Albania and EU integration Essay

To provide a basic idea for Albanian economy and its European integration possibilities. 2. To provide knowledge about advantages and disadvantages that Albania faces in different sectors of economy. 3. To provide knowledge about Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. 4. To provide knowledge about systematic and unsystematic risk for Albanian European integration. Methodology 1. Research problem Is Albania in line with EU expectations? Which are the abilities of Albania to maintain the obligation of membership? Basic objective is to examine, firstly economic development of Albania based on the collected data from 2002 – 2012, than to verify if they are in line with EU criteria. 2. Expectations Since Albania is determined in its decision to join European Union and to be part of Economic integration, it has made a progress in reforming institutions, in legislation, and the most important the assignment of SSA (Stabilization and association process). But the progress is very slow and insufficient. The cause of this polarization remains on political culture of the country which historically has not faced any experience of democracy. So expectations are not very positive. On a long term basis only new socialized and democratic generation can truly execute fundamental reforms needed to be part of European Economic Integration. Data Collections 1. Primary data: World Bank reports and Instat. 2. Secondary data: Journal websites and financial news papers. European Union Integration – The impact in Albanian Economy The aim of this project is to demonstrate how much the economic development in Albania is in line with European Union? In the first section will be analyzed, Relations between Albania and EU. Over all now Albania is part of Stabilization and Association process, in regular political and economical dialogue with EU. Last decade we can say that our country have faced some changes on our politic system and economic one, through three main factors, visa liberalization, financial assistance and civil society. How we realize these challenges? Did these three factors affect positively our economy; since we are one of the main countries that were not affected by world crises and how? In the second section will analyze economic criteria by examining development of economy in Albania. The examination includes different areas of economy? The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. Here we can mention that Albania has a visible progress starting from year 2007 when we signed CEFTA agreement. Macroeconomic Stability: Over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. Interactions of market forces: According to the official data, results that state involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Market Entry and Exit: Here we can conclude that Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Legal System: Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Financial sectors and Development: Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Human and Fiscal Capital: The structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. State influence: State interventions are limited but it is still a concern the impact on the public finance of the lack of diversification and Economic integration with EU: Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade with CEFTA has been increased. The third section will  examine Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. The analysis is structured based on internal and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. As a conclusion I have to say that Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. Relations between the EU and Albania Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Between the EU and our country there is a regular political dialogue and economic growth, which has continued through the SAA structure. In March and April of last year, Albania took part in the meeting organized by the Stabilization and Association Committee and the European Council in which they discussed the reform of public administration. Albania was involved in this dialogue with multilateral economic focus with the Commission and the EU member countries, with focus, preparation and coordination of domestic economic policies to integrate economic and monetary union in the EU. One of the most important achievements of Albania was the liberalization of visas for citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This agreement entered into force in December 2010. Immediately after this agreement and until today, the committee evaluates on a regular basis, the progress made by the country in the implementation of rules and visa roadmap. Albania is a country that is  waiting for EU membership, as such; it has received transition assistance, institution building and cross-border mergers. For the period 2007 – 2013, the European Union has allocated for Albania, an amount of â‚ ¬ 594 million. This amount of benefit, its focus is on justice, politics and public administration reforms in Albania, and also based on individual sectors, transport, and environment, and agriculture, social and rural development. This component is managed by the EU Delegation in Albania / Tirana. Regarding the upcoming years 2014 – 2020, the European Commission and the Albanian government will negotiate and discuss the needs and capacities for future assistance. We need to know that Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Economic Criteria In 1993 after examination of economic development and the state in which Albania was, in Copenhagen European Council stated that, to be part of the European Union, Albania needs to be focused towards a functioning market economy and also to have the capacity to cope with the challenges of a competitive market of EU The existence of a functioning market economy Policy Essential In order for Albania to have a focused market economy and sustainable, the main political parties, which have impact on the country’s economic policies, must agree on the basis of sound market economy, despite political tension in the country. Based on the report of the European Committee for Albania, the country’s macroeconomic stability has been maintained, but there are some shortcomings again. Among these deficiencies can mention the 2012 budget deficit, which was beyond the norm. The deficit caused, statutory debt, allowed to pass the measure of 60 %. In the process of privatization of property might say that was a failure. In January, Albania presented at EC Economic and Fiscal program for the years 2013-2015. The medium scenario is characterized by a very optimistic macroeconomic program. But according to the assessment of this program the Commission has submitted a lack of enforcement and targeting strategy but we can say that consensus  on the basis of a mark et economy has been maintained. Macroeconomic stability According to the data obtained in the annual report of the Bank of Albania, we can conclude that economic growth in 2012 was 1.6% less than a year ago. Total gross output also shows that in 2012 was about 5% less compared with a year ago. Inflows of foreign currencies in the country by immigrants have had a slight increase of 1.6% for 2012, while private consumption has fallen to low levels. One of the main factors of economic growth, have been net exports, while for imports can say that they have recorded a considerable Decrease. After a 12-month period with a significant reduction, economic indicators tend to show a growth in late 2012 and early 2013. However we can say that GDP grew only 1.7% in the first quarter of last year. Foreign demand for Albanian products has resulted in considerable numbers. GDP per capita in purchasing power and consumption resulted in 30% among 27 that was average. According to the analysis may conclude that Albania recognized the economic growth, so gl obal crisis did not affect Albania during early 2013. During the period 2012-2013 the current account deficit decreased by about 1.5%, becoming 10.5% from 13% in 2011. Imports introduced to a decrease, 5.2% less than a year ago, while exports increased by 8.5% in total value, but may be noted here that there was a considerable increase in the export of goods but not services. In June 2013 current account deficit reached 10.1% in value to the corners of Albania. The inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) throughout 2012 remained unchanged with that of a year ago. This influx financed about 70 % of current account deficit therefore 10 % more than in 2011. The flow of incoming capital suffered a Decrease of 11.3 % in a year, but we can say that during 2012 had a positive balance of payments and a significant increase in international reserves at 4.2 %. During 2013, foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 12.3 % more than the previous year in annual terms. Also we can say that the current account deficit has decreased, but again is an important aspect that affects the economy of our country especially considering the volatility of FDI and remittances. Throughout 2012 we can say that there has been a significant improvement of working conditions, the unemployment rate has however recognized high scores although this year it has had an average of 13 % compared with 13.4 % the previous year. The private sector in the country  has increased em ployment offer, in Albania at a rate of 2.8 % based mainly in the agriculture sector of the country. By 2013, according to statistical data, unemployment continues to be high again, with an improvement of about 0.2 %. To maintain a constant interest rate, and to administer a possible inflationary trend, was used a sound monetary policies that brought the country’s macroeconomic stability. The inflation rate in the country declined by 1.5% compared with a year ago, keeping a constant level of 2%. This stability at a rate of 2-4% inflation was the main objective of the Bank of Albania. Since that in Albania, we have basket price fluctuations this reflected in a slowdown of annual inflation from 2.5% in 2012 to 2.2% in 2013. In an effort to stimulate economic growth in the country, the Bank undertook several measures, as for example the reduction of the basic interest rate from 3.75 to 3.5% during the past year. The financial system in Albania has achieved a significant degree of Euroisation. Loans in Euros remained at a level of 61% of deposits in July the past year, compared with 64% in 2012. While in terms of other deposits in foreign currency statements have a slight decrease of 2%. Albania represents a floating exchange rate regime, which has remained the same since 1992. Albanian Lek has maintained sustainability where its value in 2012 reflected a 0.9% appreciatio n against the euro. We generally are within the boundaries of a stable monetary policy, have a storage inflation and a stable exchange rate. Annual revenues did increase by about 7% in 2012 compared with the previous year. During this year, the excise tax and VAT suffered significant declines, we can say that this Decrease, resulted in 12% less than the initial objectives. Revenues from GDP fell by 25.1%, which were considered in 2011, to 24.5% in 2012. In terms of GDP spending, can also say that suffered a decrease of 0.6% compared with a year ago. Public expenditures represent just 4.6% of gross production, from 5.4% the previous year. Public debt grew considerably and non-positive, from 59.4% of GDP in 2011 to 62.9% in early 2013. So our public debt has passed the legal boundaries of 60% to nearly 3%. In the area of tax administration, we can say that there have been significant improvements in the electronic payment of taxes and also the tax filing system. There are still weaknesses in tax collection. Measures have been taken for approval to exclude imports of machinery, processing equipment and raw materials used for investment. An important measure is the abolition of  personal income tax. Interplay of market forces The country’s economy is dominating the private sector, which constitutes about 80% of GDP. Privatizations have been the basis for several state companies to place as Alb petrol oil Typeset, Alb telecom for telecommunications, INSIG as insurance and CEZ Distribution for energy, which due to disputes arbitrary, is now again in the hands of the state. There are counted about 11 new agreements for investments in agriculture, in 2012. In the energy sector we have also signed agreements for investment in hydropower opening. Privatization of three HPP has a monetary value of â‚ ¬ 109.5 million. However, I can say with conviction that state involvement in the economy is limited. Market entry and exit Registrations and licensing, of businesses have became more restrictive, and has faced a considerable increase of about 8% compared with a year ago. This was made possible through the established network one-stop-shop. Today licensed businesses make up about 12% of active companies. Legal system The legal system has had a slight progress, however, is necessary to ensure the proper application of the legal system. Still exist, the ownership uncertainty. Another weakness of our state law is delays of legal proceedings, more harmful to the business. The capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union Existence of a functioning market economy Albania has maintained macroeconomic stability through a market economy, but the economic slowdown last year causes the increase of the current deficit. This deficit has resulted in a decrease in domestic production, low inflation policy due to BoA’s objective. This deficit and rising public debt beyond the limits, has led to a lack of successful management of fiscal policy, the fiscal plan is expected to be even weaker. Albania has some structural obstacles which do not bring economic growth, contrary depleting it. Even though we have a certain advantage, barriers and other weaknesses continue to affect our economic system. Here we can mention the right of  property, unemployment, and incomplete process of privatization, low competitive ability, etc. . Overall, Albania has needed to consolidate public finances, and the reduction of public debt, strengthen the economy, performance, labor market, and most importantly, the fight against corruption. Economic integration with th e EU In 2012 Albania was faced with a trade Decrease, Imports and Exports constituted 87% of GDP compared with 92% a year ago. Key partner for trade of goods and services remains the EU. From the statistical data we say that EU exports in 2012 accounted for 75% of the total, and 62% of total imports. In the first six months of 2013 resulted a shrinking trade deficit with the EU, as a result of increased exports by 18.8%, but at the same time, the EU imports fell much less. One of the main partners in trade agreements remains Italy, taking half of Albanian exports and giving third Albanian import. Italy also remains one of the most important investors in Albania although much investment during the last year has seen a decrease. Export Import, with CEFTA countries has slowed by 27% which resulted in 2011, to 3% today ABILITY TO TAKE ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP The ability to take the membership is seen in three main factors. Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. Agriculture and rural development Based on the last economic report of EU, Albania is one of the countries that have not utilized the negotiated quotas for the agriculture products; however we can say for sure that exports have been increased with countries that Albania has bilateral agreements. Exports and Export level per GDP has  been positively increased. Now we can raise a question, Why Albania has not exploiting quotas that have been negotiated in agreement from which expectations were higher? Why our agriculture products do not have comparative advantage. Regarding to Ministry of Agriculture in Albania, food products and consumer production of agriculture sector is in low rates of trade. Farms are considered small while to many hectare of land are still barren, technology process is almost old today we have still lands that are tilled by hand and levels of marketing are negative ones. This is the reason why imports in different agricultural products in Albania are higher. Regarding numbers, Albania has nearly 400 Thousand farms counted until today. These farms derive 21% of GDP and have employed more than 750 thousand persons. We should know agriculture land is 0.2Ha/ person, while 20% of poor people are farmers, in this 20% we have 93.5% of them who produce only to maintain their families not to export, the other 80% of farmers produce to sell outside borders and domestically. They sell up to 40 % of their production. Why these results? Because private investments in Albania are only 42.5 EUR per person, we still have 73 % of productive land tilled by hand. Public investments are 15 EUR per person, while we have firstly undistributed land from 98.5% of land that is returned to farmers 85.5% of it is not registered. Other problematic cases in our agriculture are also, Input quantity and quality are still low and limited. The knowledge is in low levels, Information that we take from market is inadequate, No existence of competitive products, and land market lack. Another problematic issue is that farms are not administrated well, by resulting so in a lower level of competitiveness toward other countries. Social policy and employment In terms of labor law, labor code is still in a process of approval, a challenge for our society remains the work of children ages 5-17 years old. This trend varies in 7.7% of all children in our country. In terms of health and safety at work, measures are taken to prevent accidents at work and improve working conditions. We can say that the number of accidents at work in 2012 was reduced significantly compared with 2011, but still further improvements must be hatched. As regards employment policy, is being designed an employment strategy for 2014-20. This design is still not approved. The official unemployment rate resulting in 13% during 2012, but long-term unemployment and youth unemployment are high and they need for immediate measures for reduction. Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has approved three cases for persons with disabilities. Guardian of a person with disability is paid by the Albanian state. The inclusion of supervision and review of employment of individuals with disabilities in employment offices. Design activities for sign language in schools. These projects are not yet finalized. Gender Discrimination Many explanations for the gender pay gap are proposed and finally the gender pay gap is the difference between genders seen from the human development perspective, such as education, qualitative skills and experience that men and women show to the workplace. By this point of view differences between genders are often presented as discriminatory, that for instance women leave much earlier the labor market than men do, so in Albania we have more part time works for women. By analyzing the data’s we notice that the pay gap for professional or scientist women (engineers, mathematicians, financial experts, and medical doctors) in Albania is lower than man, in terms of numbers the take nearly 2.4% less than men do. In cases like basic occupations such are, construction, fast food, street vendors the wages are 21 % lower for females compared with males. Public and private sector generate two different ways of payment, when the gap is higher on private system rather in public one. The gender pay gap in the private sector is 13.7 percent, compared with15.7 percent of the public sector. Both male and female in Albania site that here has no equality in the hiring/recruitment and no standards. I think that to reduce the inequality between males and females employees should follow the same recruitment standards for both. This should be implemented also to the recruitment for managerial positions, in order to increase the number of women applying for these job positions. I believe that a unified standard of recruitment would reduce considerably the gap. Conclusion As a conclusion I have to say that Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Today Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Based on EU conditions we must say that Albania has made improvement. The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. On its macroeconomic situation, we conclude that over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. According to the official data, results, states involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Regarding to Human and Fiscal Capital the structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade has been increased. Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership, the analysis is structured based on intern al and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. . Based on the study the situation with the income inequality in Albania is similar to other countries of the region and maybe beyond the region. This is caused from the same factors and causes negative effect on society. The gender gap in Albania has even another factor, that of specific cultural that is characteristic for Albanian environment to prohibit this Albania should increase the harmonization of the community, working conditions, health and securities and Equal opportunities. Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. References European report for Albania 2012-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2013/package/al_rapport_2013.pdf Bank of Albania Annual Report 2012, Production date: 21.06.2013, Author: Bank of Albania http://www.bankofalbania.org/web/Annual_Report_2012_6609_2.php Instat, Conjuncture, Main Economic Indicators, Q3-2013

American Literature Order

As I lay dying by William Faulkner tells the story of the death of Addie Bundren and the trials her family undergoes as they carry her body to Jefferson, Mississippi, for her burial. Addie’s husband, Anse; her four sons, Cash, Darl, Jewel and Vardaman; her, daugter Dewey Dell; and several neighbors all reveal their relationship to Addie in the course of the story. A series of mishaps besets the family; in crossing a flooding river. The mules drown, Cash’s leg is broken, and the coffin is upset and rescued by Jewel.Later, in the story the family rests at a farmhouse, where Darl sets fire to the barn, in an  attempt to destroy the now-putrescent corpse; again the coffin is rescued by Jewel. The family reaches Jefferson to bury Addie; Karl is taken to the insane asylum, and Anse acquires a new wife. It is revealed in the course of the narrative that Jewel was born of Addies illicit affair with Whitfield, who is local preacher.Addie’s relationship to Anse had been spiritually and emotionally barren of feelings, and was based on words alone. Significally, Jewel is a silent man and is active and passionate, while Darl is sensitive and is perceptive, as he is living inside the world of his own mind.The story unfolds in some sixty short sections, each labeled with the name of the character who is to narrate his or her thoughts and perceptions next. Like THE SOUND AND THE FURY, Faulkner, utilizes the stream of conscious technique. AS I LAY DYING is a grim story of the ordeals of fire and water, the novel is often called comic, ending with the new wife, who is â€Å"Duck-shaped† and popeyed. The point of view in Faulkner’s AS I LAY DYING I find is an experiment in narrative Page 2 writing. The language in which Faulkner utilizes with each character as they turnsnarrating the story is highly subjective and highly. Each character having a recognizable change in their individual voice. Each character lends a different characteristic to t heir section from confessional to a stream of consciousness. The novel itself is a collection of inner monologues, which consists of fragmented passages that piece together Addie Brundren’s story of her death and the transport of her body to Jefferson. The story demonstrates unity, although the narrative appears fragmentary. The story is limited to the span of only a few days, and the sub-plots are interwovenlogically. It is to the reader’s advantage that the authors innovative unified set of events forces the reader to look at the story from different perspectives, from which are highly subjective. Faulkner made use some of this technique first in THE SOUND OF THE FURY. However in AS I LAY DYING, he provides the reader with an even greater range of voices. Additionally, THE SOUND AND THE FURY, also provides a clearer distinction between reliable and unreliable sources. The voices in AS I LAY DYING are many and ambiguous. Darl is the first narrator and most important o f the novel. He is alsosensitive, intuitive, and intelligent. His monologues are more eloquent and represent the most intricate representation of the process of thought. Some of the other interior monologues are straightforward, except Darl’s, which is more of a stream-of- consciousness. One of the challenges of the novel is the complete absence of an objective perspective. All we learn about the characters in the novel is told to us through the eyes of a subjective narrator, because of Darl’s sensitivity and isolation from the other Page 3 characters involved in the story. The readers relay on his version of the events happeningin the story. Darl is eloquent and intelligent and is also isolated. Isolation plays a recurring role in the novel. The novels unique structure highlights the characters isolation. An example of this is when Darl tells the readers what he alone can observe, and his isolation is the most poetic and the most tragic. The readers feel, from the ver y first section, the strong sensory and sensual images in Faulkner’s novel. Although the novel takes the form of interior monologues, each character in the novel is powerfully influenced, in their own way by the physicality of their own place in the world.The place in society, women have during the time of the novel are pieus, Isolated, lonely and annoying to the reader and the other characters in the book. Dewey’s Dell isolation is apparent in her narrative. The only daughter of the family, Addie’s death leaves her as the sole female. This role might explain the possessiveness she feels as she watches over Addie. She is lonely, isolated and is suffering from it. Some part of her excepts and enjoys this isolation. She resents and fears Darl because he intuitively understands her isolation and can see her secrets. Dewey Dell seems partial to Darl mostof the time. Both enjoy a closeness and love that is evident to the others in the family. However, she voices rese ntment in the first section; that explains her actions later in The in the novel. â€Å"And That’s why I can talk to him with knowing with hating because he knows. † (23) In the character of Cora Tull, Cora’s self-righteous and irritating piety comes through clearly. Her daughter Kate seems healthier in comparison as she complains Page 4 about the insensitivity of the rich. Cora’s attitude of acceptance seems kind at first, however turning out to be self-righteous and angry in the end.Cora continues to tell the reader about the cakes, thinking about them again without reason and continuing to take comfort in the power of God â€Å"Who can see into the heart. † (4) Cora’s interior monologue is she does not have to judge the rich because God will. Kate, and Eula are preoccupied with Cash, Darl, and Jewel and the possibility of future matrimony. Kate speaks with some scorn about Jewel’s fiery nature. Kate also speaks with scorn about Ans e, predicting that if Addie dies Anse will find a new wife before cotton-picking time. Darl narrates the death of Addie Brundren.He tells the readers that Addie wanted to see Jewel. Anse informs her Jewel and Darl have gone off to ship lumber. Addie calls out to Cash, he fits two boards together for her to see. She looks at Vardaman, and it seems as if the light leaps back into her eyes, then suddenly goes dead. Weeping hysterically, Dewey Dell throws herself on her mother’s dead body while Vardaman, terrified, slips out from his mother’s room. Religion plays a role in these characters lives by way of the author who is critical of the religious characters of the book in a sense they are often blinded by theirown piety. Many of the characters muse about God and man throughout the novel. Faulkner seems to be critical of simplistic Christianity. Eg: Minister Whitfield is revealed as a self-satisfied hypocrite who is hiding his transgression with Addie and yet is maintains that he has wrestled with devil and won. Cora’s piety grows increasing annoying throughout the novel especially when it becomes clear she ignores any fact which will contradict her beliefs. The Tulls and Peabody’s provide valuable outsider Page 5 perspective. They universally condemn Anse, for his laziness and weakness. Tullnotes that one can always tell Anse shirts apart: â€Å"There are no sweat stains, the implication being that Anse never works. † (27) Meanwhile the Bundren’s opinions vary. Cora is extremely fond of Darl, she sees a sensibility and gentleness in him than any other Bundren. So much so that she seems to have illusions about him. She believes he begged to stay with Addie instead of delivering the lumber. She claims in her monologue that Vernon had told her too, while in Vernon’s own monologue we get the exchange with Darl. As Vernon’s Tull’s monologue depicts it, Darl hesitates and seems sad aboutleaving while Addie dies, however he does not beg. This example highlights the complexity of the characters In AS I LAY DYING. The readers listen to the strong opinions of how each character feels about the other. Interior monologue is usually emphasized far more than dialogue. While dialogue is used to reveal the way the characters would provide more objective evidence, we would lose the psychological complexity of the character portraits. Faulkner depicts the structure of what the novel suggests, real intimacy and tenderness are close to impossible in the Bundren family.Work and reality of poverty darken all aspects of life, hope, and longing are always expressed alone. The family lives in squalor with cramped conditions, and yet isolation is one of the families trademark. For eg: Darl reflects on his boyhood, and the first time he’s masturbated. Cash is sleeping not a few feet away, however Darl does not know if Cash is doing the same thing. Solitary masturbation in the dark is the only glim pse we get of Darl’s and sexuality. Addie’s death reminds us again of the harshness of rural poverty. The Page 6 themes of poverty and work run through the novel.Motherhood depicted in the novel is is life-destroying venture, without life or happiness. Peabody says of Addie and her fierce unspoken insistence that he leave the room: â€Å"Seem them women like Addie, drive from the room them coming with sympathy and pity, with actual help, and clinging to Trifling animal to which they never were more pack-horses† (41) Even more striking is the description of Addie’s hands. â€Å"The hands alone still with any semblance life, are curled, gnarled inertness; a spent yet alone quality from which weariness, exhaustion, travail has not departed, as though they doubted even yetthe actuality of rest, guarding with horned and penurious alertness the cessation which they know cannot last. † (46). Addie’s hands bear the mark of her hard life on Earth. De wey Dell’s thoughts are very muddled in the book. She doesn’t speak with the complicated, and eccentricity of Darl, however instead in a voice near-hysterical with worry. Her mother’s death is deeply painful to Dewey Dell. She throws herself upon Addie’s dead body, with an unexpected intensity. She has lost her lover, who has abandoned her and left her pregnant. Dewey Dell’s isolation is clear however she is soUsed to being alone that she begins to resent people’s intrusions. Darl earns her resentment for example, because of how intimately he understands her. Even more Intrusive is the baby growing in her womb, which leads Dewey Dell to realize she must begin to worry about finding a way to end her pregnancy. The third section of the novel has Vardaman narrating. He is disturbed by the idea of shutting Addie up in the coffin. He speaks as if confused about the wonders of town and the mysteries of his mother’s death. He doesn’t understand he’s a country Page 7boy and why there is a difference between the city life and the country life. He doesn’t understand the idea of death and his thoughts are confused when he compares Addie’s dead body to a dead fish. He feels the need to get Vernon, because he thinks Vernon saw the fish. A storm has began as Tull narrates. He is woken by Peabody’s passing team. Cora hears the noise and thinks Addie has passed. She wants to hitch up and go to help, but Tull prefers to wait until they are called. Vardaman, arrives at the door dripping wet and speaking incoherently about fish. His babbling is strange and eerie, andTull shares in the reader’s reaction. â€Å"I’ll be durn if it didn’t give me the creeps. † (63). Both Vardaman and Darl are taken by questions of being, consciousness, and identity. His mother’s death has only added confusion to these questions; Vardaman does not understand how something that  "is† can become a â€Å"was. † In other words destructive power of time. The terror of morality, and the mystery of no longer ceasing to exit on Earth becomes it is too much to handle for Vardaman. In his mind, his mother has become something else. Vardaman, turns death into a transformation. Eg: his mother is a fish.He imagines her as a rabbit, because she has gone far away, just like rabbits. He is also disturbed by the fact that they are going to eat the fish. Vardaman struggles to find teleology for the events around him. He tries to connect what happens to reasons, when in fact often things happen for no good reason at all. He blames his mother’s death on Peabody, because he believes Peabody’s arrival preceded his mother’s death. His reasoning though clearly incorrect, however it is much more reasonable than the rest of the characters explanations and thoughts in the novel. Reference Site: AS I LAY DYING By William Faulkner.

CSR in Organisations Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CSR in Organisations - Coursework Example Collaborators within the chain of production are as well becoming more and more challenging with respect to securing developmental objectives - the achievement of growth because of fair dealings. For more or less three decades, the state governments of the world’s most developed nations have been increasing legal structures intended to prevent the degradation of the human surroundings as well as natural resources, and enhance and defend the atmosphere. In the universal framework, sustainable growth parameters are being identified with the aim of ascertaining a balance between the objectives of fiscal improvement on one side and social improvement on the other, whereas taking into account the necessity to develop and guard the natural surroundings. All of these factors compel businesses to dedicate themselves more sincerely to fulfilling a rising number of interest groups within their own surroundings. Modern society makes additionally demands upon businesses in the direction o f explaining their social responsibility. Alternatively, organisations are completely aware of the fact that they have to adopt a positive approach while dealing with these demands. Corporate ethics has developed into the utmost demand within all business activities, from the meeting rooms of the world’s leading organisations to the classrooms in educational institutions around the globe. Ethical concerns as well as demands for protecting the environment will have an even larger potential control on the demand for companies’ products and services. The world’s leading organisations are already facing the rising formal demands to protect the environment and, consequently, their business philosophy has become established in concern for these demands. Contemporary society asks for accountability as well as involvement. A knowledge-based organisation requires that each person take responsibility for the organisation’s objectives, its involvements and its activ ities. Every member of the organisation should completely evaluate as well as reassess their accomplishments and involvements. Social responsibility within business is linked with the commitment of organisations to enhance their positive control and decrease their negative doings toward society. In that sense, whereas ethics is an issue for every person within the business field, social responsibility is associated with the â€Å"influence of an organisation’s business decisions on society†2. One of the most important values, supporting the contemporary business, is that of an organisation founded on responsibility. Organisations are required to take responsibility for their part within society. An organisation founded on responsibility indicates that all the members of the organisation must systematically assess and think about all their tasked accomplishments as well as involvements, and take control of both. There are six social initiatives, functioning within the f ield of corporate social responsibility: (1) encourage social objectives; (2) promotion linked with social objectives; (3) corporate social advertising; (4) corporate patronage; (5) volunteer work for society; and (6) socially dependable business activities. Coca Cola vs. Starbucks The Coca Cola Company is the world's leading beverage business. The Company markets four of the world's leading five non-alcoholic drinks - Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Fanta. By the help of the world's major drink circulation structure, customers in over 200 nations have access to Company's beverages at a level going beyond â€Å"1.4 billion servings each day†3. Starbucks is a key international coffee business with over 17,000 stores in more than 55

Monetary policy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Monetary policy - Research Paper Example It lays a vital role in opening up the financial market of a country. It also has supervisory powers, aimed at limiting banks and financial intermediaries from reckless behaviour. In developed nations Central banks are independent so that they operate under rules made to help them operate in a political free management (Kurgan and Wells 387). Therefore, this paper aims at obtaining a deep analysis on the role of central bank in use and implementation of monetary policy to stabilize the economy. This will be with respect to the great depression of 1929 to early 1940s. Monetary policy is the mean through which the monetary tools of a country control the flow of money. It mostly focuses on the rate of interest with an aim of promoting economic growth and stability. It is key role is to sustain, stable prices and maintain low levels of unemployment. Monetary policy can either be expansionary of contractionary. Expansionary policies increase the supply of money in the economy while the co ntractionary measurers reduce the total money supply to the economy (Bofinger, Reischle and Schachter 123). Expansionary policy is theoretically used to control unemployment in a recession by lowering interest rates in the view that easy credit will motivate businesses into expanding. Contractionary policy is intended to slow inflation in a view of curbing the resulting deterioration and distortions of asset values. The Monetary policies advocated by the central bank helps in fostering the growth of financial market by encouraging open market operations. It is the most used tool by the central bank of each country to correct any economic disorder or to set the pace of a country economic growth (Bofinger, Reischle and Schachter 170). Economic depression is an economic slowdown where the gross domestic product is expected to decline at around 10%. To give rise to greet economic depression, the gross domestic product was believed to have declined by at least 33% per annum. This is the worst in history so far. Economic depression is characterized by; reduced consumption by individuals and the government, increased liquidation of the banking system or narrowing of financial market to the extent that it cannot allocate capital inflow to various sectors of the economy, high levels of unemployment expressed in two digits, insolvency of economic driving companies, a reduction in the wage rate for example, during the great economic depression it reduced sixty percent and acute shortage of money supply in the economy. Thus, depression can be defined as a recession that lasts longer and has a massive decline in business activity thus a slowdown in economic growth (Bofinger, Reischle and Schachter 213). Central bank and monetary policy with respect to the great depression of 1929 to early 1940s can be analyzed from different views. The great depression lasted for 10 years. This occurred when the shares traded in a day tripled followed by a drastic fall in price by about 24 %. The great economic depression was characterized by an increased rate in unemployment which increased by 22% of the total country workforce. The total gross domestic product reduced by half as the price fell by 10%. The depression also caused farmers to lose their farms, and this made them together with the unemployed to move to urban areas in search of daily earnings, this lead to development of shanties thus creation more problems. There were massive bank failures and

To write a critique or critical review of a scientific paper. Does Article

To write a critique or critical review of a scientific paper. Does bullying cause emotional problems A prospective study of young teenagers - Article Example One study focused on bullying effects on pre-pubescent children with the result being loneliness, depression, and school maladjustment. Another research reviewed was a small parallel study on bullying on adolescents. The findings predicted poor physical health for boys, poor mental health for girls and early onset depression for both. Both cited reviews were from primary sources and seem to be relevant to the study problem. However, the researchers do not give a critical analysis of the results of the cited reviews. The research was conducted through the collection and analysis of survey data from a sample size of over two thousand teenage students collected twice over a period of two years (Bond, Carlin, Thomas, Rubin and Patton, 480). The study was undertaken in schools around Victoria, Australia with a sample size of 2680 secondary school students. The sample was selected from a large population of students from over 12 school districts in rural and metropolitan Victoria. Participation in the study was voluntary for students; requiring written parental consent before involvement in the research. The researchers also sought the approval of education and health stakeholders. They included The Royal Childrens Hospital, the ethics, and human research committee, the Catholic Education Office and the Victorian Department of Education and Training (Bond et al.,481). The researchers clearly describe the method of sample selection. In metropolitan Melbourne, statistical probability methods were used to allocate randomly all participating schools to control or intervention status. Then random sampling methods were employed by the researchers to select 12 schools from the â€Å"intervention† status and 12 schools from the â€Å"control† status. In Rural Victoria, six schools were randomly selected from two regional districts. The total number of schools in Victoria that agreed to participate was twenty-six. Twelve of those schools were assigned

Parenting today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Parenting today - Essay Example nal and emotional changes in his life, he is moving towards independence, a concrete thinker and sensitive to criticisms as stated by Military and Life Consultants (n.d.). To understand him more, you must spend more time with each other. Try activities that would enhance your father-son relationship like playing ball games and going outdoors which would not demand a lot of cash. Find time and spend time despite the work schedule. As much as possible, spend your meal time together, Jonathan is the only one you have at this time and you are the only one he has at home. Aside from spending time together, you can teach him responsibility and discipline by setting rules and consequences. However, you must let him participate in setting the rules in the house. Listen to him, this is very much important. Your rules must include him doing homework regularly, observing curfew time, watch up late only allowed during weekends and keeping his room tidy. After setting the rules, set the consequences and make sure that these penalties should be firm and be strictly imposed by you. If rules are not followed, there would be less time on the television, weekend indoors and more chores to be done. These should de firm and non-negotiable. If you see him doing well and becoming responsible and disciplined, do not forget to appreciate what he is doing and give him rewards he deserve. You can also learn how to achieve discipline of Jonathan by visiting and learning through the Positive Discipline site, http://www.positivediscipline.com/. They offer help via books and DVD’s. You can also attend their workshops about teaching parents the positive discipline way. You can see the schedules and venues of their workshops online. This site and their products would be a great help to you and Jonathan. They offer many ways to effectively discipline your child. May this letter provide you thoughts and ways regarding you r problem with Jonathan. I hope to hear many good things in the next few

In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls - Essay Example ..no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status; nor does he know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence and strength, and the like† (Rawls, p. 118). The individual is then tasked with designing a society with this understanding in mind. As a means of carrying out Rawl’s veil of ignorance, this essay proposes what sorts of principles I would propose for this new society. Additionally, the essay considers what guarantees people would have, and what values would be most important to create and preserve. After considering the veil of ignorance one of the overarching considerations of this new society is the need to ensure that it offers fair opportunities to all citizens. As a means of achieving this society there necessarily must be a radical reimagining of the way that the country is structured. Currently society is organized a capitalist democratic model. In this way the primary means of achieving income are through capitalizing on one’s strengths to as great a degree as possible. The pervading logic in this approach to life is that individuals who work the hardest will correspondingly be given the most opportunities and success. There is the further belief that innovation and entrepreneurship will not occur unless people are given a direct financial incentive. While from a theoretical perspective this view of the world may be accurate, in practice there is a great amount of complication. What often occurs is that specific groups of people gain power and are able to oppress other groups of people. In this way survival of the fittest partially takes over, wherein the strong dominate the weak. Additionally, people become oppressed along racial and ethnic lines. In this way many of the brightest and most talented individuals in society are not granted the equal opportunities. Even as society is democratic in nature, the pervading structures are such that these processes are cyc lical, with individuals in power contributing to the oppressive mechanisms. Following the understanding of society as greatly contributing to the oppression of certain groups of people significant changes will be implemented. One of the first changes is that the past notion that all individuals work for the simple accumulation of wealth will be disregarded. Numerous studies have indicated that once an individual makes over $75,000 a year their relative happiness level does not increase. Still, a significant amount of people in society make considerably more than this amount, while millions of others struggle to achieve a living income. The obvious solution is to institute wealth distribution systems, where the wealthiest Americans necessarily distribute their wealth to those making the least amount of money. While such processes are in place to a small extent, the large-scale implementation of these processes have not occurred as there is the general belief that individuals would no t work as hard if they did not receive direct compensation for their actions. Although there is an extent of truth to these claims, ultimately it appears that they do not fully take into account the motivations of human behavior. One considers that individuals such as Warren Buffet have made extensive amounts of money and ultimately given it away to charity. The current Presidential candidate Mitt Romney,

Human resources function Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human resources function - Essay Example Abundance of human resources gives the company the luxury of becoming selective and filling positions with the right candidate and qualifications. But with scarcity of people, the businesses had to do away with the luxury and use whatever manpower was available. Compensation scales had to be revised since manpower became expensive. Alternatively, employees had to be brought in from faraway places and the companies had to bear the responsibility of their transport charges and safety. Moreover, the profit margins were severely affected since the businesses could not work their usual hours due to limited manpower. With the demand for employees going up, candidates had a field time as they could demand any amount as remuneration. Companies increased wages in a bid to attract workers and this lead to the entry of many untrained workers. Menial jobs now began paying well. Under ordinary circumstances, workers would be trained well before they started working on floor, but due to scarcity o f staff they had to start right away with no prior training. Working in fast food restaurants suddenly became lucrative. However, this put a lot of pressure on the existing staff as they had to work with untrained workers, leading to mismanagement and chaos. This affected the smooth functioning of the restaurants and also their reputation. Yes, to a certain extent the HR situation is typical here

Supreme court cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Supreme court cases - Essay Example Dissent opinions among the judges suggest potential existence of flaws and that the judgment could be wrong. This paper reviews the Supreme Court decision on the case of Roe v. Wade with the opinion that the court erred in its decision. The case involved decision on legality of abortion based Texas laws that prohibited abortion. The court ruled against state law and explained that a woman has a right to abortion. The Supreme Court further stated that this right was constitutional, derived from two amendments of the United States’ constitution. â€Å"The Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments,† the court explained, provide for the right to â€Å"personal privacy,† and grants a woman the sole right to make decisions on reproductive issues (United States Confederation of Catholic Bishops 1). The court further explained that the fetus lacks personality and therefore does not have a right to life, an argument to the effect that abortion does not amount to any element of murd er. The court however established a strategy for determining the rights of a woman and rights of the state regarding abortion in which the state has no right over abortion in the first three months of pregnancy. The decision granted the state limited right to protecting the mother’s rights in the second trimester and right in the fetus’ life in the last three months of pregnancy (Gerber 181). ... Interpreting the Tenth amendment together with the Ninth amendment grants states the power to make laws on abortion. The Ninth amendment is clear that recognized rights in the constitution shall not be interpreted to impair another right but the Texas law on abortion was not specifically based on a right. Even though the law prohibited abortion unless the mother’s life was in danger, secondary rights such as rights of the fetus were not primary to the law. This means that the Ninth amendment that limits interpretations of some rights to disadvantage others should have not been applied against the abortion law and abortion laws, having not been provided for by the constitution, should fall within jurisdiction of states (Rechtschaffen and Markell 41). Provisions of the Fourteenth amendment also appear ambiguous to have warranted the Supreme Court’s decision to legalized abortion. While the amendment provides that states should not enact laws that infringe people’s rights, the amendment fails to recognize limits of people’s rights and unless interpreted will other laws, is repugnant to natural justice and other people’s rights. If, for example, that a person’s right is a threat to other people then care must be taken to limit such a right. While this argument does not rely on possible rights of the fetus, it notes that independent reliance on the Fourteenth amendment’s provision for supremacy of constitutional rights was not the right basis. The Texas abortion law would fall under cases of misused Fourteenth amendment rights towards injustice (Miller and Jentz 9). The court’s decision is also contradictory because it reprimanded the Texas’ abortion law for infringing women’s rights but at

Target Private Label Brand Analysis Essay Example for Free

Target Private Label Brand Analysis Essay In this assignment we analyzed Target’s private labels. Target has both value and premium private brands. Target uses â€Å"Up Up† for its value private label products and â€Å"Archer Farms† for its premium private label food products. The three product categories that we picked are household products, health products, and food products. The first household product that we picked is Target’s Up Up body wash. The Up Up’s Delicate Exfoliating Body Wash is compared to the national brand Dove Exfoliating Body Wash. They both are 24 oz and have the same package size and color. The Up Up is $3.24 whereas Dove is $5.49 which is 69% more expensive than the Up Up body wash. In terms of packing, the Up Up body wash has the same packing as the Dove body wash. They are very identical to each other and have the same shape and color. The Up Up body wash is placed on the upper right shelf where other body wash products are placed. In addition, the private brand is placed on the same shelf, but to the right side of the national brand. Next, we picked Target’s Up Up hand soap. The Up Up’s Moisturizing Hand Soap Aloe Vera is compared to Softsoap Soothing Aloe Vera hand soap. They both are 64 oz, have the same package and color. The Up Up is $3.69 while Softsoap is $4.49 which is 22% is more expensive than Target’s private brand. In terms of packaging, the Up Up hand soap has the same packaging as Softsoap hand soap. They both look the same and have a similar package size, shape and color. The Up Up hand soap is placed on the center bottom shelf and is placed to the right of Dove body wash. From the health products we picked Target’s Up Up Probiotic Dietary Supplement. The Up Up’s Probiotic Dietary Supplement is compared to Align Probiotic Dietary Supplement. They both have 26 tablets 4 week supply. The Up Up tablets costs $16.79 where the Align is $28.89 which is 72% more expensive than the Up Up probiotic tablets. In terms of packaging the Up $ Up Probiotic tablets have the same package size and shape as the Align Probiotic tablets, but the Up Up has a blue packaging color. The Up Up tablets are placed on the bottom right corner of the shelf. The national brand Align is to the left of Target’s private label. From the food products we chose Target’s premium private label Archer Farms. Target only has premium private label for its food products. The Archers Farms’ Organic Skim Milk is compared to Horizon Organic Fat-Free Milk. They both are 1.89 L and have the same package size but have different package color. The Archer Farms’ organic milk is $3.59 whereas the Horizon’s organic milk is $3.99. Here we see that the national brand is only 11% more expensive than the premium private brand. In terms of packaging the Archer Farms’ milk has the same package size and shape to the Horizon’s milk but conveys a premium image. Archer Farms’ milk is placed on the middle shelf and on the center of the shelf for milk products. The national brand Horizon is to the left side of Archer Farms premium private brand.

Pros and cons of Information technology

Pros and cons of Information technology Introduction: To get an answer to this question we need to formerly understand the pros and cons of information technology. The article published by Nicolas Carr â€Å"IT doesnt matter† does raise a couple of eyebrows, especially of those belonging to the IT sector. But I have had to really understand what his view point is in order to get an answer to this mind boggling question does IT matter? Despite my attempts to understand why according to him IT doesnt matter I can only jump to one conclusion i.e. computers, data storage facilities, data processing facilities, etc are easily available to all. Mr. Carrs point of view is that businesses across the globe are resorting to IT to give them a better edge over one another and thereby spend trillions of dollars over technology that is easily available to all. So there is hardly an â€Å"advantage† that companies have over one another. Mr. Carr does accept that today Information technology has become the backbone of commerce. At all times its tough to intricate a line between where the technology ends and use of it begins. During previous years industries didnt had a systematic approach in some of the technical and financial aspects. One must not forget that a new ray of light has arisen due to the presence of Information Technology in the field of commerce, science, telecommunication, security and different manufacturing processes. Industries could make those products which would meet the demands of international consumers. This would improve the trade relationship among different companies and countries. Nowadays all the work which were done manually have now become computerized. With a single click any customer can place an order for different number of varieties at any place at any given time. Nowadays companies are more dependent on IT fields for protection against vulnerabilities. There are intelligence tools like business intelligence reporting tools that help not only to store and retrieve data ( that account for huge memory spaces that would be nearly impossible to keep track of using the age old technique of accounting manually) but also analyze data and generate reports thereby reducing the load of understanding and analyzing data to make strategic decisions (www.smallbusinessbible.com).Many companies have merged with IT companies to form a secured data system which would not only protect their data system but also enhances their capability to meet the customer needs. Today businesses race not to come up with intellectual schemes to achieve success but to do so before any body else does. Time is of the essence and that is where IT enters. IT has become a day to day necessity in our life. It has brought a major impact in business and society. It has driven a rising economy to a developed economy. In todays day to day activities personal computers, mobile phones, emails, fax machines and internet has not only become our support system but has also become an integral part of our life (www.smallbussinessbible.com). IT is present everywhere but its important aspects should be harnessed evenly and properly so that it is used to its core. They are present everywhere and become an indispensable commodity of any industry. It plays a key factor in evaluating many of the new technologies assisting new infrastructural projects. IT has not only brought the world closer together, but has permitted the worlds economy to boom. It means that we can share information at high speeds and at high efficient rate, without any linguistic and geographic barriers. All the information can now be shared in a well organized and resourceful manne r interesting jobs. IT plays a very important role in foreign exchange. It acts as a customer relationship manager who tries to solve the problems. FOREX capital markets have arisen due to the presence of IT industry. As the company boasts from 1999 till date it has 15000 clients in over 80 countries and has an average trading volume that exceeds $15billion (OBrien and James, (1936)). Due to continuous efforts and development in the IT field, the companies could easily handle their customers and also the various salespeople who work hard for the company. It tries to manage various aspects of the company even though the company is located in different countries, having linguistic barrier. IT has increased the probability of developing new and innovative jobs. The world has progressed into a global village with the help of information technology which has allowed countries like India and Russia who are separated by time, distance, language and geographic boundaries to disclose ideas, facts and data with each other. Information Technology has helped to communicate at cheaper, faster, and more efficient rate. With the help of video conferencing work can now be completed at home without any wastage of time and money. Text messages have added extra wings to communication which facilitates quick responses. Video conferencing has added a midas touch to the world of communication which by opening up the face to face direct communication facility all round the world (www.smallbusinessbible.com). Information Technology has provided immense help to condense the cultural gap among people belonging to different to communicate with one another thus allowing exchange of thoughts and opinions which results increased awareness and reduced prejudice. Due to computerization, businesses have become lucrative money-spinning machines thus increasing the productivity which results into increase in profits (www.smallbusinessbible.com). This results in increased profitability, productivity, and overall development. This in turn results in pay, enhanced and much better working conditions. It is be because of Information Technology that business are now open 24 x7 all round the world. This means that a business can be open anytime anywhere, making purchases from different countries easier and more convenient. It also means that you can have your goods delivered right to your doorstep with only a click of a button. Amazon and eBay have established themselves as hubs of commerce when it comes to consumer online shopping. They are development activity where openness breeds innovation and innovation generates sales. Its chief technology officer Al Vermeulen says that they think web services feeds directly into making that flywheel spin. It has not only served different purposes of different fields of business but has increased the capability of the companies to be more productive and profitable in terms of market values. They have changed the market rules (OBrien and James (1936)). The best advantage of information technology is the formulation and development of new and interesting jobs. Huge development has been brought in diagnosing disease and damage to the body with the help of body scanners which use software to process the information produced to assist us with maps of body. Experienced doctors train their junior doctors with the aid of new IT technologies. Computers help surgeons to operate effectively and swiftly. Siemens Healthcare provides with efficient and integrated solutions for support processes, from building automation and security to data centres and communication. They are the specialist in the state of the art imaging, laboratory diagnostics and IT solution for an earlier prevention and more specific diagnosis thus enhancing patient care. It ensures security and access control (www.med.usa.siemens). Moreover IT plays a very important role in overall development of an economy. IT can change an undulated economy into improved one. According to me IT is not the standard package which has answers to every question you ask. Right amount of planning and forecast is key to success for IT applications. IT has given world the best of its results but it again depends on how you apply to a problem. So in case of IT we have to be double cautions and this is very well explained by Hilton Hotels. Hilton hotel via Texas based Hilton reservation worldwide have developed fastest reservation system. Hilton hotels have more than 2400 hotels located in 65 countries and Hilton worldwide reservation (HRW) handles around 31 million call and generate more than 9 million reservation annually. And the amazing fact about this system is despite of this incredible volume the average reservation time in just two minutes. Information Technology has given this level of efficiency and customer service. How this amazing system works, well when there is a call to HRW through dialled number identification services it is identified that customer is call ing. Immediately call is then transferred to reservation specialist who uses Hilton hotel room availability information. The information regarding the availability of room is displayed on the specialists desktop as the call is transferred. Then if customer is demanding some other place the specialist can click online screen button to start a search. Within seconds specialist can scan through entire database of Hilton property. Further innovative application is automated reservation system. In this there is interactive voice response system. Once the agent is finished with the reservation then call is transferred to IVR. In interactive voice response system customer hear back and confirms his reservation. Due to this outstanding customer service system Hilton hotel are among the top guns in the market (OBrien and James,(1936)). Most civil engineers practice in specialized subsets of civil engineering, such as geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering and land surveying (www.wikipedia.com). A number of new software tools are available relating to the different specialized disciplines. Some software houses have attempted to provide design software catering for the variety of infrastructure design fields in an integrated manner for example: Civil Designer which uses the AllyCAD CAD engine or VisionCivil which uses AutoCAD and MicroStation. Allycad is a CAD software application for 2D design and drafting. It is developed by Knowledge Base and is used internationally. It was originally developed by Paul Harper. Microstation is the technique used by many of the international companies to design structures of national and geographic importance. Infrastructure design relies heavily on estimates of load, pressure, drainage and flow. Different software packages rely on different formulae and theories as the basis for these calculations. Popular storm drainage simulation models include for example the Rational Method, ILLUDAS, SWMM and HYMO all of which have their own proponents and associated academic debates (www.wikipedia.com). Examples of how companies have used Information technology to develop competitive strategies. Strategy company Strategic use of IT Business Benefits. Cost Leadership Dell Computers Online Build to order lower cost producer Priceline. Com Online seller bidding buyer-set pricing eBay.com Online auction Auction -set prices. Innovation AVENT Marshall Customer/suppler Increase in market share Moen Inc. Online customer design Increase in market share Growth Citi Group Global Intranet. Increase in global market Toys ‘R Us Inc. POS inventory tracking Market leadership Alliance Cisco systems virtually manufacturing Agile market leadership Alliances While Information Technology has outshined the business process it has also created job cutting, downsizing and outsourcing. It has immensely affected the middle and lower level thus creating more unemployment. Wal-Mart introduced RFID technology, RFID means Radio Frequency Identification. It is a data carrying and automatic identification technology used throughout industry. Information about an item is stored in the RFID tag which is attached to that item. RFID tag is just like a data carrier, just as some as that of a bar code. Data carried by the barcode is scanner with the help of an optical or infrared wavelength. RFID reader emits radio waves which activates the tag. Wireless communication takes place with the tag known as air-interface. Importance feature of an RFID system is it does not require any tag or label to read its stored data. It enhances customer service, employer safety and enhances productivity of a company. It is very helpful in medical field too. Wrist tag ens ures complete accuracy to identify patience. But this technology has created a huge lot of unemployment. Many of the working lower class employees would have been affected in negative manner because of this technology. From mobile phone signal interceptions to email hacking, people are now worried about their once private information becoming public knowledge. Industry experts believe that the internet has made job security a big issue as since technology keeps on changing with each day. It means that one has to keep himself/herself updated with the latest technology in order to keep his or her job secured (www.wiki.answers.com). But over usage of IT management becomes tedious tiresome. Even though information is readily available, confidential matters can be assessed unless they are properly password protected. IT leads to unemployment due to downsizing outsourcing. IT leads to tampering of many private issues which has to be kept away from light. Privacy issues are of major concern due to rise in growth of technology. Hacking of email, breach of security are major issues due to advancement in information technology. IT leads to lack of job security. Due to hardware failure economies can be affected negatively. It may result in failure of stock markets (www.associatedcontent.com). Internet often results in breaching of copyright. Nowadays viruses are spread via internet. Pornographic issues are of serious concern. It only affects a person physically but mentally too. It disturbs normal Most of the viruses get transferred via e-mails or when certain information is downloaded. These viruses damage many of the important documents which are of utmost importance. Collecting information from internet wastes a lot of time. Conclusion: In conclusion, I believe that Mr. Nicholas Carr to some extent does believe that the advantages I stated with regard to IT are noteworthy and something that are the most desired technologies. But what I seem to understand is that he is neither upset with the innovations in information technology nor with the fact that IT has helped make businesses go global but with the inability of these technologies to remain exclusive to companies that make use of them. Also I believe that today e-commerce has reached a point of no return. And as much as some companies believe that they need to stop spending extravagantly on software the fear of lagging behind or being out of the race to become the numero uno prevents them from doing so. It has become more like â€Å"if you cant beat `em join `em† Personally. I personal feel that there is lot of room for the development of IT in most of the developing country. In India still we have to struggle a lot with our daily chores. Forgive me for s ounding too dramatic when I say this, but the process for doing these chores meant standing and waiting in long queues in the hot sun for a minimum of 3 hours before I could reach the counter and there were one too many times when the counter would close for lunch the instant it would be my turn. But net banking has made this phase of my life disappear. Now my bills are paid, tickets are booked within minutes and I dont have to bother about what is happening at the back-end. As a student I could learn more about this institute and apply here which was also possible thanks to the internet. Gaming, entertainment, chatting, video conferencing with my family back home have helped me feel slightly less homesick. It could be that I cannot or probably do not want relate to Mr. Nicolas Carrs point of view for my own selfish reasons and so for me on a very personal level IT does matter†¦ Reference: OBrien and James (1936) Management Information systems -8th edition-Boston, London: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2008. http://www.smallbusinessbible.org/advan_disadvan_informationtechnology.html [Accessed:16 November 2009] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/civil_engineering_software [Accessed:15 November 2009] Carr Nicolas G. (2003) ‘IT Doesnt Matter, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 81 Issue 5, May, Pages 41 49. Brown John Seely (2003) ‘Does IT Matter?, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 81 Issue7,July, Pages 109-112. http://www.nicholasgcarr.com/doesITmatter/reviews.shtml http://www.kosmix.com/topic/AllyCAD http://www.med.usa.siemens.com/oncolgyusa/ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1211744/information_technology_in_the_world_pg6_pg6.html?cat=157