The Age Of Neoliberalism Politics Essay

The Age Of Neoliberalism Politics Essay Neoliberalism is in the first instance, a theory of political economic practices that proposes that human well-being can best be advanced by liberating individual entrepreneurial freedoms and skills within an institutional framework characterized by strong private property rights, free markets and free trade. The role of the state is to create and preserve an institutional framework appropriate to such practices. The state has to guarantee, for example, the quality and integrity of money. It must also set up those military, defence, police and legal structures and functions required to secure private property rights and to guarantee, by force if need be, the proper functioning of markets. Furthermore, if markets do not exist (in areas such as land, water, education, health care, social security, or environmental pollution) then they must be created, by state action if necessary. But beyond these tasks the state should not venture. State interventions in markets (once created) must be kept to a bare minimum because, according to the theory, the state cannot possibly possess enough information to second-guess market signals (prices) and because powerful interest groups will inevitably distort and bias state interventions (particularly in democracies) for their own benefit Its foundations can be traced back to the classical liberalism advocated by Adam Smith, and to the specific conception of man and society on which he founds his economic theories. Neoliberalism is, under this view, thought of as an entirely new paradigm for economic theory and policy-making the ideology behind the most recent stage in the development of capitalist society and at the same time a revival of the economic theories of Smith and his intellectual heirs in the nineteenth century. A great reversal had taken place, where neoliberalism had replaced the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes and his followers. Keynesianism, as it came to be called, was the dominant theoretical framework in economics and economic policy-making in the period between 1945 and 1970, The theory stipulated that full employment is necessary for capitalism to grow and it can be achieved only if governments and central banks intervene to increase employment. These ideas had much influence on Presiden t Roosevelts New Deal, which did improve life for many people. The belief that government should advance the common good became widely accepted. But the capitalist crisis over the last 25 years, with its shrinking profit rates, inspired the corporate elite to revive economic liberalism. It was then replaced by a more monetaristà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ approach inspired by the theories and research of Milton Friedman is an ideology somewhat similar to and yet markedly different from much conventional conservative thought, and often hardly recognisable as a genuinely conservative that individual liberty depends on there being a free-market economy, where the state has voluntarily given up its ability to control the economy for the good of society as a whole, or the interests of its own citizens. The main points of neo-liberalism include: The rule of the market: Liberating free enterprise or private enterprise from any bonds imposed by the government (the state) no matter how much social damage this causes. Greater openness to international trade and investment, as in NAFTA. Reduce wages by de-unionizing workers and eliminating workers rights that had been won over many years of struggle. No more price controls. All in all, total freedom of movement for capital, goods and services. To convince us this is good for us, they say an unregulated market is the best way to increase economic growth, which will ultimately benefit everyone. Its like Reagans supply-side and trickle-down economics, but somehow the wealth didnt trickle down very much. Cutting public expenditure for public service: like education and health care.reducing the safety net for the poor, and even maintenance of roads, bridges, water supply, again in the name of reducing governments role. Of course, they dont oppose government subsidies and tax benefits for business. Deregulation: Reduce government regulation of everything that could diminish profits, including protecting the environment and safety on the job. Privatization: Sell state-owned enterprises, goods and services to private investors. This includes banks, key industries, railroads, toll highways, electricity, schools, hospitals and even fresh water. Although usually done in the name of greater efficiency, which is often needed, privatization has mainly had the effect of concentrating wealth even more in a few hands and making the public pay even more for its needs. Eliminating the concept of public good or community and replacing it with individual responsibility. Pressuring the poorest people in a society to find solutions to their lack of health care, education and social security all by themselves then blaming them, if they fail, as lazy. Neoliberalism has played a major role in redefining the nature of the welfare state. The fundamental problem with neoliberalism, is their perception that the market can cure all problems especially when dealing with the welfare system, which they believe has no reason to exist. They prefer to use either negative income tax or other market-based means to provide for them. Whats worse is they rationalize not giving welfare people through a variety of means which Linda Gordon typifies the problem in their perception with her enlightening and shocking article Who deserves Help? Who must provide? Within it she explicates how the neoliberals pressure the poorest people in a society to find a job, then blame them if they fail, as lazy. She then delves into of how a major structural feature of the US welfare system is that stratification of entitlement justified by degrees of deservingness creates perception of deservingness and undeservingness.  [i]  Many studies show that welfare recip ients find welfare degrading and demoralizing, and greatly prefer the chance to work. There is no incentive for lazy people to enrol in welfare because the payments do not allow families to make ends meet. In the case of the US its gender based, more specifically for mothers (especially single ones.) Welfare mothers familys rent and utilities cost more than the welfare check. Even for those few who receive housing assistance, very little is left over to cover all other monthly expenses, such as transportation, clothing, hygiene and school supplies. The typical food stamp allowance is insufficient, and many recipients actually go hungry near the end of the month. To make ends meet, mothers have to receive income from somewhere else. They do so because they cannot get jobs that pay better than welfare. The very reason why they cant get any jobs that pay better than welfare is a direct result of neoliberal practices that result in only low-wage work remaining in the West. As a result of outsourcing, factories and subsequently jobs, neoliberal countries do nothing to stop multinational corporations from doing so for they would be affecting free trade. Thus allowing jobs to leave the country and people being exploited elsewhere. As well the only real jobs that are really created in recent years have been predominantly retail and service jobs that are low paying and thus inadequate substitutes for the working poor or mothers, to help themselves out of the poverty line. In their article welfare reform as race population control, Kenneth Neubeck and Noel Cazenave continue Gordons path, by charting the evolution of welfare racism and the rationale behind this racism in the United States through a detailed analysis of specific case studies. They delve into welfare racism against black people, immigrants in general and black women. Beginning with the 1911 mothers pensions (largely intended for white widowed women), Neubeck and Cazenave demonstrate that U.S. welfare policy has been racialized, gendered and stigmatized from its very inception, at times excluding and discriminating against African Americans, then eventually immigrants and at other times providing a limited form of highly stigmatized assistance. Using their concept of welfare racism as an analytical tool, the authors explain that: welfare racism exists as a major force shaping contemporary public assistance attitudes, policies and practices à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ it serves three major functions, s ocial stratification and social control functions for racialized societies and their racial states.'  [ii]  Welfare racism provides social prestige for the general white population, political and career power for its politicians and other elites, and economic acquisition for the nations economic elite in the form of a large and easily exploitable low-wage labour pool. This is what is needed to perpetuate neoliberalism it is integral to the continual expansion of profits upon which capitalism depends. Neoliberalism is constituted not simply by the exchange of things but is founded on the commodification (which the next article the Three worlds of Welfare Capitalism further delves into) and exchange of labour itself: the source of profit. This is the primary goal of this racialization. As well in tracing the ways that welfare racism exists, persists and changes, Neubeck and Cazenave reveal the mythical and erroneous and persistent characterization of African-American women as welf are queens or welfare mothers. This racism-centered framework provides an excellent lens for exploring the links between stigmatized welfare policy and stereotypes of poor racialized women and men in U. S. social and political discourse. The reason this becazme a popular notion, that of stereotyping black people, immigrants and mothers (especially black ones) is that Neoliberalism is a failing policy, and has not been at all successful in reducing unemployment to the levels that free trade was purported to, in fact its increased ion every country that has implemented them, thus they have no choice but to rationalize this disaster of a policy by blaming not the economic component, but rather the people. Their either lazy, immigrants looking to freeload or welfare mothers who merely desire to have babies and again freeload off the system. Neoliberalism provides the jobs, they just dont want to work them. Their rationale sadly isnt backed up by statistics, for each year America and our country Canada loses major jobs in our manufacturing sector, which sadly service or retail based jobs we might gain dont make up for this loss. Neoliberalism has proven itself to be an unsuccessful ideology in the way it treats its citizens and the next article The three worlds of Welfare Capitalism really delves deep into Neoliberalisms commodification of its citizens. I will commence my analysis of this article by addressing the concept of commodification. Furthermore, I will summarize the three theories presented and apply them to the concept of commodification.   This will lead to the synthesis of themes presented and will, if my intentions are realized, provoke response to the idea of commodifying (or decommodifying) human labour.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Whilst reading about commodified labour images of workers with price tags and discount tickets floated through my subconscious in much the same way one might imagine a car lot.   Rows of eager workers aiming to receive the best price for their resources and skills while at the same time guaranteeing they dont get passed over in favour of the more appealing offer in the next row.   Perhaps comparing human capabilities with a car lot appears crude and grossly dysfunctional, but the methodology behind such madness will become apparent.  I shall, therefore, draw upon this analogy in order to develop an analysis of Esping-Andersons welfare regimes. A commodified worker is, in simple terms, a worker with a price.   On a purely micro level, the individual determines what he or she must earn in order to survive within the constraints of the cash nexus, a decision influenced by macro level factors such as the demand and price typically awarded for a particular skill or qualification. Within the market the neoliberalism appears justified: the worker can freely choose between alternative utilities, jobs, employers, and leisure trade-offs. Thus, in a model free market, the worker is able to make decisions freely and without negative ramifications.  Conversely, it is the decommodification of the worker that Esping-Anderson aspires to as this definition of commodification implies that the market is indeed dogmatic.  Furthermore, in reality the market is far from stable and is unrelenting to those unable to participate. Referring to the analogy of car lots commodification requires several conditions including the stability previously mentioned.   This would enable the worker to obtain a fair wage from an employer in much the same way a dealer would assess a fair price to a worthy vehicle.  Ã‚  The absence of stability in the marketplace leads to the inability of workers to exercise freedom of choice.   Faced with the dilemma of an injury (think a head-gasket or deflated tires) the worker must withdraw from the marketplace to recover. But unlike a car with easily replaceable parts return to the marker may not be as simple or prompt and the worker will require an alternative means of income.   The inability to work decreases choice based on the sole premise that ones skills are no longer active and thus, no longer in demand as a commodity.   The employer will seek out alternative labour just as a dealer purchasing new vehicles for the lot would move right along to the cars in the next row; a fter all who wants a car lot of faulty or less than optimal vehicles?   The worker must find a means of survival.   It is within this framework the humanistic element of welfare emerges.   When a worker can no longer subsist independently, what resources exist to prevent degradation?   It is this dilemma which introduces the humanistic element to the analogy.  A car is easily replaced without much consequence to the defunct vehicle itself.  A worker, while potentially easily replaced, most certainly does experience the negative consequences negative of commodification.   For example, transition to a new job may require specific, time consuming, potentially costly retraining.   Esping-Anderson offers a critique of the three theories of welfare, feeling that although some attempt to solve the problem decommodifcation doesnt exist from any of these approaches, it only deceptively convinces the masses that they are being aided. The first theory is the social-insurance model. The adoption of the German social security approach by the Western European countries and the USA countries had two fundamental purposes; the first one to cover the human risks to guarantee a productive labour class; and the second one to maintain the security of the elites, through of control and the stabilization of the labour class. It sought to achieve two simultaneous stratification results. The first goal was to consolidate divisions amongst wage earners by legislating distinct programs for different class and status groups, each with its own conspicuously unique set of rights and privileges designed to accentuate the individuals appropriate station in life. The second objective was to tie the loyalties of the individual directly to the monarchy or in our case (state authority). The goal was to combat labour movements.  [iii]  The state is viewed largely as a minimal interventionist with any welfare allocated firmly upholding the stratification of society or maintaining the hierarchical/patriarchal structure.   The second tactic was Fraternal societies were voluntary mutual-aid associations. The principle behind the fraternal societies was simple. A group of working-class people would form an association (or join a local branch, or lodge, of an existing association) and pay monthly fees into the associations treasury; individual members would then be able to draw on the pooled resources in time of need. The fraternal societies thus operated as a form of self-help insurance company. Sadly despite this supposedly being a fraternal collectivistic approach and an example of a true communalism, the end result was stratification for the weakest, the most likely to need help wereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦likely[to] be excluded.  [iv]   A third porposed methodology was universalism, which is an integral system based on the provision of social welfare for all through public or private institutions rather than partial and individuals subsidies. Programs are established universally to serve everybody and are financed by Government. In this approach institutions are obligated to deliver social services to all without constrains As a principle universalism focuses in Society as a whole; it does not distinguish by class, religion, age, race, sexual orientation, or gender. Universalism in social policy is a re-distributive institutional approach; it considers social welfare as a very important institution of society providing general services outside the market on the basis of the necessities principle. Of course, the reality of fully socialized welfare programs is minimal due to the overwhelming maintenance costs and the problems experienced by governments that try to convince the population to pay higher taxes in order t o provide for those who do not compete in the market place, unwillingly or not. There are, however, several states which strive for high levels of decommodification the best examples situated in the countries comprising Scandinavia.   For him, this model incorporates the redistributions system of available resources along time. However despite sounding equitable the end result was not what was intended. Without verging upon the perimeter of repetition the following summaries of the three major theories presented by Esping-Anderson serve as the foundation for the ultimate link with commodification. This will illustrate the extent to which regime types with characteristics of any of the three regime-types embrace, or berate the decommodification of labour.   The neoliberal welfare regime argues that a free market will abolish class and inequality, while state intervention only strengthens issues of class. The neoliberal model argues that democracy and universal suffrage would be likely to politicize the distributional struggle, pervert the market, and fuel inefficiencies. In reality, however, the neoliberal regime, through the capitalist system, tends to commodify labour to such an extent that people were unable to survive outside of the market. Stripping society of the institutional layers that guaranteed social reproduction outside the labour contract meant the people were decommodified. This leads to a difficulty in class mobilization as workers are now nothing more than a commodity to be traded between industries. As such, they are unlikely to gain the political power to translate power into desired policies and reforms. Because the neoliberal regime is so reliant on market forces, the state will not intervene unless the familial or market institutions fail. Esping-Anderson refers to this structure as a residual or welfare state. Such a state is characterized by means-tested social assistance. This often punishes and stigmatizes recipients of social welfare and ultimately creates a system of class stratification, particularly between the middle class who relies on market social insurance and the poor who are reliant on state-sponsored social insurance programs. Generally, the benefits offered by the neoliberal regime are quite small, as social welfare is seen as a cause of poverty and unemployment, and may lead to laziness and moral corruption. The Social-insurance model disagreed with the idea of laissez-faire economic policies. Esping-Anderson suggests that Social-insurance model ideal was the perpetuation of patriarchy and absolutism as the best legal, political, and social shell for capitalism without class struggle.  [v]   The Social-insurance model paradigm sees a more authoritarian state as better fo r everyone, as opposed to a more chaotic system based on free markets. As such, the corporatist model created its first social policies because the corporatists saw liberalism democracy and capitalism as destroying the old hierarchical structure. In sum, the Social-insurance model does not want to see people starve commodification is morally repugnant. Rather, they want people to subordinate self-interest to recognized authority and prevailing institutions.  [vi]   This idea is characterized in the modern social welfare regimes in that it is still reliant on many of the precommodification institutions. Rather than having people be slaves to the market, the corporatist model makes people reliant on the state. Lastly, the universalism model argues that the accumulation of capital disowns people of property. This leads to deeper class divisions. Additionally, social welfare initiatives like those posed by the neoliberal and corporatist model, is more conducive to ensuring class di visions in the name of stability, instead of actually addressing need . The universalism model expands on this premise, arguing that by bringing social policy into the parliament, workers will have less dependence on the market and employers. This, coupled with a strong coalition between labour and other groups, farmers perhaps, leads to a system of equality and socialism through the exercise of political power Around the world, neo-liberalism has been imposed by powerful financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. It is raging all over Latin America. The first clear example of neo-liberalism at work came in Chile (with thanks to University of Chicago economist Milton Friedman), after the CIA-supported coup against the popularly elected Allende regime in 1973. Other countries followed, with some of the worst effects in Mexico where wages declined 40 to 50% in the first year of NAFTA while the cost of living rose by 80%. Over 20,000 small and medium businesses have failed and more than 1,000 state-owned enterprises have been privatized in Mexico. In the United States neo-liberalism is destroying welfare programs; attacking the rights of labour (including all immigrant workers); and cutting back social programs. The Republican Contract on America is pure neo-liberalism. Its supporters are working hard to deny protection to children, youth, women, the planet itself, and trying to trick Americans into acceptance by saying this will get government off my back. The beneficiaries of neo-liberalism are a minority of the worlds people. For the vast majority it brings even more suffering than before: suffering without the small, hard-won gains of the last 60 years, suffering without end.

Operations management strategy of Hard Rock Cafe

Operations management strategy of Hard Rock Cafe Global competition increasing every day, while others theme restaurants have come and gone Hard Rock cafe is successfully response to complexity, risks and competition of global economy with flexibility and speed. From one London cafe in 1971, Hard Rock Cafà © (HRC) has grown to over 163 locations in 52 countries, and most of that growth has occurred in the last few years. With the mission To spread the spirit of Rock n Roll by delivering an exceptional entertainment and dining experience. We are committed to being an important, contributing member of our community and offering the Hard Rock family a fun, healthy, and nurturing work environment while ensuring our long-term success (Heizer Render, 2009).HRC enjoys a 92% name recognition world-wide, putting it in the top 10 of all restaurants. HRC has accomplished this by changing from a themed restaurant into one participating in what is now called the Experience Economy. . Lets identify how each of the 10 decisions of operations management is applied successfully and effectively at Hard Rock Cafà ©. 1. Design of goods and services: HRC is flexible and unique with their product and services design base on the local market that they enter into. Every different restaurant has unique design by combining traditional and culture of the locals with the view in mind such as when they open HRC in Ho Chi Minh, Viet Name and decorate the bar with lantern. One of the most popular mistakes of restaurant is trying to make their food be the best to be successful. But reality is quite different when Bugger King and McDonalds dont have the best food. I didnt mean that restaurant shouldnt try to make the most delicious food but in the process of making delicious food (tangible product) they should keep their eyes on providing the intangible product which is called experience and HRC sells experience. HRC is using food as medium to inspire exceptional entertainment and dining experience. As Professor C.Markides of the London Business School says, The trick is not to play the game better than the competition, but to develop and p lay an altogether different game. (Markides, 1997) 2. Managing Quality: One of the most operations strategy is quality. According Jay Heizer, quality as the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 222-225). In Hard Rocks Cafà ©, the food is the product and quality must be top the charts. Menu and quality surveys are being constantly and regularly reviewed by operations personnel. In operation management, establishing quality standard and control to meet these standards is the key to success but HR do better when providing the unique experience. Hard Rock is quite successful when using food (tangible product) as the medium to deliver exceptional entertainment and dinning experience (intangible product) and customer almost satisfy with unique visual and sound experience not duplicated anywhere. (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 83) 3. Process and capacity design: When decide the locations of their facilities, Hard Rock cafe has the process and capacity design with effective analyses the whole production process from purchasing food ingredients, to preparing the food to ensure the products in an efficient manner, cost effectiveness and labour requirements. 4. Location: According Oliver Munday, Senior Director Worldwide Cafà © Development, when considering a new location, a careful decision making process is used, as the investment for a new location is large and for example usually includes agreeing to a longer term lease on the location of 10-15 years or more because its play a role to ensure organization recovered the initial investment capital as well as minimum profit. . HRC carefully looks at several factors when considering a location. Political risk: In general, stable political of country can impact the decision of economic activities. It can be seen by the consistency of government policies that helps to ensure the interest of investor. On the other hands, a stable political situation will make people feel safety in working and increasing number of people comes to entertaining places. Currency risk due to inflation causing the economic crisis. Consequence, enterprise faces with difficult in exchange rate when earning profit cannot enough to compensate. Currency discount means pricing escalate, people live from hand to mouth. At that time, consumer will be reduced and the resulting decline in business revenues and profits, even losses. Social norms: in perspective consuming capacity of customer, there are two factors dominant: peoples income and culture, spending habits. If people have high salary, theyre willing to spend much more money for better life. On the contrary, they just spend money on what they really need. Second, due to culture life and spending habit they spend money on entertainment, leisure activities that their culture allows. But there are places where even though peoples incomes are really high but they practice in saving and spending. Brand fit: This factor is very sensitive and important that Hard Rock should consider carefully before naming trademarks and deploying their business. Customer will be outraged and boycott immediately with goods or services that offend communities ethnic or their belief. Social costs: This is cost that businesses have responsibility to contribute to society including taxes Business practices: Hard Rock interested in living standards and intellectual level where business located. 5. Lay out : Another reason helps HRC stands out the crowded restaurant is their layout. Just looking their big guitar outside, definitely it stimulates your curiosity get inside. The wall is being slapped with lots of memorabilia: guitars, drums, shirts, pants, shoes, scarves, handwritten come from music band or legendary musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, John Lennon HRC seems to be a live museum. 6. Human Resources: Company from small to large just only archive their operation management strategy with competent and motivate people. Many organizations have demonstrated that competitive advantage in operation can be build through a good human resource strategy. In Hard Rock Cafà ©, part of their missions is creating a friendly, funny working environment not only for employee but also for their family to make them feel not just come for work only but to enjoy the work since then they can deliver professional unique entertainment and dining experience to their guests and to ensure long term company success . Hard Rock has an employee Bill of Rights, outstanding pay, benefit and promotion that helps employee self-motivated individual, they also have policy hiring the best qualify not just best available. Human resource can be expensive, difficult to archive and hard to sustain but what weve seen in Hard Rock Cafà © with practice training and treat employee as you need individuality that not only go od for business but also definitely rock. (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 445) 7. Supply-chain management: Hard Rock has been explored new global resources to achieve maximum profitable via supply chain. Be aware the most advantages of outsourcing is cost saving and improve services level. Hard Rock has selected USCO logistics, a subsidiary of Kuehne Nagel, to take over distribution and replenishment of collectible and fashion merchandise for its cafes, hotels, and casinos in North America. (Albright, 2004) 8. Inventory, material requirements planning, and JIT Inventory is one of the most expensive assets of many companies and Hard Rock is not exclusive. With more than seventy thousand pieces of memorabilia, Hard Rock also has invested forty million dollars in one of the worlds largest collection of rock-and-roll memorabilia inventory. According Jay Heizer the objective of inventory management is to strike a balance between inventory investment and customer services and by using effectively software such as Excel OM, POM, Hard Rock has done a great of cataloguing every single item. With thousand memorabilia spread out 163 cafes world-wide in 52 countries, they know exactly what is on the wall in what cafe. Through inventory system and technology theyre quite comfortable to recall any memorabilia to refurbish it every 5 to 7 years. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 500-501) 9. Intermediate and short-term scheduling. In Service Sector such as restaurant and hotel, we must forecast capacity for long term, purchasing contract lending orders for intermediate term and for short term we must forecast schedule and purchase labour, food, supply. Hard Rock Cafà © is using a lot of forecasting techniques such as moving averages, weighted Moving Averages, Exponential Smoothing and Regression Analysis that helps manager to see the impact on demand of other menu items if the price of one item is changed. For example, if the price of a cheeseburger increases from $6.99 to $7.99, Hard Rock can predict the effect this will have on sales of chicken sandwiches, pork sandwiches, and salads. Managers do the same analysis on menu placement, with the center section driving higher sales volumes (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 647). 10. Maintenance Hard Rock Cafe got the goal of maintenance when they succeed to maintain the capability of the system over 52 countries and keeping a systems equipment in working order in 163 cafes around the world. To get maintenance activities more effectively Hard Rock need to implementing or improving preventive maintenance and increasing repair capabilities or speed. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 682-683) In light of the above,discussthe operations management challenges and opportunities forHard Rock when considering anexpansion of its business into Hanoi. Opened the first one in December 2009 in Ho Chi Minh, Hard Rock is facing with challenges and opportunities to expand the second one in Hanoi capital of Viet Nam. Lets using SWOT to analysis their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities as well as threats when coming to Hanoi 1. Strengths: With more than 40 years strong experience deploying services: hotels, cafes, restaurant spread out over 52 countries. Hard Rock absolutely brand power with high capacity, technology and network relationship. Hard Rock had experienced about VN market through the first Hard Rock in Ho Chi Minh. Hard Rock absolutely has some lessons learn from the first one about human resource, supply chain, inventory that is a challenges factor for Multi-Domestic strategy. 2. Weaknesses: Maybe need more research in emerging market as well as living habit in Hanoi. 3. Opportunities: Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and was formed 1000 years ago, the center of politics, culture and economy of Vietnam. Hanoi is the first stop of tourists on their way to visit Ha Long Bay which is a natural wonder of the world, Tuan Chau resort, The Hai Phong port city Hard Rock will create a exchange cultural bridge between Vietnamese singer and international singer. 4. Threats: Considerations should be taken as well on regional segmentation of the market, like we usually say in the marketing and advertising industry, in Vietnam: Saigonese makes 10 bucks, borrows 1 and spends 11 while Hanoiians makes 10 bucks, spends 1 and saves the rest. Dont go rushing to Vietnam hearing the rosy stories. Take your time and breathe like a local before you make your move. Vietnam, like any other emerging market, is a long-haul market for any investor. While it is looked at as one of the 10 hottest emerging markets in the world with a very young population and a rising middle class, it is by no means providing a quick return on investmentespecially when you are offering a new product or service concept. Educating the market on the specialty coffee category. Try to understand consumer perception towards the category and match it with what you have in your pocket. You either are a pioneer and spend money to educate the market or wait until your competitors have done so and piggy back on market growth. Nevertheless, if your pocket is real deep, buy out a local business in the category and take it from there. Let me use the PEST framework for deep analysis and see other perspectives of challenges as well as opportunities to expand Hard Rock in Hanoi. PEST Analysis: Political: Government Stability: Since 1975 up till now, the political situation in Vietnam is very stable. This is a country of no violence, no terrorism, no constant protests that causing the political situation, culture and economy of the country. People feel peace in mind to work and live, play and entertainment. Therefore, many foreign do invest to Vietnam, and many tourists from all over the world visited Vietnam. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam so that its inherited all the best characteristics. Economic: Growth, Inflation Interest Rates: In 2010, gross domestic product GDP in Hanoi increased 11% over the same period last year. Foreign investment in Hanoi reached $ 800 million, total revenue per capita GDP reached about 37 million per year (approximately $ 1,950 per year). But people who work in services, stock, handicrafts, owner of large, medium or small business have really high income. Price index increases, especially food commodities increased to 5.37%. Beverages price index rose 4.17%. Cigarette price index is up 2.25%. General food sector services have increased the price index Real Estate Market: Hanoi is a growing and expanding city so that real estate prices increasing so fast. Wherever roads and public services are built, the property prices rose faster and quite high. Although the city is planning to expand but property prices in the old city still very high and that led the fact, although Vietnam is a poor country, but property prices is more higher than other countries in the world. Tourists/business visitors: According to statistics, the number of international visitors come to Hanoi in 2010 increased 62% compared to 2009 while a domestic tourists increased by 10%. And has more than 30,000 international tourists visited the capital in 10 days Hanoi organized the celebration of 1000 years of Thang Long Hanoi Hotel: There are lots of luxury five start hotels in Hanoi such as Hilton, Sofitel Plaza, Sheraton, Sofitel Metropole, Nikko. Convention Center: Hanoi National Convention Center Vietnam was built with scale and international level, located at 57 Pham Hung Street, Tu Liem district. It was held the Economic Cooperation Forum Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2006. Retail: As well as other cities of a developing country, outside the supermarket and shopping center, the old town around Hoan Kiems lake where the famous retailer of the city including most of the essential goods from individuals and families stuffs to souvenirs. Socio-cultural Population Growth/Age Profile Population of Hanoi is about more than 6 million people. Especially, urban areas, downtown area and old town such as Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Ba Trung district is very crowded. In these areas, the population density is up to about 35,000 people/km2 while other areas just 2000 people/km2. Age of working capacity is about 66% of the total population. Education, Social Mobility: Hanoi now has 52 elementary school, 27 colleges and 50 universities. There is also the Academy and the Center for scientific research. Transportation: Airport: a) Age of airport: NoiBai International Airport had built in 1977 and official opened in 1978. b) Number of Passengers: In 2010, Noi Bai International Airport has average 170 flights taking off and landing daily, and has served 9.5 million passengers c) Airlines: Vietnam has three airlines Vietnam, Jetstar and Vietjet airline. And most major airlines around the world have representative offices in Hanoi . d) Direct Flights: Noi Bai Airport has direct domestic flights to other cities in VietNam such as Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Hue and international flights to other cities around the world as: Moscow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Seoul-Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo-Narita. e) Hubs: Currently, Noi Bai International Airport is not on transit routes the international flights. However, visitors can stop to visit the capital Hanoi in Vietnam on the way to Hongkong, Japan, Korea, China,Singapore. Rail: Hang Co railway station is the center of the country, the starting point of five railway lines throughout the province from north to south and to the northern border. From the border, Vietnam railway connect to international railway to Beijing, China, and continue to many European countries. Road: Hanoi is the traffic junction of the roads in the country. Hanoi is the starting point of the route of Highway 1A entered into southern and route into Laos and Cambodia as well as go to the north border VietNam-China. Sea / River: Hanoi is laying on both sides of Red River, an important routes to Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Viet Tri, Pha Lai. Restaurants and Nightclub: Hanoi has many Restaurants and Nightclub and mainly concentrated in urban districts such as Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Ba Dinh and Dong Da . Sports: My Dinh Stadium which was built in 2003, located in the south of the city, accommodating 40,192 seats. Sports Congress in Southeast Asia in 2003 and football Championships Southeast Asia 2008 was held here. Entertainment: Parks: There are lots of parks as Thong Nhat, Tuoi Tre, Thu Le which attracting visitors. Lake: One of the most prominent feature in Hanoi is a lot of natural lakes i.e Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, Thien Quang. The lakes in Hanoi are also attracting lots of visitor especially Hoan Kiem turtle lake associated with history. Theaters: Most of these theaters are concentrated in two districts of the city center is the Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung district. In addition, the old city where the traditional villages and many other historical sites that tourists often come to Hanoi to first priority visit i.e Quoc Tu Giam place where President Bill Clinton had visited in 2000. Technological Impact of Emerging Technologies. Impact of Internet and Reduced Communication Costs. RD Activity. Impact of Technology Transfer.. Vietnam is a developing country and all needs for life constantly increasing. Vietnam is also a place attracting many tourists from Europe, Americas.. Because of these reasons, the consideration of expanding Hard Rock Cafe in Hanoi in this period is a job should be considered. Assume Ba Dinh Square or Hoan Kiem Lake is center point, the most potential area for business location should be placed on Ba Dinh or Dong Da district or adjacent to the Hoan Kiem or Hai Ba Trung district. Similar as people in Ho Chi Minh and other cities across the country, every night, people is going toward downtown. It has created resurgence of City Centers at night Thus, Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung district or near the Hoan Kiem area is absolutely a great ideal for location, but found available space here is extremely difficult. Moreover, location decision is at a 10-15 years commitment. First, lease premises from 10 15 years to ensure have enough time to recover the initial investment capital and gain a profit. Second, the premises are not in the areas that the government put into the clearance plan within 10-15 years. In the other hands, due to harsh natural conditions, Hanoi usually got flooded annually or disasters that damaged crops. Since then demand of entertainment will be cut off. The consumers will significant decrease. Also consider psychological factors of Hanoi in particular and people in northern Vietnam general. Due to undergo the hardships of constant war Due to undergo the hardships of constant war, the harsh natural conditions, people are saving as a precaution for the risks in the future, with hope to build a better life for next generations. Therefore people are considering on spending something.

John Steinbecks East of Eden - The Gift of Free Will :: East Eden Essays

East of Eden - The Gift of Free Will An excellent benefit of choosing to major in English is that it has allowed me four years to dig deeply into my love of the written word. This involves looking beyond the surface of literature and studying its effects in the course of my everyday life. Some books are easy to read quickly, enjoy, and forget, but others exert an influence that is not easily discarded or forgotten. In my mental library, the classic American novel East of Eden, by John Steinbeck, falls into this category. I believe East of Eden has helped shape me morally by illustrating the power of free will in a world caught between a constant battle of good and evil. I decided to read East of Eden after hearing a friend share a short passage from it in his valedictory address. Although I do not remember the contents of that particular passage anymore, I remember that it was the power of Steinbeck's simple, direct language that urged me to take it on as my next big foray into what my high school English teacher called "real literature." The Cain and Abel story, possibly the most enigmatic story of good and evil in the Bible, is the basis for East of Eden. Although allegorical elements are scattered throughout the whole novel, the most evident theme struck me as three of the main characters discussed the ramifications of God's words to Cain after Abel's death. Lee, a Chinese servant to one of the novel's main families, explained to his two companions a little-known conflict between the translations of Genesis 4:7 in two versions of the Bible. In one translation, God tells Cain that "thou shalt" rule over sin. In another, God says to Cain, "Do thou" rule over sin. The first is a promise, and the second is an order. Lee concluded that the ambiguity presented by the two translations is at the heart of the universal human story. I agree. I know some people who surrender themselves to the fatalistic belief that everything in life has been mapped out by God. I also know people who believe that God is a harsh drillmaster who issues demands under the constant threat of damnation. Until I read this book, however, I never wondered where the dispute originated. As the characters in Steinbeck's novel discussed the discrepancy of Genesis 4:7, I also wondered at the intended meaning of the verse.

Cloning Essay -- essays research papers

Many have imagined what it would be like to have a clone of themselves. Many have also feared the thought of having a clone. Due to popular belief that a clone would be an exact duplicate. An incorrect presumption made by many. Proceeding along side is the religious beliefs and the controversial ethicality and morality aspects of human cloning. A stance taken by many religions and their congregations. In reality the public has a very narrow sense of what human cloning is. Rather than research and understand the scientific aspect of human cloning, they instead take faith in what the media and movies portray human cloning to be. It is from this information source that a majority base their decision on weather human cloning is ethical or unethical. Human cloning is a new challenge for science and that by pursuing it we will become enlightened in who and what the human being is and its true potential. The truth is that despite the many claims of religious leaders and anti-cloning protesters, human cloning may truly be the key to curing all disease and cancers that have plagued humans from the, dawn of human. The questions is," Do the benefits of human cloning out weigh the risks and ethicality of society?'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lee M. Silver, a professor of molecular biology at Princeton University, wrote "Cloning Misperceptions," from Remaking Eden: Cloning and Beyond in a Brave New World. Silver asks, "Why do four out five Americans think that human cloning is morally wrong?" Silver answers by pointing out that people have a very muddled sense of what human cloning is. This accredited to the fact many people perceive what they see in the media and movies and associate it with reality. For example, the movie Multiplicity where a man has himself cloned and then his clone makes a clone of itself this happens two more times and each time a clone was made it became less intelligent. This brings up his next point which was depicted in the movie Blade Runner, many people believe a human clone would not have a soul, because it would be a replication of a living thing that is still in existence. Which is not true since a clone child is conceived and birthed like any normal child would, from a mother's womb. And just like any other child, the clone would have a mind and personality o... ...bility to reverse the effects of a heart attack by injecting healthy heart cells into the damaged areas. Condemnation of this new technology could be denying human beings the key to finding the a cure for all diseases and cancers. And the enlightenment of who and what we are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The truth is that human clones are just has human as any one else and do not deserve to be treated like second rate citizens. Clones have souls too and are autonomous individuals with their conscience and personalities. Parents need to be given more credit in that they would not objectify their cloned children, but love them unconditionally. Cloning should not be condemned, due to fear for the unknown, but should be explored to benefit human kind and enlighten us on who and what we are. Human cloning is a new frontier that will have its own obstacles and walls to climb over, go around, or go under. Human cloning will be cherished and prized for what it has brought humanity, new medical technologies, along with cures for disease and cancer. Unfortunately it is inevitable, but a sacrifice will be made some where as with many past medical advancements. Cloning Essay -- essays research papers Many have imagined what it would be like to have a clone of themselves. Many have also feared the thought of having a clone. Due to popular belief that a clone would be an exact duplicate. An incorrect presumption made by many. Proceeding along side is the religious beliefs and the controversial ethicality and morality aspects of human cloning. A stance taken by many religions and their congregations. In reality the public has a very narrow sense of what human cloning is. Rather than research and understand the scientific aspect of human cloning, they instead take faith in what the media and movies portray human cloning to be. It is from this information source that a majority base their decision on weather human cloning is ethical or unethical. Human cloning is a new challenge for science and that by pursuing it we will become enlightened in who and what the human being is and its true potential. The truth is that despite the many claims of religious leaders and anti-cloning protesters, human cloning may truly be the key to curing all disease and cancers that have plagued humans from the, dawn of human. The questions is," Do the benefits of human cloning out weigh the risks and ethicality of society?'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lee M. Silver, a professor of molecular biology at Princeton University, wrote "Cloning Misperceptions," from Remaking Eden: Cloning and Beyond in a Brave New World. Silver asks, "Why do four out five Americans think that human cloning is morally wrong?" Silver answers by pointing out that people have a very muddled sense of what human cloning is. This accredited to the fact many people perceive what they see in the media and movies and associate it with reality. For example, the movie Multiplicity where a man has himself cloned and then his clone makes a clone of itself this happens two more times and each time a clone was made it became less intelligent. This brings up his next point which was depicted in the movie Blade Runner, many people believe a human clone would not have a soul, because it would be a replication of a living thing that is still in existence. Which is not true since a clone child is conceived and birthed like any normal child would, from a mother's womb. And just like any other child, the clone would have a mind and personality o... ...bility to reverse the effects of a heart attack by injecting healthy heart cells into the damaged areas. Condemnation of this new technology could be denying human beings the key to finding the a cure for all diseases and cancers. And the enlightenment of who and what we are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The truth is that human clones are just has human as any one else and do not deserve to be treated like second rate citizens. Clones have souls too and are autonomous individuals with their conscience and personalities. Parents need to be given more credit in that they would not objectify their cloned children, but love them unconditionally. Cloning should not be condemned, due to fear for the unknown, but should be explored to benefit human kind and enlighten us on who and what we are. Human cloning is a new frontier that will have its own obstacles and walls to climb over, go around, or go under. Human cloning will be cherished and prized for what it has brought humanity, new medical technologies, along with cures for disease and cancer. Unfortunately it is inevitable, but a sacrifice will be made some where as with many past medical advancements.

Rhetorical Techniques in Richard Wright’s Black Boy Essay -- Wright Bl

Rhetorical Techniques in Richard Wright’s Black Boy Richard Wright uses language in his novel, Black Boy, as a source to convey his opinions and ideas. His novel both challenges and defends the claim that language can represent a person and become a peephole into their life and surroundings. Richard Wright uses several rhetorical techniques to convey his own ideas about the uses of language. First, Wright’s language and writing style in Black Boy challenge Baldwin’s ideas. For example, pages 18-19 are purely figures pf speech that convey the writer as being far different than Wright. â€Å"There was the languor I felt when I heard green leaves rustling with a rain like sound.† This quote was just one of the sensory enticing statements Wright used to show his delicate way of writing; a way of writing that would not typically belong a lower class black male in the 1940’s. In addition, the organization of the passage was unique in the sense of how each statement was separate, in order to make each important and each a work of art. Assuming Baldwin having read this passage, he would ...

William and Ziner Comparson

Caleb Marshall Patricia Bjorklund English 111 February, 25 2013 Zinsser and Bird Compare and Contrast Paper William Zinsser is the author of â€Å"College Pressures†, and Caroline Bird is the author of â€Å"College is a Waste of Time and Money†. William Zinsser and Caroline Bird both introduce essays that tell the life of everyday college students and the problems they face while being a student in today’s College University. No matter what we view the hardest problem to deal with college. â€Å"College Pressures†, By William Zinsser Is an essay about the everyday life, troubles and problems of a College student.William talks about the challenges of college and how students react to the new environment that they must deal with when applying and going to college. The pressures of just applying to College can be enough to dishearten the potential student to apply to college. When College’s only taka certain number of students a year, it makes the odd s of getting in to schools like Yale and Harvard almost impossible. The actual odds are some 34%, for the Schools such as Harvard. Students get into college and sometimes fined that they are not prepared for college by any means.Students steadily fall behind on their school work and find themselves in a hole they can’t get out of. With people worried about getting into a good college to find a good job in the world, it’s making getting into college that much harder to do. Students that make it into college find that after they get out of college they are in debt before they have started to make any money for themselves. The Pressures of college can be great, although students seem to strive every day and push through the hardships that they receive. College is a waste of time and money†, by Caroline Bird is an essay about how college is something that everyone doesn’t need. Bird talks about how some students are forced to attend college when its’ no t really what the student wants to do by any means. Students have had the same phrase put into their head over and over again while growing up go to College and get a degree, so you can get a good job. Bird says throughout her essay that college seems like a great idea, but in fact it’s the opposite of that.In Both essays college is something that not all students are ready for, that all students are not able to do. The Problems that college students face in both essays are not always just felt in college; they can also be felt all the way through school. Although both authors hit on the topic that college has its own problems, they also differ in their opinion on the problems. Zinsser says that there are problems that can be dealt with were as Bird has a more opinionated stance on the problems with today’s colleges.

Comparing arts and science

The foundation of many things such as technology and medicine come from the oldest works of science. It is necessary to have a general understanding of this foundation to have a greater understanding of a finer field of science. On the other hand, in literature, there is no prior foundation knowledge needed to comprehend the newest and oldest works. Even though this is true, by nature, in literature, most the time, one will prefer read older works. This is not always true, though, at times some may to prefer the newest. In science, most the time, one will read newest works first but not always. To that end, I agree with following quote from Baron Lytton in most cases; â€Å"In science, read, by preference, the newest works: in literature, the oldest. † There are some cases where one may prefer to read newer works of literature and there are cases where one may prefer to read older works but in most cases in literature, read, by preference, the newest works. The following three examples illustrate where in literature one may or may not prefer to read newer or older works. The first example in literature is drama. In drama it depends weather you are trying to read to educate yourself or if you are reading/viewing for pleaser. In the first case you may want to educate yourself with older works first. In the second case you may want to read newer works for pleasure. The second example in literature is poetry. In poetry one's preference is open to choose any type of work. Poetry is timeless and because of this there is no incentive to read older or newer works. In this case the preference in neutral. The last example in literature is a novel. Most people prefer to read older works when it comes to novels. Most people read older novels because it is established work and has a high level of credibility. The oldest work is recognized and most people prefer to read it over newer works. With this being said, overall, in literature, one prefers to read the oldest works. This is most likely true because it is a generational thing where the work is passed down from one generation to another and there is no desire or necessity for change. Similarly, in science, there are some cases where one may prefer to read newer works and there are cases where one may prefer to read older works. This first case where is it is usually necessary to read the oldest works in science is in theoretical, psychological and social science. The next couple examples illustrate where one will prefer to read oldest works. The first example is in the biological fields such as medical and pharmaceutical. In order to practice or study either of these fields you must read and understand the foundation science behind it. If someone wants to have a good understanding of this field they need to read the older works. They must gain this understanding first then they may work towards newer works. Similarly, another example is the study of matter, energy, and space. If you are going to read about this subject matter you will most likely prefer to read the oldest works first and then move to the newer works. To make advances in this field a person must have a good understanding of the foundation science. In contrast, when it comes to practical science, it is usually preferred to read the newest works in science. There are a few examples the help demonstrate where in practical or â€Å"applied† science one may prefer to read the newest works. The first example is in medicine and surgery; here the preference is to read the newest so the person can use the latest science available to them. They also prefer to read the newest works so that can make further advances in the field. Similarly, in technological and business processes, one will read the newest works so they can apply them to their every day operations. As it is illustrated, in science, it may be preferred to read oldest works or it may be preferred to read newest works but in most cases the latter is preferred. In science, since we have the required foundation knowledge our preferences are forced. We are required and must read some of the oldest works first. Then after gaining that preliminary knowledge, one may prefer to read the newest works instead of older. To compare this with literature this is quite contrary. In literature there is no foundation level required. This implies there is no forced preference to read older or newer works. One may choose to read the oldest works but this is not always true. There tends to be less of a preference overall for literature comparatively; sometimes it makes sense to read older sometimes newer if often depends on type. In conclusion, I agree to an extent that â€Å"In science, read, by preference, the newest works: in literature, the oldest†. There is a certain scale and balance that exists when observing ones preference. The scale tilts enough to the for me to say that I agree with it even though it is not always true. There is always going to be new literature and there is always going to be new works in science. No matter what works come out in the future it can be assumed that this trend will continue. People will always tend to prefer to read older literature and people will always prefer to read newer works of science. This tends to be built into people's nature and it uncontrollable.