Saturday, August 22, 2020

German Gift Ideas (Geschenkideen)

German Gift Ideas (Geschenkideen) It is safe to say that you are searching for a decent present for the German fan on your rundown? Heres a rundown of blessing thoughts for individuals who love German and the German-talking nations of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Now and again, youll discover a connect to the item or more data, yet the vast majority of the postings beneath are simply useful blessing thoughts identified with German and the German-talking nations. Books and Dictionaries A genuine all-German word reference (hardcover)A German-English word reference (hardcover)Dual-language books (German verse, literature)Harry Potter books in German, German book recordings, travel manual You can likewise look onlineâ for books, CDs, DVDs, and increasingly German blessing thoughts Christmas Season Gifts In the event that youre giving a present to a German darling during the Christmas season, think about the accompanying: Cut wooden Nativity setChristmas pyramidGerman pewter or gem tree ornamentsNutcracker figureBook of German Christmas carolsAdvent wreath with candlesChocolate Advent schedule (before Dec. 1)Steiff teddy bear or dollGerman incense smokers (figures) Steiff Teddy Bears The German Steiff organization made its first teddy bears in the mid 1900s. Some early Steiff bears sell for a huge number of dollars to authorities. Steiff still makes its excellent bears, and they remain the most significant all things considered. Another Steiff bear or different figures for the most part cost somewhere in the range of $30 and $250. German Incense Smokers (Raucher) Incense smokers can be extremely alluring in both present day and conventional structures. These regularly brilliant figures speak to angler, fire fighters, troopers, mailmen, and individuals in customary dress. The smoke from the incense comes out of the figures mouth. Cooking, Food, and Drink Gifts German cookbookRaclette set (for fondue)Glà ¼hwein (hot reflected on wine) parcel with container of wineGerman or Austrian wineGerman wine decanter stand (Weinheber)Gift authentication to a neighborhood German/Bavarian/Swiss restaurantAustrian/Swiss chocolateCookie and gingerbread moldsEgg cup set (Eierbecher) German Decor Austrian precious stone (Swarovski, Kisslinger) glass ornamentsCeramic lager steinGerman, Austrian or Bavarian flagHummel fired figures Decorative chimes (Bavarian, Swiss, Tyrolian)Cuckoo clockGerman hand-made candles (modern)Pewter things (steins, ornaments)Posters and photographs (German scenes, Austrian/German individuals: Bach, Einstein, Mozart, etc.)Stuffed creatures (great Steiff teddy bear)Good karma artistic pig (an indication of favorable luck in Germany). Austrian Crystal and Glass (Krystal) Austria is notable as a maker of wonderful precious stone glass in numerous structures and plans. Despite the fact that Swarovski is the most popular brand, you ought to likewise consider Kisslinger in Tyrol.â Random German Gifts Dirndl dress or lederhosen (Austrian/Bavarian calfskin pants)German TV membership (in North America)German fold over sling infant transporter (Storchenwiege) Music and Movie Gifts Compact discs by German-language specialists (Falco, Fanta4, Die Prinzen, etc.)iTunes blessing authentication (for downloading music by German music/artists)iPod or MP3 playerGerman film DVDs Travel Gifts Set of fitting connectors or voltage transformers (enormous small)Handheld PC/PDAMultiband phone (that works in Europe and North America)Electronic English-German dictionaryPortable DVD playerTravel manual and maps

Friday, August 21, 2020

African Art Free Essays

From Egypt to South Africa the specialty of Africa is rich and differing on a scale second to no other mainland. The craftsmanship is a social legacy that has supported a race of individuals over centuries. This paper will concentrate on the craft of the 200-year length of 1400-1600 CE. We will compose a custom article test on African Art or then again any comparable theme just for you Request Now  It was during this timeframe that the European Renaissance blossomed, and considered such to be as Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael emerge. It similarly covers the timeframe that Rembrandt and the Dutch bosses worked. Examinations will be made between the two different societies, inspecting the contrasts between how the specialty of Africa and the craft of Europe identify with their way of life and mores. It will analyze the utility of both workmanship sorts. While the workmanship gives off an impression of being drastically extraordinary, the basic use for the craftsmanship created is basically the equivalent, with Renaissance workmanship and African workmanship both serving their culture’s strict convictions and mores. For those not acclimated with theoretical craftsmanship it can have all the earmarks of being unique in relation to what they even think about workmanship. A huge bit of all African craftsmanship is theoretical. Reflection is the manner in which the craftsman decides to make a portrayal of the precursor or the soul with whom he wishes to impart. By convention the workmanship is strict or legendary, so their alternative was to make a delegate figure. Deliberation is the best approach to make such. European specialty of a similar period tackled this issue by selecting to make a reasonable resemblance of their holy people and even their god. . Europeans didn't paint scenes or shape creatures but to give a setting to their sacred families and holy people. Craftsmanship was for religion and for custom, culture, and mores in the two societies. â€Å"The excellence of African workmanship lies not just on a superficial level or physical highlights of the fine art yet the significance or exercise that it tends to emanate† (All-About-African-Art.com standard. 3). African craft of the period being talked about is for all intents and purposes constantly three dimensional and not just of wood. The Yoruba found lost-wax and cast their sculptures in metals by the fourteenth and fifteenth century (Mullen, par.10). John Reader, writing in Africa: A Biography of the Continent, examines the utilization of metals in the specialty of the African clans. In Sub-Saharan Africa iron and copper were the most profoundly esteemed of metals. Strangely, he reports that the fourteenth century clans would trade their gold for copper at a pace of 66% gold to one of copper (287). This iron and copper went into weapons, normally however a lot of it discovered its way into workmanship in view of its perpetual quality was related with the life span of progenitors just as the everlasting status of the spirits. It turned out to be then a piece of their specialty, which is interchangeable with their strict convictions and culture. The most recognizable thing about African craftsmanship is its pervasive nature. It penetrates the lives of the African individuals more so than European workmanship. The accentuation in African craftsmanship is on the human figure a lot of equivalent to European workmanship somewhere in the range of 1400 and 1600 CE. It is additionally a piece of regular daily existence and identifies with the way of life and estimations of the clans that produce it by filling in as consistent tokens of predecessors and conventions. The innate veils are objects of worship, brought out on formal events to be ‘danced’. These veils are not just decorations but instead they are consecrated items. They are given names. This name is critical as something other than recognizing the individual piece, yet additionally distinguishes the importance of the work. Every ha a history and a move is assigned for each. The veil encapsulates living spirits. In African culture the implications of the veil, the related move and the spirits that abide inside it are unyieldingly connected together. African art’s utilization of the human structure is inescapable to such an extent that its appropriation by European countries is taken as confirmation of the contact between the two societies. The Church of Rome charged a significant part of the incredible craft of the European mainland during the 1400-1600s. The sculptures and pictures of the scriptural holy people depict a resemblance. Jesus is portrayed in stone and color and the picture is to help the dedicated to remember his deeds. The ministers face a cross and make the enchanted signs when reciting supplication in the general course of such craftsmanship. There might be the contention that Christians don't implore the representations, still, the easygoing on-looker would make some troublesome memories deciding the unpretentious contrast. In this sense, the veils of African inborn workmanship serve a similar capacity inside the network as do the pietas and torturous killings of the Italian Renaissance. Christopher Roy, Professor of Art History, University of Iowa, expresses that, â€Å"most African workmanship is agent, not illustrative. Almost no African figure is planned to reproduce the highlights of a person, either living or dead† (standard. 6). Roy relates that African craftsmanship, especially the cover, isn't intended to be a resemblance of a progenitor, nor is it intended to be a picture of an adored, worshipped, or even dreaded pioneer of the clan. The veil is a home for the spirits, concocted by the creator of the cover. The cover, a masterpiece, turns into a safe house for the heavenly, the concealed, the obscure, boundless, so it follows that the physical home made for them must be a production of eccentricity (standard. 6). In a land where illnesses are wild and life is generally modest the individuals frequently go to the spirits for security. In the long stretches of the Black Death in Europe the individuals went to the congregation. In Africa, where flies can convey demise and swimming the waterways can taint individuals with destructive parasites, the spirits are such remain between the clan and passing now and again. It gives the clan comfort to realize that they have a method of making the spirits obvious, and they do this in their craft. Craftsmanship as the cover gives a substantial reality to the concealed spirits. At the point when the cover is then moved in the services and ceremonies of the clan this makes the spirits open to the clan. This craftsmanship can traverse the hole between the world and the concealed domain of the soul. The medium actually turns into the message as the soothsayer in the cover opens a channel to the spirits and can convey the necessities of the clan to the main creatures equipped for offering help to the clan (Roy standard. 2). Western African workmanship as wooden veils frequently appear as people, creatures, or whimsical creatures. Their utilization in strict rituals extend from, for example, innate commencement services to different festivals of inborn favorable luck or propitious commemoration dates. They are moved in festivity of a decent gather just as moved to demand that their yields flourish. They are additionally moved in anticipation of war. It doesn't take an incredible leap of faith to liken these symbols with the strict compositions of the Sistine Chapel and the pope’s private quarters. While a few sculptures heavenly to the Catholics are brought out to see by the general population on high sacred days and worshiped as charms of the genuine cross or some other conviction. The static craft of the frescos can be seen all the time, and is utilized to place the petitioner in the best possible temper to accept when he bows to solicit a help or gift from his maker. The covers of African craftsmanship are utilized as a passage to ease both the wearer and his crowd into an under reality where the spirits stay. The Catholic specialty of the Renaissance and the hundreds of years quickly tailing it are for a similar reason. The Fang clan of Gabon are renowned for their making of watchman figures that are then appended to the crates containing the bones of their predecessors. Their authority, as per The Africa Guide online site, is acquired and the pioneer is evidently an immediate relative of the predecessor who established the town. This pioneer isn't just common leader of the innate town, he is the otherworldly pioneer, and can speak with the progenitors through the wearing of veils, which are a significant part of Fang workmanship (standard. 4). The craft of Africa talked about in this is made for utilitarian reason, making it, from the outset appear to be not quite the same as European specialty of a similar timespan. However while the pope may not put on a veil of Christ and move it before the majority, he surely conveys a pole with the portrayal of Christ when he is found out in the open. He has adorned his congregation and his private lofts with the figures of scriptural characters to fill in as a token of the sacred word. From the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment, craftsmen of the European school made work to satisfy the congregation. They made to summon recollections and help the dedicated to remember their way of life and profound roots similarly as the African veil. While the craftsmanship seems, by all accounts, to be fundamentally extraordinary, the basic use for the workmanship delivered is basically the equivalent, with Renaissance workmanship and African workmanship both serving their culture’s strict convictions and mores. Works Cited About African-Art.comâ Abstract African Art is Mainly Considered To be strange 9-29-08 http://www.all-about-african-art.com/conceptual african-art.html Mullen, N.â Yoruba Art and Culture 9-29-08 Wysinger Homestead 2004 http://wysinger.homestead.com/yoruba.html Roy, C. Signs and Symbols in African Art: Graphic Patterns in Burkina Faso 9-3-08 The University of Iowa no date The most effective method to refer to African Art, Papers

Friday, June 19, 2020

Free Trade EU

Free trade and competition for the EU Is it fair and in the interests of free trade and competition for the EU to impose quotas on the Chinese textile industry or is the EU guilty of protectionism? The trade relationship between the European Union and China is one that has existed for several years now. However, this relationship is one that has had its share of conflicts over the past 15 years or so, with regard to the volumes traded between the two regions. Since China entered the WTO in December 2001, trade barriers between China and the European were removed in order to ameliorate trade between the two. However, the textile and clothing product volumes that were exported from China to the EU began hurting the domestic markets in the EU. It was due to this occurrence that the EU decided to re-apply quotas on China. In accordance with WTO principles, this is apparent violation of a developing countrys products. However, when China entered the WTO, the agreement asserted that a member may re-impose quotas on China for one year if that members markets were being hurt through Chinas export volumes of textile and clothing products. Introduction If one looks back around a hundred or more years ago, life was certainly simpler than it is today. This refers to the fact that there have been a plethora of developments that have impacted everyone. The developments that one may consider in particular are technological ones as well as intellectual ones. Some may even go as far as asserting that each of these drives the other. However, because of more awareness and technological development, life today is more complex than it was before. In every field one considers today, things are generally more complex. The business environment is a good example, as it is one that is influenced by an array of newer ideas as well as new technology. The technology mentioned here refers to the inventions or innovations that have made globalization possible. Business in todays world has to consider this macro economical phenomenon, as it is a major part of the business today. Globalization does not only affect international trade, but also has its impact on trade within each country. In addition totalling about the unavoidable globalization aspect of business today, it is important to focus on business ideas and relationships that forma major part of them. An example of trade relations is the trade relationship between Chin and the European Union. Rationale The trade relationship between the European Union and China is an interesting and important relationship to study because of the fact that it has a long history behind it. In addition to this, it is an important relationship to study because it helps to expose aspects of competition, rapid growth, as well as questions regarding free trade and protectionism. With increased emphasis in recent times on factors like free trade, its important to understand the relationship that has prevailed between China and the European Union. In addition to this, it is important to understand why there may have been changes in this long relationship over the years. More importantly, it of interest to scholars and all those associated with international business that the reasons for recent changes in the relationship. These changes include the Imposing quotas on the Chinese textile industry. Research Question In view of the relationship between the Chinese and the European Union being studied in this paper, there are several details that will be exposed. However, the main question that will be dealt with includes the following: Is it fair and in the interests of free trade and competition for thee to impose quotas on the Chinese textile industry or is the EU guilty of protectionism? In order to answer this question, there needs to be detailed study of relevant data on this subject. To begin with, there is need to explore all pertinent matter on this subject, which will be dealt with in the following section of this paper: Since technological advancements have promoted more effective communication around the world, international business has been greatly facilitated. Many economies have grown as a result of better communication. The European Union and particularly China have ameliorated their means of business because of effective communication. Certainly, these effective means have enhanced the speed with which trade has taken place. Richer countries, like those in the European Union, have had the capital in to invest in ventures across the globe, and have subsequently thrived of other markets . China on its part has been faced with the necessity of keeping up to date its communications methods and systems. This has been one of the grounds for concern in the past few years, as China is a major player in international trade. Businesses that were previously limited to UK markets have been extended to other places around the globe, as a result of globalization. Products that were freely available in one part of the world were easily spread into several others. The result of this was greater influx of revenue earned, and the chief operating office or store would benefit in its original location. This is true to say fork or US establishments that had chains in markets where labour is cheap. Certainly, with the advantage that chain store provided businesses, its no wonder why this example of international business has been highlight in the trade arena. In addition to chain stores being lucrative earning opportunities, there are several other opportunities that have risen . In terms of considering economic conditions, it can be asserted that globalization has presented businesses in countries like the UK and US with ample opportunity for outsourcing work. This is quite a common trend now as there are markets available to countries like the UK that have cheaper labour. Outsourcing to places like India is common today because UK companies are known to save a great deal of revenue. They need not hire workers in the UK because they are more costly in contrast to hiring them in India. In time to come, more and businesses will be conducted this way through hiring labour outside teak where it is cheaper. Therefore, it can be asserted that International Business is expected to undergo more changes in time to come. This is because of the fact that businesses are still in the process of realizing the scope of profits that can be earned. China is another country that has managed to take its products to other regions, and is still in the process of ameliorating its communication methods. However, it does not face significant obstacles in this regard. Technological Developments that Impact Business Today: There are several reasons why some may believe that international business is modified by technology. This is perhaps because the causes of this are more evident in their physical form. Developments such as credit cards, swipe machines and e-commerce technology, etc., are few of the things that are implemented as part of everyday business (Kennedy,2000, 34-9). With the use of credit cards, one can make an international business transaction. There is no need to travel to different parts of the world to get a particular product. Products that are affordable, like ones from China, can now be purchased while one sits at home [Taylor, 2002, 28]. Goods of various kinds are available through the Internet, and countries like China with a mass of products can serve one in almost any part of the world. This is possible because of products being available through the Internet and through payment with a credit card, etc. Here, one can see how important the establishment of the Internet has been in promoting international business too. The Internet is at the centre of technology as well as economic and political conditions too, and it is almost always considered when controls are being decided upon regarding safeguarding international business. This refers to the fact that businesses are known to exchange vital data across it during transactions or other forms of communication through it (Kennedy, 2000, 34-9). Also related to the Internet-based technology is telecommunication that has been transformed too. This type of technology has made things more convenient for business individuals in different parts of the world. Countries like China have been working to make sure their systems are up to date and capable of meeting requirements of trading partners like the EU. Today, instead of business people having to meet in person, they simply have online conferences and conversations. Even prior to signing contracts and going through with business deals, these forms of corresponding are proving to be successful. China is no stranger to these forms of communication (Kennedy, 2000, 34-9). The Trade Relationship between the European Union and China: Trade relations between different countries are important as they each form a part of a larger trade environment. Considering the China-European Union trade relationship, it can be asserted that this trade relationship indeed forma a significant part of the overall trade environment. This is because of the fact that China is third on the list of countries that the European Union trades with. What may be considered to be more significant is the fact that this trade relationship is one that has a long history to it, and has seen three different stages. Another interesting fact to note is that export and import volumes have always been on the rise between these two countries over the years in spite of obstacles coming in between these countries. The three stages through which the China and European Union trade relationship has gone through is as follows: 1. Western ostracism/Chinese self-sufficiency, 1949-1959; 2. Increasing bilateral trade development/low conflict levels, 1960-1988; and 3. EU-level trade policy/explosive trade growth/increasing trade conflict, 1989-present The first stage is the stage within which sanctions were imposed on China because of the Communist takeover. The sanctions were first imposed by the United States of America, and then were followed by the European countries. The trade volume during this period is almost not worth considering, and whatever trade did take place before these sanctions could be considered as a starting point in the trade relationship. Having sanctions imposed could in a manner of speaking mean that there was a relationship between Europe and China. Otherwise there would be no need for sanctions. The following stage in the trade relationship between China and the European Union describes a gradual increase in trade. The gradual increase in trade was later transformed into rapid trade developments[Table 1 reflects these trade development] and even agreements being signed between the two regions. Out of the different trade agreements signed during this period, it can be said that the most important of these are the agreement on commercial co-operation [1978], and the trade and economic agreement signed in [1985] . The third phase in which China and the European Union are in reflect the rapid trade progress that began in the second stage of their trade relations. Though this third stage has seen several developments, it has also seen several conflicts. However, bilateral relations still continue. The problem that seems to be most significant is that the European Union is further tightening its rules on the trade relationship with regard to specific products. The latest of these obstacles to trade between China and the European Union is the licensing quotas that have been imposed by the European Union on the import of textile from China. What do obstacles like quotas do? When two countries have traded for several years, they automatically gain an understanding between each other and trade volumes tend to expand gradually. This is similar to what exists between China and the European Union. They have traded with each other for several years, and this has led to agreements being signed between them. This has meant that trading between the two regions has become more practical, as trading obstacles were removed significantly. When trading obstacles are mentioned here it means that tariffs are removed. Precisely, this is why quotas should not be applied to any trade relationships as it introduces tariffs on trade. When tariffs are introduced, trade is less convenient, and this may even be a sign of deliberate attempts to reduce trade between two regions. In the case of China and the European Union, since the European Union has imposed licensing quotas on exports from China, it is apparent that the EU wants to mitigate textiles coming from China. This is because the EU had signed agreements that reduced tariffs and trade barriers when they traded with China (Ma, Wang, 2001, 22-5). Is There Any Specific Reason for the European Union Imposing Quotas on China? Over the years, when the EU has traded with China there has been change in the quality of exports coming from China. Previously, China had been known for its low quality products (Dong et al, 1998, 19-27).However, it can be asserted that there has been a change in the quality that China produces for the EU market. China has become increasingly aware of the fact that the EU market is quality conscious. This is because they understand that the market in several EU members is affluent. Particularly, Germany is a market that goes for high quality goods. China has therefore understood the need to develop an identity that may not have been before. Since European consumers now demonstrate shift in their attitudes, there is more scope for Chinese and other Asian countries to cater to these attitudes. A significant segment of consumers in the EU are ready to explore new brands (Lee, 2003, 20-2}.With their high expectations of new products and brands, these consumers present tremendous scope for the Chinese and other Asian countries to produce quality goods and services. Particularly in the case of the Chinese, it can be asserted that with their low cost quality goods, they can capture a great deal of the market (Fuchs,2003). In accordance with surveys, it is thought that China indeed has good chances of capturing a significant part of the European market as compared to other Asian countries. What goes in Chinas favour is the fact that they have had had a long relationship with the European Union, and consumers have taken to their products. In addition to this, Chinas prices have been more affordable than other Asian countries, considering the quantity they produce as well. It is because of this that China has managed to maintain an image as a supplier to major markets [Fuchs, 2003]. This has also helped its reputation as it has managed to align itself alongside other members of the WTO. Therefore, on its part, China has done nothing to violate the rules of the WTO (Williams et al, 2002, 577-91. Having mentioned Chinas abidance by the WTO rules, it is worth noting that China had Seventy Thousand Textile and clothing enterprises in2002, of which only twenty present are state-owned. With more than 80percent of the textile industry in the hands of the private sector, China is doing well to abide by WTO policies. Though China has been doing well, in 2002, it was predicted that China was headed for obstacles. One of the first obstacles was thought to be the increasingly strong hi-tech tendency led by information progress. Considering that there has been an immense advancement in data interchange, e-commerce and virtual trading sites, if China did not focus on these aspects it would not be able to stay in the market(Taylor et al., 2001). In addition to this, it was thought that China would have to face an expediting tendency of economic globalization and market integration marked with the World Trade Organization . Obviously China has been making progress in these directions, and this is the reason why they are still in the market and in demand as suppliers of quality products at reduced costs. Though there are still many consumers who have the impression that China continues with its low quality and bulk produced goods, there are also many consumers who are ready to explore the newer Chinese brands that aim at producing better quality to consumers in thee that have higher expectations [Fuchs, 2003]. As far as working according to the WTO expectations is concerned, China has managed to so far combat its trade functions that are not according to WTO expectations. As a result of this, China has gained through its membership, and it is ready to take further steps in order to be completely in sync with WTO standards (Yang, 2001, 437-42). One benefit that China has had since it joined the WTO is that its textile and clothing exports to the US have increase momentously. This is reflected in the fact that US textile and clothing imports from China had risen by 124 % in 2002. This was one year after China joined the WTO in 2001.Chinese exporters reduced their prices in order to gain a greater share in the market. They were able to do so, among other reasons, because quota rents were reduced and Chinese enterprises increased their productivity by investing heavily in new machinery and technology (Knapped, 2003). As a result of this, China realized that it had even greater scope for exports, and continued to work towards enhancing its quality and output in the textile and clothing industry. In 2000, Chinas output in the textile and clothing industry has stood at 97.7% while the US has stood at 76.3 %. In contrast to these high percentages, the EUs output has dropped from 53% (1980) to 29% (1995).Quite obviously, the EU textile market has been on the decline, and has also been known to undergo a continuous process of restructuring in this industry . Another interesting fact to note is that while import quotas were reduced in the past 15-20 years, Chinas exports to the EU increased bay startling 164%. In contrast to Chinas huge volume of export to thee in the category of textile and clothing, other countries only increased their exports to the EU by 10 % . Since the USA and the EU both had anticipated such a situation in which China would overwhelm domestic markets in these two countries [in the category of textile and clothing products], when China entered the Wrother agreement included allowing any member to re-impose quotas in order to safeguard themselves. The agreement allowed any member to impose quotas for a period of one year between 2005 and 2008, but this was only in the case of domestic markets being affected in the USA and thee . What Does the WTO Say About Discrimination? It is known that agreements formed between member countries are meant to benefit all members as a whole. It is rare that agreements intrude discriminate against some countries. In order to prevent discrimination in trade taking place, the WTO has set standards that are to be followed closely. Being a successor to the GATT, it follows the principles set by the GATT as well. Indeed, many of the newer policies established are a result of GATT policies that were first established in the 1940s (Brews, et al, 1996, 27-51). The WTO [World Trade Organization] is the successor of the GATT[General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade]. The WTO is at present, an organization, which has further developed various policies dealing with multilateral trade, and also has maintained and followed policies that were established under GATT. Policies that are followed under GATTinclude articles 1 and 3 under GATT 1994. The WTO upholds the GATT 1994policy, which consists of the principle of non-discrimination. These are particularly relevant to the trade relationship between China and the European Union (Brews, et al, 1996, 27-51). Basically, the principle of in the GATT 1944 has two main points that promote fair multilateral trade. These include the Most-Favoured Nation[MFN], which is the clause contained in GATT Article I, and the second one is the National Treatment rule that comes under Article III(Brews, et al, 1996, 27-51). In accordance with Article I, Members of the WTO are not supposed to discriminate between the products of other Members and the products that are from any other country. This is especially the case with developing countries that try to promote themselves as possible. No country is supposed to have any special trading benefits with another country or discriminate against it. As a result of this, all members are believed to have equal rights, and they all have the same benefits that come of any rules for lower trade barriers (Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). The MFN principle mentioned earlier, guarantees countries, whether they are developing countries or ones with little economic leverage, so that they may gain freely from the most appropriate trading conditions no matter when and where they are decided upon. The important component of non-discrimination, National Treatment, is yet another supporting factor. In accordance with Article III, once products have been launched in any market, they should be treated the same as locally produced ones (Brews, et al, 1996, 27-51). It must be asserted that the principle of non-discrimination is the central rule around which the rules of the multilateral trading system are established. Another consideration that might be brought into play is the fact that the WTO practically overrules the other policies and laws when it comes to sustaining trade between countries. Its policies are such that it has the power to overrule laws such as environmental-based as well. In addition to this, it is an agreement that is believed to be powerful enough to overrule government powers through imposing sanctions. Theta agreement has the power to overrule policies that prevent trade from taking place multilaterally (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001,1205). Free trade refers to an agreement whereby all member countries are allowed to conduct uninhibited trade without any barriers being imposed on them once their products are introduced in the market (Brews, etal, 1996, 27-51). The WTO mission statement asserts that the organization aims at promoting smooth and free trade through encouraging lower trade barriers. In addition to this, it also provides a platform that caters to the negotiation of trade; it helps in resolving trade disputes as well between member nations. Also, the aim of the WTO is to aid producers of goods and services, importers and exporters to carry out their businesses (Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). The WTO Trading system follows the following principles in order to fulfil their mission. It asserts that: 1. A trading system is encouraged to be more competitive. 2. A trading system needs to be open and accommodating so that less developed countries are encompassed. This will provide them with more time, greater flexibility, and privileges too. 3. A trading system needs to be free of discrimination in order to prevent one country from discriminating against another country or against foreign products or services. 4. A trading system should not have barriers that inhibit it from trading freely. 5. A trading system needs to be predictable in a manner that foreign companies and governments can have the confidence that trade obstacles will not take place and that the markets they invest in will not suffering anyway (Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). From the above, the WTO promotes a suitable environment within which businesses can be introduced, can operate, and may not be driven out of easily. It is an organization lends tremendous support to trading countries like China that has immense scope for growth. Methodology: In order to conduct a study and answer the above research question, there is need to understand what can be deciphered from the matter reviewed. The matter reviewed will essentially consist of authentic material that is concerned with the relationship between China and the European Union, and also what the WTO principles state regarding the trade relations between these two sides. The literature review will reanalysed thoroughly so as to expose the underlying answer to the research question. For this study, there will be a qualitative as well as a quantitative method employed. This means that in addition to the literature review that would serve as a good amount of data, a survey will also be conducted and analysed. The survey will consist of 10 questions and 50participants randomly selected. This data obtained through the survey will be compared with the reviewed literature in order to determine whether opinions coincide or not. Sources for the literature review are ones that are relative to the issue and are authentic, as they are taken from books, journals as well as official websites, newspapers and magazines. Sources used in the literature review are relevant to the area of study as well as the other relevant views that help in exploring this area of study as deeply as possible. In addition to the use of the sources mentioned above, the important factors belonging to field studied here are obtained from other studies and presentations, which means that this Isa qualitative study. This helps to bring together a wider range of opinions and facts that can be analysed from different angles. Careful analysis will be carried out in order to answer the research question. After analysing the facts presented and making use of opinions as well, the study will be concluded. Analysis Trade relations between any two regions are not only governed by principles set between them, but are also directly influenced by factors outside the relationship. This could refer to globalization-influenced communications or even political rules through organizations. The relationship between China and the European is an example of a trade relationship that is subject to external influences as well as the agreements set between the two regions. The reason why it is said that the trade relationship between China and the EU is influenced by external factors is because of the comparisons that are often made with the EUs trade relationships with other countries. Also, the fact that China is now a member of the WTO means that both trading regions are now under the WTO obligations (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001, 1205). However, the trade relationship between the two regions is not mitigated by the WTO. Instead, the WTO encourages a better trade relationship between the two regions. It can therefore be said that the trade relationship between the EU and China is one that is mainly influenced by the agreements that the two countries have. The history of the relationship between these trading regions plays an important role in understanding the relationship, as the relationship was strengthened over a several years and trade volumes grew proportionately as well (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001, 1205). The European Unions Viable Markets: Since the very beginning of the trade relationship between China and the European Union, both sides saw immense scope for exports and imports. This is because both of them realized that they had markets that needed services and products from each other. Particularly, the European members realized that they had a vast consumer market the Chinese could cater to. Chinese products and services suited Consumers because of the fact that China was able to supply in bulk and that to at a low cost. Till today this is one of the major reasons why the EU is keen on trading with them. This is in spite of the fact that there are conflicts between the two sides. The Chinese have always realized the potential in EU market through the years. They are aware of the fact that they can produce products and services that are affordable for most consumers in the European Union. They have understood the consumers in the past as well as now, and are aware of the shifts that are taking place in consumer culture. The Chinese are also well aware of how much they need to ameliorate their quality with regard to particular products and services. They know that there is an affluent market to cater to in addition to the average consumer who would settle for more affordable products produced in China. Since the general impression of China has been that they produce low quality products in bulk, the Chinese are changing that image now. They know that a significant portion of the EU market has affluent individuals who want quality products. China knows that it is in apposition to produce this quality for a small sacrifice. They will lower their margin of profit in order to achieve this, and would still be able to make profits that are more than what other countries can do. In addition to being aware of their capability and how much they can do to withhold significant portions of the EU market, the Chinese also know that there is a portion of the EU market that is willing to explore newer brands. This is something that would help them create a better image for themselves. As mentioned above, many believe that China produces low quality goods. However, with a significant portion of the EU market being curious enough to explore new products, gives China a good opportunity to ameliorate its image as a country that produces quality goods (Kong, 2001, 1181-214). This is the case with the textile and clothing products that China produces. It has aimed at producing better quality in recent times, but may also have low quality as well because the change is still in progress. Demand for Chinese Textile and Clothing Since it Entered the WTO: Since it entered the WTO in 2001, Chinas textile and clothing products have been in demand in both, the USA and the EU. The fact that they have improved their quality and because they are cheaper than the same products supplied by other countries, puts them ahead (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001, 421446). In addition to this, there arent many countries that can produce goods in the quantity that China can [Table3 reflects the increased number of employed individuals in China].However, China is flooding the market with its textile and clothing products, and this is a significant degree of concern for developed countries like the USA and the EU. The EU in particular has objected tithe manner in which their market has been flooded and the manner in which their domestic producers are being hurt. This is the reason why they are now imposing quotas on Chinese textile and clothing exports. Quotas that previously applied to Chinese exports to the EU were removed in order to ameliorate trade between the two regions. This waste make trade more prosperous, and it certainly did help the trade volumes increase significantly. However, after 2001, when China entered the WTO, Chinese textile and clothing products were welcomed to such an extent that they flooded the EU market. This is the reason why the EU has decided to re-impose quotas on Chinese textile and clothing exports to the EU (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001, 421446). Many object to the EU re-imposing quotas that bring back the effects of tariffs and trade obstacles between China and the EU. They believe that it is unfair and that the EU is abandoning its commitment to trade under the WTO rules. Here, it is important to include what the WTO rules assert regarding such a situation where the EU has attempted to mitigate textile and clothing exports from China to the EU (Martin Ianchovichina, 2001, 421446). Is the European Union Violating WTO Principles? In view of the WTO principles, it is clear that member countries are not supposed to discriminate against any products or member countries. In addition to this, it is said that no member me provide advantages intrude over other member countries. This is something that the EU has done with China in the past. No country is supposed to have any special trading benefits with another country or discriminate against it. As a result of this, all members are believed to have equal rights, and they all have the same benefits that come of any rules for lower trade barriers (Rose, 2004, 98-114). Though providing China with trade advantages was done with the intention of promoting better trade between the two regions, it violates the rights of other WTO members. Since no member of the WTO is allowed to have any special trading benefits with another country or discriminate against it, they all have equal rights, and they all have the same benefits that come of any rules for lower trade barriers(Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). If advantages were to be provided to trading partners, they should have been provided to all trading partners that were trading the same commodity to the EU. However, in view of the long relationship that China enjoyed with the EU, and the fact that the EU saw China as amiable trade partner, the EU hoped to secure their trade relationship. Quite obviously, removing quotas from trade with China was carried outing order to maintain a long-term trade relationship. However, there have been conflicts that have taken place from time to time between China and the EU due to the volume that China manages to export to thee. The WTO obviously would not have any objection to the EU removing quotas, but to re-impose them would be considered violation of (Rose, 2004, 98-114). Clearly, it can be observed from the above points under the WTO that its in thorough favour of trade being promoted at all levels. It also aims at reducing the level of discrimination among the trading countries in order to promote more competition as well as provide opportunities to all. Can China Be Protected by the WTO if the European Union re-applies quotas? The WTO/GATT principles of non-discrimination are the chief principles of free trade, and have to a great extent aided China in its trade with the EU. It is through these principles that countries like China are able to trade freely and not be inhibited by any newer laws once they have their products in the market. The idea of the WTO asserting that countries with their products in the market being immune to newer policies by member countries is to protect them from being pushed out of the market (Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). The quotas binger-imposed by the EU is an example of Chinese textile and clothing products being mitigated. The WTO protects such countries that ordinarily would be driven out of competition (Brews, et al, 1996,27-51). With its chief mission to maintain and promote competition in the market, the WTO seeks to make trading countries immune to newly introduced laws that seek to discriminate against them. This is interesting to discuss because of the fact that it is this law that thee apparently is violating. It is thought that by them re-imposing quotas on Chinese exports they are discriminating against them. Particularly, it may be pointed out that the EU is re-imposing quotas because its domestic market and producers are being hurt by the exports coming from China in large volumes. Here, it may be asserted that GATT1994, article 1 and 3 are of tremendous importance, as it is the fundamental principle of non-discrimination that the WTO enforces (Rose,2004, 98-114). To begin with, Article 1 asserts that products of member countries should not be treated differently. Alongside this, Article 3 asserts that once products from WTO members have already been introduced into the market, they cannot be removed or inhibited by laws introduced later, such as the re-imposed quotas. Is China an Exception? In asserting that the EU may have violated WTO principles of on-discrimination, it may also be remembered that there was a particular clause inserted in the WTO agreement when China entered in2001. The USA and the EU both were well aware of the rapid pace with which China could export textile and clothing products. Therefore, they needed to devise some mechanism that would prevent China from overwhelming their markets in this category. Therefore, the clause that they inserted asserted that any member has the right to impose quotas for a period of one year between 2005 and 2008. Since this was a point that the Chinese agreed on, it is difficult to say whether it is right for the EU to impose quotas. In view of the research question that asks whether it is fair and in the interests of free trade and competition for the EU to impose quotas on the Chinese textile industry, it might be asserted that the EU guilty of protectionism. To some, the EU may be guilty of protectionism. However, if it is being protective over its markets, it must be realized that it is being protective after making clear at the time when China entered the WTO agreement that it could impose quotas for a year. The Chinese after agreeing to this point should not have any objection (Rose, 2004, 98-114). Given that the Chinese entered the WTO according to their own freewill, which is supposed to protect countries like them, they find that the same agreement allows the EU to impose quotas for a year. Undoubtedly, the Chinese were aware of this part of the agreement. However, on the part of the WTOs actual mission statement, it may be asserted that it is their duty [WTOs duty] to make sure that quotas like these are nullified. This is because these quotas go against thetas major principles that are based on GATT articles 1 and 3 (Rose,2004, 98-114). Still, this argument against the quotas being re-imposed may be neutralized by the argument that the WTO was aware of Chinese exports being an exception. This is based on the fact that some Chinese exports such as the textile and clothing products are fully capable of continuing where it leaves of. This means that after a year of the quotas being applied, the Chinese textile and clothing products could continue its performance. A question that emerges from this point includes asking what would be the next move for the EU if these Chinese exports behave in the same manner and hurt the domestic producers in the EU. Inclusion of Survey Results: In view of the argument that re-imposing quotas goes against the WTOs major principles [based on GATT articles 1 and 3], the survey conducted has interesting answers worth considering [Questionnaire and Accumulated Answers in the Appendix]. According to the survey conducted, it is apparent that some individuals do not have complete faith in the WTO rules. 11 out of the 50individuals do not really believe that the WTO benefits all members equally. Whether or not the clause in the WTO applies to China in adjust manner, some individuals do not believe that it is fair because it does go against the mission statement of the WTO (Hoekman Kostecki, 2001, 37-50). Reinforcing the view of the 11 individuals who do not believe that WTO benefits all members equally, is the number in the survey that do not agree with quotas being re-applied. These individuals are 15 in number, and out of 50 individuals used, it may be asserted that this is significant number. It must be noted that this number was a general opinion of whether or not quotas should be re-applied whenever deemed necessary. Again here, support this figure, is the number of individuals that disagree with quotas being re-applied to Chinese textile and clothing products exported to the EU. They are 20 in number, and this again, is a significant number. In view of the above view that is generally against the concept of quotas being re-applied, the following question in the survey received somewhat unexpected figure. To the question: Do you think the Should keep on allowing Chinese textile and clothing products to flood their markets?, the answers were: YES: 15 NO: 32 Not Sure: 03. It must be pointed out here that though there is a considerably high number of individuals in the survey that are not in favour of quotas being re-applied, there are several individuals that also feel that Chinese textile and clothing products should not flood domestic markets in the EU. These figures could indicate that there might be alternative ways to sort out the problem that faces the EU domestic market. Perhaps, the EU and China could negotiate or deal with the problem in another manner instead of the EU re-imposing quotas. In addition to the above possible method of solving the problem, the individuals surveyed felt strongly about the capability of the WTO in helping developing countries like China. In answering the question: Do you think that the WTO rules are effective enough to help China and prevent quotas from being re-applied to it?, 47 answered YES. However, the following question: According to the agreement, when China entered the WTO, it allowed re-application of quotas for one-year period if its exports hurt the domestic markets in the EU. Do you think that the WTO should still intervene? 37 felt that the WTO should not intervene. This is perhaps because of the agreement that it has already made with China. However, the EU could still try and negotiate alternative methods of solving the manner in which its markets are being choked by Chinese textile and clothing products coming in to the EU markets. Conclusion In view of all that has been discussed above after reviewing pertinent literature and conducting a survey, there are conflicting opinions that may be considered. In order to put down these opinions as well as facts in the simplest manner possible, the major aspects need to be asserted. In view of the China entering the WTO, it must be first of all remembered that the entered this agreement with knowing about the clause in it that allowed members such as the USA and the EU tore-impose quotas when deemed necessary. Particular, these quotas could be re-applied in the event of domestic markets being hurt by Chinese textile and clothing products being exported to the EU and the USA. Here it is important to assert that China has in fact been expanding its trade volumes rapidly in many markets it trades in. On these grounds, China cannot oppose any quotas re-applied to it. At the same time, considering the mission statement of the WTO and the GATT principles according to which it prevents discrimination against countries like China, many believe that the WTO should intervene in this situation. However, it is argued that since this clause was part of the WTO agreement, how could it be reverted? The alternative to the situation would be for the EU to work out some agreement or negotiate with China. Finally, in answering whether or not it is fair and in the interests of free trade and competition for the EU to impose quotas on the Chinese textile industry, it can be asserted that the EU is working within legal boundaries set by the WTO when China entered it in December 2001.It may also be asserted that the European Union is guilty of protectionism because it fears that its domestic markets and producers are being hurt by the manner in which Chinese textile and clothing products are flooding them. However, this type of situation was predicted, and with the consent and full knowledge of the WTO and China, the EU is able to safeguard its own producers and domestic markets. References Brews, D.M., Mathieson, I., Sutherland, I., Cayless R.A., Dahm, R.H.,Schwartz W.F. Sykes, A.O. 1996. Toward a Positive Theory of theMost Favored Nation Obligation and Its Exceptions in the WTO/GATTSystem. International Review of Law and Economics, Volume 16, Number 1,March 1996, pp. 27-51 Conflicts between the two parties have European Business Review. 1999. Volume 99 Number 3 pp. 154161 Dong, Y., Xu, H. and Liu, F. 1998, Antidumping and the WTO:implications for China, Journal of World Trade, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp.19-27. European Business Review. Volume 99 Number 3 1999 pp. 154161 Fuchs, Hans Joachim. 2003. Fareast Goes West New Opportunities for Asian Brands in Europe. Volume 15 Number 3 2003 Hoekman, B. Kostecki, M. 2001. The Political Economy of the WorldTrading System: WTO and Beyond, Oxford University Press, pp 37-50. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, Vol. 8 No. 2, 2004, pp. 136-140. Keenan, M., Saritas, O. Kroener, I. 2004. A dying industry ornot? The future of the European textiles and clothing industry. Volume6 Number 5. 315 Kennedy, G. 2000, E-commerce: the taming of the Internet in China, The China Business Review, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 34-9. Knapped, M. (2003), Textiles and clothing: what happens after 2005?,International Trade Forum, No. 2, available at:www.tradeforum.org/news/printpage.php/aid/550/Textiles_and_Cloth/php/aid/550. Kong, Q. 2001, Enforcement of WTO agreements in China: illusion orreality?, Journal of World Trade, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 1181-214. Lee, E. 2003, Can Hong Kong be Asias fashion hub?, ATA Journal, February/March, pp. 20-2. Ma, J. and Wang, J. 2001, Winners and losers of Chinas WTO entry, The China Business Review, March-April, pp. 22-5. Martin, W. Ianchovichina, E. 2001. Implications of ChinasAccession to the World Trade Organisation for China and the WTO. TheWorld Economy, September 2001, Volume 24, Issue 9, Page 1205. Martin, W. Ianchovichina, E. 2001.Trade Liberalization in ChinasAccession to WTO, Journal o f Economic Integration. Volume 16, Number 4/ December 2001, 421 446. Rose, A. K. 2004. Do We Really Know That the WTO Increases Trade? TheAmerican Economic Review, American Economic Association, Volume 94,Number 1, 1 March 2004, pp. 98-114 Taylor, G. 2002. Initiatives in e-commerce in China, ITB International Textile Bulletin, No. 2, p. 28. Taylor, G., Hui, C.L., Ng, S.F., Moon, K.L. and Lau, T.W. 2001, Theapplication of electronic commerce in the fashion and clothingindustries, Proceedings of the 30th Textile Research Symposium, MtFuji, Japan, July/August, pp. 262-9. Williams, M., Kong, Y.H. and Shen, Y. 2002, Bonanza or mirage?Textiles and Chinas accession to the WTO, Journal of World Trade,Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 577-91. Yang, X. 2001, Chinas entry to the WTO, China Economic Review, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 437-42. Yang, Y. 1996, Chinas WTO membership: whats at stake?, World Economy, Vol. 19, pp. 661-82.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Effects that Arise in Shakespeares Twelfth Night From...

The Effects that Arise in Shakespeares Twelfth Night From Violas Disguising Herself as Cesario A large amount of the plot of Twelfth Night results from Violas disguise and it has great number of unforeseen consequences. The first and possibly the most crucial of these is Olivias sudden attraction to Viola when she disguises herself as Cesario. This begins when Olivia sees Viola for the first time. As she comes to declare the Dukes love for Olivia in Act 1 Scene 5. At the start of the scene Viola does not realise that she is speaking to Olivia, instead thinking she is addressing a servant. However, it is because of this that Viola says the first thing that may have attracted Olivia to her. She†¦show more content†¦This mainly due to the fact that the audience is already amused buy Violas disguise. It also means that what could appear to a be a perfectly normal feelings to Olivia who thinks that Viola is a man take on a whole new meaning on stage. Phrases from Olivia such as, Methinks I feel this youths perfectionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦to creep in at mine eyes. Become insta ntly jokes among the audience even if the lines in themselves are perfectly serious. It is this state of mistaken identity that adds a large amount of the comedy to the play. Yet after a while what feelings love Olivia had for Viola/Cesario turn into lust. This produces an even more comic situation on stage but also creates a feeling of anguish as Olivia throws herself at Viola. The best example of this is in Act 3 Scene 1. Olivia is pleading with Cesario to return her affections. She uses lines such as, by maidhood, honour, truth, and everything I love thee so that, maugre all thy prideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ In these lines that appear to about love Shakespeare has added a number of subtle references to the plays plot and morals. The words honour and truth are very out of place, as Viola has done nothing but lie and bend the truth in disguising herself. In addition if Olivia knew that Viola was actually a girl she would feel no pride at all. Finally, Shakespeare may also be questioning OliviasShow MoreRelatedThe Dramatic Importance of Act 1 Scenes 1 and 2 of William Shakespeares Twelfth Night4384 Words   |  18 PagesThe Dramatic Importance of Act 1 Scenes 1 and 2 of William Shakespeares Twelfth Night The title Twelfth Night seems to suggest that Shakespeare, who wrote the play around 1602, wanted it to be performed on the twelfth day after Christmas; the festival of the Epiphany. This day formally marked the end of the Christmas season, which at the time was celebrated as a special festival. In addition to eating, drinking and generally over indulging, the performance of plays wasRead MoreWisdom in Twelfth Night Essay2738 Words   |  11 PagesBeyond Seriousness to Wisdom in Twelfth Night      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare seems preoccupied with madness and folly in Twelfth Night. The word fool and its variants (foolery, foolish, and so forth) appear eighty times in the play, and the word folly occurs seven times. There are, in addition, other means of indicating foolishness such as Marias Now, sir, thought is free (1.3.67). As Feste suggests, Foolery ... does walk about the orb like the sun; it shines everywhere (3.1.39-40).

Camrail Finance German Colony

Question: Discuss about theCamrail Financefor German Colony. Answer: Introduction The Cameroon railway line was constructed by the German colony. The colony managed to lay two lines from the port at Douala to Esaka and the other from Bonaberi to Nkongasamba. The Esaka line was later continued to Yaounde with a short branch at Mbalmayo when the French colony took over. After Cameroon had gained independence, a short branch railway was opened from Bnga to Kumba, and in 1974 626 km was completed from Yaounde north to Ngaoundere, with funding from European. The entire network is meter-gauged and operates on diesel. Its maximum length was about 1,100 km, but until now only about 977km remains operational (An Cheung, 2010). In the year 1974, the government parastatal Rgie Nationale des Chemins de Fer de Cameroun (Regifercam) used to operate the railway which had a significant role in the commodity dominated economy. The railway line was convenient in transporting timber products and cotton for export since many main roads were in poor condition especially during rainy season. In the 1980s, the government introduced performance contracts in the railway service which performed poorly and later abandoned the strategy and replaced it with subsidies. Lack of maintenance contributed heavily to the deterioration of the northern line to Douala which little freight traffic (Aquarius 3 financial model rule book, 2002). In the same period, part of the southern section was upgraded, but road transport provided a stiff completion. In the year1999 the railway line was carrying 1.5 million of freight for and an average distance of 600km, 1.3 million passengers for an average distance of 230 km. The line had annual tra nsport revenue were about 40 million, 33 million on freight and 5.0 million on passengers. Working expenses were about 35 million plus depreciation and interest charges of 16 million and 4 million respectively, contributed to annual loss operating losses of about 10-15 million. Till 1999 only half of the 61 locomotives were operational, many of the 1,296 wagon freight fleets required refurbishing, and out of the 73 passenger car fleet vehicles only 50 were operational. Regifercam downsized its workforce to 3,800 employees in 1999, down from about 6,000 in 1988. Downsize was brought about by low productivity especially given that about 60 percent of the network was somehow new ("Financial Stability Warning Model for Beijing", 2013). Analysis According to the study, the railway transport sector had performed poorly ever since it was laid down, till the year when the government resulted in the issue of a consensus. The main reason as to why the Government has continuously supported the railway line despite its non-performance and poor services is the need for a reliable means of transport regardless of the weather conditions (Ford, Baptist, Archuleta, 2011). Projects Economic and Financial Feasibility and Viability The Cameroon railway project has for years incurred massive losses, but thanks to the government for the issuance of consensus to SAGA/SDV, a company that has revived the railway transport sector in Cameroon. The move promoted the public-private partnership which has seen the private sector get involved in the wellbeing of the economy. Since the takeover by the SAGA, it has been noted that traffic has increased to about 40 percent regarding tone per kilometer. Since 2005 the level of passenger traffic has grown steadily almost getting to previous levels of the 1990s. CAMRAI labour productivity has also increased due to the increase in traffic. This as well has raised the countries and reduced the rate of unemployment. Assets that were idle due to lack of maintenance have now been put into use since the takeover, hence improving the asset productivity. Profit margins have also experienced a turnaround as a 3.0 percentage increase has been recorded since SAGA took over (Subramanian Tu ng, 2016). The CAMRAIL project has also received funding of 32 million in its first two years since SAGA took over with borrowings of up to 8 million from French/ European agencies. A complementary investment of 12 million was made by CAMRAIL. This was due to delays in mobilizing international agencies funds. Another priority investment of 64 million was invested by CAMRAIL with 19 million from IDA and European/ French agencies. The total funding is 108 million with CAMRAIL contributing 55 million this shows that about 50 percent of finding is external. The half way the percentage of funding shows that the project is economically viable as it has not exhausted its debt resources; this also shows the liquidity of the project is high. The low debt level translates to low amounts of interests payable to the lenders. The low interest reduces the burden on the cost of transport which in turn attracts more business to the railway transport thus ensuring its feasibility in the Camer oonian economy. The recorded increase of 3 percent in profits for the year shows that the project has been able to utilize its assets, paid the interests on debts and has also been able to meet its expenses. The outcome leads to a conclusion that the project finances are healthy and also there is still room for improvement. The opportunity for improvement was created by the Government move in 2008 when it amended the concession contract and introduced the following key measures; Increasing the capital to $ 9 million by the Government, setting the fixed and variable fees at $ 4.4 million as part of the fixed concession fee, financing of the new infrastructure renewal program through 2020 at the cost of $ 193 million to be provided by the Cameroonian government. The government also has to finance $27 million passenger only rolling stock and the rest of the amount of $ 290 million to be provided by the concessionaire. The drawback that is affecting the CAMRAIL operations though not in a very significant manner is the failure from the government side to provide the omnibus compensation. The revenue could have been put into good us if the government had kept its end of the bargain. Projects Key Drivers for its Inception The railway transport sector largely contributes a lot in every countries economy. CAMRAIL in Cameroon was constructed by the Germans to ease movement across the country as well as generate revenue. After the Cameroonian government approved a concession to SAGA to facilitate the public-private partnership, the railway transport has made a huge change in reviving rail transport. The key drivers that led to the inception of the CAMRAIL project are the for cheaper transport means of goods and passengers across the country during and after the colonial period. A drive to generate revenue from the transport of passengers and goods that is later used to stimulate development in other sectors, to create employment opportunities hence reduce the rate of employment in the country and improve the lively hood of citizens, a drive to increase the contribution of growth in the countrys GDP by providing a cheaper means of transporting timber products and cotton for export, the drive to establish a n alternative means of transport that is not affected by the seasonal bad weather that renders roads impassable and finally ensure the government services, as well as dominance, are extended to the societies accessibility level. So far the CAMRAIL project has managed to satisfy these drivers with most of them being achieved after the SAGA consensus was approved. These drivers have with time since the inception of the project been amplified by the construction of new railway roads as well as better management of finances as well as operations (Yescombe, 2002). Project Finance Projects are mainly implemented to elevate the wellbeing of a country or business. Project financing incorporates the whole process of budgeting selecting the source of finance, the security for the financing the acquiring of the funds disbursing and expenditure. It is, therefore, crucial that all these steps are taken into consideration ensuring that they are all targeting economic development as economic feasibility. Project financing fosters development in that the source where the finance has been acquired from can expand business e.g. a bank will be collecting interest from the loan acquired to fund the project. In turn government revenue increases in the form of tax due to increase in revenue realized by the financial institution. The revenue collected is further used to fund new projects or sustain the existing thus promoting development. Moreover, the financial institution can open more branches or reinvest the revenues hence expanding the economy as well as promoting develop ment. Budgeting for the project finance requires skilful individuals. The requirements prompt the owner of the project to hire the skills at a fee and thus creating employment which is one of the key drivers of economic development. Also to take out a loan, there is a need for valuation of the security that is to be provided against the loan. Evaluators are therefore required to conduct the evaluation process which creates more employment as well as increase the flow of cash in the economy and hence development. Once a project is underway there is a lot of expenditure that has to be done. The expense is usually on materials needed to complete the project. These materials are usually purchased locally and thus promoting business within the projects environs. These purchase help significantly in expanding the business that is later able to employ more individuals hence reducing the rate of unemployment thus promoting development. To run the project smoothly, it requires services from various stakeholders, such as transport, who provide services at a fee. This fee is treated as income by the government during taxation. Also, the revenue realized is used to expand the economy through government investment and expenditure resulting to economic development. Finally, after the completion of the project, there is income that is continuously realized from its operations, such income is used for further development of the economy. The project also employs individuals to man the completed project as they derive a salary as a way of compensation for their services. Thus further employment is created as well as the increase of government revenue informs of income tax hence promoting development. Challenges of Incorporating External Social/Environmental Factors into the Model The CAMRAIL project had previously attracted negative publicity from the Cameroonian citizens due to poor service delivery. Upon the 2008 contract amendment, SAGA, with the help of the government plans to build a new infrastructure at the cost of $ 193 million (Pretorius, 2008). The planned project will probably be set to operate on routes that at times are forced to be built through private property, forest and game reserves as well as heritage land. This, therefore, will inflate the cost of the reconstruction as compensation will be required to acquire private land. At times rerouting the rail will be the option as a result of social values, and also legal proceedings are bound to be encountered as not every citizen is fully satisfied with the execution of the project. All these factors will increase the size of the financial model as well as inflate the cost of completing the CAMRAIL project. The challenge of incorporating all these external factors is that the value of the expect ed challenge cannot be easily estimated in monetary form as it is deemed to take place in the future. Another challenge is that the inflated cost as result of factoring in all the factors may lead to the contraction or shortening of the project considering the finances are fixed. Selfish interest, politics and corruption might arise in case the external social factors are to be included. This will mainly be eluded from individuals who want to earn unlawful way to manipulate the project to serve their selfish interest. Finally, to bring these social factors to light, there is a need for research. The research requires time as well as financial resources to take place. This directly shows more funding is required to fund the research. The fund to conduct the research is a challenge as it is not included in the previous amount allocated by the Government. Ways to Improve Financial Modeling of the Project Good financial models are obtained from proper planning and involvement of all stakeholders together with the affected parties. A financial model should consider planning for the expected or unforeseen costs on the project way before the project is about to start. In this way, the model is able to engage the society regarding the various steps that the project is expected to take and how the society will be affected. Also to provide the best, it is wise to revisit previous financial projects so to ensure that the delivered financial model is the best model. By so doing the model is able to budget for amounts to be used in acquiring of assets as well as land meant for the building of the project (Winsen, 2010). Furthermore, the model will also estimate the future cost of the project as it will have incorporated the expected value of currency come the day of ground breaking. Financial models, therefore, a financial model acts as the heart of the project and there is need to have an alm ost flawless model that will enable the project to reduce the amount of friction between planned project and all its existing factors. When one is willing to attain the above-mentioned standards, it is wise to outsource the services of financial modeling as it will not only save time and resources also transparency, accountability as well as a public, private partnership will be enhanced. Structuring of the project to maximize returns as well as maintain social popularity A good project especially the CAMRAIL project is one that is meant to benefit the state as a whole as well as the ruling government. Such a project requires having met several thresholds to be able to attain smooth implementation. For the case of CAMRAIL project as the project planner, I will ensure that the project has brought together all the involved parties and that all their grievances are recorded and addressed. The project plan will be structured in such a way that at every phase of the project, the contracted company is ordered by the terms of the contract to ensure that the surrounding community is involved from employment to acquiring of their land. This will smoothen as well as save time taken to implement the project as they will be gaining from the project long before it commences operations. Funding f the project will much less remain the same as the government will be providing the funds for the project. The only addition that the project will require is a contingency fund which will be set at 20 percent of the provided fund, this amount will be used to unforeseen meat need s throughout the project and If the reserve does not have been depleted after the completion of the project it will be used to clear part of the debt acquired from external sources hence reduce the interest payable as well as number of years on loan repayment. Also, the plan of the project will have a provision of continuous review as the project goes on so as to make sure that all the recorded requirements are met. This will be made possible by the involvement of a quality assurance firm that will assess the project at every phase. Finally, the entire project will be structured in such a way that all the functions are to be outsourced from reputable companies with credible profiles. This will put the government at a position of an overseer while at the same time promoting credibility and minimizing corruption (James, 2014). after all the above has been put in place, return on investment will be very appealing as part of their remaining amount of funds is used to clear debt hence lowering the interest payable to lenders. The realized amount that is obtained once the project starts to operate will have a high return on investment since, corruption was minimized, and resources were allocated economically as the aim of the private companies is to achieve maximum profits. The standards were met as the quality assurance company was present to assets the project. On the other hand, the society will also be enjoying the benefits of the project as the surrounding community will be employed, as well as compensation of property that is acquired for construction of the project. Furthermore, the arrangement of the public, private partnership will enhance the popularity of the project in the society as the circulation of cash will also go a long way in improving their lifestyle. Conclusion The CAMRAIL project has seen its fair share of the challenges since its inception by the Germans. However, this has not made the determination by the government to have a better rail to weather. The move of engaging the private sector in the project has proven fruitful as it seen the losses have been converted to profits and the assets that had been kept a side due to lack of fund are now fully utilized to generate revenue. About the trend of performance witnessed compared to previous years before concession, it is evident that this project is bound to benefit the society as well as contribute largely to the Cameroon GDP. This project also has better days in future as the government has decided to pump in funds and also since the financial status of the project is sound. In conclusion, the project is viable and economically feasible and at the same time befitting the society. Camrail Financial Model References An, Y. Cheung, K. (2010). Project financing: Deal or no deal.Review Of Financial Economics,19(2), 72-77. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rfe.2009.02.002 Aquarius 3 financial model rule book. (2002) (1st ed.). [London]. Esty, B. (2000). The Equate Project.The Journal Of Structured Finance,5(4), 7-20. https://dx.doi.org/10.3905/jsf.2000.320197 Financial Stability Warning Model for Beijing. (2013).China-USA Business Review,12(2). https://dx.doi.org/10.17265/1537-1514/2013.02.001 Ford, M., Baptist, J., Archuleta, K. (2011). A Theoretical Approach to Financial Therapy: The Development of the Ford Financial Empowerment Model.Journal Of Financial Therapy,2(2). https://dx.doi.org/10.4148/jft.v2i2.1447 Gatti, S. (2008).Project finance in theory and practice(1st ed.). London: Elsevier/Academic Press. Haberl, M. (2015).PPP-Projekte in den Volkswirtschaften in Subsahara-Afrika(1st ed.). Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH. Hae Young Lee,. (2007). Financial Distress Cost Determinants Model and Financial Productivity.Productivity Review,21(4), 79-100. https://dx.doi.org/10.15843/kpapr.21.4.200712.79 Hoffman, S. (2008).The law and business of international project finance(1st ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press. James, P. (2014). Project Financial Management and Modern Financial Slavery: The Case of a KSA Metro Project Start-up.Asian Journal Of Finance Accounting,6(2), 278. https://dx.doi.org/10.5296/ajfa.v6i2.6297 Kaji, S. Ogawa, E. (2013).Who will provide the next financial model?(1st ed.). Tokyo: Springer. Katsikas, A. (2015). Confessions of a Project Finance Modeler.The Journal Of Structured Finance,21(2), 74-75. https://dx.doi.org/10.3905/jsf.2015.21.2.074 Morrison, R. (2012).The principles of project finance(1st ed.). Farnham: Ashgate Pub. Muluh, S. (2005).Revised national collective bargaining agreements(1st ed.). [Bamenda, Cameroon]: Muluh Shadrack. Politis, D. (2007). Model-free versus Model-based Volatility Prediction.Journal Of Financial Econometrics,5(3), 358-359. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jjfinec/nbm004 Pretorius, F. (2008).Project finance for construction infrastructure(1st ed.). Oxford: Blackwell Pub. Subramanian, K. Tung, F. (2016). Law and Project Finance.Journal Of Financial Intermediation,25, 154-177. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfi.2014.01.001 Winsen, J. (2010). An overview of project finance binomial loan valuation.Review Of Financial Economics,19(2), 84-89. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rfe.2009.10.002 Yescombe, E. (2002).Principles of project finance(1st ed.). Amsterdam: Academic Press. Railway Reform: Toolkit For Improving Rail Sector Performance. (2016).Ppiaf.org. Retrieved 27 November 2016, from https://ppiaf.org/sites/ppiaf.org/files/documents/toolkits/railways_toolkit/download.html

Friday, April 17, 2020

Research Paper Help Services - Tips For Choosing One

Research Paper Help Services - Tips For Choosing OneIf you're struggling with a difficult writing assignment, chances are that the majority of your problem has to do with spelling and grammar. For some students, the issue may be a lack of self-confidence, but more than likely, it's a result of poor writing skills. Whatever the case, it's very important to find a resource that can give you both a good spelling and grammar guide and a way to practice those writing skills on a regular basis.As a professor, you will be seeking ways to make your research paper as relevant as possible. No matter how well-researched paper is, if it doesn't relate to the topic of your class, students are unlikely to pay attention. A lot of students don't know where to turn for help when they need it, so here are some tips on how to find a reliable resource that can provide both an excellent spelling and grammar guide and a way to practice your writing skills.In addition to researching the topic of your resea rch paper, you will also want to make sure that the professor of your class gives much of a vote in how the assignment is written. If you have a professor who is not particularly pleased with the way you write, chances are that your writing skill will suffer because of it. Most of the best research paper help services offer the best writing help for your class.The paper should be based on a current textbook. Many professors often request that they be included in research paper help services because it makes the assignment easier to read. The professor's input is essential to helping you create a great paper. If your professor makes a request for something else, look for a service that won't let you pass up a chance to help make your assignment easier to read.In addition to being able to be picked from a specific topic, the research paper help services will also check your paper to make sure that it contains all of the proper grammar and spelling rules. The best ones will never pass up an opportunity to be helpful. In addition to providing several sections of guidance on each paper, many of the better research paper help services offer grammar software. This software can be extremely useful to any student who is struggling with their writing.Most writing software has a look and feel that is similar to that of a computer. This allows the software to provide helpful suggestions as well as speak to the grammatical errors in the text. In addition to using the software's suggestions to proofread your paper, you can also use it to practice your writing habits while your paper is being written.Once you have chosen a good research paper help service, you'll need to look for one that offers a free trial. The software that most of these services offer is relatively easy to use, but it still has features that you will find beneficial to your education. It's also a good idea to opt for a service that offers trial versions so that you can evaluate how easy it is to use the software before committing to any one of them.Good research paper help services are highly recommended for any student who needs help writing their research paper. In order to maximize your education, you will want to find a writing service that offers several different styles of software as well as advice on writing for different audiences. If you need help with writing your research paper, you can get it by searching for a great service online.

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Three iELTS General Writing Task 2 Essay Samples to Improve Your IELTS Test Writing Skills

Three iELTS General Writing Task 2 Essay Samples to Improve Your IELTS Test Writing SkillsiELTS General Writing Task 2 is a good practice to improve your iELTS test writing skills. This article provides three writing samples to improve your iELTS test writing skills.The first two examples are written in English, but both were written by a native English speaker. The third example has the same basic theme and format as a standard English essay. Although there are similarities, it does not attempt to be considered a standard essay. It is more like a challenge letter or personal statement of the author.If you are applying for a teaching position, please consider this one. It is in part a variation on the standard English essay format. It is, however, focused primarily on questions or challenges facing the reader. Since iELTS General Writing Task 2 is specific to the IELTS test, the challenge is to come up with a topic that can answer one of the questions with an A-.If you want to write an essay on world travel, try this one. Try it out on your own. You can also use a grammar checker to check for some errors. The problem is that most grammar checkers can't help you with IELTS General Writing Task 2, since there is no such test for grammar.These are about four of the most common types of tests used for admissions into higher education institutions. It is possible to study all of them if you are serious about getting into college. However, the IELTS test is likely to be the only one that will give you an actual look at whether or not you have what it takes to go on to college.Most people who want to improve their IELTS General Writing Task 2 essay samples will try to just read the passages. This is a good way to begin, because the passages are short and tend to be easy to understand. You can read them and put them down so that you can move on to the next ones. It's important to pay attention to what is being said, and to make sure that it is a problem that the reader has.It is also important to include a glossary of terms, just as you would do in a standard essay. That way you don't have to memorize too many definitions, and you are able to follow along better. Reading through and practicing a sample of your own will help you achieve the best results.