Pros and Cons of NAFTA Essay - 1603 Words

NAFTA is a trade agreement signed by the North American nations of Canada, Mexico and the US. In terms of combined GDP between the countries, it has created the largest trade bloc in the world. The NAFTA is a result of many years of negotiations, starting in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan, and finally signed on the 17th of December in 1992 under President George H. W. Bush. It became fully implemented in 2008 under President Barack Obama. The trade agreement was largely implemented as a result of the growing global trend towards free trade between countries. The economies of these three countries have been interdependent to a degree for a long time. Because of these reasons, the NAFTA has eliminated almost all tariffs between the US,†¦show more content†¦Trade with these two friendly neighboring countries has also helped the US in its alliances, and reduced the US’s economic dependence on unfriendly foreign nations for products that it can get for much lower price s and without tariffs in Mexico and Canada. The NAFTA has dramatically reduced the prices on goods for customers at grocery stores, and the price of oil across the US. The US has increased its agricultural exports to NAFTA countries. In 2010, the US exported $31.4 billion USD of meats, grains, fruits, snacks and fresh vegetables to Canada and Mexico. It has also imported agricultural products worth $29.8 billion from the NAFTA countries. Mexican and Canadian items that are present in our supermarkets have caused the grocery prices to go down. In addition to helping decrease grocery store prices, the NAFTA has also encouraged the US and Canada to import oil from Mexico. Mexico possesses large oil fields, and has been stepping up the export of it for the past 20 years. Having a friendly and oil abundant neighbor to the south has reduced the US’s reliance on oil from Middle Eastern countries and Venezuela, who are often critical of the US. In 2010, the US has imported $116 billion USD in oil from Mexico. As a result, the p rice of oil has gone down steadily with the signing of the NAFTA.Show MoreRelatedPros and Cons of Nafta Essay1568 Words   |  7 PagesPros and cons of NAFTA NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, has been getting a lot of not so favorable, and sometimes, controversial headlines in recent years. Some critics blame it for the current labor shortages in the United States, due to the fact that most U.S. companies have been and continue to outsource and ship jobs overseas. However, its proponents have been hailing it as a great success in helping lowering national prices on certain manufactured goods and services andRead MorePros And Cons Of Tariffs1127 Words   |  5 Pages Pros and Cons of Tariffs Principles of Macroeconomics Columbia Southern University BBA-2401 Angelo Jones Managing the how goods and services enter or leave this country (import/export) is an important process that allows for us to control the economic status of our nation. Sometimes imposing tariffs on the goods imported balances our labor cost, resources and government supported industry. A tariff by definition is a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of importsRead MoreBussiness Qa Essay761 Words   |  4 Pagespractice. Outsourcing offshore can allow companies to tap into foreign markets and expand their businesses. 6. Outline the potential pros and cons of the 3 key strategies for developing foreign markets: exporting, licensing and franchising, and direct investment. Exporting |Pros: |Cons: | | | Read MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Tariffs Essay1628 Words   |  7 PagesPresenting the Pros and Cons of Tariffs An important part of managing the economic status of a nation is to manage the methods in which goods and services are imported and exported into and out of the country. Because of differing resources, labor costs, and government support of industry, fiscal policy sometimes includes placing a tariff on imported goods in an attempt to level the economic playing field. â€Å"Tariff† comes originally from the Arabic word ta’rifah meaning â€Å"to make known.† In a moreRead MoreEssay on North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA1710 Words   |  7 PagesNAFTA: North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) began on January 1, 1994, and is one of the United States’ most significant regional trade agreements. The final provisions of the NAFTA were fully implemented on January 1, 2008. With full implementation, the last remaining trade restriction on a handful of agricultural commodities such as U.S. exports to Mexico of corn, dry edible beans, nonfat dry milk and high fructose corn syrupRead MoreThe North American Free Trade Agreement1711 Words   |  7 PagesThis paper will discuss four components of the North American Free Trade Agreement: Background, events, pros and cons. Upon the research, you will discover four online articles to provide more detail and examples. This research will indicate how it was developed and the reasoning on why it would benefit the nation. Also, it will provide events that occur after the agreement was signed by congress and the recession the countries experience during the early 2000s. There will be a chart locatedRead MoreNorth American Free Trade Agreement981 Words   |  4 Pagesbetter known as, â€Å"NAFTA†. The use of NAFTA is in America’s best interest because, it benefits U.S. jobs, improves trade relations, promoted specialization of trade. Jobs in the United States thrived with the application of NAFTA. Millions of new jobs were created as trade became easier between the countries of North America. In an article titled, â€Å"North American Free Trade Agreement†, author Carol Wise speaks of the impact this agreement has made on each country involved in NAFTA. It has been provenRead MoreThe Transatlantic Trade And Investment Partnership1284 Words   |  6 Pagessociety. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which entered into force on 1 January, 1994 was signed by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This treaty is to eliminate barriers of tariff in agriculture, manufacturing and service and eliminate investment restrictions. It also protects intellectual property rights and promotes the rate of economic growth of Mexico. However, there was many oppositions when America entered into NAFTA. The most obviously reason is that a lot of workersRead MoreEssay about NAFTA1048 Words   |  5 PagesOn January 1st, 1994 the North American Free Trade Agreement, commonly referred to as NAFTA, went into effect after years of contentious battle and debate amongst those drafting it and viewing it from afar. In fact, it took three U.S. Presidents to finally complete the deal: Reagan, Bush Sr., and ultimately, Clinton. Those who opposed it warned of vanishing industries, skyrocketing unemployment, and of unfair consequences to those that were less educat ed. Ross Perot famously stated, â€Å" giant suckingRead MoreThe Main Goals Of Free Trade Agreements1186 Words   |  5 PagesAgreement or NAFTA. Organized in 1994, the agreement included the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The agreement called for many tariffs to be taken off products between the nations, allowing trade between the countries to become easier (International). NAFTA also increased the number of exports traded between the three nations. Goods traded in 2008 were calculated to be almost worth 1 trillion dollars (Murphy). Agricultural items were, and still are, the biggest trading product under NAFTA. America

Television and Media - Seinfeld, Much Ado About Nothing...

Seinfeld – Much Ado About Nothing We like to label things in our culture. Those over the age of 65 are called senior citizens. Those under the age of 18 are called children. Anyone falling in between those ages are considered adults and there are certain expectations placed on that demographic. Adults are the backbone of society, responsible for basically just about everything. Television reflects that responsibility, as adults are usually portrayed as hard-working, career-oriented, and often married and raising children. With television reinforcing these expectations, many young people have probably felt that they need to grow into these roles and become responsible adults. A decade ago, however, NBC’s sitcom Seinfeld debuted†¦show more content†¦For the most part, they showed little interest in following the pack and doing what was expected of them. For Jerry and the gang, the idea of getting married and having children was almost preposterous. To engage in that level of responsibility woul d seriously hinder the sense of personal freedom these characters enjoyed. The fact that these characters were, for the most part, happy with their lives and situations is important. Their contentment shows viewers that there is life outside of marriage and career, and it doesn’t have to be empty. I think this is especially important for younger viewers, such as teens and college students. Young adults are inundated with societal expectations through their teachers and parents (as well as television and other media), and may feel they have to achieve certain things in order to be considered successful. When we look at the number of adults who suffer from depression due to work related stress, marriage problems, and divorce, it seems evident that many, many adults are unhappy with their lives. It does not therefore, seem outlandish to ponder that perhaps the reason so many people are unfulfilled is because they felt they had to live a certain life in order to meet the ex pectations of others. All issues of entertainment aside, Seinfeld was important because it offered impressionable viewers an alternative to a life that may not be suited for them at all. The characters of

Merger and Acquisition a Survival Strategy in Business Free Essays

Braiding is more than a hairstyle – it’s a cultural tradition that cuts across racial, social, economic, and geographic lines. Hair Braiding in Africa Ancient African hair braiding patterns reveal a variety of complex geometrical designs, which often pointed to characteristics of the wearer. Identity Status Religion Age Ethnicity kinship Hair Braiding in Egypt In ancient Egypt, braiding was reserved for royalty and for ceremonial rituals like weddings. We will write a custom essay sample on Merger and Acquisition a Survival Strategy in Business or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hair Braiding in America Historically, most Native American women and children wore braids to signify things: Whether a woman was married or unmarried women was based on the braids she wore. Braiding was also performed for religious rituals. Native American men wore braids with feathers, fur, leather, or beads to prepare for war. Hair Braiding in Europe According to Medieval and Renaissance artwork, upper-class women were revealed by elaborate braids and styles. Simpler braids were often chosen by common women for functional purposes – to keep hair cleaner between baths and to keep hair out of the way while cooking, cleaning, and performing other daily chores. The Braid Breakdown There are hundreds of different types of braids, including French braids, English braids, Dutch braids, Swiss braids, multi-strand braids, crown braids, etc. – all of them â€Å"twists† on the traditional style. Currently, 11 states have imposed a specialized license for hair braiders, and seven states require braiders to obtain a full cosmetology license. Ten states specifically exempt hair braiders from cosmetology licensing laws, and in the other 22 states, the law remains silent on the issue. We loved when Dorothy brought her braid to Oz, but no movie has made braids more famous than â€Å"Return of the Jedi† did. Who could resist Princess Leia’s many braided do’s? When your hair is divided into even rectangular or triangular sections all over your head, with the hair in each section twisted together and wound into a protruding knot, the style is known as African knots or Zulu knots in the U. S. In Africa, however, the style is called â€Å"chicken poop. † In the 2005 playoffs, NBA forward Vladimir Radmanovic made more headlines for his hair than for his performance on the court. His reason for going braided? He just wanted to get the hair out of his eyes. According to South African research published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2007, tight hair braiding, especially when combined with hair-straightening chemicals, can lead to permanent bald patches and severe acne on the scalp. Yikes! In 2010, a 4-year-old was suspended from pre-K in his suburban Dallas school district because his hair was too long. The school board’s compromise that he could braid his hair and pin it up? REJECTED. |Hair braiding is an ancient art, practiced by the Ancient Egyptians as long ago as 4000 BC. |[pic] | |Today it has become a â€Å"hot â€Å" fashion trend with many styles, weaves and colorful ornamental | | |beads. Not only women but also men have embraced this beautiful art, creating color and style | | |beyond our ancestors wildest dreams. | | | | | |How and where did braiding begin? Hair braiding, as we know it today has its origins in West | | |Africa. The different and often complex designs signify the social status, age group and village| | |a girl has come from. The braid patterns are made up of different geometrical patterns and can | | |become quite complex for special occasions, such as marriages. | | | | | |Braiding is traditionally a social art. Because of the time it takes to braid hair the women | | |took time to socialize while braiding and having their hair done. It begins with the elders | | |making simple knots and braids for younger children. Older children watch and learn from them, | | |start practicing on younger girls and eventually learn the traditional designs. Here in America | | |you see mothers and grandmothers braiding and putting colorful beads in little children’s hair. | |This carries on a the tradition of bonding between elders and the new generation. | | | | | |The difference between ancient and modern braiding: Nowadays, as well as the colorful beads and | | |intricate designs of our ancestors, hair weaving has become part of the traditional braiding | | |technique. This opens the door to a whole new assortment of styles and looks. The Hip Hop | | |industry has taken hair braiding and weaving to a whole new level of popularity and style, | | |allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy creating a fashion statement with hair braids | | |and weaves. Hair weaves range from real hair to a vast array of different colors and textures | | |made from synthetic hair. The traditional beads are also being developed into all sorts of | | |shapes and sizes. | | | | | |Hair Care for Braiding and Hair Weaving | | |When you decide to braid your hair or use hair weaves, your hair needs to be in good condition, | | |or you will experience breakage and damage. Your hair should have elasticity. This is a natural | | |condition of hair fibers and will be present in all hair that has not been chemically treated. | | |If you have used relaxers, bleaching, or perms, | | |these chemicals make your hair dry and brittle, it is very important to use good conditioners on| | |a regular basis to restore your hair’s natural elasticity. Be sure to discuss this with your | | |stylist, so that you can enjoy braiding styles without damaging your hair. | | | | | |Hair braiding and weaving can be quite costly, so it is essential to go to stylists who are | | |experienced and knowledgeable. Make an appointment with your stylist for a consultation, before | | |you have your hair done. | |Discuss what style is best for you, the cost and how to maintain your hair braids or weave. | | |Proper care of your hair when braiding and using hair weaves will prevent damage to your hair | | |and scalp. Hair braiding is one of the most versatile ways to style your hair and truly make | | |yourself unique, with this beautiful and ancient art form. | | [pic][pic] [pic] How to cite Merger and Acquisition a Survival Strategy in Business, Essay examples

Performance Related Pay free essay sample

The Value of HRM to Business -Performance Related Pay Word Count: 2942 Table of Content 1Introduction3 2Literature Review4 3Case Study8 3. 1Case 1-Performance Related Pay: What Makes a Successful Scheme? 8 3. 2Case 2 Performance related pay: a case study of a small business. 10 4Analysis12 5Conclusion17 Reference18 Introduction Human capital plays a vital role in providing the organisation with a valuable competitive advantage; in addition a reward and pay system concerning the employment relationship, is often viewed as a key method in obtaining maximum human capital, and thus a central part of managing a business. A reward and pay system that ensures employees’ contributions to the organisation is measured by both financial and non-financial mean (Armstrong, 2007). Since it is crucial to the success of a business, selecting the most correct and appropriate reward scheme seems a part and parcel of attracting and in order to retain employees and survive in an environment with ever so fierce competition. In fact, there are numbers of reward systems, such as skill based pay and profit related pay. In this essay, we aim at mainly evaluating and analysing the value of performance related pay (PRP) in organisations. Literature Review From the early 1980’s, PRP rapidly developed as a motivator and way to create performance-oriented cultures, and became a popular pay scheme in organisations (Armstrong, 2002). And because of the horizontal trend of the organisations’ structure there will be less opportunity to motivate employees through promotion and then pay for reward system occupied an important role as a motivator (Conyon et al. 2001). Based on the IPD (1999)’s survey, approximately75% of respondents felt PRP had a positive impact on both individual and organisational performance. PRP is a method of reward, where the employees can receive an increase in remuneration wholly, or partly, through the individual performance assessment (ACAS, 1996:8). It serves as a kind of financial incentive to motivate employees to work harder, perform at their optimum level in light of creating higher productivity. There are many definitions for PRP. Mabey and Salaman (1997:211) puts it as an organisation that achieve its objectives through clear internal communications that is related to performance to the employees, constantly checking their objectives and to reward employees that perform well and made positive contribution to the organisation’s objectives. The definition highlights PRP’s functioning features. PRP is used by a company in order to able to recruit and retain suitable employees that fit into the company’s culture as well as indirectly inform underperforming employee to either perform better or leave. In addition, it is used to promote the company’s value such as performance driven, cost conscious and adaptable. This is done through making individuals committed and ensuring they understand and fully aware of company’s objective and business plan. The assumption of PRP is that individuals are money driven thus if they receive more pay, they will perform better (Kessler and Purcell, 1993; Armstrong, 2002). Silva (1998) defines that the providing of rewards and incentives to enhance organisational performance by improved individual performance as a broad objective of PRP. It links the employee’s economic returns with the individual, team and organisation’s performance. PRP is a rewards system that can increase employees’ performance, productivity, efforts and earnings (Lazear 2000; Paarsch and Shearer 2000; Parent 1999). According to the American establishment studies, PRP has a positive correlation with the high earnings (Booth and Frank, 1999). People who work for organisations with the PRP system in place are normally higher paid. Furthermore Mitchell et al (1990) found that employees who work these organisations have the opportunity to earn 11% more than those not. Weitzman and Kruse (1990) point out that linking pay to performance, may result in an increase of productivity, adversely it may be unpopular, because of the variable pay rates. PRP assists organisations to encourage employees to give greater effort, as well as serves the purpose of attracting employees with a greater skill and higher drive to achieve (Booth and Frank, 1999). It has an effect on recruitment and retention of staff, as it provides an opportunity for people to receive additional income. Little (1991) believes that pay links cause and effect, therefore employees of PRP systems become committed to the organisation and improve their performance in order to be paid more. However, theory X and theory Y regarding the motivation indicate that the real motivator for the employee is the actual work itself (Fuller-Love, 1997). Moreover, Armstrong (2002) believes that remuneration is not the only motivator, or even an effective motivator. PRP links the individual, team and organisation’s performance together. The company sets targets for employees based on its overall objectives. However, PRP encourages employees to focus on their own objective. They seek their short-term fulfilment in order to gain supplementary pay, thus the organisations long-term objective will land up being ignored (Armstrong and Baron, 1998). Performance assessment plays an important role in PRP. Armstrong (2002) said: â€Å"Organisations cannot pay for performance unless they can actually measure it†. Assessing the individual’s performance fairly, objectively and consistently is a complicated task (Armstrong and Baron, 1998). For the majority of jobs, it is difficult to find a detailed and systemic standard in which to measure with. Furthermore a supervisor’s own attitude may cause unfair assessment and even discrimination (Pilbeam and Corbridge, 2002). Hanley and Nguyen (2005) suggest that the company could implement frequent appraisals to solve this problem; however the other point is that this will cost the company more money (Booth and Frank, 1999) Setting clear and specific objectives is a complex task, since every job is different; and PRP puts a great deal more pressure on line managers (Armstrong, 2002) who spend much time and effort on setting these objectives, receiving feedback and assessing performance. PRP also presents a negative effect on team work. In this type of scheme, performance becomes a key factor to assess an employee; therefore some might simply focus on their own performance or even sacrifice team spirit in order to obtain higher individual rewards (Salaman et al, 2006). Moreover DeCkop (1999) points out that PRP could weaken the spirit of cohesion and cooperation, because it is a kind of competitive reward method. Case Study Case 1-Performance Related Pay: What Makes a Successful Scheme? The first case is researched by Aisling Kelly and Kathy Monks who conducted questionnaires on 107 managers who work in a multi-divisional company in Ireland, in order to understand their attitudes after the introduction of PRP to the company. According to the research, PRP is a highly welcomed scheme for this company ith 97% of managers agreeing that it is a good system, and 74% believing that it is also fair. From the data and the interview, we can observe that most of the managers are of the opinion that PRP has a positive effect on both the individual’s and organisation’s performance, with 75% of managers believing that PRP creates a general performance improvement. As well as this, the research also indicates a tie between communication and perform ance. The PRP system requires more frequent communication between the supervisor and the employee in order to discuss the particular objectives. These objectives provide a clear description allowing the employees to fully understand their work. This case also reveals that employees who are clear about their work’s goals and the value of the company will possess a greater desire to accept PRP. And it can be observed that these employees were all clear about the company’s plan and performance. The managers ranked four main disadvantages of PRP, however. The first is that it is complicated to measure individual performance objectively. Even though 87% of the managers are of the opinion that their work objectives are clear and specific, the performance is still difficult to measure, since this information is simply not adequate enough for evaluating the performance. Second, the interaction concerning the feedback with supervisor is lacking. The third drawback is the PRP system’s over-emphasis on the short-term objectives. PRP encourages employees to focus on the short-term performance, which ultimately results in the neglect of the long-term objectives.