lead of the recent science and knowledge. Joint venture in Saudi Arabia is registered as a disconnect joint-stock business, which is take care of just like other home joint-stock businesses with both collaborating firms fairly embodied in the board of executives (Mababaya, 2002). Concerning tenure, decision-making and management, the capacity of the alien colleague to manipulate the joint venture is directly relative to its capital contribution to the enterprise (Ali, 2009)..similarly, the costs of commo dities delivered from the joint venture to the collaborating firms are resolved freely in relation to the market relations of supply and demand. Depending on the contract amid the joint venture partners, experimental prices may be used to ease smooth stream of goods and services amid the joint venture and the collaborating firms. Similarly, experimental prices may be made rigid for the supply of production from the joint venture to some contracted cross-boundary market channels, including associates of any of the two partners. In reality, the experimental prices will later be outmoded by final prices dogged in relation to some pricing formula that is grounded eventually on the open market price method. Following this logic, the survival of joint ventures cannot be explicated via the presumption of international production or internalization theory of multinational activities (Ali, 2009). This is the case since the internalization theory deems the propensity of multinational companie s to internalize a market, for instance through vertical integration, as a way of overriding the price system or the free market system. A joint venture can also be preferred in Saudi Arabia as a subsidiary of the Saudi fiscal counterbalance program. Counterbalance programs are types of counter-trade actions used by growing economies usually in an attempt to decrease the heavy load of contract-founded imports (Mababaya, 2002). The counterbalance scheme amid contracting members may entail joint ventures, skill transfer and goods exchange. In addition, it could also contain foodstuff importation, building projects, arms procurements and supply of administration services. For instance, the Peace Shield I, a pact signed amid Boeing Co and the Saudi government is a counterbalance project. The verdict by any multinational firm doing or preparing to do trade in Saudi Arabia relies on several factors. Generally, these factors consist of: the charisma of the host nation’s location-spe cific advantages, the want to develop market shares and the want to make more gains (Ali, 2009). The organization’s propensity towards shielding and utilizing its personal company-specific advantages, such as the ownership of a relatively advanced techno logy, also manipulates its plans and resolutions to invest in a foreign country. similarly, the strategic powers and core values of a company, particularly the one that merits the title of a futurist firm, pressures the success of its policies, strategies and activities at home or globally. In Saudi Arabia, international business activities cover all types of commercial, value-adding actions outside the boundaries of global production (Ali, 2009). Some of these include: setting up global marketing agencies, appointing managers, comprehending direct import/ export, planning project administration, and seeking certification. In Saudi Arabia, main multinational car manufacturers enter the market through their selected local dist ributors or via opening their individual marketing and maintenance agencies. Car producers such as Chrysler, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and General Motors are all embodied in the Saudi market via their individual sanctioned local agents or brokers (Mababaya, 2002). Famous multinational businesses such as Mitsubishi, Shell and Mobil have chosen to form joint ventures as a way of acquiring shares in the Saudi bazaar and close area markets. These multinational firms do not have their individual manufacture subsidiaries in the realm, despite their personal ownership-specific advantages such as machinery, administration expertise and profuse capital (Ali, 2009). Some multinational firms have diverse sorts of businesses in Saudi Arabia. For example, some firms offer consulting and technology services while still serving as suppliers for government ventures. Key multinational firms have practically no wholly industrialized subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia, since the state policy does not actually support it. What the regime encourages is for alien firms to have mutual business enterprises with Saudi firms or Saudi habitats. In isolation, multinational firms select other business paths other than worldwide production. However, this does not imply that alien companies are banned from having entire subsidiaries in the realm. As revealed before, the Saudi administration adopted the Foreign Investment Act which permits alien investors to have full tenure of ventures and grants them freedom to send back capital and labors. It is important to note that alien firms, covering no direct foreign investment in Saudi Arabia, can typically export their goods to the realm without major hurdles (Ali, 2009). Thus it is quite usual to see key brands of eminent American firms such as Hewlett Packard, IBM and Compaq in Saudi Arabia. These goods are neither formed in Saudi Arabia nor in America, but in South Korea, China or in other places. These firms choose to export their goods t o Saudi Arabia from their subdivisions in other places, rather than internalizing the Saudi souk. In theory, internalization happens only if the profits outpace the equivalent overheads (Janssen Sandberg, 2008).Foreign government rules and boundaries need to be reflected on also while internalizing a market. Internalization is the practice of creating a market inside a company. The interior market of a firm takes alternates for the missing customary or peripheral market. Economic allotment and sharing inside the internal market occurs via executive fiat, together with transfer pricing. The internalization method accounts for the rationale behind internal and domestic fabrication. Also in theory, when the business costs of the usual market are extreme, a strong incentive for firms to make interior markets will come to existence (Janssen Sandberg, 2008). Similarly, firms institute entirely owned subsidiaries across state borders so as to conquer or reduce qualms and instabilities in the provision of expected raw materials. They also wish to reduce transaction costs implicated in looking for and procurement of unrefined resources; to reduce qualms related to post- procurement sustenance; and to reduce overheads of organizing inputs. Global firms can be enticed to invest in an alien state, if the alien state has competitive advantages proportional to other states (Hamilton, 2009). In the instance of Saudi Arabia, competitive advantages include: existence of up to date airstrips and seaports; existence of outstanding inter-city public roads and good road network; and enhanced communication amenities. These benefits are quite inspiring and among the finest in the globe. Actually, Saudi Arabia has many determinants of state benefits. For example, with respect to the factor surroundings, current fundamental industries in Saudi Arabia have in past years attracted key multinational firms to venture in the realm. Big international companies such as, Mobil, Shell and Ex xon formed joint ventures in the kingdom (Johanson Vahlne, 2006). The investment income from these businesses has been extremely good. Plentiful low-cost materials are united with up to date infrastructure and low-priced skilled manual labor supply from Asia and other countries. Concerning demand situation, the Saudi bazaar for consumer and industrial commodities is the leading in the Middle East, and continues to expand every day. There is also the existence of allied and sustaining industries in Saudi Arabia, which are globally aggressive. Similarly, the situation of competition in many consumer goods sold in the whole territory is enough to cause global firms to react competitively and sensibly. In other words, how multinational firms function in Saudi Arabia and in other areas of the sphere is part of internalization practice which takes the shape of worldwide trade and joint ventures allowing entirely owned ventures among other elements (Janssen Sandberg, 2008). It is a pract ice where the groups of actors concerned have to pact with a dynamic atmosphere where the operation of change is the custom, but not exclusion. It also engrosses international co-ordination and combination of actions, if the condition dictates and there is receptiveness to market-specific necessities and circumstances. Global business players require strategic views, tactical positioning and all kinds of appropriate management practices to tackle globalization inclinations and transformations (Hamilton, 2009). They can not fuse to merely one cross-border trade option, similar to that of entirely owned global production. Sometimes, they have to make very hard choices, such as decisions related to: purchases, joint ventures, unions and licensing, for them to endure and developing the modern business environment (Hamilton, 2009). Similarly, the matter of control and ownership of transnational business is a hard decision since it is not regarded as a monopoly. At times, business partner s disintegrate and become rivals while at other times rivals turn out to be friends through joint ventures. Key business players at times fight on the international face by distributing similar goods and services while other times they work as partners through joint ventures which creates and markets similar or different goods. Hence, in the current business globe, it is difficult to come across a global firm that lacks a joint business partner in the vicinity or globally. Joint ventures constantly feature in business news. In prospect, the same tendency may persist, provided that the players find shared satisfaction and gains in their tactical decisions and dealings. Nevertheless, as nations stick to the globalization economies growingly, blockades to foreign investments may all ultimately vanish. If international ventures do not have to fret about alien government intrusion together with host state nationalization force and policy restrictions in prospect, they may be lured to lea ve joint ventures and may turn to entirely owned business procedures ( Mababaya, 2003). This situation may be coaxing, considering that joint ventures are not usually the best alternative for multinationals as it requires hard decisions regarding ownership arrangement, administration constituents and sharing profit. In Saudi Arabia, the joint venture course is still overriding, and is projected to stay so in the near future. Cultural Issues and Implications Saudi Arabia acts as the center for all Muslims in the world, since this is where the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are located. This implies that Islamic culture and moral values are considered central to be understood by multinational firms doing trade or preparing to venture in Saudi Arabia (Whetherly Otter, 2011). In the business area, multinational firms doing or preparing to do business in alien nations such as Saudi Arabia will have better competitive advantages and will be in a position to improve their competiti ve stances and benefits as they get more acquainted with the Islamic culture ( Mababaya, 2003). On the trade and industry front, Muslims are directed by open cultural principles, which have significant implications to real business existence. Allah instructs Muslims to be honest and not to leave justice in all interactions with people, including trades dealings. Business actions or transactions, particularly but not restricted to those bearing potential executions, are required to be documented into written agreements appropriately signed by them and their observers (Whetherly Otter, 2011). The subjects involved in the business must devotedly abide by the documented contracts and accomplish all commitments they have settled upon (Mababaya, 2003). Like a cost-effective man, committed Muslims exactingly adhere to these basic business-legal principles, and those who transact with them are required to act in a related manner. This must be borne in mentality by those who have business c oncern in Saudi Arabia or in another place in the Muslim environment. Both vendors and buyers are required to be precise in weighing commodities (Mababaya, 2003). Debtors are also compelled to compensate their debts. In case a Muslim passes on, his bequest can only be dispersed to his legitimate heirs upon compensation of any debts.similarly a Muslim lender is expected to be moderate to his debtor. He must give his debtor adequate time to reimburse him. However if he decides to decline the debt and regard it as a donation to him or her, that will be healthier for him. Appreciating the Islamic veto of usury is vital for multinational firms doing or preparing to do trade in the Muslim environment (Mababaya, 2003). Parties implicated in trade must stay away from usury. In addition, the parties concerned in business must shun corruption, hoarding and monopoly (Whetherly Otter, 2011). A few Islamic guiding principles for commerce include: openhandedness of both the vendor and the consum er; evading going into a transaction when someone else is already undertaking the deal; common consent; support of importation of merchandise and restriction to hoarding; censure of taking vows in business; and promotion of income sharing and partnership (Beekun, 2008). Islam forbids theft or burglary and regards it as a capital crime. Islam also forbids land seizure. Betting together with the buying, selling and use of liquors are all banned (Shoult, 2006). Selling of images with animated items is also not permitted in Islam. Selling of liberated individuals to slavery is as well prohibited. Other prohibited commerce includes making prophecies in exchange for money and practicing prostitution (Whetherly Otter, 2011). Islam bans all these and other illegal business dealings as they cause harms, differences and insecurity in the world. They also unlock doors to wicked actions, which make people to commit more sins. When it comes to meeting the essential wants, a Muslim is obliged by Allah to eat just what is legalized and fine. For instance deceased meat, pork and blood are not legalized by Allah the Almighty. In fact, the ban of flesh from swine in Islam is categorical and strictly observed by all practicing Muslims. Muslims should also not consume anything that is used for sacrifice or meat from any animal that is murdered by choking or by being blushed to demise (Beekun, 2008). Muslims are also not permitted to consume anything that undomesticated animals have partially consumed and any flesh alienated by raffling with bullets. Prevention of smoking in Islam is founded on the fact that Allah counsels people not to let their own hands add to their annihilation and not to consume up their possessions in prides (Ali, 2009). A multinational corporation that is conscious of all these restrictions will have the benefit of not hurting the Muslim clients. It will be in a position to shun mistakes and problems that it may encounter in trading with its Saudi ally on a cultural foundation. A global firm can augment its competitiveness by investigating on what the Muslim consumers’ desire (Ali, 2009). Any company that always holds to meeting consumer necessities will be successful in the long term. In fact, these restrictions in Islam have very significant implications to global firms. Conversely, Islam requires people to do what is good and legitimate. It motivates fortification of the environment, planting seeds and trees, preservation of natural resources and the security of individual and other’s possessions (Mababaya, 2003). To pass on while defending possessions is a form of martyrdom among the Muslims. This means that Muslims do not accept unfairness, treachery, scams, deceit, cheating, fraud, and other outlawed business dealings in their economic hunt. Allah expects faithful Muslims to take pleasure in the rewards that He has given them in legitimate ways. Simultaneously, He cautions them not to be profligate or to commit ov erindulgence in their consumption of resources. The law is toward self-control in spending. Islam stresses and pays hard efforts. A person has to labor hard to make his living. Islam also supports donations to the deprived and the disadvantaged. However, Islam dejects begging and stinginess (Beekun, 2008). Begging as vocation is forbidden. Incentive and reimbursement programs must be proportional to worker’s pros, productivity and assistance to the enterprise. Managers are required to pay wages and salaries of workers on time. The importance of time is also a component of Islamic experiences. Muslims are obliged to pray frequently; five times each day. They are also required to give Zakat occasionally in each year. They should carry out fasting and pilgrimage throughout the set periods. Time should be spent sensibly to do good deeds and bond to those who teach the traditions of Islam. Time must never be shattered in unlawful trading. When commerce is carried out with extreme honesty, justice and impartiality, it turns out to be a kind of worship (Beekun, 2008). For Muslims, everything that delights Allah is a type of worship, provided that it is conducted earnestly for Him, and provided that it is conducted in agreement with the Sunnah and the Qur’an. Muslims are required to be vibrant and progressive, as Allah cannot transform their circumstances if they themselves have not agreed to change. Both consumers and vendors have to be precise in weighing commodities and must be solid in avoiding dishonesty. The position of women in the whole Muslim humanity is actually intertwined with Islam (Shoult, 2006). In Islamic religion, sacred and moral responsibilities are similar for both women and men. A small number of exclusions subsist in this respect, although they favor the part of a woman. For example, she is excused from some sacred responsibilities like fasting and prayer during her normal monthly periods. She is too not expected to attend the compu lsory prayers held in the mosque. This happens because Islam religion considers a woman’s key roles to be that of taking care of the family and maintaining the homestead. On the money-making face, Islam does not forbid women from laboring remote to the household setting. In contrast, it has given them the freedom to own and run their personal enterprises (Shoult, 2006). Regarding the matter of women in the Saudi Arabian labor force, a huge number of them are in employment. The regime is also preparing to open the private segment so as to provide work for Saudi women aligned with the kingdom’s plan towards making employment public. In this view, constructing markets and shopping centers that are special for women are a few of the strategies to create employment prospects for women in Saudi (Shoult, 2006). In conclusion, Joint ventures are the leading type of multinational business in Saudi Arabia. A joint venture in Saudi Arabia normally involves a business amid a compa ny that has superior business and technical abilities and a company that boasts superior local acquaintance and broad commercial potency. Among the benefits of joint ventures is that they ease admission into a novel market and access to market data and pool the required capital, knowledge and skills, which are feasible amid local and alien partners. Joint venture in Saudi Arabia is registered as a disconnect joint-stock business, which is take care of just like other home joint-stock businesses with both collaborating firms fairly embodied in the board of executives. In assumption, internalization happens only if the profits outpace the equivalent overheads.Foreign government rules and boundaries need to be reflected on also while internalizing a market. Global firms can be enticed to invest in an alien state, if the alien state has competitive advantages proportional to other states. In the instance of Saudi Arabia, competitive advantages include: existence of up to date airstrips and seaports; existence of outstanding inter-city public roads and good road network; and enhanced communication amenities. Actually, Saudi Arabia has many determinants of state benefits. For example, with respect to the factor surroundings, current fundamental industries in Saudi Arabia have in past years attracted key multinational firms to venture in the realm. Saudi Arabia acts as the center for all Muslims in the world, since this is where the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are located. This implies that Islamic culture and moral values are considered central to be understood by multinational firms doing trade or preparing to venture in Saudi Arabia. In the business area, multinational firms doing or preparing to do business in alien nations such as Saudi Arabia will have better competitive advantages and will be in a position to improve their competitive stances and benefits as they get more acquainted with the Islamic culture. On the trade and industry front, Muslims a re directed by open cultural principles, which have significant implications to real business existence. For instance, Muslims are expected to be honest and not to leave justice in all interactions with people, including trades dealings. Islam also forbids theft or burglary, land seizure, betting, buying, selling and use of liquors, selling images with animated items, fortune telling and prostitution. When commerce is carried out with extreme honesty, justice and impartiality, it turns out to be a kind of worship. For Muslims, everything that delights Allah is a type of worship, provided that it is conducted earnestly for Him, and provided that it is conducted in agreement with the Sunnah and the Qur’an. A multinational corporation that is conscious of all these restrictions will have the benefit of not hurting the Muslim clients. It will be in a position to shun mistakes and problems that it may encounter in trading with its Saudi ally on a cultural foundation. A global firm can augment its competitiveness by investigating on what the Muslim consumers’ desire. Any company that always holds to meeting consumer necessities will be successful in the long term. In fact, these restrictions in Islam have very significant implications to global firms. References Agarwal, S. Ramaswami, S. N. (2000).Choice of foreign market entry mode: impact of ownership, location and internalization factors. Journal of International Business Studies, 23 (1), 1-27 Ahmad, S. Z. Kitchen, P. J. (2008). Transnational corporations from Asian developing countries: the internationalization characteristics and business strategies of Sime Darby Berhad. International Journal of Business Science and Applied Management, 3 (2), 21-36. Ali, A. (2009). Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia. New York: Routledge Andersen, O. (2003). On the internationalization process of firms: a critical analysis. Journal of International Business Studies, 24 (2), 209-231. Barney, J. B. (2005). Strategic factor markets: expectations, luck, and business strategy. Management Science, 32 (10), 1231-1241. Beekun, R. (2008). Islamic Business Ethics. 2nd Ed. Herndon: International Institute of Islamic Thought. Blomstermo, A., Sharma, D. D. Sallis, J. (2006).Choice of foreign market entry mode in service firms. International Marketing Review, 23(2), 211-29. Cheng, Y. M. (2006). Determinants of FDI mode choice: acquisition, Brownfield, and Greenfield entry in foreign markets. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, 23 (3), 202-220. Dunning, J. H. (1988).The eclectic paradigm of international production: a restatement and some possible extensions. Journal of International Business Studies, 19 (1), 1-31. Ekeledo, I. Sivakumar, K. (2005). Foreign market entry mode choice of service firms: a contingency perspective. Journal of Academy of Marketing Science, 26 (4), 274-292. Griffin, R. W. Pustay, M. W. (2007). International business: a managerial perspective. 5th ed. N ew Jersey: Pearson Education Inc Hamilton, L. (2009). The international business environment. New York: Oxford University Press. Hill, C. W. (2008). Global business today. 5th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Hohenthal, J. Johanson, J. Johanson, M. (2006) Market discovery and the international expansion of the firm. International Business Review, 12, 659-672 Hunt, S. D. (2006). Foundations of marketing theory. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Janssen, H. Sandberg, S. (2008). Internationalization of small and medium sized enterprises in the Baltic Sea Region. Journal of International Management, 14, 65-77. Johanson, J. Vahlne, J. E. (2006). The internationalization process of the firm – a model of knowledge development and increasing foreign market commitments. Journal of International Business Studies, 8 (1), 23-32 Kirzner, I. M. (2005). Competition and entrepreneurship. Chicago: University of Chicago Press Koch, A. J. (2004). Selecting overseas markets and entry modes: two decision processes or one? Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 19 (1), 65-75. Kwon, Y. C. Konopa, L. J. (2003). Impact of host country market characteristics on the choice of foreign market entry mode. International Marketing Review, 10 (2), 60-76. Mababaya, M. (2002). The role of multinational companies in the Middle East: the case of Saudi Arabia. London: University of Westminster. Mababaya, M. (2003). International business success in a strange cultural environment. USA: Universal Publishers Malhotra, N., Agarwal, J. Ulgado, F. (2003). Internationalization and entry modes: a multi-theoretical framework and research propositions. Journal of International Marketing, 11 (4), 1-31. Melin, L. (2006). Internationalization as a strategy process. Strategic Management Journal, 13, 99-118. Mitra, D. Golder, P. N. (2007). Whose culture matters? Near-market knowledge and its impact on foreign market entry tinning. Journal of Marketing Research, 39, 350-365 Nakos, G. Brouthers, K. (2004). Entry mode choice of SMEs in central and Eastern Europe. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 3, 47-62. Papyrina, V. (2007). When, how, and with what success? The joint effect of entry timing and entry mode on survival of Japanese subsidiaries in China. Journal of International Marketing, 15 (3), 73-95. Quer, D., Claver, E. Andreu, R. (2007). Foreign market entry mode in the hotel industry: the impact of country- and firm-specific factors. International Business Review, 16, 362-376. Root, F. R. (2004). Entry strategies for international markets. Lexington: D. C.Heath Sharma, V. M. . Erramilli, M. K. (2006). Resource-based explanation of entry mode choice. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 4, 1-18 Shoult, A. (2006). Doing Business with Saudi Arabia. City: GMB Publishing Sivakumar, K. (2004).Simultaneous determination of entry timing and involvement level: an optimization model for international marketing. International Marketing Review, 19 (1), 21-38. Whetherly, P. Otter, D. (2011). The bu siness environment: themes and issues. Oxford: Oxford University Press Wild, J. J., Wild, K. L. Han, J. C. Y. (2008). International business: the challenges of globalization. 4th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice hall Zacharakis, A. L. (2005). Entrepreneurial entry into foreign markets: a transaction cost perspective. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 23-39. This essay on Internationalization and Cultural Implication for Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia was written and submitted by user Jason Mcbride 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.

Famous Blessings, Sayings, and Songs About Hanukkah

Famous Blessings, Sayings, and Songs About Hanukkah The name of this Jewish holiday can be spelled many different ways, but the two most widely accepted are Hanukkah and Chanukah. The holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. In honor of the celebration of Hanukkah, here are some blessings, proverbs, thoughts, and even a song from famous people such as American film producer Ralph Levy, American author Dave Barry, poet Hannah Senesh, and many others. Dave Barry In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it Christmas  and went to church; the Jews called it Hanukkah and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say Merry Christmas!  or Happy Hanukkah! or (to the atheists) Look out for the wall! Chinese Proverb It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Allen Ginsberg From: Psalm III Let the crookedness and straightness bespeak the light. Ralph Levy Now, near the Winter Solstice, it is good to light candles. All the nice meanings of bringing light to the world can be beautiful. But perhaps we are concentrating on lighting the world because we dont know how to light up our own lives. Hanukkah Blessing May This Festival of Lights bring Blessings upon you and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness, for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth, and May the Lights of Chanukah Usher in the Light of Moshiach and a Better World for All of Humankind. Rabbi David Hartman The major question, which we must ponder on Hanukkah, is whether the Jewish people can develop an identity that will enable it to meet the outside world without feeling threatened or intimidated. The choice, hopefully, need not be ghettoization or assimilation. We can absorb from others without being smothered. We can appreciate and assimilate that which derives from foreign sources and at the same time feel firmly anchored to our particular frame of reference. Emma Lazarus, The Feast of Lights Kindle the taper like the steadfast star Ablaze on evenings forehead oer the earth, And add each night a lustre till afar. Ralph Levy Hanukkah - Another View We have focused on the miracle-thing and I think we often overlook the message of Hanukkah. To me, the core of the holiday is the cleaning of the temple... The accomplishment was in restoring the temple to the purpose for which it was built. Now think of the temple as a symbol. Perhaps it represents my life. The world has tried to use me for its own (perhaps good, but none-the-less extrinsic) purposes. But now I can rededicate myself to my own original purpose. II Maccabees 10. 6-7 They celebrated it for eight days with gladness like Sukkot   and recalled how a little while before, during Sukkot,   they had been wandering in the mountains and caverns like wild animals. So carrying lulavs ... they offered hymns of praise   to God who had brought to pass the purification of His own place. Charles Reznikoff From the poem: Meditations on the Fall and Winter Holidays The miracle, of course, was not that the oil for the sacred light - in a little cruse - lasted as long as they say; but that the courage of the Maccabees lasted to this day: let that nourish my flickering spirit. Adam Sandler From the song: The Hanukkah Song   Put on your yarmulke, Here comes Hanukkah! So much funukah, To celebrate Hanukkah! Hanukkah is the festival of lights. Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights. Hannah Senesh Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame. Blessed is the flame that burns in the secret fastness of the heart.

International Marketing Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

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A Raisin in the Sun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Raisin in the Sun - Essay Example This causes disagreements between the family members as everyone has different ideas on how the money should be used. They rent a house particularly in a white neighborhood, but they are not very welcome. This is evident by the way Karl Lindner the white neighborhood’s representative asks to buy them out with a very generous offer. At the end of the play, the family leaves with their pride of being black and refuse the money offered by the white people. This paper therefore seeks to analyze the play A raisin in the sun and show how racism was deeply rooted back in the 1950’s and the manner in which blacks always wanted to pursue the American dream where they would hope to have â€Å"life, liberty as well as the pursuit of happiness†. Looking at the social climate of the 1950s and 1960’s as displayed by the play, it is easy to see that black people lived in poor conditions as compared to white people. In this era, most of the public buildings in the white n eighborhood were full of racial segregation. White people did not mingle or live together with black people as they were thought to be of an inferior class. Many whites were also of the belief that by having black people in a white neighborhood, the value of their property would go down1. ... given in the year 1952 by the Women’s committee to end discrimination in the medical services, it was seen that there was a high connection between high death rates in black people and hospital segregation2. Still in the schools black children attended sub-standard schools as compared the white children. In most of the public schools together with colleges, racial segregation was rampant and blacks attained marginal education as compared to white children. Despite the fact that the Supreme Court in the year 1954 made a ruling using the Brown v. Board Education, that school segregation was not constitutional, it took quite a number of years for it to be implemented. In terms of the economic climate that the blacks faced during the 1950s, there was a lot of racial discrimination, which led to blacks getting very low paying jobs. After the Second World War, black veterans went back home so as to share their victory and live the American Dream. This however was not to be a reality for them as they were prohibited from settling in the upcoming suburbs. This is similar to the raisin in the sun play where Mama and her family are being asked to leave particularly because it is a white neighborhood. In the 1950’s black Americans have no choice but to live in cramped areas whereby even finding good jobs is equally hard. Unfortunately, candidates who are educated and are highly qualified for good jobs are not also lucky and they also face racial discrimination when the hiring process is on; for this reason, they have to settle for odd jobs. Black American population between 1940 and 1970 had drastically increased from 50 percent all the way to 80 percent. In the south, many black Americans lost both mining and share cropping jobs particularly due to the government investing

Museum Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Museum Paper - Essay Example There are various writings on the coffin that indicate of the mummy’s social identity as a fertility god. The major aspect of the writing is the prayer that ensures that Irethorrou is supposed to receive meals that entail of â€Å"good and pure things† to achieve its eternity. The lineage of Irethorrou is outlined on the coffin, and tis includes of the Akhimim city. Based on the information written on the coffin, we note that Irethorrou was a wardrobe-priest, responsible for caring for the god’s statue. This means that the Egyptians purified the statue, cleaned it adnd clothed it on a daily schedule. The major aim of Irethorrou was to specialize in fumeal rituals, since he was a servant of the funerary duty Osiris-Sokar. The mummy boy is wrapped in linen and it has amulets made of stones. They are positioned strategically at crucial points on the swaddling linen. It is important to note that the positioning of the amulets in the linen layer close to the body is described to posses’ magical effects that are connected to the Egyptian belief in resurrection. The amulets are placed on the Mummy in a manner that enables individuals to realize the traditions associated with the treatment of the head. These aim at reawakening and reanimating the body. We note that there are amulets placed on the right eye of Irethorrou, and they have direct associations with the atef god. The deities are situated together with a belief that they will work in a speeded and secure manner to ensure that Irethorrou resurrects. However, we note that the life and death of Irethorrou is not indicated however, it is estimated that the mummy lived to be around forty to fifty years. The cause of his death is not identified although various bumps on its back skin characterize the infection of a deadly disease. The Cantor Arts Center is an art collection center that entails of different works from the entire globe. The collections usually

Analysis Of Strategic Changes Of Tata Steel Group Marketing Essay

Analysis Of Strategic Changes Of Tata Steel Group Marketing Essay Figure 1 Tata Steel currently is a major player in global steel industry. In year 2005 (Figure 1), Tata Steel operation was mainly focused in Indian subcontinent and revenue generated was close to US$ 5.0 billion only. However their initiative to expand their operations globally proved very successful over last five years. From being a mere local steel producer, they transformed themselves into a major global player in steel producers (Figure 2). They have been aggressively involved in capacity expansion by acquisitions and organic growth. Business Standard once commented that Tata Steel moved into its next target to become the worlds second largest steel company by 2012 with the help of its most expensive bet worth US$ 12.9 billion on Corus Group. Figure 2 Table 1: Worlds Top Ten Steel Producing Nations (in million tonnes) Last two years has been very difficult period to global steel industry because of worldwide recession. The global crude steel production for year 2009 was 1220.0 mpta (million tonne per annum) as reported by World Steel Association lower by 8% against that of 2008. The decline in demand was due to deterioration in economy experienced by key steel end users. Table 1, shows the growth/decline in terms of crude steel production for the top ten steel producing nations. However, by acquisition of Corus and other assets, Tata Steel now ranks among worlds top ten (Table 2) largest steel producers with current steel production capacity of 32.0 mpta. After five years of its expansion programme, Tata Steel is now worlds second most geographically diversified steel producers. Table 2: World Top Ten Steel Producing Companies Mission Statement In its mission statement Tata Steel expresses that while honesty and integrity are the essential ingredient of a strong and stable enterprise, profitability provides the main spark for economic activity. Founded way back in 1907, Tata Steel stress on their core ideology in its vision statement by making emphasis on their people, supplier of choice, innovative approach and their conduct. Tata Steels vision statement is now became a tangible asset, which provide right direction to their managers and employees. Tata Steel has highly skilled employee asset of 81,000 spread over five continents. Tata Steel stress on creating differential value for their customer with help of continuous improvement in their business process and product technology. Value Chain Analysis The value chain is an economic tool used to determine the strategic resources available to a company. Basic principle of the Value Chain Analysis is that the basis for a competitive advantage of a firm lies primarily in the application of the bundle of valuable resources at the firms disposal. To transform a short-run competitive advantage into a sustained competitive advantage requires that these resources are heterogeneous in nature and not perfectly mobile (Barney, 1991, p105-106; Peteraf, 1993, p180). Effectively, this translates into valuable resources that are neither perfectly imitable nor substitutable without great effort (Barney, 1991, p117). Tata Steel has few major strategic capabilities which are valuable, unique and non-substitutable. Tata Steels Strategic Capabilities Tata Steels strategic capabilities are presented in Table 3, below. Table 3 Resources Competences Threshold Capabilities Threshold Resources Threshold Competences Steel production plants at various geographical locations. Production and Sales management. Offices and buildings at various geographical locations. All other general management skills. Sufficient supply of raw materials for steel making. Sophisticated IT skills. Sufficient cash flow. Safety management. Pool of skilled personnel. Excellent customer service. IT System in place. Efficient management structure. Logistic, freight and shipment facilities. Effective employee welfare system. Capabilities for Competitive Advantage Unique Resources Unique Competences Varieties of products which caters to industries like Infrastructures, Automobiles, Aviation, Energy etc. Very competent sales team with high negotiation skills which create market for their products. Tata and Corus brands. Excellent use of IT systems for very effective use in sales process. Highly capable management team. Continuous developing and upgrading new products to serve different industry levels. Online portal Metal junction for buyers. Highly skilled managers and directors who improve and support the company success. A century experience in steel making. Integrated supplier and buyer management. Strong financial backing from group. Lowest cost steel producer in world. Very strong presence in India which is a big market for their products. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to eliminate risk associated with various processes. First mover advantage through innovative products processes. Continuous Improvement Process (CIP). Excellent RD for cutting edge technology and products. Operational efficiency and excellent quality control. Many proprietary products such as Tata Tiscon etc. Long-term relationship with buyers and suppliers. Porters Five Forces Analysis Tata Steel has registered double digit growth in past few years except their European business. By applying Porters Five Forces analysis principal, we can evaluate the Tata Steels market competitiveness and its current and future strategy towards intense competition faced at various fronts. Threat of New Entrants: Low Threat to new entrants in any industry sector is a major challenge. However in steel industry entry barrier is high hence threat of new entrants are relatively low based on factors such as huge capital investment, economies of scale, government policies and product differentiations. Steel industry requires huge capital investment to set up an integrated steel production facility plant which is currently close to US$ one billion/mtpa as per Steel Manufacturers Associations recent estimate. This deters any new entrants entering in this field. By increasing their production capacity to 50mtpa and wide variety of products they can lower their cost, hence more profit, sustainability and these conditions are unfavourable to any new entrants. Raw material is a major issue with corruption related to mining allocation and land acquisition, it makes difficult to new entrants to come in this field. Various regulatory clearance and environmental issues also pose big barriers to new entrants. Entry barriers in terms of product differentiation are very low in steel industry. Competitive Rivalry: High The steel industry is truly global in terms of competition with large steel producing countries like China significantly influencing global prices through their aggressive exports. In steel industry, branding is not very common hence little differentiation exists between their competing products. Tata Steel faces stiff competition with their competitors such as Arcelor Mittal, POSCO etc. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: High Tata Steel enjoys greater autonomy in raw materials supply as they own mines for raw material supply. Tata Steels fully integrated supply chain system keeps abundant supply of raw material for their plants. However, other steel producers, who dont have their own mines, have to rely on raw material suppliers. On global level raw material market is dominated by the three mining giants BHP Billiton, CVRD and Rio Tinto. They make mineral market as oligopolistic and supply two-thirds of the processed iron ore to steel producers hence command very high bargaining power. Other steel producers, who dont have their own mining operations, must buy raw material at market prevailing price and pass that hike to consumers which makes them less competitive. Threat of Substitute Products: Low New materials may pose threat to viability of steel. Aluminium, plastics and other composite materials are being considered as substitute in sectors like auto, aviation etc. Concrete is another substitute material that may pose threat to use of steel in infrastructure and energy sectors. Some of the substitute materials such as aluminium itself are very costly, hence doesnt pose very big threat against steel producers. However the growth led by infrastructure sector, automobile sector, aviation sector and consumable goods will keep demand up for steel hence more growth for Tata Steel. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Average Bargaining power of buyers is very limited due to their fragmentation. Big players of the major steel consumers in sectors such as auto, aviation, energy etc may squeeze greater amount of bargain. On the other hand these bulk consumers may offer long term procurement offer to the company hence more revenue generated. However, small and retail consumers are scattered, though they consume significant amount of steel production, dont have the same bargaining powers as in case of big players. Tata Steel Group SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis of any firm provides knowledge about the challenges and opportunities faced by Tata Steel group in future. They are detailed below. Strengths Tata Steel has acquired vast mineral reserves which is a key to their operations. These reserves can cater their raw material demand for next three decades. Tata Steels mineral reserves are located at various strategic geographical locations such as India, Australia, Canada, Mozambique, Oman, Ivory Coast etc. Tata Steel has very capable, credible and reliable top management. Their successful global expansion plan in last five years proved this. Tata Steel has successfully acquired and integrated Corus Europe, NatSteel Indonesia and Millennium Steel Thailand. Tata Steel uses custom made state of art integrated information management system for their routine operation. Their advanced RD capability has improved further by acquiring Corus which is world renowned for its product innovation. Tata Steel uses Tata Groups strong distribution and retail network. Its Groups demand for steel is very high due to their presence in most of the sectors. Currently Tata Steel produces 32 mpta of steel and by completion of DPCL project its total capacity will reach to 50mpta which will make it second biggest steel producer in world. Tata Steel has structured risk management process in place in their operation known as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). ERMs key function is to identify risk at every level and mitigate the same. Tata Steel mitigates very well the cyclicality situation which occurs in steel industry occasionally by its broad spectrum of its product portfolio. Tata Steel expansion plan has consolidated its position worldwide and by diversifying its portfolio and market is in process to become a pioneer in steel industry. Tata Steel has very strong brand value for its products. This has strengthened further by acquiring Corus which itself is a big brand. Their successful integration with Corus was a benchmark in corporate history. Weakness Tata Steels substantial debt burden of US$9.8 billion is a major weakness. Their debt equity ratio is currently 1.77, which reflects company finances are met by debt due to Corus acquisition. Its European business (Corus) has a high exposure to spot price and a high operational gearing thus creating very high risk of price volatility. Tata Steel relies for some raw material on international suppliers, which expose their profitability in case of steep rise in their prices. Tata Steels Indian operation is very much hampered by lack of infrastructure, shortage in power supply, lesser productivity, bureaucratic hurdle in export etc. Additional levies and tax imposed by local government put them in less profit making situation. The subsidies provided by some nations (China etc) will make their product less competitive in price hence reduce their demand. Opportunities Currently the emerging economies are undergoing huge infrastructural developments, which require significant amount of steel in all sectors. In India the scope for expansion of its steel products are enormous in every sector, which Tata Steel can exploit very well with its increased production capacity. As per World Steel Association estimate, the consumption of steel will be doubled in next two decades. By Acquiring Corus and improving its own RD activities, Tata Steel moved towards a better product differentiation and enhanced product portfolio which provide them new opportunities over its competitors. Their geographical locations with integrated operations and marketing strategy are a key factor in capturing market share and increasing their financial performance. They can implement Coruss advanced automation technology in their own plants to improve productivity, economies of scale, cost reduction, increased output and operational efficiency to achieve better performance. Following recent recession, various assets (minerals, plants facilities etc.) are available at a very low price due to their financial difficulty. Tata Steel, with strong backing from its parent group can secure future supplies of raw materials for steel making. With increased steel production capacity of 50 mpta, they will be the second largest steel manufacturer after Arcelor Mittal and most geographically diversified company with wide variety of product mix. Threats Steel Industry is major source of greenhouse gas emission, which makes them very vulnerable against many litigation and legislation in future. The raw materials used in steel production are non-renewable and their source is depleting very fast. Due to rising cost of steel products, the end users are looking for substitutes of steel; which can be a major threat to Tata Steels business. Intense competition among international steel player and cheap steel available from China are another major threat to Tata Steels performance. Tata Steels huge debt is one of major threats against them. The rising interest will increase their debt burden. Future Outlook Following two years of worst global economic downturn, the world seems to be regaining some economic stability. There is moderate growth from developed world; however emerging economies are registering very strong and sustainable growth with robust domestic market. Before recession, the steel demand was very strong with over 6% growth during last decade; this is primarily driven by robust growth in BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), South East Asia and Middle East. By 2025, as per forecast BRICS countries will have 46% of global population and will consume 65% of the global production and will have three quarter of the global GDP. The raw materials for steel making are going at record due to high demand, higher freight rates and monopoly of three big natural resources companies. The effects of the above factors are reflected in higher steel price and decrease in profit margin of steel companies. However Tata Steels strategy adopted over last five years for securing long term contract for raw materials supply or acquiring new raw material mines at various geographical location has helped them to keep their prices competitive and making whole operation as viable. Tata Steels integration with Corus has completed successfully and producing better result than expected. Tata Steels strategic effort of capacity expansion and effort to secure raw materials source at various geographical locations yielding positive results. Tata Steels upstream integration process ambition will lead them to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in India and around 50% self-sufficiency in Europe in next 5 years. Tata Steel is investing heavily in RD to get breakthrough technologies and develop new products and services that reduce the production cost and environmental impact over the product lifecycle. To improve its processes, priority is given to energy conservation schemes; in technology break-through such as Ultra Low Carbon Steel making and in other innovative projects where the Group has proprietary technology. Conclusions It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, this famous quote meant a lot to Tata Steel. Five year back, just after starting of their ambitious global expansion plan, they were hit by worldwide financial tsunami which tested their resilience. Their well formulated and proved business strategy has shown resilience and ability to withstand the unprecedented highs and lows of a future that often comes unheralded. They have taken proactive initiative across all geographies to minimise aftermath shock of recession. Their strategy began to pay off towards the last quarter of year 2009, when they rebounded to profit after the turmoil of recession. Undeterred by the economic turbulence, the Company continued to place emphasis on working practices in health, safety and corporate citizenship, with specific initiatives taken in all these areas. In addition, a continued focus on engineering solutions for customers is helping it maintain its position of a product pioneer. Tata Steel believes in staying alert to future opportunities while never letting go of its core values. This is the philosophy that has underpinned its growth over the years and one that remains its key driving force. The strategy adopted by Tata Steel during last five years to become a global player paid off. They increased their revenue and production by six fold by capacity expansion or acquisition. They achieved raw material self-sufficiency of 50% by year 2010 and by year 2012 they aim to increase it to 60% by more investment in mines acquisition. In last five years Tata Steel became a global player from a local steel producer with currently global presence in 50 markets and manufacturing operations in 26 countries. Appendix A: Reference List Tata Steel Group Annual Report 2009-10 G Johnson, K Scholes R Whittington (2008), Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition Text Cases, Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall http://www.tatasteel.com Barney, J. 1991. Firm Resources and sustained competitive advantage, Journal of Management, 17 (1): pp99-120. Barney, J.1995. Looking inside for competitive advantage, Academy of Management Executive. 9(4). Pp49-61. Peteraf, M. A. (1993). The cornerstones of competitive advantage: A resource-based view, Strategic Management Journal, 14 (3), 179-191 Porter, M.E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy, Harvard Business Review, January, 78-93. Porter, M.E. (1996). What is Strategy? Harvard Business Review, Nov-Dec, 61-78.