MacAskills Strong Claim Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

MacAskills Strong Claim - Essay Example The argument is generally based on the charity sector as compared to the paradigm ethical careers, reasons why charity work is viewed as the most ethical career choice. This is therefore justified by the positive effect one has on the world and the community by pursuing such a career and also if the career can make a difference and if it can make the world a better place when it is pursued. Morally controversial careers can sometimes be very lucrative than a morally innocuous career but very few people will wish to pursue such a career-making their wages to be great high. These morally controversial careers differ from reprehensible careers and they include careers such as working for a company involved in the arms industry, working for the petrochemical company, some careers within the finance sector like the ones involved in the speculating on wheat thereby increasing price volatility and disrupting the livelihood of the global poor. Also, there is the reprehensible career which in cludes working as a hit man, drug dealer or a child trafficker and the non-consequentialists tend to reason typically much stronger against this reprehensible career and for this reason they are considered typically illegal whereas the morally controversial careers are not. On pure consequentialists grounds it is most unlikely that a moral sensitive individual could actually bring themselves to pursue such a career and by doing so could impair their ability to influence others to also pursue philanthropy.

Multicultural Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Multicultural Film - Essay Example A good definition of film noir was given by Borde and Chaumeton (1955), who refer to film noir as a purely affective phenomenon in the sense that it disturbs viewers, disorients them and produces a profound uneasiness. And it does this by whatever means possible. The historical nature of film noir derives, in large part, from its attempts to disturb. Film noir succeeded in creating a malaise in its audiences by refusing the stylistic and thematic conventions of classical Hollywood cinema. That is, noir arose in the 1940s as a response to and rejection of 1930s Hollywood cinema. In certain films, this refusal of 1930s cinema takes the form of a single scene or shot that violates the norm, such as the tight close-up of an unidentified hand firing a gun at Sam Spade's partner, Archer, near the beginning of The Maltese Falcon movie in 1941 (Belton, 2005). The majority of those who explored the darker reaches of the noir experience were American, born and bred. The source material for the bulk of noir narratives came from the underworld of American pulp fiction. Nearly twenty per cent of the film noirs made between 1941 and 1948 were adaptations of hard-boiled novels written by American authors. Film noir deals with a uniquely American experience of wartime and post-war despair and alienation as a disoriented America readjust to a new social and political reality. Film noir was discovered and christened in postwar France. In 1945, after the Allies liberated Paris, France, an enormous backlog of American films, which had been made during the war but had not been seen in Nazi-controlled territories like France due to the ban made by Germans, reached French screens. A succession of extremely downbeat films is shown in France. This cycle began with a Hammett detective film entitled Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941). It was an observed that in this cycle of films has subversive strain of behavioral deviance in American films, which at this time became dominated by crime, corruption, cruelty, and an apparent unhealthy interest in the erotic. The French believed then that American film had suddenly turned grimmer, bleaker, and blacker. II. Analysis of the Movies "Maltese Falcon" and "Basic Instinct 2" as Film Noirs The adjective "noir" aptly conveys not only the films' antecedents in the "romans noirs" or black novels but also the essential nature of experience that audiences have in watching the films. These films unsettled audiences. Through their violation of the traditional narrative and stylistic practices of classical Hollywood cinema that oriented and stabilized spectators, these films created an uncomfortable and disturbing malaise or anxiety in their viewers. Film noir is a specific emotional reaction produced by certain films in an audience. In the "Maltese Falcon" and "Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction", film noirs can be seen as a purely affective phenomenon such that it produces some emotional responses in people. Not every film noir needs to be noir from start to finish. It needs only to be noir for a moment or two. It requires only a single character, situation or scene that is noir to produce the disturbance or the disorientation that is necessary to give the audience an unsettling twist or distressing jolt. In

Impacts of Social Drinking

Impacts of Social Drinking Antonio Miguel F. Terrado â€Å"Social Drinking: Bane or Beneficial?† Introduction Alcoholic beverages are found everywhere across the globe from cities to rural areas. Almost everyone has access to alcohol. Alcohol is used in different events. It is used in almost all kinds of celebration including religious practices. It is a part of our society and alcohol drinking has become a long standing tradition of mankind. Ever since the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, and the Americas, alcohol had already existed and it played a major role for the development of these civilizations. Because of the production of alcohol, these civilizations established class differences that would easily identify the elite from the lower class of society (e.g. wine by elites and beer by commoners). The consumption of alcohol played a vital role in religious rituals being performed back then which can be observed up until now. Alcohol was also used in medicinal practices because it is being used as a solvent. Likewise, it also being used as a source of daily nutrition due to the fact that such beverages contains calories. Lastly, alcohol also helped the government in terms of due to the very nature of alcohol and how it affects individuals especially when consumed it large amounts, alcohol needs to be regulated, and the regulation of alcohol became one of the foundations of regulations when it comes to trading. Alcohol also helped governments before because of taxation in alcohol since it is one of the primary commodities in the past (Hames, 2012). There are also some evidences that alcohol predates the ancient civilizations. Alcoholic beverages are said to exist since the Neolithic period or the New Stone age, which is between around 8000 and 3500 B.C. In the Neolithic period, it was discovered that early human settlements started making wine and beer from wild grapes and cereals. The quality of wine and beer being produced improves because it is during this time when our early ancestors discovered agriculture. However, the beer being made during those times were more of a source of nutrition compare to how beer is being used now. There are different kinds of alcohol drinkers which depends on the amount of alcohol they consume. They can be classified into three: those who abstain from drinking alcohol or only drink rarely, those who drink in moderation, and those who drink heavily also called as binge drinkers or individuals who drink alcohol for the sole purpose of getting drunk. There is a clear distinction on how we classify abstinence and heavy drinkers. So, how do we classify if an individual is a moderate drinker? â€Å"No more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men† is the definition of moderation as stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture (2005). To be clear, note that the definition of moderation is not the average number of drinks consumed on a span of several days. Examples of which counts as one drink are the following: 355mL of regular beer, 148mL of wine or 44mL of 80-proof distilled spirits. Littrell (2014) defined social drinking as â€Å"drinking more than once per month without problem consuming less than four drinks per day†. There is a general notion that alcohol drinking may cause harm to the drinker and his/her surroundings. This is true for heavy drinking because too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis, memory lapses, impulsive behavior, high blood pressure and many more. There is an old Chinese proverb â€Å"Wine does not intoxicate man; man intoxicate themselves†. This proverb says that it is the drinker’s responsibility to regulate his/herself when drinking because of the dangers that alcohol may cause to our surroundings especially people around us. On the other hand, studies have shown that there are positive effects in drinking alcohol especially when consumed in moderation also known as social drinking. Moderate alcohol drinking is said to help make new friends with strangers easier compared to other scenarios; it is also said that it strengthens the relations between friends; and lastly, studies show that there are health benefits when drinking alcohol in moderation contrary to the popular belief. Positive Effects of Moderate Drinking Human beings are generally less welcoming to people they do not know especially if they do not have a common friend. However, it is easier to make new friends with strangers when one experiences drinking with them in public drinking places such as bars, pub, taverns, etc., however one must not forget that to be always careful when going to such places because not all individuals have the same intention of making new friends. However, safety on public drinking places is not a major concern of this paper. We will focus more on the social benefits of moderate alcohol drinking. Social interactions and social bonding is said to be the purpose of drinking alcoholic beverages with peers. Majority of alcohol drinkers are more comfortable with friends and even strangers after drinking alcohol. Given the nature of alcohol, which is a mild depressant drug, the results are to be expected because it affects the central nervous system by slowing down the rate of activities (Aldrige, et al., 2013). In this way alcohol acts as a social lubricant since it lowers the anxiety that an individual is currently experiencing making conversations between two complete strangers easier and less awkward. Sometimes drinking alcohol cannot be avoided when in a particular venue such as parties because it is the thing to do in parties especially house parties and college parties. According to Alters and Schiff (2011), â€Å"Individuals often consume alcohol to ease their social interactions or because it is the thing to do in a particular social setting† (p. 195). Drinking alcohol is a way in making new friends from strangers easier. However, we must remember that we should drink responsibly. Alcohol drinking is not necessarily a requirement in certain social gatherings, but it is presented as an alternative to make conversation easier especially to complete strangers. Friends drinking alcohol together tend to get more bonded after drinking. One hindrance why people are less sociable when they are in their normal state is because of the anxiety that an individual experience when they want to disclose more about his/herself to others. This is commonly seen in males. Under normal circumstances, males do not usually disclose information about themselves to other people but they do so when they are drinking. With this being said, drinking has become a normal bonding activity for males. It is given fact that between close friends more information about has been shared about themselves. Miller, Ingham, Plant, and Miller (1977) as cited in Ruskos-Eswolden Monahan (2009) observed that for moderate drinkers there is a significant increase in the amount of self-disclosure however no such effect was observed for heavy drinkers. This is due to the less anxiety that an individual is experiencing and also drinking small amounts of alcohol gives the feeling of relaxation in contrast to when drinking more wherein the effects alcohol is heavier that it usually results to vomiting and unconsciousness. It has been observed in experiments that if an individual is under the experience of alcohol, he/she tends to be more sociable compared to when he/she is sober. This shows that that alcohol aids social interactions between individuals (Estola, et al., 1988). On a normal basis, people are always careful on what they will say but when alcohol is consumed, this behavior almost always is overridden by the effect of alcohol. If an individual does not filter he/she will say, then more things will be shared to a person or group which may eventually lead to knowing the person more. The main reason for social drinking is because people want to converse to one another without the feeling of awkwardness due to that individuals are more relaxed after drinking alcohol. This is not the same with binge drinking because as previously mentioned, they drink with the intention of getting drunk and thus there is less time for conversations. Also, binge drinking is usually fast paced such that less time is allotted for other activities. Drinking together serves to tie individuals in a special connection. Since the medieval period up until now, drinking together is a significant symbol of acknowledgement of a group to its new members (Peele Grant, 2013). Being invited to a drink by a particular group means that that group is accepting you as a member of their group and turning down such offer usually viewed negatively. Heath (1995) as cited in Peele and Grant (2013) said that holidays, rites of passage, arrivals and departures and other reasons for celebrations are valid reasons for drinking. In most studies, it has been identified that drinking plays an important part in celebrations. Celebrations have become a part of society due to how it positively affects individuals and as a group, with accompaniment of alcoholic beverages in most instances. With this being said, lacking of any alcoholic beverages during a celebration usually gives off a negative effect to the guest and to the mood of the celebration. Even if alcohol is not necessarily important to be present in celebrations. It is ancient tradition that celebrations and alcohol goes hand in hand. However, one must not view this negatively. Alcohol is always a part of every celebrations from the ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. There is a special kind of celebration which almost everyone are familiar with, these are toasts. Toasts are usually accompanied by alcoholic beverages in which a message with positive content are said to an individual, or an event. Alcohol in this sense acts as a positive symbol which has been established since ancient times because on how it affects the individual or the event. Alcohol also has several positive effects to the health of an individual but only three of them will be discussed. Some of the effects of moderate drinking is that lessens the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it also helps reduce the occurrence of gall stones, and it also helps reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. According to Theobald et al. (2000), â€Å"Light-to-moderate drinkers of alcoholic beverages or wine†¦have significantly lower mortality rates [from coronary heart diseases and heart attacks] (20-40%) than nondrinkers or heavier drinkers†. There is an event which is popularly known as the French Paradox. It entails that even though that much of the diet of French people mostly consists of cheese, which is a common source of cholesterol and fats, most Frenchmen are fit, additionally there are relatively few recoded deaths which is caused by cardiovascular diseases. The most probable cause of such event is that wine is a primary commodity in the country and almost all citizens of France drinks it. Kloner and Rezkalla (2007) observed that a substantial amounts of data points out that an increase in High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a positive effect resulting from drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation. HDL cholesterol is also known as the good cholesterol because of its function that it carries cholesterol away from different body cells, an example of this is the arteries, which is the common target of ‘bad’ cholesterol; because of HDL cholesterol it removes the unwanted cholesterol making the arteries healthy (Khan, 2011). benefits that one may obtain. zed from a significant amount of ns from drinking that he/she should start drinking rance drinksDrinking alcoholic beverages have been found to lessen the risk of having gallstones. Gallstones occurs in the gall bladder or bile duct in which â€Å"stones† are formed (Marks, 2014). There exist a relationship between alcohol intake and hospital admission for gall stone treatment. This relationship is explained in such a way that if the alcohol intake increases then admission reports are reduced. However, note that at high intakes of alcohol, the reduced risk gets minimal and is observed that the increased alcohol intake is â€Å"maximally beneficial if the intake is initially low (less than 30g per day)† (Scragg et al. 1984). However, it is also observed that alcohol abuse is one of the causes of gallstones. We can see that alcoholic beverages has a double-edged effect on the health of humans one which will potentially benefit an individual while, the other may cause a disease which may potentially be fatal if not remedied. With this information, alcohol should be consumed moderately consumed because the effect of alcohol is opposite in terms of consumption. The last health benefit that will be presented is that moderate drinking of alcohol reduces the risk of having type 2 diabetes as observed by some studies by Koppes et al and Watson. Koppes et al. (2005) found that for moderate alcohol consumers there is a 30% reduced risk for having type 2 diabetes, whereas for heavier drinkers who consumes at least 48g/day of alcohol no risk reduction have been observed. Ethanol, which is present in alcoholic beverages, is the main reason in the risk reduction of type 2 diabetes, not the kind of beverage being consumed whether it is wine, beer, or distilled spirits (Watson, 2013). Besides alcohol, an individual must also live an active lifestyle and eat properly to lessen the risk of having gall stones. Eating properly means eating low-fat and low-cholesterol, but eating high fiber and high protein meals (Clin-enguide, 2009 as cited by deWit Kumagai, 2013) It has been observed that the risk of cardiovascular disease, risk of gallstones, and risk of type 2 diabetes all follow a U-shaped graph. This entails that there is high risks that an individual will acquire the diseases given that they are either consuming large amounts of alcohol in a regular basis or they consume alcohol rarely or abstain from drinking such beverage. Conclusion People should not stereotype against alcohol drinkers. There is a reason why alcoholic beverages existed up until now. Alcohol shaped and developed the ancient civilizations and this became foundations to other areas of specialties both in science and governance. Alcohol also plays a significant role in different religions from the ancient Egyptian religions up until modern Catholicism. The original purpose why people drink alcohol is for socialization purposes. Alcohol also helps in socialization because it makes conversations easier because they are feeling more relaxed after drinking with the company of strangers especially with friends compared if both parties are sober. For some, such as males, it is one of the best ways to socialize to one another because men do not socialize with one another on a daily basis more so if they really have nothing to talk about. Alcohol is a part of socialization extending to society itself. Other than the sole purpose of socialization, there are also health benefits in drinking alcoholic beverages. Some of these benefits include reduced risks for having cardiovascular diseases, reduced risk for having gallstones and reduced risk for having type 2 diabetes. However, such benefits are only observable to individuals who consume alcoholic beverage moderately or not abusing it. This aims to encourage heavy drinkers to put an effort to minimize their alcohol consumption because nothing is lost in trying. It is observed that the risk of occurrence for these three diseases follows a U-shaped graph, indicating that non-drinkers have higher risk than moderate drinkers but heavy drinkers have the highest risk. Even with these possible health benefits, one should consider, especially if he/she is a non-drinker to suddenly start drinking just because of the health benefits that drinking alcohol beverages does. One should consider that we, human beings, have different physiological make-up and possibly we have different reactions to different chemicals. It is better to avoid such vices. Moderate drinking is relatively hard to do because it takes determination to control alcohol consumption because alcohol is one of the most abused substances in the world. To be healthy it is not necessary that you must drink alcohol, this paper aims to inform individuals who are already consuming alcohol the possible benefits he/she may attain from doing such activity he/she is already doing. Nothing beats living an active lifestyle, exercising, and eating a proper meal if you want to live a healthy life. Reference List Aldridge, J., et al. (2013). Illegal Leisure. London: Routledge. Alters, S. Schiff, W. (2011). Essential concepts for healthy living. 5th Ed. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett. deWit, S. Kumagai, C. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts and practice. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Estola, A., et al. (1988). Blind alleys in social psychology: A search for ways out. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Hames, G. (2012). Alcohol in world history. London: Routledge. Khan, M. (2011). Encyclopedia of heart diseases. 2nd Ed. New York: Springer. Kloner, R. A. Rezkalla, S. H. (2007). To Drink or Not to Drink? That is the Question. Circulation, 116(11), 1306-1317. Koppes, L., et al. (2005). Moderate Alcohol Consumption Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 28(3), 716-725. Littrell, J. (2014). Understanding and treating alcoholism: Volume 1: An empirically based clinician’s handbook for the treatment of alcoholism. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis Marks, J. W. (2014) Gallstones. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/gallstones/article.htm. Peele, S., Grant, M. (2013). Alcohol and pleasure: A health perspective. London: Taylor and Francis. Ruskos-Eswolden, D.R. Monahan, J. L. (2009) Communication and social cognition theories and methods. Londonication and social cognition theories and methods1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111on: Roufledge. Scragg, R. K., et al. (1984). Diet, Alcohol, and Relative Weight in Gall Stone Disease: A Case Cont111111111111111111111111111111111111111111rol Study. British Medical Journal, 288(6424), 1113-1119. Theobald, H., et al. (2000). A Moderate Intake of Wine is Associated with Reduced Total Mortality and Reduced Mortality from Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of studies on alcohol, 61, 652-656. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Agriculture (2005). Dietary guidelines for Americans, 6th Ed. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.stes for healthy livinge classify abstinence and heavy drinking. such that bonds between friends are strengthened

Family and Medical Leave Act Essay -- essays research papers

Family and Medical Leave Act   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Family and Medical Leave Act was enacted by Congress on February 5, 1993, and it is public law 103-3. This law allows for a person to leave work in certain situations without losing his/her job. An eligible employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and at least completed 1250 hours of service. An employee is able to leave work for up to 12 weeks for any of the following reasons: the employee expects a baby in his/her immediate family, the employee expects an adopted child in his/her immediate family, the employee has to take care of an ill family member which includes spouse, parent or his/her own children, and/or the employee has a serious medical condition which makes him/her unable to carry out his/her job function. The employee has to provide legitimate certification stating the reason of the leave (e.g. doctor’s note). The law states that the employer does not have to pay the employee. Therefore, depending on the employer, the employee might or might not get paid. Some employers might require the employee to use up his/her vacation, sick or personal days. Others compensate the employee for the duration of absence, while some employers do not compensate at all. However, in all circumstances, the employee does not lose his/her position, benefits, pay and seniority in the company/organization. Also, during the time of leave, the employee is still protected under his/her health plan (DO...

Immigration and Islam Netherlands and France

Immigration and Islam in France and the Netherlands After the post-war, WWII, era Europe faced a shortage of labor, at the same time it had to rebuild its infrastructure and economy. France and Netherlands both faced the same problem and like their counterparts in Europe they found the answer in guest-workers. These guest workers were immigrants from former colonies and other developing countries. However, these guest-workers later settled down and brought their families. This led to a larger influx of immigrations. The largest, most significant, and most controversial are the Muslim immigrants. This study will focus on the different approaches of integration France and the Netherlands have implemented, the growing discrimination of Muslim immigrants, and the role Islam has in this dilemma. France had a long colonial history in the Maghreb, North Africa, mainly Algeria. To fill in this gap many male immigrants flocked to France in need of work. There was also a large immigration from the Mediterranean, Turkey, in this case. The largest make-up of French immigrants have been Algerians and others from the Maghreb. Netherlands, similar to the French had immigrants from the Mediterranean, Maghreb, and former colonies (Surinam and Antilles); the largest group being Turkish and Moroccan immigrants. These immigrants became a large factor in the rebuilding of the economy but as the economy slowed immigration became more of a problem for Western European countries. France proposed an assimilation model, where it endorsed pluralism in the private sphere. The Laicite, the separation of Church and State/private and public played a large role in the French system of assimilation. In the public sphere you were expected to be French in language and ideals. The private sphere was left for your own beliefs and customs. This can be seen in the expression of symbols in the public schools, where wearing the veil is not allowed because it threatens this division of public and private. However, this still doesn’t explain the dilemma that many second or third generation French citizens from immigrant backgrounds face. Even though they are â€Å"French†, they are not accepted by the system—accordingly because they still aren’t â€Å"French† enough. This creates disparity on both sides; the French politicize this dilemma by taking a harder stance on immigration and assimilation, giving rise to far-right parties like National Front under Le Pen. (GS, page 123) The immigrants unfortunately at times result to violent riots in protest and anger at the discrimination they face. The end result being stricter immigration regulations, more assimilation, and seeing â€Å"Islam† as incompatible to European standards. The Netherlands have the same end results but have come to them from a totally different background. The Netherlands has endorsed a multicultural integration from the beginning. (Coenders, M. , Lubbers, M. , Scheepers, P. , & Verkuyten, M. (C. L. S. V)) The Netherlands have been one of the foremost in democracy and liberalism, ranking third in the world. Its capital, Amsterdam, is the hub liberal and free lifestyle. Since the 2000’s homosexual marriage and euthanasia have been legalized. (GS 192) Compared to France’s full assimilation the Netherlands has put forward a multiculturalism approach, however this has taken a drastic change in the last decade, especially against Muslim immigrants. In the early 2000’s Pim Fortuyn, a leader of anti-immigration and pro-assimilation party (Liveable Netherlands and latter List Pim Fortuyn), voiced his opinion on Islam being a backwards religion and a threat to liberal European/Dutch ideals. Even though both countries had different policies of integration they both ended up in the same situation against Muslim immigration. How can these phenomena be explained in these democracies that embrace liberal ideals? For it was France, that in 1789, coined the motto, â€Å"All men are born free and equal†, but now it can be seen that some men are born more free and equal than others. The realistic conflict theory explains this situation as a reaction to materialistic scarcity; jobs and housing. In the post-war era there was a surplus of jobs and also the need of cheap labor, the immigrants rushed in and filled these positions. However, after the slowing of the economic boom employment became scarcer. This led to higher un-employment rates and the native citizens started to see immigrants as a threat, leading to discrimination and pro-assimilation. Though this does explain a significant factor, there is still the growth of anti-Islamic sentiments. The Muslims aren’t the only immigrants in France or Netherlands, but they are the ones who face the blunt of the attention. (C. L. S. V) So the realistic conflict theory falls short in explaining this. More than Two Decades of Changing Ethnic Attitudes in the Netherlands, a study done to explain the attitudes the Dutch had on immigration, saw that social and ideological contents also affect peoples outlook as much as materialistic means. (C. L. S. V) This gives explanation to far-right parties such as List Pim Fortuyn and Le Pen. The parties that use anti-Islamic and anti-immigration sentiments as political platforms, they play on the fears’ of the people. Yet, how is it that these fears can grow and flourish in such liberal and democratic societies, the â€Å"Heralds of Democracy†? People fear what they don’t understand. Islam is this â€Å"other† and the media and politicians play on this. The Muslim immigrant populations don’t help either because they themselves are in a transition phase. They are trying to find a way to live with an Islamic background and Western ideals. Some see total assimilation as an answer others find a compromise and yet others turn to radicalism. This struggle has been going on since the mid-19th century, between the â€Å"West† and Islam. Some essentialists like Huntington and Fukuyama, see this as the next power struggle for the â€Å"West† after the fall of the Soviet Union, â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations†. According to some 9/11 and other terrorists acts just prove this theory, however even though there are radicals, they are in the minority. The majority of Muslims don’t have problem with the â€Å"West†, most even are pro-Western, they support democracies and liberal views. Maybe, it is not the same as Europe or America but they are trying to find the middle ground and negotiate between the two. This is no different for the immigrants in France or Netherlands. Ahmet Yukleyen in his study of social movements in the Netherlands has focused on Turkish immigrants and the role religious movements have played a role in their lives. His studies show that there is not one Islamic front in Europe or a â€Å"Euro-Islam† as some have supported. Even though the Islamic community is one ummah, they all interpret and practice Islam in slightly different ways. The fundamental tenets are the same, but Islam is flexible according to time and place; taken from a historic or even contemporary perspective this can be seen. Euro-Islam† was supposed to be the liberal Islam for European standards, the Islam with lacite, secular Islam. This view has been supported by pro-assimilates, like France. However, this didn’t turn out to be true because it would have compromised too much from Islam, it would no longer be â€Å"Islam†. What happened, like in the Netherlands, was th at people joined different social/religious movements and institutions. This was truer for second and third generation Turks, who felt the need of religion more than Turkish nationalism in their lives. They saw themselves as Dutch, liberal and democratic in their views but still Muslim. Yukleyen, names a few organizations, like Milli Gorus, the Gulen Movement, and Suleymanli. Each movement represents different set of ideals but each represents a facet of Islamic life in Europe. It also shows that Muslims can negotiate between European and Islamic ideals, finding a niche their society. Not only that, but by having dialogue and inter-faith organizations an atmosphere of tolerance and multiculturism can flourish. Maybe, dialogue and negotiation is the answer to the dilemma facing Europe and the Muslim immigrants, the inability to understand one another. Work Cited Coenders, M. Lubbers, M. , Scheepers, P. , & Verkuyten, M. (2008). More than Two Decades of Changing Ethnic Attitudes in the Netherlands. Journal of Social Issues,  64(2), 269-285. doi:10. 1111/j. 1540-4560. 2008. 00561. x. Maillard, Dominique (2005). The Muslims in France and the French Model of Intergration. Mediterranean Quarterly. Yukleyen, A. (2009). Localizing Islam in Europe: Religious Activism among Turkish Islamic Organizations in the Netherlands. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs,  29(3), 291-309. doi:10. 1080/13602000903166556. E. Gene Frankland. (2009). Global Studies Europe. McGraw Hill Companies.

Change On Food Production Environmental Sciences Essay

Agribusiness is extremely dependent on specific clime conditions. Moderate heating and appropriate C dioxide in the ambiance may assist workss to turn faster. But more terrible clime alteration such as planetary heating, inundations, drouth, and hail may cut down outputs. Harmonizing the study, from 1981 to 1990, the mean planetary temperature has increased 0.48 A °C than 100 old ages ago. If nursery gas emanations continue the heating will besides go on, with temperatures projected to increase by 1.4 A °C to 5.8 A °C between 1990 and 2100. ( Richardson et al. 2011 ) Increases in temperature and C dioxide ( CO2 ) can be good for some harvests in some topographic points. But to recognize these benefits, food degrees, dirt wet, H2O handiness, and other conditions must besides be met. Higher Carbon dioxide degrees can increase outputs. The outputs for some harvests, like wheat and soya beans, could increase by 30 % or more under a doubling of CO2 concentrations. The outputs for ot her harvests, such as maize, exhibit a much smaller response ( less than 10 % addition ) . However, some factors may antagonize these possible additions in output. For illustration, if temperature exceeds a harvest ‘s optimum degree or if sufficient H2O and foods are non available, output additions may be reduced or reversed. Crops grown in the United States are critical for the nutrient supply here and around the universe. U.S. exports supply more than 30 % of all wheat, maize, and rice on the planetary market. Changes in temperature, sum of C dioxide ( CO2 ) , and the frequence and strength of extreme conditions could hold important impacts on harvest outputs. Warmer temperatures may do many harvests grow more rapidly, but warmer temperatures could besides cut down outputs. Crops tend to turn faster in warmer conditions. However, for some harvests ( such as grains ) , faster growing reduces the sum of clip that seeds have to turn and maturate. This can cut down outputs ( i.e. , the sum of harvest produced from a given sum of land ) . ( EPA 2012 ) All the job demand to hold fast and effectual ways to be solve good. In the text will speak other state utilize what solution to diminish the harm and to protect the harvest. Global heating has a serious impact on agricultural production, harmonizing to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR ) research study pointed out the exposure of agribusiness to climate warming public presentation of ingestion in the universe ‘s largest of several major assortments of grain, wheat, cereal, maize and rice are peculiarly sensitive to high temperature, decreased production will do nutrient deficits. ( CGIAR 2012 ) World Agro forestry Centre main ecologist Dr. Lewis aˆ? Will Carter study pointed out that the impact of clime alteration on agribusiness in developing states, for illustration, China ‘s agricultural production, the chief harvests are rice, wheat and maize, warming irrigated and rain-fed spring wheat production decreased by 17.7 % and 31.4 % , severally, the mean maize production will cut 3 % -7 % ; ( Chiras 2012 ) warming will speed up microbic decomposition of dirt organic affair, ensuing in the diminution of d irt birthrate, execution of the pesticide will increase and widen the harvest turning season, so that non merely increase agricultural costs, and affect the safety of the nutrient. ( Cline 2007 ) Solution: straw engineering is a stimulation of dirt birthrate, non merely put an terminal to the air pollution caused by straw combustion, and flesh outing output good to assist better its agricultural production. Warming chiefly due to the atmospheric concentrations of nursery gases ( CO2, CH4, and N2O ) concentration increased CO2 is the chief nursery gas, straw as a bearer stuff, energy and foods, is a valuable natural resource, straw is the straw is non straight feed straight or accretion composting installations into the dirt in a manner, the usage of straw engineering can better dirt belongingss, accelerated adobe ripening and better dirt birthrate by impacting dirt microbic biomass and microbic communities, and alterations in dirt physical and chemical belongingss, such as the many ways to increase the strength of dirt respiration, thereby increasing dirt C dioxide emanations, and can direct compensation the ingestion possible birthrate of the dirt, the biological rhythm acce lerated dirt stuff to advance the growing of good micro-organisms in the dirt better alimentary supply conditions to advance the addition of dirt organic affair and N, P, K and other content, better dirt wet keeping capacity, hiking harvest opposition. On the other manus, the mechanisation of straw including straw chopper compiled force per unit area to field a assortment of signifiers, the whole rod characteristic is convenient, fast, low-cost and big country of aˆâ€ ¹aˆâ€ ¹soil birthrate advantage ; it has been one of the more mature engineerings. ( Meng et al. 2008 ) After 1760s Industrial Revolution, release more C dioxide, ensuing in runing snow to do more inundations and influence nutrient production. For illustration Yangtze river is the highest frequence of inundations in China, one of the infestation of serious natural catastrophes, ( Wanfang Data 2012 ) so for work outing the job there are two ways, cut downing C footmark and concept dike in the Crop-growing countries, use the reservoir to command inundation. ( Luo 2002 ) So for cut downing C footmark, first is China authorities encourage mills to emission gas after Purification of C dioxide, second is authorities investing research new energy. If C footmark can cut down success, may non hold excessively many inundations and nutrient production will increase. For forestalling to cut down nutrient production from inundations, China authorities built Three Gorges Project from 1994 for protect the center and lower ranges of the Yangtze River, although Three Gorges Project has Flood control, p ower coevals and transportation, including inundation control, are considered the nucleus benefits of the Three Gorges Project. So make certain protect Crop-growing countries. ( Baidu 2012 ) When the clime alteration, it besides make the drouth Frequent happening, a batch of Crop-growing countries nutrient production sudden cut down, people can increase nutrient production for work outing the job, and there is a scientist did really good in this, he created a new sort of rice, Yuan Longping, Studied of intercrossed rice engineering from 1964, three lines back uping in 1973, bred the first intercrossed rice South High Yielding Combinations first-class No. 2 in 1974, developed in 1975, the success of intercrossed rice cultivation engineering for the big graduated table intercrossed rice laid the foundation. iZhuang 2008i?†° For increasing nutrient production we need to advance the cultivation of Yuan Longping â€Å" intercrossed rice † . Yuan Longping went to eight states recent old ages including the Philippines, the United States, Japan, France, Britain, Italy, Egypt, Australia, has been invited to give talks, Teach techniques, take part in academic conferenc es or proficient cooperation and research international academic activities 19 times. Hybrid rice go to the universe, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Brazil, Argentina and more than 100 states have introduced intercrossed rice and we need do better. ( CCTV News 2012i?†° Internationally, the effects of clime alteration on agribusiness and nutrient production are likely to be similar to those seen in the United States and China. The effects of clime alteration besides necessitate to be considered along with other germinating factors that affect agricultural production, such as alterations in agriculture patterns and engineering. As the reader understanding from the text, some solutions and make ways are from experts, but non all of the famers have high instruction and high accomplishment to salvage the low nutrient production because of clime alteration. Many husbandmans because there was n't adequate agricultural cognition lead to cut down the figure of harvest production. Such as China, Farmers mean instruction by deficiency of fixed figure of twelvemonth 7 old ages. In about 490 million rural labour force, the primary school civilization grade and illiteracy semiliterate histories for 40.31 % , the junior in-between school civilization grade of 48. 01 % , high school civilization grade of 9.7 % , proficient secondary school civilization degree 2 % , above college civilization degree accounted for merely 0.52 % . ( Dong et al. 2006 ) If can non better the instruction quality of famers that will effects the agribusiness development. These phenomena get the attending of the authorities. A batch of local agribusiness agency has begun to action, they launch a preparation class Teach husbandmans better cultivation of nutrient, and besides reply famer ‘s inquiry about works the harvest. The agribusiness agency besides distribution of free engineering books to husbandmans about pollution-free veggies cultivation and the quality and safety of agribusiness merchandises. Through the preparation, better the husbandmans ‘ scientific discipline and engineering quality, developing they rely on scientific discipline and engineering to increase nutrient production. The authorities besides hope famers use their new cognition to make the new assortments can turn up in the different clime, and get the better of the terrible environment alteration to do nutrient production jobs to minimum. ( HNXNC 2012 )

Free Essays on Frank Herberts World Of Dune

â€Å"A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then that it is the year 10191. The known universe is ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, my father. In this time, the most precious substance in the universe is the spice melange. The spice extends life, the spice expands consciousness, the spice is vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has mutated over four thousand years, use the orange spice gas which gives them the ability to fold space. That is travel to any part of the universe without moving. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you, the spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe : a desolate, dry planet with vast deserts. Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a people known as Fremen who have long held a prophecy, that a man would come, a messiah, who would lead them to true freedom. The planet is Arrakis, also known as... DUNE.† (Dune by Frank Herbert) This starts the beginning to one of the most memorable worlds in Science Fiction. Arrakis or Dune is the creation of SF author Frank Herbert. It is a world and universe full of complex cultures, histories and interactions. This world belongs in the same class as Larry Niven’s Ringworld. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, Philip Jose Farmer’s Riverworld and many others. Mr. Herbert created a world inhabited with complex characters and ideas as well. He explores Arrakis through several books in a connected series. The exploration of this world begins with the author. Frank Herbert was born and lived throughout the Pacific states during his life time. He had several jobs in his life, but was primarily a journalist and photographer. Most of his knowledge was self-acquired in subjects like geology, marine biology and many others. His knowledge found its way into many of his books and stores. Mr. Herbert had a prolific writing career that ended in 1986 upon his death. Though he wrote many other books, the Dune books were his most ... Free Essays on Frank Herbert's World Of Dune Free Essays on Frank Herbert's World Of Dune â€Å"A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then that it is the year 10191. The known universe is ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, my father. In this time, the most precious substance in the universe is the spice melange. The spice extends life, the spice expands consciousness, the spice is vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has mutated over four thousand years, use the orange spice gas which gives them the ability to fold space. That is travel to any part of the universe without moving. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you, the spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe : a desolate, dry planet with vast deserts. Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a people known as Fremen who have long held a prophecy, that a man would come, a messiah, who would lead them to true freedom. The planet is Arrakis, also known as... DUNE.† (Dune by Frank Herbert) This starts the beginning to one of the most memorable worlds in Science Fiction. Arrakis or Dune is the creation of SF author Frank Herbert. It is a world and universe full of complex cultures, histories and interactions. This world belongs in the same class as Larry Niven’s Ringworld. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, Philip Jose Farmer’s Riverworld and many others. Mr. Herbert created a world inhabited with complex characters and ideas as well. He explores Arrakis through several books in a connected series. The exploration of this world begins with the author. Frank Herbert was born and lived throughout the Pacific states during his life time. He had several jobs in his life, but was primarily a journalist and photographer. Most of his knowledge was self-acquired in subjects like geology, marine biology and many others. His knowledge found its way into many of his books and stores. Mr. Herbert had a prolific writing career that ended in 1986 upon his death. Though he wrote many other books, the Dune books were his most ...

International Marketplace essays

International Marketplace essays The Everyday Effects of the International Marketplace American is increasingly connected to the rest of theworld as a global economy becomes more important. We participate in the international marketplace both as providers of goods and as consumers. How we buy and sell affects us both in terms of what goods we can choose from, but also what jobs are available, and what kinds of industries will come to dominate our economy. One of the most important changes in recent years in our place in the global economy is the dropping of trade barriers with such political moves as the approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This has had an impact on our economy which has filtered down to the everyday lives of our people, both as workers and as consumers. On the one hand, NAFTA has been good in that it has caused the dropping of tariffs by Mexico and Canada, making U. S. goods more affordable in those countries. This has helped to stimulate some areas of the American economy by opening up new markets to sell our products abroad. In urging the passage of NAFTA, the Clinton Administration publications said that NAFTA would increase high wage jobs, boost U.S. growth, and expand the base from which U.S. firms and workers could compete in a world-wide market. It predicted job gains of approximately a million due to increased Mexican exports, and suggested that by 1995 there would be approximately 200,000 more high wage jobs created due to the opening of free markets. The industries most expected to benefit were those dealing in computer technology, machine tools, aerospace equipment, telecommunications equipment, electronics, and medical devices all areas where wages were already 12 per cent higher than the national average (Expanding (1993), 3-5). Such growth in jobs would have an effect on the workers and their communities, giving a boost to both individual wealth and the community itself. These benefits spread outward...

The Best Content Marketing Checklist To Make You More Successful

The Best Content Marketing Checklist To Make You More Successful We’re firm believers in the power of checklists. They’re essential for ensuring your work is efficient and effective. Nearly any task can be broken down into a logical list of steps. Following those steps makes sure projects are done right the first time, every time. That’s why we’ve created this extensive  content marketing checklist. Its made up of several smaller lists of basic steps for a variety of content marketing areas. Whether you’re a writer, designer, or project manager, there’s something useful for you here. You can download these  checklists in one editable Word doc within this post. Weve also included a template to create your own project checklist (plus five bonus checklists). The Best #ContentMarketing Checklist To Make You More Successful Table of Contents Content Marketing Project Management Checklist Keyword Research Checklist Blog Post Writing Checklist Proofreading And Copyediting Checklist Social Media Campaign Planning Checklist Email Marketing Checklist SEO Checklist Image Design Checklist Landing Page Checklist Video Marketing Checklist Podcasting Checklist Why Should You  Use Checklists For Content Marketing? There are three key benefits for following this checklist: Organize your workflow.  It’s easy to waste time wondering where to start projects. It’s even easier to succeed when you know exactly what to do. Ensure projects are thoroughly completed.  How many times have you kicked yourself because you missed a minor detail on a piece of content? Checklists help prevent common maladies like typos, missing details, factual inaccuracies, and more. Be more efficient and effective.  You’re busy. That means you need to make the most of your limited time. Checklists help you get more done faster by making it clear what needs to be done. Don’t simply take our word for it, though. Atul Gawande, author of The Checklist Manifesto, says: Good checklists †¦ are precise. They are efficient, to the point, and easy to use even in the most difficult situations. They do not try to spell out everythinga checklist cannot fly a plane. Instead, they provide reminders of only the most critical and important stepsthe ones that even the highly skilled professional using them could miss. Good checklists are, above all, practical. We couldn’t put it better ourselves (obviously, which is why we borrowed this quote). This video explains this point in much more detail: Back To Table Of Contents Content Marketing Project Management Checklist [   ] Define your objective. You need to set a goal before starting any project. It should also be clear which greater business objectives your content marketing project is working toward. [   ] Select channels, tactics, and strategies.  Nail these down before you start. [   ] Have deadlines been set? Deadlines are key for ensuring projects get shipped. They’re also useful for limiting scope creep. Determine how long each step in your project should reasonably take to complete. [   ] Are budgets set?  It’s important to know how much money you can spend on your project. This is true whether you’re working at an agency or in-house. If you need more cash, negotiate what you can get with whomever holds the purse strings in your organization. [   ] Delegate tasks to appropriate team members. Make sure you have the right team members ready to work on your project. Eliminate excess roles so those team members can be more effective elsewhere. [   ] Outline project completion steps.  Document each step required to complete your project. This essentially entails creating a unique, project-specific checklist of your own. [   ] Establish success metrics.  Planning is meaningless without successful execution. What will it take to consider your project successful? Determine what you’ll measure to gauge performance. [   ] Set dates for check-in meetings. It’s important to schedule times to discuss project progress. These meetings don’t need to be long. You simply need to maintain open communication to ensure you will reach your deadline. Check out this content marketing project management checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Keyword Research Checklist [   ] Create a keyword spreadsheet.  Spreadsheets are immensely helpful for keeping keyword data organized. [   ] Gather keyword search volumes.  There are a number of keyword research tools available to complete this step. The Google Keyword Planner is a free, must-use option. Here are some others to explore: SERPs Keyword Research Database (free) Keyword.io (free) Ubersuggest (free) Moz Keyword Explorer (limited free version / paid) Keyword Studio (paid) [   ] Analyze keyword difficulty.  It’s important to choose keywords you can reasonably expect to rank on. Here are three tools to consider using for this process: SEMRush  (limited free version / paid) Moz  (limited free version / paid) CanIRank  (free / paid) [   ] Understand keyword search intent.  Know what the intention is behind your keyword. Are they looking to make a purchase, doing research, or looking for information? [   ] Identify LSI keywords and long-tail keyword variations. [   ] Verify your keyword is relevant to your audience. High search engine rankings are meaningless if you’re publishing the wrong content. Make sure your chosen keyword fits within your niche and is relevant to your readers. [   ] Cross-reference keyword data with multiple tools. It’s always a good idea to use multiple tools for keyword research. This allows you to gather data from more than one source, providing a broader picture around your chosen keyword set. [   ] Make sure you’re not already targeting your selected keyword. It’s possible you may already rank for your chosen keyword without knowing it. This is where using an SEO platform like Moz, Raven Tools, or a dedicated rank tracking tool can be useful. [   ] Complete competitive research. Ask these questions: Are your competitors ranking on this keyword? Are there closely related keywords they’re targeting instead? Are there keywords you  can rank on that your  competition is neglecting? Check out this keyword research checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Blog Post Writing Checklist [   ] Select your topic.  Depending on your ideation process, this step may come before or after doing keyword research. [   ] Define your angle.  What unique perspective can you bring to your topic? [   ] Complete keyword research.  Keyword research is not dead. It’s an important step for ensuring readers can find your blog post. That’s why it bears repeating here. [   ] Complete competitive analysis.  Read other blog posts on your topic. Make note of what information they include. Determine how your post can add more value. This may mean incorporating new information or content types (video, infographics, etc.) missing from existing posts. [   ] Research your topic.  If you know your topic well, it’s important to do proper research. This helps prevent missing details and committing factual errors. It will also help establish you as an authority on your topic. [   ] Write your outline.  This is an important step for organizing your thoughts. Highlight the main points your post will cover. Then, determine your subheadings and sub-points. It’s much easier to finish a blog post when you know exactly what you’ll write first. This will save you time in the long run and make sure you hit your deadline. [   ] Write a strong headline.  Write 20 to 25 different options. Use our Headline Analyzer to choose the best one. [   ] Include a hook in your intro.  If your introduction isn’t immediately compelling, rewrite it. [   ] Write blog post body content. [   ] Include image direction and copy notes.  Determine where your graphics will be placed. Then, include brief summaries for each image that your designer can follow. These should include a headline, all copy, and a general idea of what it should look like. This makes life easier for your designer by removing guesswork. [   ] Place images and videos.  Make sure all images and videos are properly placed. This means ensuring they’re located in the right places and with the correct dimensions. If any are missing, add them in. [   ] Write corresponding social messages.  You’ll need social media content to promote your blog post, right? It’s often easiest to write these messages while the information is fresh in your mind. [   ] Proofread.  Catch your own errors before readers do. Look through everything yourself. Then, have another team member review your writing. Check out this blog post writing checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Proofreading And Copyediting Checklist [   ] Eliminate spelling and grammatical errors.  Your copy needs to be air-tight. Use an app like Grammarly or Hemingway to help with this process. [   ] Is this post better than any other on this topic?  This is somewhat subjective, sure. However, check to ensure your content is more comprehensive (or at least differentiated) from existing content from your competitors. [   ] Does this post introduce new information about your topic? Unique content is important both for providing actual value to readers. It’s also important for SEO. [   ] Are all sentences clear and easily readable? Writing can be grammatically correct without being easy to read. [   ] Is any key information missing?  Make sure no information needed to understand your topic is missing. Check to confirm all key details that need be mentioned. Cross-reference your post with others on the web to find potential gaps in your content. [   ] Implement correct formatting. Determine whether all formatting is consistent with your company or blog’s style standards. Also, check for the following: Do all bulleted and numbered lists appear correctly? Are images the correct size? Are paragraphs evenly spaced? [   ] Check graphics for spelling errors.  Image copy errors are easy to miss. Unfortunately, they’re also more difficult to fix than simply editing text in your blog CMS. It’s better to get this right before your posts publish. [   ] Does your post â€Å"show† and not just â€Å"tell†? Rather than simply telling your reader what your topic is about, show them. If your post doesn’t do this, it may not be as compelling as it could be. [   ] Is the copy consistent with your style standards? Whether you use AP style or your own style guide, it’s important that all text be consistent. This helps convey a clean and professional appearance. [   ] Are all your claims factually accurate?  Verify any information you’re unsure about. Publishing incorrect information can hurt your reputation. Worse, it could even get you in legal trouble. Check out this proofreading and copyediting checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Social Media Campaign Planning Checklist [   ] Does your campaign have a clear purpose?  Your campaign should have a clear aim in mind. Establish an objective (increasing followers, driving leads, raising brand awareness, etc.). [   ] Do you have social content prepared for (at least) the next two weeks?  Not all social media content should be pre-planned. However, it makes life much easier to have your core messaging scheduled in advance. This is especially true when managing multiple networks. Two weeks is generally a good amount of time to keep your calendar full. [   ] Have metrics and goals been determined?  If you’re planning a campaign, it’s important to determine which metrics you’ll use to gauge your success. [   ] Are all messages appropriate?  Brands get themselves in trouble due to offensive or inappropriate content far too often. Don’t be one of them. Before scheduling a campaign, review all messages to confirm there’s nothing offensive or culturally insensitive included. [   ] Does your campaign include content across all appropriate social networks that you’re on? [   ] Does your campaign incorporate strong images?  According to Hubspot, â€Å"colored visuals increase people's willingness to read a piece of content by 80%.† Keep this in mind when creating your social campaign content. Not every post may need images. However, it’s important to include a mix of images where possible and appropriate. [   ] Are hashtags present where necessary?  If you’re working on a campaign, consider creating a custom hashtag to tie all your posts together. If you’re tweeting about something timely or topical, do some hashtag research to see if there are any you can leverage for more exposure. [   ] Have you responded to all incoming social messages?  Make this part of your daily routine. If you’re tasked with managing social media full-time, consider upping that to an hourly check. Check out this social media campaign planning checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Email Marketing Checklist [   ] Have you written a strong subject line?  Follow our tips to write a compelling subject line that will get your recipients to click. [   ] Write copy and include all images. [   ] Do all links work in your email content?  Click each one prior to delivering your email. [   ] Has your email copy been proofread?  You can’t take back an email once it has been sent. Catch typos before you hit send. [   ] Is the value of your email clear to the reader? The recipients of your email want to know what’s in it for them. Ensure your subject line and body content convey a clear benefit to your audience. [   ] Is there a clear call to action?  If your email is intended to drive a desired action (reading an article, clicking a link, etc.), double-check that you have a strong call to action. [   ] Have you removed all default template content?  Many major email marketing platforms feature templates that include placeholder content. Nothing looks more unprofessional than seeing this unedited template text in an actual email. Make sure it’s gone. [   ] Are analytics set up correctly?  Most email platforms handle analytics well with minimal work required on your end. However, you may also want to ensure Google Analytics is properly configured to measure inbound traffic from your email newsletter. [   ] Is your list properly segmented?  If your list is segmented based on interests, demographics, or specified user requests, make sure you’re only sending emails to the right audience. [   ] Are you in compliance with CASL?  Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL)  makes it illegal in that country to automatically check opt-in boxes to receive marketing emails. Avoid legal troubles by making sure your opt-in boxes default to being unchecked. [   ] Does your email direct to a quality landing or destination page?  Referring email recipients to an irrelevant or poor quality page can kill conversion rates from email marketing. Double-check that all links not only work, but send visitors to attractive-looking pages that are directly related to the content in your email. [   ] Is your email mobile-optimized?  Most major email platforms allow you to create mobile-friendly email newsletters. However, it’s a good idea to confirm that your emails look as good on phones and tablets as they do on desktop computers. [   ] Is your email scheduled for delivery at an optimal time? Check out this email marketing checklist!Back To Table Of Contents SEO Checklist [   ] Is your primary keyword in your URL, headline, H1 tag, title tag, meta description, and body content?  Don’t go overboard with keyword optimization. Simply include it within each of these areas. [   ] Are internal links to other posts and pages on your site included?  These help readers find more valuable information, in addition to helping search engines understand the relationships between your site or blog’s posts and pages. [   ] Have you written a strong title tag? A quality title tag: Is 70 characters or less. Is well-written and compelling to readers. Includes your primary keyword to let search engines know what your content is about. [   ] Have you specified a strong meta description?  If you don’t specify a meta description, search engines will generate a snippet of text pulled from your on-page content. However, writing your own gives you more control over how your pages appear in search results. Take the time to write one that summarizes your content and gives readers a compelling reason to click. [   ] Are there any broken links in your content?  Broken links create a poor user experience. They’re not great for SEO, either. Double-check your links before publishing your content. [   ] Is your content high quality?  Again, quality is subjective. There are some objective factors to consider though. These include: Is your text long enough? 300 words is considered the minimum for blog posts (although there are certainly exceptions). Aim to include as much content as is necessary to provide users with all the information they need on your topic. Does it include quality graphics, videos, and other visual elements? Does it explain its points as well, or better than, all other content  on this topic? [   ] Does your page load quickly?  Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool to confirm. [   ] Do all images include optimized alt-tags and file names?  If your image file names look something like 887ad0u9.jpg, take the time to rename them. Use descriptive keywords for file names, and up to 15 words worth of differentiated descriptive text for your alt-tags. Check out this search engine optimization checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Image Design Checklist [   ] Has all copy for your image been written?  If an image will include text, it’s best to have that copy written before beginning design. [   ] Proofread image copy. Never let an image get published with a typo. Review your image copy first. [   ] Has image direction been outlined?  If you’re creating a blog post or social media campaign, specify the direction for each graphic prior to beginning design. This helps keep the writer and the designer both on the same page. [   ] Design graphics. [   ] Have all brand  standards been met? Check that your image meets all visual branding guidelines for your brand or company. [   ] If creating multiple images for a campaign or blog post, do they all align visually?  Unless you have an intentional reason not to, keep your visual style consistent. [   ] Check image file size. If file sizes are too large, they may cause your web pages to load slowly. [   ] Is all text clearly readable?  Designs should avoid obscuring the ability to read on-image text. [   ] Is your resolution correct?  Here are some basic guidelines to abide by: 72 dpi for the web. 300 dpi for print. [   ] Are your dimensions correct?  All images should be the correct size for where they will be placed. For web images, never use your CMS to resize images- simply upload them at the correct size. Check out this content marketing image design checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Landing Page Checklist [   ] Write a clear outline. Do this before writing any actual landing page copy. This will help ensure your copy follows a logical sense of flow from start to finish. [   ] Write a strong headline.  Write 20 to 25 options and pick the best one (the same as you would with a blog post). [   ] Write landing page copy. [   ] Include a strong call-to-action. [   ] Create graphics. [   ] Design landing page. Tools like Unbounce and LeadPages make this easy. [   ] Check that branding and style align with your style standards.  This includes checking that color, font, and word choices are consistent with your brand’s style guides. [   ] Proofread. We can’t hammer this point home hard enough. [   ] Is your key selling point clear?  Your headline and/or above-the-fold design elements should clearly convey the purpose of your landing page. If another person can’t determine the point of your landing page quickly, consider making adjustments accordingly. [   ] Focus on benefits (not features). People don’t buy features. They buy the idea that a product or service can fix a problem or fill a need. Review your copy to confirm it conveys benefits more than it describes features. [   ] Do you have a promotion plan in place (PPC, social media posts, email, etc.)? If you’re building a landing page, you probably have a plan to promote it. It’s good to cross your Ts and dot your Is all the same. Double-check that you aren’t missing any opportunities or promotional channels. [   ] Align promotional messaging with your landing page copy.  Review all content promoting your landing page to ensure all messaging is consistent. [   ] Check that forms are easy to complete. If your landing page includes a lead generation form, test to ensure it’s easy to fill out. Difficult or confusing forms can cause conversion rates to plummet. [   ] Establish success metrics. Here are a few to consider: Conversion rate. Number of conversions. Page visits. [   ] Set up an A/B test.  If you’re using a service like LeadPages or Unbounce, setting up an A/B test for your landing pages is easy. Consider testing: Headlines Page layouts Landing page copy Check out this landing page building checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Video Marketing Checklist [   ] Gather equipment.  Make sure you have everything you need before shooting. This includes cameras, mics, props, and anything else you may need. [   ] Define the purpose of your video.  Companies often shoot off-the-cuff videos hoping they’ll â€Å"go viral.† Do better and clearly define your video’s purpose. It could: Demonstrate how to complete a task. Promote a new product. Be entertaining. Whatever you do, be intentional about it. [   ]   Write your script. Then, read it out loud to confirm it sounds clear and will fit within any length requirements. [   ] Identify on-screen personalities.  Line up actors and speakers before shooting. These can be co-workers, guests, or professional actors. [   ] Choose a filming location.  Know where you’ll shoot your video. Confirm you have access to your location. [   ] Check your lighting before shooting. [   ] Shoot video. [   ] Write a strong video title. It should be descriptive, and ideally, include any keywords you may want to rank for on YouTube and in search engines. [   ] Write a strong video description.  You’ll use this on YouTube (or anywhere else you upload your video). [   ] Upload video.  Some options include: YouTube Wistia Facebook Vimeo [   ] Add YouTube annotation links.  These are invaluable for turning YouTube into a traffic driver for your site or blog. [   ] If posting on YouTube, consider adding your video to a relevant playlist. This can help your video get found by users looking for similar content. Check out this video marketing checklist!Back To Table Of Contents Podcasting Checklist [   ] Make sure your mics work. This may seem obvious. However, it’s better to be sure they work before you start recording (especially if you have a guest). [   ] Line up guests and participants. Determine who will be on your podcast (whether that includes yourself, co-workers, or guests). [   ] Establish a topic or theme for your podcast episode.  Keep your podcast from going off-track by defining what it’s about. [   ] Create a loose outline.  You don’t need to script every word. Just create some loose bullet points for what you’ll discuss. If your podcast is in interview format, prepare questions first. [   ] Create intro music.  If you’re not musically inclined, buy stock music. Starting each episode with a familiar tune can help make your podcast more memorable to listeners. [   ] Record! [   ] Edit audio. [   ] Submit your podcast to iTunes and other app stores and directories. This can help listeners more easily find your podcast. [   ] Create a promotion strategy. This simply means creating promotional content to inform your audience about your podcast. It could include: A blog post. Social media posts. A mention in your email newsletter. [   ] Establish a regular posting schedule.  If you’ll be creating a podcast as a series, pick a consistent posting schedule. Using an editorial calendar can help keep you consistent.

Major Trading Partners, Demographics, and System of Governance between Annotated Bibliography

Major Trading Partners, Demographics, and System of Governance between the US and Canada - Annotated Bibliography Example By the end of 2009, the US government had exported about $1.6 trillion worth of goods and services to ten major trading partners of the world. The main exports from the US are capital goods which account for over 49% of the total exports. Industrial supplies account for about 26% while consumer goods account for 15% of the exports. Agricultural products like cereals account for about 9% of the total exports. The major trading nations that purchase goods and services from the US are, in descending order; Canada, Mexico, China and Japan.   Surprisingly, the US has its greatest importer of goods in its closest neighbor, Canada. Apart from Canada, other world top trading partners of the US are China, Mexico, Japan, Germany, UK, South Korea, France, Taiwan, Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and Ireland. Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, and Germany are the top suppliers of imports to the US. Canada’s top three trading partners cut across many continents. In North America, US is Canada’s main partner while in Asia and the Far East, China is the major trading partner of Canada. Mexico is the major trading partner of Canada from the South American region. The US is Canada’s major trading partner. It affects Canada through trade, tourism, technology, history, and culture. There are distinguishing factors that have made the US stand out as being the lead actor in Canada’s trade operations. These factors are physical, economic, political and social. From 2005 to 2010, the US has remained as the best trading partner with Canada in terms of exporting goods and services. The United Kingdom and Japan complete the number 2 and number 3 slots. For example, in 20005, the export value of the US in Canada was over 368,000 million dollars. These standards have been maintained over the years. The US also remains as the greatest importer of goods of Canadian origin.

Primary Education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Primary Education - Assignment Example The education system in the United Kingdom consist a handful of skilled teachers to provide meaningful support for the students with behaviour problems in the primary schools. Additionally, teachers who work in small groups with such students have a severe flow of problems for training them. Such strains occur due to the student's behavioural problem or their own intellectual demands to work with such students. "Far from being deranged and dangerous, [most UK children with problem behaviour] were tired, despairing underachieving, and invariably desperately sad about their circumstances...The same might be said about many of the staff who referred the pupils. They are expressed exhaustion, feelings of inadequacy, and a sense of alienation from the demands of an increasingly utilitarian education system." 1(1) Resources to overcome behavioural problems in the United Kingdom are very limited and should be invested to prevent such problems throughout the primary years of the student. Behaviour problem has an unbalanced influence on the positive way of learning and appropriate learning and behaviour are achieved through positive support of the teachers.2(2) However, such behavioural problems of the students in primary sections are mostly classified into habit disorders, psychosocial disorders, anxiety disorders and disruptive behaviour.3(3) Students with such problems have always been a part of the school population. To overcome such obstacles, psychopathology was intervened to assure normal progress of the students. On the other hand, in 1997 or 1998, a research proved about the student behaviour was to be good for around 80% in the primary schools and 2% percent of these were unsatisfactory. Schools with poor behaviour, often indulged in one year group, were extremely demanding for teacher's involvement. Although recently, the most widespread concern was in United Kingdom was about bullying. About 663 children, aged amid 2-9, were calculated for bullying experience, most of them were boys who were the victims. Though, according to a study, bullying by girls has been misjudged, excluding social relationships etc., girls can be aggressive like boys. Michele Elliot from one of the first charity established in United Kingdom, Kidscape, reported "Sexual bullying has almost become a way of asserting your power over others and for that reason it is disturbing." Recent figures by government illustrates over 280 of expulsions from the primary schools and in twenty of such cases, children of 5 years old were responsible.4(4) Like Kidscape, many other organizations are doing anti-bullying work in the United Kingdom such as sponsors from Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) and by the other voluntary organizations. The most inspiring campaign introduced in 1080s was the "DFE Funded Sheffield Anti-Bullying Project 1991-1993." As a result to this project, "The Pack Don't Suffer in Silence" (HMSO, 1994) was introduced which was requested by more then 19,000 schools in England. Apart from bullying, there has been a minor increase of the students for being permanently excluded from the school about 0.04% of the school population. According to Belfast School of England, there have been up to 3% of the students from the total population expelled due to their behaviour. Another most

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 40

Summary - Essay Example We were all very supportive of the project and admire the hard work involved throughout this process. I believe that Jean worked well and thoroughly to bring this topic and potential improvement program to life. Alexis posted her work, as well, Jean posted some recommendation she thought would benefit Alexis. Alya and Rhett, also, added some very constructive commentary to the posting. Overall, I believe that Alexis has provided strong evidence of the importance of this issue and that her strong approach and very focused approach represents a great potential for her suggested program to succeed. Ayla’s approach, in the posting, was incredibly well resourced and clearly provides a wonderful example the ability of groups with programs like this, which may, be effective in similar ways all over the world. The rest of the team added some interesting suggestions that were supportive of the goal. Rhett’s posting was well focused and relevant, as was Nasreen’s. Rhettâ⠂¬â„¢s was well grounded and informative and Nasreen’s gave a thorough regard to how to help solve the problem at the core of her work. The team showed great effort and positivity in providing helpful, beneficial, constructive criticisms that only improved the wonderful work being presented. This team endeavor has been a fantastic experience and everyone who participated gave total commitment. I am unbelievably pleased with the

Issues in Global Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Issues in Global Business - Essay Example Modern franchising can perhaps best be thought of as a method of organization that combines large and small business into a single administrative unit. In a franchise system one large firm, often called the parent company, grants or sells the right to distribute its products or use its trade name and processes to a number of smaller firms2. The use of contracts in franchising also varies from the standard approaches used in domestic operations. Because of the importance of consistency across outlets (both franchised and corporate-owned), the primary research focus of franchising has been on understanding how best to ensure that the franchisee delivers the business format service as specified by the franchisor. Typically, it is believed that this can be achieved through well-designed contract mechanisms such as fees and royalties. However, contracts become more difficult to monitor and enforce in the international environment as a result of time and distance3. The use of standard contracts that is common in the domestic setting is less common internationally where contracts are usually modified for host country laws and cultural differences. Even the use of a contract often takes on a different meaning in the diverse cultural and legal environments of international business4. (Table 1). Finally, the importance of the foreign franchisee to overall operations relative to that of most individual domestic franchisees is often greater as well. First, in international franchising, the foreign franchisees are often major multinational firms rather than small, independent entrepreneurs. This may be a result of greater awareness by the larger host country firms regarding the franchisor’s business concept5. Such firms also are attractive franchisees due to their strong financial position and longevity in business making them less ‘risky’ partners in an unfamiliar business environment. In Japan, Burger King’s franchise partner is Japan Tobacco, one of

Tucker the Man and His Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tucker the Man and His Dream - Essay Example According to the essay "Tucker the Man and His Dream" findings the movie indicates the fact that the several units were made. Mr. Tucker’s idea failed severally on various occasion deterring his dream and opportunity. The fire occasion when the idea was deemed to fail is when the three largest car companies in Detroit wanted to squash Tucker. The biggest failure of this great idea and opportunity is when Tucker realized that he is no longer the owner of the company. Tucker’s naivety had cost him an opportunity of owning a car company that was meant to transform the world. Tucker did not read the terms of the contract when Benington came on board. This failure if avoided could have saved Tucker’s qualms and misfortunes in the future. A holistic team is very crucial for the success of any project. To some extent the team that was involved in the making process of this car is holistic. Tucker was a charismatic leader with the intensive prowess of the corporate arena . Abe Karatz was a key individual that would make sure that Tucker’s idea is achieved by ensuring it gets the right finance needed. Benington was the next person on the team that would manage the company though he had a point it was him that contribute to the abolishment of Tucker’s ownership in the company. The other key individual in the team was Alex, an automotive engineer he was chosen because of his exceptional skills in the automotive sector. Financing is a very fundamental issue that can determine whether a project will fail or succeed.

Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economy - Essay Example The liquidity crunch was the effect of fall in production due to the global financial crisis. Due to the debt crisis, there was shortage of liquidity for which the employment level was affected for which the income level of the people was reduced (Allen, 1999, p.35). Due to fall in the income level and availability of funds, the spending of the people was also lowered. A lower level of spending gave rise to fall in demand in the economy and the sale of products and services also shattered for the companies. The decrease in sale of products and services led to increase in inventory and the revenue earned by the companies and their profitability were lowered. This forced the businesses to reduce their total productive capacities as a result of which the total goods and services in Europe was lowered. Thus the gross domestic product of the European Union was lowered with the European national producing goods and services at a much lesser volume. The reduction in the GDP of the European economy again fuelled the lowering of income levels, subsequent spending and further production in the economy. This could be explained from the circular flow of income as given below. The output produced by the firms determines the productivity level in the economy. This output is determined by the expenditures or the level of spending of the households. The level of spending of the household again depends on the income levels. This income level is determined according to the payments of wages by the firms to their employees who are the household earners. The payment is done for receipt of services required for production of goods. Thus all the above activities in the economy are linked by a circular flow of income. The flow of money in the economy is also contributed by the net government spending. The net government spending is the difference between actual amount spent by the government and the amount earned by the government through levy of taxes. Due to fall in demand of the e conomy, the government spending also reduced in order to maintain a balance with the tax income. The tax income is lowered as there is a fall in the income level of the population. The governments of European Union designed appropriate monetary and fiscal policies to rescue the economy from the staged of recession (Mishkin, 2007, p.25). The interest rates were revised and subsidies were received to boost the income level and production of the economy. Due to the fall in demand in the economy, the net exports also suffered due to reduction in productive capacities which affected the balance of payments and the foreign exchange earnings. This created an impact on the currency conversion rates of Euro. Consequences of drop in demand for Fitnesse Due to the drop in demand in the economy and reduction in spending of the people, the business and profitability of Fitnesse have shown signs of vulnerability. Fitnesse is a centre for recreation and sporting activities that provides excellent infrastructural facilities to its members and also organises tournaments on squash and lifestyle sessions. The centre provides personal fitness training facilities, swimming pool, gymnasiums, body massage and maintenance facilities, restaurants and bars for health and recreation. These

Tucker the Man and His Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tucker the Man and His Dream - Essay Example According to the essay "Tucker the Man and His Dream" findings the movie indicates the fact that the several units were made. Mr. Tucker’s idea failed severally on various occasion deterring his dream and opportunity. The fire occasion when the idea was deemed to fail is when the three largest car companies in Detroit wanted to squash Tucker. The biggest failure of this great idea and opportunity is when Tucker realized that he is no longer the owner of the company. Tucker’s naivety had cost him an opportunity of owning a car company that was meant to transform the world. Tucker did not read the terms of the contract when Benington came on board. This failure if avoided could have saved Tucker’s qualms and misfortunes in the future. A holistic team is very crucial for the success of any project. To some extent the team that was involved in the making process of this car is holistic. Tucker was a charismatic leader with the intensive prowess of the corporate arena . Abe Karatz was a key individual that would make sure that Tucker’s idea is achieved by ensuring it gets the right finance needed. Benington was the next person on the team that would manage the company though he had a point it was him that contribute to the abolishment of Tucker’s ownership in the company. The other key individual in the team was Alex, an automotive engineer he was chosen because of his exceptional skills in the automotive sector. Financing is a very fundamental issue that can determine whether a project will fail or succeed.

Growth and Potential of International Luxury Fashion Brands Essay Example for Free

Growth and Potential of International Luxury Fashion Brands Essay

Price Determination in Market Forces of Demand and Supply

Price Determination in Market Forces of Demand and Supply Introduction It is inevitable that world prices of commodities are increasing substantially. The increase of commodity prices does not only affect producers and consumers, but also governments. Around the world, governments face renewed pressure to reform their budgeting processes, including Malaysia. Malaysia has a well-established infrastructure and is one of the most economically advanced countries in South Asia. This essay is opted to discuss the rational of price hikes and its impacts to the cost of living particularly in the Malaysian context as well as providing the blueprint for Malaysian government in bracing the price hikes. 2.0 Do Oil Price Increases Cause Higher Other Commodity Prices? Current commodity price hikes are not only affecting the Malaysian economy and society, but also affecting the whole world. According to OECD Economics Department Policy Notes, commodity prices have risen considerably since mid-2010. The rational of price hikes is due to the price hikes of world’s primary sources like crude oil, food, steel, wheat and such. Oil is one of the world’s basic necessities and the backbone of most countries, especially developing countries, as some developed countries do have renewable resources as alternatives in their productions of commodities. OECD Economics Department Policy Notes states that higher energy prices have contributed to rising food prices, because energy accounts for over one-third of the cost of grain production. 2.1 Scarcity of Oil as One of the Important Natural Resources This is further encouraged by the scarcity of natural resources and raw materials. It is expected that world supply and production of oil are falling into depletion. This problem is commonly referred to as â€Å"peak oil†, where the production of oil reaches a maximum and will subsequently begin to decline until full depletion is ultimately reached. According to Hassan (2010), it is expected that the world’s oil supply will be completely diminished by 2025. Prices are Set by Both International and Local Market Factors Commodity prices are largely determined by international market powers within regional basis at most of the time. This shows that commodity prices are in-part out of government’s control in most countries around the world including Malaysia. 3.1 Mixed Economy in Malaysia Malaysia is practicing a mixed economic system and not exempted by international price changes. The economic activities in Malaysia are carried out by entrepreneurs in the production activities of goods and services as well as by the government that provides public goods and services to Malaysian citizens in terms of education, transportation, health and others. Based on Price Control Act 1961, Malaysian government is controlling only seven types of goods—white refined sugar, petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas, flour, cooking oil, and facemask (as illustrated in table 1). According to Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, Malaysian government previously controlled other five goods which are steel (price control was repealed on 12 May 2008), chicken (price control was repealed on 12 May 2008), cement (price control was repealed on 5 June 2008), sweetened condensed milk (price control was repealed on 1 April 2009) and white bread (price control was repeale d on 1 Jan 2010). Table 1: List of Controlled Goods Source: Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) Commodity Price Increases in Malaysia According to Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Ayer Hitam MP and MCA Deputy President, 2014 is seen as a tough year for Malaysians as the prices hikes, including the impending ones that impacting the middle-income earners and below (Foong, 2014). The price hikes are assumed as one of the impacts of the Malaysian government’s rationalisation exercise of fuel subsidies and the electricity tariff in the effort of reducing the nation’s economic burden. 4.1 Reducing Nation’s Economic Burden The Malaysia’s federal government is in a bad state because it is spending more than it earns, causing a persistent budget deficit. Malaysia’s debt-to-GDP ratio is higher than officials would like. With the exception of India, that deficit burden is the highest among the Non-Japan Asian economies (KPMG, 2011). According to Deputy of Ministry of Finance Datuk Ahmad Maslan, at the end of June 2013, the federal government owed tax of RM 284.7 billion, which is 28.8% of Malaysian GDP (Bernama, 2013). Until September 30, 2013, the shortfall is funded by the federal government incurring more debt, which was in total of RM529.2 billion or 53.6% of GDP (Bernama, 2013). 4.2 Subsidy Removal According to Shanmugam, â€Å"In Malaysia, the electricity tariff, food prices and toll rates on urban highways are all going up in 2014 as the government cuts subsidies and reigns in its operating expenditure†. Scrapping energy subsidies has become a target for government austerity measures over the past years. In complying with the latest budget, Malaysia has recently cut its annual subsidy on petrol and electricity (The Economist, 2014). Malaysia slashed its petrol subsidies by 20 cents a litre and by 20 to 80 cents on diesel (BBC News, 2013). This is the first time in more than two years that Malaysia cuts fuel subsidies as it tries to reduce its budget deficit. On the other hand, the electricity tariff in Malaysia is increased by an average of about 14.89% for Peninsular Malaysia, and by about 17% for Sabah and Labuan starting January 1st, 2014 as shown in Table 2 (Shagar, 2013). This is in line with the Government’s effort towards gradually reducing energy subsidi es to industries through the Subsidy Rationalisation Program. Table 2: The table on implications of the revised rate on domestic users Impacts of price hikes to Malaysian cost of living It is pretty clear that the cost of living in Malaysia is going to rise substantially as we stepped into 2014. According to Alliance Financial Group Bhd. and Malaysian Rating Corp., the 14 percent increase in sugar cost starting in October 2013 and 11 percent increase of petrol in September 2014 as well as 15 percent increase of electricity in January 2014 could inhibit private consumption growth by 0.9 percentage point in 2014 (Chong, 2014). Chong (2014) anticipates that Malaysia’s middle class is harshly hit by the price increases with elevated household borrowings as slower pay increase than the lower-income earners. According to Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the chief officer at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, with as little as RM 3,000 salary per month, the middle-income earners or the ‘Sandwich Class’ is not benefitting as much as other higher and lower classes from the government income tax cuts (Chong, 2014). Despite the increase cost of living, the Malaysian Employers Federation estimates that there will be lower salary increases as well as bonuses in the private sector in 2014, where executives will get a 5.63 percent average increase in salaries and non-executives will get a 5.65 percent raise as the results of an MEF survey of 257 companies (Choong, 2014). The producers are the ones that expected to gain much of the price hikes, especially for those who take advantage by their hidden charges through overprice selling of goods on consumers. However, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry is taking serious actions to protect consumers’ rights. Figure 1: Food Prices Comparison between 2013 and 2014 Source: Utusan Online—3 January 2014 How do Malaysian government brace such increases in commodity prices? In many ways, Malaysia has been an early adopter of important financial reform programs. According to Shanmugam, the opposition has claimed that corruption and wastage are the main reasons the government is not able to spend within its means, thus increasing its spending that leads to high debt. Nevertheless, the technocrats in the Cabinet, Dato’ Seri Idris Jala and Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar say that Dato’ Seri Najib Razak’s administration has spelt out clear measures to tackle leakages in government spending and end corrupt practices. 6.1 Long-Term Agreement One of the ways that is taken by the Malaysian government in bracing the price increases is by having agreement with the resources supplying countries. For example, the government is able to control sugar price because of its long-term agreement with Brazil in supplying raw sugar to Malaysia. Nevertheless, sugar is pressured by price hikes due to the usage of sugar canes as primary supplier of raw sugar in biofuel (Department of Information, 2008). This causes sugar canes for the use of biofuel having high demand in the world market. Outcome-Based Budgeting The government has also introduced the Outcome-Based Budgeting (OBB) which is also known as Performance-Based Budgeting in Budget 2014 as a way to allocate resources based on achieving agreed upon objectives, program goals and measured results. This will help in improving the implementation of efficiencies, reducing redundancy and systematically evaluate the performance of all ministries. Furthermore, according to Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid, the government is now more focusing on public-private partnerships, where the private sector implements the projects and end-users pay for it. He said that â€Å"there will be less emphasis on private finance initiatives (FPI) where the government has to pay annual lease payments, which contribute to a growing operating budget† (Shanmugam, 2013). Goods and Services Tax Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad based consumption tax which will generally be applicable on all goods and services, where consumers pay only on what they consume. Any registered business that charges GST can offset the GST it pays against the tax it collects before forwarding the balance to the government, so that the tax is ensured to be imposed only once. This is called as an â€Å"input tax credit mechanism†, where businesses are able to operate without tax cost and the final 6% tax is borne by the end consumer (Kumaran and Simpson, 2013). However, basic goods such as unprocessed meat, cooking oil, and sugar as well as public services like education, healthcare, tolls, financial services and life insurance will be exempt from GST (Kumaran and Simpson, 2013). This will help Malaysians in curbing their expenses with the increasing living cost. Furthermore, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2010, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices by 4% across the board with the introduction of GST (Kumaran and Simpson, 2013). Pricing decisions by businesses are also obliged to be justifiable or else stringent penalties will be taken by domestic trade cooperatives and consumerism ministry. In brief, instead of making everything more expensive in addition to international price hikes, GST is going to help Malaysians by providing a more transparent, streamlined and fairer tax based on our consumption patterns (Kumaran and Simpson, 2013). Conclusion In conclusion, despite the drawbacks of price hike to the cost of living particularly in the Malaysian context, price hikes are seen as a good cause in reducing the government’s burden. The government does need to reduce its fiscal deficit for the long term economic wellbeing. Therefore, cuts in government subsidies executed by the Malaysian government are viewed as a rational approach. Based on the blueprint discussed in this essay, it shows that the government also has proposed some measures to curb the impacts of price hikes to consumers. The government and its people are supposed to be partners in their shared journey of development and progress, thus both parties have to play their parts in fiscal consolidation. References BBC News. (2013, September 3). BBC NEWS BUSINESS. Retrieved from BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23926411 Bernama. (2013, November 25). Hutang negara RM284.7b pada akhir Jun tahun ini, lapor Kementerian Kewangan. Retrieved from The Malaysian Insider: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/hutang-negara-rm284.7b-pada-akhir-jun-tahun-ini-lapor-kementerian-kewangan Chong, P. K. (2014, January 7th). Malaysians Seen Curbing Spending as Living Costs Surge: Economy. Retrieved from Bloomberg News: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-07/malaysians-seen-curbing-spending-as-living-costs-surge-economy.html Choong, P. (2014, January 7). Malaysians Seen Curbing Spending as Living Costs Surge: Economy. Bloomberg News. Malaysia: Bloomberg L.P. Department of Information. (2008). Clarification on Subsidies and Price Increases of Goods and Services. Kuala Lumpur: Perkasa Nilam Sdn. Bhd. Foong, P. (2014, January 6). Malaysian Politics 2014: Tough explaining price hikes to people, says Dr Wee. Retrieved from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/01/06/Malaysian-politics-2014-Wee-Ka-Siong-MCA-Barisan-Nasional/ Hassan, M. (2010, July 19). Bersediakah kita menuju negara hijau? Retrieved from Utusan Online: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010dt=0719pub=Utusan_Malaysiasec=Rencanapg=re_06.htm KPDNKK. (2014, January 10). Price List of Controlled Items. Retrieved from Offical Portal of Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism: http://www.kpdnkk.gov.my/en/pengguna/penguatkuasaan/brg-kawalan/harga-brg-kawalan KPMG. (2011, September). Outcome-based Budgeting: A Six Nation Study. Making the Transition. KPMG International Cooperative. Kumaran, R., Simpson, T. (2013, October 21). Real impact of GST on cost of living. Retrieved from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2013/10/21/Real-impact-of-GST-on-cost-of-living-It-helps-change-the-way-we-pay-tax-provides-more-transparent-s.aspx/ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2011). The Effects of Oil Price Hikes on Economic Activity and Inflation. Economics Department Policy Note No. 4. OECD. Shagar, L. K. (2013, December 2). Electricity tariff up by average 15% from Jan 1. The Star. Malaysia: Star Publications (M) Bhd. Shanmugam, M. (2013, December 23). Shake-up in the economy. Malaysia: The Edge Malaysia Weekly. Star Publications (M) Bhd. (2014, January 21). Traders to pay for steep prices. Retrieved from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/01/21/Traders-to-pay-for-steep-prices-Shop-owners-will-be-taken-to-court-if-they-violate-regulation/ Tenaga Nasional Berhad. (2014). Tariff Rates. Retrieved from Tenaga Nasional: http://www.tnb.com.my/residential/pricing-and-tariff/tariff-rates.html The Economist. (2014, Jan 11th). Fuelling controversy. The $9 Trillion Sale (Almost) Everything Must Go! The Economist Newspaper Limited. The copyright of Nur Nisrin Alina Abdul Aziz (MBA Services Management, UniRazak)Page 1