Author: chris

 

Case Study 2

Cardiomyopathy defines any disease of the heart muscle that hinders the heart’s ability in pumping blood with adequate force. It is classified as ischemic (caused by coronary artery disease) or nonischemic (Maron and Salberg, 2008). Examples include the follwoing;

• Dilated cardiomyopathy is a limitation in the heart’s walls that makes them to expand out, compromising the efficiency and raising the risk of arrhythmias, congestive heart failure and the formation of blood clots.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is an overgrowth of heart muscle that compromises the flow of blood through the heart.
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy defined as loss of elasticity of the heart walls. This hinders the heart from effectively filling with blood prior to contracting (Maron and Salberg, 2008).

In order to evaluate Mr. P for cardiomyopathy, I will first examine him. If necessary, I may ask him to be tested in one or more of the following tests: cardiac catheterization, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), pressure-volume loop analysis, echocardiogram, X-ray or biopsy (MacRae, 2010).

An electrocardiogram, records the heart’s electrical activity while at rest to establish abnormal heart rhythms. To evaluate pressures in the heart, I may perform an outpatient process called a cardiac catheterization. In this test, a thin plastic tube is inserted through a blood vessel until it reaches the heart. A dye is then injected into the blood vessels and X-rays taken to assess the heart’s structure as well as function. Simultaneously, I may do a pressure-volume loop analysis (Maron and Salberg, 2008). This test measures the amount of blood flow the heart puts out during each beat. The results will help me pinpoint the kind of cardiomyopathy Mr. P has. Performing an X-ray will help me see if the heart is enlarged, biopsy helps determine the extent of disease.

Possible courses of treatment:

According to Maron and Salberg (2008), cardiomyopathy is difficult to diagnose early, it is hardly ever treated in its commencement stage. I recommend a treatment goal to relieve any complicating factors, put symptoms under control, and stop the progression of the disease.

A medication should be administered to decrease heart muscle exertion, regulate the heartbeat improve the heart’s pumping ability and ease symptoms. A change in lifestyle changes is encouraged too, this includes avoiding strenuous physical activity, losing weight abstaining from alcohol, and minimizing the amount of salt intake in the diet. In case the heart muscle has been badly destroyed and the patient’s condition does not get better with medications as well as change in lifestyle, a heart transplant may be performed (Maron and Salberg, 2008).

A 2-g sodium diet is regularly recommended. This diet is unpalatable for some patients, while a 3-g sodium diet could a more reasonable aim for patients with gentle to modest heart failure. This can be attained by keeping off salty foods and by avoiding the adding of salt to foods after cooking. If patients need large doses of diuretics to avert fluid retention, intake of sodium has to be more sternly restricted, which calls for the careful reading of food labels (Starling 1998).

As a patient is guided in a program of heart failure management, there should be clear assessment of a complex clinical stability. The instability degree controls decisions concerning further medical therapy, like drugs, transfer back to a heart failure specialty plan, as well as consideration of protocols in transplantation or investigation. Additionally, the elements of both psychosocial and physiological stability control the allocation of precious personnel time for more education, recurrent telephone calls, as well as home visits (Maron and Salberg, 2008).

The teaching plan

An important position to start teaching is a plain, comprehensible, and easy clarification of the pathophysiology of heart failure. Scores of patients misunderstand the expression “heart failure” and suppose that it implies that the heart has permanently failed, hence death. The term should be carefully explained, with an emphasis that it is a decline in the hold back pumping power of the heart (Maron and Salberg, 2008).

The patient should be made to understand that it could limit their ability to perform some forceful activities. For many patients, flow at rest as well as during normal activities of everyday living is at normal levels (Maron and Salberg, 2008). It is important to clarify between expected signs of heart failure and signs of worsening failure. Patients should be given instruction to notify their healthcare giver immediately when at the occurrence signs of worsening failure to put off unnecessary complications or hospitalizations (Maron and Salberg, 2008).

 

 

References

MacRae, C. (2010). Genetics of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure: An issue of Heart Failure Clinics. London: Elsevier Health Sciences

Maron, J. B. and Salberg, L. (2008). Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy: For Patients, their Families and Interested Physicians. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

 

Anemia: Case Study

Anemia is a condition whereby the body lacks enough erythrocytes. Anemia affects general body functioning (Goroll and Mulley, 2012). Anything that interferes with the health production of Red Blood Cells and that of hemoglobin results to Anemia (Goroll and Mulley, 2012). It is a condition that occurs due to the inability of proper and adequate transmission of Oxygen throughout the body tissues; a task that is carried out by hemoglobin (Dodson, 2008), which is also carried by Red Blood Cells. Sometimes it can be a symptom of a serious illness; especially the one that deprives the body of blood (Goroll and Mulley, 2012). People who suffer from Anemia are usually weak just like in the case of Mrs. A. There are different types of Anemia depending on their causes and this is what dictates the nature of their treatments.

Mrs. A’s Case

Incase of Mrs. A, the symptoms she shown portrays that she is suffering from Iron-deficiency Anemia. It is a type of Anemia that is caused by lack of iron in the body (Dodson, 2008). Iron is a very important mineral in the body. It is responsible for the synthesis if hemoglobin by the body. No Red Blood Cells or hemoglobin can be healthy with the lack of Iron (Huch, and Schaefer, 2006). In addition, hemoglobin is the substance of the blood that carries oxygen through the cells in the tissues of the body.

When she went to the hospital and ran some tests, the doctor established that other blood conditions were normal. In the golf field, she exhibited symptoms that clearly indicated that she lacks the significant energy levels the body requires to attain the normal functioning. The laboratory tests observation indicated that even though other blood conditions would be normal, her body was incapable of delivering the adequate amounts on energy (Huch, and Schaefer, 2006). The only rational and logical reason here is that her body tissue lacked the significant levels of respiration and hence metabolism, which are responsible for the production of energy. Body metabolism requires oxygen that burns the cellular food in the Organelle mitochondria to produce energy.

Food nutrients and oxygen are both passed or transported to the body cells by blood (Dodson, 2008). Even though there could be enough food substance in the body, lack of oxygen would still result to low energy levels since it is required for the food particles to respire and release energy. This is the reason she had short breaths while in the golf fields. She needed to inhale more oxygen to attain the level needed by the body but this could not be accomplished since there was no enough hemoglobin in her blood to carry this oxygen to the body cells to release energy to the tissues. The fundamental mineral needed for the production of blood and hemoglobin by the body is iron. This is why her situation is rationally explained as that of iron-deficiency Anemia (Huch, and Schaefer, 2006).

Another observation made o prove this is the increased intensity of her symptoms during menstruation. Menstruation causes a lot of blood loss, and is one of the periods when women need iron the most for the production of the lost blood and hemoglobin (Dodson, 2008). The situation even got worst during menstruation as it deprives the body even more blood and iron, including hemoglobin. Given her situation, she is bound to suffer more during menstruation.

References

Dodson, G. H. (2008). Total Iron in Selected Genotypes of Spinach and Cowpeas and the In vitro Bioavailability of Selected Spinach Genotypes. New York: ProQuest.

Goroll, H. A. and Mulley, G. A. (2012). Primary Care Medicine: Office Evaluation and Management of the Adult Patient. London: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Huch, R. and Schaefer, R. (2006). Iron-deficiency and Iron-deficiency Anemia: Pocket Atlas Special. New York: Georg Thieme Verlag.

 

 

Why Vietnam is a Good Destination for Netflix to outsource its Server Firm.

This paper explores why Vietnam is the best country for Netflix to outsource its internet server firm. First and foremost, Vietnam offers a cheaper and steady supply of labour. The highest minimum wage in Vietnam is about “VND 2, 350, 000” while the modest wage in Vietnam is about “VND 1, 800, 000” per month which translates to about US$ 111 and US$ 85 a month, respectively (Wageindicator Foundation). These figures imply that the minimum US $7.25 an hour labour cost that workers in the United States earn is more than 10 times the Vietnamese minimum wage. The comparative analysis of the United States and Vietnamese labour costs also imply that even if Netflix will pay its local Vietnamese’s information technology specialists four times the highest minimum wage, the Vietnamese labour costs will still be cheaper compared to the United States’. Therefore, Vietnam is the best destination for Netflix’s project.

Secondly, Vietnam has a well developed telecommunication infrastructure. Telecommunication Companies like Cisco have already installed relevant infrastructure that will make. For example, Cisco’s latest DWDM (Wavelength-division multiplexing) technology to eases the traffic and enhances internet speed. At the same time, Cisco has thousands of IT-professionals who are also Vietnamese from which Netflix can acquire its staff to operate its server project. The Vietnamese government is also committed to improving information technology in the county (Boymala, Bill and Dieu 408-410). Owing the existing technological infrastructure and the government’s commitment to improve IT Vietnam would be the most appropriate destination for Netflix’s server project; that is, the existing infrastructure will sustain the project.

At the same time, Vietnam has expanded its energy-related infrastructure thereby making the country energy-sufficient. For example, Vietnam produces “11000MW” of power where 45% comes from hydroelectric projects, 25% from the burning of coal and 30% from gas (Maurer, Luiz, and Jennifer 59). Owing to such energy sufficiency, Vietnam is the best destination for Netflix’s server project so far.

In addition, Vietnam is politically stable. Vietnam has experienced relatively a politically stable government since 1980s. This is because the country is governed by the Communist Party which does not tolerate dissidence and civil unrests (Thayer 1-3). As such, the Communist Party government controls power thereby enhancing its political stability and peace throughout the country. Such peace is important for the Netflix’s server project.

Vietnam also borders China which is experiencing a growing economy. At the same time, it is close to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore which are experiencing rapid economic growth. The presence of such stable and promising economy implies that there is a steady improvement in the quality of life in countries bordering Vietnam; a situation that will created a good market for the Netflix’s services if it launches to Vietnam. In other words, Vietnam is strategically located thereby making it an ideal destination for Netflix’s server project.

In conclusion, Vietnam is the best country for the Netflix’s server project because of the presence of cheap and skilled labor, existing IT infrastructure, and stable electricity supply. In addition, Vietnam enjoys a stable political environment that would not only offer a conducive environment for economic growth, but also minimizes political risks to the server project itself. Additionally, Vietnamese government’s policies are conducive for Netflix’ server project. Overall, the country is strategically located in a region that is experiencing a rapid economic growth thereby making Netflix’s server project a worthwhile investment.

 

Works Cited

Boymala, Jonathan, Bill Martin and Dieu Lam. “The Political Economy of Internet Innovation Policy in Vietnam.” Technology in Society 29 (2007): 407–421.

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Maurer, Luiz, Luiz A. Barroso, and Jennifer M. Chang. Electricity Auctions: An Overview of Efficient Practices. Washington D.C: World Bank, 2011. Print. Bottom of Form

 

Thayer, A. Carlyle. “Vietnam and the Challenge of Political Civil Society.”  Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs 31.1(2009):  1-27.

Wageindicator Foundation. “Vietnam Minimum Wage with effect from January 1, 2013.” Wageindicator.org. 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2013.Top of Form

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Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is the conceptualization of principles, methods and processes that can be effectively applied to manage conflicts and give peaceful solutions to problems that arise because of conflicts. The world today is full of conflicts. People’s views and perceptions are different and most of the times, conflicts arise because of misunderstandings. In addition, some conflicts arise from arguments and lack of certain virtues such as respect, proper communication and kindness (Bercovitch and Richard 80). People would love to be treated better and when this is not arrived at, negative emotions are developed that ultimately cause conflicts. Disagreements have caused much destruction at work places and in organizations. Conflicts have therefore become a part of our daily lives. However, some ways if wisely followed, can help in resolving conflicts.

Many organizations have failed due to conflicts and lack of measures of how to go about them. Leaders and management are supposed to understand how to solve conflicts that may arise between fellow employees and between employees and the management itself. Most of the conflicts that arise in business organizations are financial, followed by human behavior and work conditions (Furlong 121).

Conflicts are generally not healthy for the development or the effectiveness of an organization. Firstly, employees get discouraged to work especially when the conflict is between the management and the employees. Therefore, such conflicts lower the productivity of the employees and in turn lower the revenue or the aggregate production of the organization (Furlong120). As much as managers are meant to manage, they should project humane behavior to encourage and energize the workers. Besides, they should be able to give solutions to disputes that may arise among employees. Organizational effectiveness is usually suppressed by conflicts.

Techniques for Conflict Resolutions

There are numerous techniques used to resolve conflicts; one should not negotiate or indulge into an argument when angry. Anger is an emotion that impairs judgment and one should come down and talk about the issue when calmed (Furlong 107). It is advisable to forget the past occurrences especially the resolved ones when resolving a current issue and while doing this, a person should only focus on the problem not the person they are in argument with. During arguments, when there are many feelings involved, they should be communicated assertively. It has been observed the when feelings are communicated aggressively; it fuels the argument more further to its most destructive levels. Concerns should be expressed and blames minimized (Bercovitch and Richard 77). Compliance must not be forced for both persons involved have the right to disagree. When arguing, parties involved should realize that there is no winner or loser in the end of it all. Argument is not a competition but a way of having both the needs of the parties involved met. It should be seen as a collaboration of ‘building power with’ other than ‘building power over’ the other. At the end of an argument, parties involved should thank each other for listening (Bercovitch, and Richard 89).

Other techniques for solving conflicts involve negotiation. One should first try to define or understand the conflict in real terms. The focus in an argument should be the areas of common interest and agreement. Making assumptions and conclusions concerning the feelings of the other party would only worsen the situation and must be avoided at all costs. One should listen attentively without interrupting the other party and the feedback should not be selfish but considerate. Both parties should generate alternative solutions; and right or potentially correct solutions picked in a bid to settle the conflict.

Works Cited

Bercovitch, Jacob, and Richard Jackson. Conflict Resolution in the Twenty-First Century: Principles, Methods, and Approaches. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2009. Print.

Furlong, Gary T. The Conflict Resolution Toolbox: Models & Maps for Analyzing, Diagnosing, and Resolving Conflict. Mississauga, Ont: J. Wiley & Sons Canada, 2005. Print.

Media 6

Media 6: Critical Review

Introduction

The video discusses Foursquare as a social application which allows people to know what is going on around them and what friends are doing. Erick Friedman, a business development staff at Foursquare lays down the reasons as to why businesses should switch to social media in selling their businesses and expanding customer reach. This video tries to relate the importance of social media and most specifically the Foursquare application in the growth of businesses and advises businesses to embrace the platform so as to increase their business efficiencies. As described by Friedman. The use of social media is very vital in the success of a business and their correct and proper use can steer sales to greater heights.

Summary

This video lays clear how Foursquare application and social media in general can be used to attract new customers, maintain existing customers and widen the reach within which a business is known. Social media can also be used in reaching the target market of a particular business no matter the distance they are from the business destination. A company’s reputation can also be managed through social media and news about them can reach the target market in a faster and efficient manner.

Friedman also explains how various social media platforms interconnect and this is a strong point that should make businesses adopt this marketing system. In the Foursquare application, there is a check in button and a button which prompts a user to connect to other social networks supported by the application. The venue pages on the platform present users with a vast range of businesses where they can scroll through the businesses’ picture galleries so as to establish whether they align with their needs.

Friedman also says that the application is used all over the world with over 15 million users. This way, sharing of information between users or customers of the same business is possible and this can act as a loyalty increment tool. Business owners are advised to consider using Foursquare and are promised of good results.

Critique

The video has many strong points on how the application can be essential in establishing the authority of a business. It starts by posing some questions to the viewer about social media and if it can be relevant to be adopted by businesses. This is an important criterion in preparing the viewer of what they expect to be informed about from the video. Marketing researches have established that there is no better marketing way to the public than using the social media. It is also free to use (Bauer, Grether & Leach, 2002). The video also gives a brief history of the Foursquare application to identify itself to the viewers.

Friedman uses demonstrations to show the viewer how the application is used and some of its important features. This is a strong point of this piece of literature because use of a demonstration method is advantageous (Fuscaldo, 2010).  Through this formula, viewers are able to get firsthand information and get in touch with the application without even using it. Friedman used this method to his utter best in gaining results.

In the video, the presenter can also be seen in the video. This is an important technique employed in the video as it has enabled the video have some reality in it though the use of a motion presenter. An example of a loyalty offer has been presented in the video. It has been used to demonstrate how the application can be used to inform customers of an offer that a business is presenting. Loyalty offers help to maintain the loyalty of customers, boost customer morale and make buying interesting and beneficial (Narayandas, 2005).

In the video, the presenter also welcomes viewers to interact with the business developers and application managers in their website. This is meant to answer frequently asked questions from potential and esteemed customers and to also get to learn more about the application. This is rather an informed choice because such an interaction enables customer feedback and their concerns can be addressed directly by the business owners (Bauer, Grether & Leach, 2002). Also, in the video, a link is website is provided where businesses can meet online and share information. The LinkedIn groups as shown in the video helps businesses grow and learn from each other.

However, the video has some drawbacks which need to have been addressed. First, it does not show examples of businesses which have used the application and succeeded in boosting customer reach. The video should have at least used one business as an example where the owner of the business could have given first hand information about how the business has helped them.

Conclusion

Generally, Foursquare is recommended to business as a good way of helping them grow. However, the video can further pose importance of the application if more details are included and much first hand information. The video however does justice to businesses as it presents to them a genuine and solid way of growing their businesses. Businesses which are seeking to grow need to take risks and one of the risks is venturing into marketing ways which are up to date and versatile. The main idea in the video has been put across in a presentable manner and the point driven home carefully and efficiently.

 

 

References

Bauer, H. H., Grether, M., & Leach, M. (2002). Building customer relations over the Internet.

Industrial Marketing Management, 31(2), 155-163.

Fuscaldo, D. (2010). How to Embrace Technology and Make it Work for Your Small Biz.

Narayandas, D. (2005). Building loyalty in business markets. Harvard Business Review, 83(9),

131-139.

 

America Should Change to the Metric System

The metric system of measurement is a standardized system that was created to harmonized measurement throughout the world (Whitelaw 34). The aim of formulating a uniform system of measurement was to increase collaboration of various countries in all fields, especially for  trade. About 95% of the world have already adopted the metric system. The only countries that have not accepted the metric system include the United States, Liberia and Burma.  Failure to accept the metric system as the standard system of measurement could be the only thing the united states shares with Liberia and Burma, given that the United States is a super power and an industrialized country.

The problem associated with the English imperial system, which is used in the united states is that  it hinders trade between the United States and other countries that use the metric system. The production of both industrial and consumer commodities is dependent on measurements. The difference in the measurement system between the united states and other countries makes it hard for united states companies serve the world market. Firms in the united states that serve both domestic and international markets have to maintain two production lines, which are overlapping. Maintain such lines is expensive and increase the amount of money held in inventories. Another problem related to the English imperial system used in America is that it is extremely cumbersome to relate different units (Saiko 89). Students use a considerable amount of time learning to relate the units, a task that could be easily accomplished if America could adopt the metric system. Most Americans who advocate for the English system argue that the English system serves them well and finds no fault with it. It may be poetic to say that a house is a hundred miles from the road instead of a hundred kilometers, but the cost of maintaining the poetic English system is high.

The cause of this reluctance to change comes from Americans considering the English system their heritage. They consider the system as their own, but it is not. The system was developed in Britain, although the Britons have adopted the metric system in preference to their own heritage. Its seems that Americans are not ready to accept a system that is not their own. However, such an action is ridiculous because it  is like refusing to use a van in preference to a horse cart  because their ancestors used the cart. While it is essential to value heritage and culture, it is equally important to avoid culture from entangling people into a static state.

The solution to this problem is for all Americans to embrace change and adopt the metric system. There are numerous advantages related to such change. First, the time spent by students studying the cumbersome English system would be utilized in other things since the metric system is easy to understand (Taylor 45). Secondly, American firms would benefit from increased trade with other nations because of adopting the metric system. The costs associated with maintaining overlapping production lines would be over, and the firms would become competitive in the world market.

It is, therefore, crucial for America to change to the metric system because the results of such action is positive. The negative consequences that many fear that may accompany the change involve budgetary expenditure. However, the benefits of using the metric system outweigh the costs of changing.

 

 

Works Cited

Saiko, Bernie A. Metric conversion for North America and NAFTA: a comprehensive conversion between the international system of units (SI), metric system, U.S. customary system, British imperial system. Busby: Black & White Publications, 1994. Print.

Taylor, Benson. The international system of units (SI). Gaithersburg, MD: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2001. Print.

Whitelaw, Ian. A measure of all things: the story of man and measurement. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007. Print.

Globalism and Neo-liberalism

Introduction

Globalism denotes a policy that views the whole world as a proper sphere for a nation to project its political influence. This political influence affects different areas of concern. Nations appreciate the fact that their economic, social, and cultural facets are determined or shaped by politics and political decisions. Countries that are considered developed have the tendency of exerting their effect on the economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of least developed and developing countries. Globalism shares some semblance with neo-liberalism. The essay that follows will discuss the new globalism and go ahead to show how globalism is connected to neo-liberalism.

Discussion

The New Globalism

A little over two decades ago, the terms globalism and neo-liberalism were unheard of; today they are encountered in different places. The meaning of these terms remains contested to date. Some argue that the terms are connotations of “global westernization”; while others argue that the term refers to the replacement of national and regional markets by a world or a global market. Others argue that neo-liberalism denotes the act or framework through which nations counteract or challenge the influence exerted on them by western powers.

The new globalism is important as it attempts to define the struggle that subsists between powerful countries and between powerful and powerless countries. Additionally, globalism also attempts to define supra-national relationships among nations and institutions. Certain of western forces are of the opinion that globalism creates nations and institutions and that the western forces have a right of controlling these nations and institutions, which they claim to have created.

The Creation of Global Communities

The concept of new globalism attempts at fashioning new communities. Communities define who people are, defines a larger unit to which they belong, and to whom the defined community reports. In this set up, neither local proximity nor geographical distance includes or precludes one from belonging to a community. On a broad scale, communities can be defined as institutions, interactions, and exchanges between individuals (Ambrose, 2010). Relationships that define a community rely on technologies and transactions that facilitate community formation and coherence. Communities can only become institutions if the transactions and technologies involved are able to facilitate exchange among members of the community.

The vision for global oneness is no new vision; this vision predates world leaders of old such as Alexander the great and Adolf Hitler. The dream for a unified world is persistent; world leaders from the time of Alexander the Great attempted to unify the world by imposing their imperial rules across nations and continents. These attempts were faced with a myriad of challenges and they failed miserably. This bid by world leaders in uniting the whole globe failed because of organizational and technological challenges (Jreisat, 2011). Another reason for this failed attempt rests in the fact that the leaders pushing for unity failed to factor in measures to bridge the geographical gaps that subsisted between them and countries found in the corners of the world. The approach used by these world leaders is also faulted; leaders such as Hitler relied on coercion to gain acceptance (Ambrose, 2010). He failed to appreciate the fact that true and lasting co-operation and global unity is built or founded on compliance rather than coercion. His approach sought to achieve world domination, while the real goal should have been the attainment of global unity.

In recent times, the world has moved closer to achieving global unity. This unity is considered compliance-based, and is hailed for its ability at countering authoritarian or dictatorial power in imperialistic states and nations (Jreisat, 2011). This world order is founded on the bedrock of global polity, which gains compliance among states by linking them via mutual security, international organizations (e.g. World bank, EU, the UN), mutual treaties, and trade pacts (e.g. NATO, AGOA). During the same period, a series of non-governmental institutions emerged and formed parallel relations among and between nations; these included multi-national corporations, religious communities, transnational epistemic movements, and international social movements.

The growth of the international relationships and institutions has enjoyed co-operation across the board. Government leaders have played a critical role in boosting the process by aiding and accelerating global economic integration, establishment of solid formal institutions, and revolution in the manner in which people communicate. Global polity has benefitted immensely from the vision embraced by the new society, a reformed society, one that believes in the formation of a transnational community (Lowy, 1998).

Neo-liberalism has introduced a new form of liberalism; one that believes in neo-liberalism as a mechanism for investment and global trade. In this regard, neo-liberalism is looked at as a primer, a catalyst of sorts, which helps countries to develop at a fair and equitable rate (Hettne, et. al, 1999). Neo-liberalism addresses a new form of liberalism; one that supports globalism. It appreciates the fact that nations need to co-operate for prosperity, introducing the subject of co-operation between and among nations and states. Neo-liberalism seeks to ensure that all participants in the new global order benefit from their co-operation in a fair and equitable manner (Turner, 1994). Exploitation of under-developed countries by super power economies is condemned by proponents of neo-liberalism. This group argues that the world has enough resources for the prosperity of all and sundry.

Democratizing the World

Arguments abound as to the role developed countries have in stabilizing the political atmosphere of war-torn countries. Granted, political instability in a country contributes to suffering of its people. Citizens of a war-torn country cannot engage in productive activities, foreign investors are dissuaded from investing in such countries. The woes of such a country often spill to neighbouring countries as these neighbours are forced to accommodate the surging numbers of refugees fleeing wars and civil unrest in their countries (Turner, 1994). Countries such as the DRC, Sierra Leon, Somali, and Sudan have been engaged in continuous civil wars causing displacement of its people. These countries are rich in resources needed to fuel the global economy and their political instability denies the world access to these resources.

Before the advent of cartography, the world was seen as a complete whole made of land and patches of water bodies. This represented the state of affairs advocated by both neo-liberalism and the new globalism. Such a continuity of alternating landmasses with water bodies presents the world in its unpolluted form. This showed how countries were connected, bring to the fore the reality that the actions of one country affect both immediate and distant nations.

Global oneness and unity was first experienced in June of 1967 when for the first time, a global television network aired a live performance of the Beatles, a music sensation of the yester years. This live transmission reached over 350 million viewers in the world. Countries that had the right telecommunication infrastructure and allowed free transmission and exchange of information were the very fast ones to receive the first global television program. This infrastructure was later on used to transmit pictures of the world taken by astronauts from outer space. Of particular interest are the pictures taken from outer space. The mission was US funded, the transmission originated from the US. These are just some of the occurrences that reveal overdependence in the US; the world order of that time was predominated by the west.

It is around the 1960’s that western imperialism was being heavily felt by other nations of the world. Around the same time, riots broke out as activists and citizens of nations revolted against Soviet domination, Vietnam War, racism, and decolonization of Africa. During this period, global communication resonated with the political movements that had formed in the different parts of the world. The European colonial power was hardest hit by the descent that hit most of its colonies. The colonial powers were forced to close shop as they succumbed to pressures from nationalist leaders that came off as proponents of human rights.

Globalism in Markets and Labour

The world has experienced a shift in the world political culture, which have led to changes in the global economy. As European and American multinational companies continued to exert their influences on their former colonies, most of these colonies began to feel the powers of these former colonial powers. Around the 1960s, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) took over the control of world oil prices and in 1973, their power was felt when they shut off the oil supply of the world to enforce demand.

Soon after, the world labour markets begun to respond to the disparities that were evident between the developed and the developing countries. The world markets noted with great concern the ever-increasing wealth gap that existed between the developed and least developing countries (Hettne, et. al, 1999). The response by the world labour markets took different forms. One entailed an increase in the outsourcing of unskilled labour from the third world to first world. Another aspect involved the influx of immigrants from developing countries to developed countries. These immigrants took jobs in the First world that the citizens of these nations were unwilling to do. These used the global communications infrastructures to retain links with their native lands. Remittances by immigrants influenced their local economies by increasing per capita income, reducing poverty, and inspiring growth among the middle class.

The transformation of Ethnicities

Globalism and neo-liberalism has caused countries such as Canada and the US to adapt to the growth of non-Canadians and non-Americans respectively. Prior to this period, the immigrants used to abandon their customs, languages, and birth names to take up the names, customs, and languages they found in the host countries. Globalism has caused immigrants to remain linked to their native origins and those that have taken up US citizenship have opted to become hyphenated Americans e.g. the Latino-Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and so forth.

Technology has played a vital role in the transformation of ethnic communities. Immigrants that had come to the US in or before the nineteenth Century faced serious obstacles as regards maintaining contact with their native lands. First-forward to the 20^th Century and all the challenges of the 19^th Century were overcome by the advent of the Internet and a reduction in the cost of telecommunication, both locally and internationally. Globalism has not only allowed international workers to maintain contact with their native lands, but also allowed them to access dual citizenship. Neo-liberalism has uprooted the racial and class demarcations that previously forbid the mixing of the natives and the non-natives.

Globalism and Higher Education

The transnational community is facilitated by the globalization of higher education. Students from least developed countries have had the opportunity of flying to developed countries to access globalized education. Foreign or non-native students coming to the US to access higher education doubled during the periods that spun from 1980s to 2000. Additionally, the number of students that received masters and doctorate degrees from Universities found within the United Stated of America rose to 38.7% by mid 1990s from a figure of about 27% towards the end of 1970s. These figures represent all the degrees that American universities awarded students.

The number of foreign students who have opted to remain in the United States of America after receiving their higher education qualifications registered a significant change rising from 46% in the year 1985 to about 54% by 1995. The figures indicate that there is a shift from the traditional scenario whereby people tended to emigrate to the “promised land.” (Turpin, 2004) The high number of students returning to their home countries is a clear indication that students are not using their quest for higher education as a guise for gaining permanent residence in a country where many dream of gaining residence. Those students who gain higher education in the United States and gone back to their countries have gone on to hold very crucial jobs. There are those who are serving their national governments at senior levels, others serve in international bodies while still others hold important positions in other entities.

Higher Education and the Globalizing of Ethnic Identity

The change in admissions criteria for American Universities has had an impact on merit. Nicholas Lemann conducted a study with respect to the way American institutions had standardized their tests to select students for admission. The University of Yale made a decision in the 1960s to admit students on the basis of merit for those who were from different ethnic groups from Asia. These students were largely drawn from working class or immigrant background (Lemann, 2000). Initially, Yale was dominated by a student community drawn largely from people who were white, upper class, male and they were mostly Protestants in their faith. The few students of Asian extraction who were admitted sought ways to have a higher “Asian” presence at Yale (Kloor, 2010).

The Asian students were a minority at Yale and matters the larger student population did not make matters any better by taunting the students on certain issues such as the Pearl Harbor attack. The feeling of discrimination led to Asian students to explore their identity as well as history (Lemann, 2000). The Asian-Americans focused on admission of more student of Asian extraction. During the year when the Asian-American came up with an organization the number of students that the University of Yale admitted rose to thirty five. By the late 1990s the composition of Yale University was 15% for newly admitted students while overall their composition was 12%.

One can draw important conclusions based on the associations that have been formed by Asian-American students as well as the fact that numbers indicate that the number of Asian students in America is increasing as a proportion of international students. American institutions of higher learning had originally served the role of “Americanizing” ethnic students. However, the same institutions provided settings where the students began redefining themselves in terms of their ethnic extractions rather than the citizenships they held.

An example is cited of Harvard’s doctoral program where students whose ethnicity was Chinese but differentiated by the fact that one was a second generation Chinese American while the other was an ordinary Chinese student undertaking studies in America writing their theses on voluntary associations as well as social movements that are indigenous in China. Previously Chinese students would study in American universities and take up careers in Chinese universities. However, things have changed whereby a native Chinese has an opportunity of holding an academic position in a university in the United States. What is apparent is that ethnicity appears to be a more important factor in determining how students relate rather than their nationality (Otero, 2008).

Education, Nationality, and Transnationality

It is possible to understand the development of civil societies world wide based on the history of the civil society in the United States. The United States is an expansive country and in addition to its vast size, it has people who have diverse traditions and languages. Most nations either have a few different groups or even one homogeneous group. There are differences to be found even among the English speaking Americans. These differences can be seen in the diverse religion, different lifestyles as well as modes of production (Elliot, 1869). The differences among the American people are sufficient to lead to the different people engaging in a civil war which would be very destructive as evidence by the famous American Civil War. The federal union eventually emerged victorious in the civil war but Charles W. Eliot, who was the Harvard president observed that the American people had a great struggle to attain self government and it was necessary that they were well trained for the same (Elliot, 1869). Many nationalists realized that even though political unity had been achieved nationality had not been realized. This problem was solved by educators who actively came up with a national culture as well as national elite. Part of this was through the national recruitment of students to leading universities in the United States.

Conclusion

Globalism is seen to be the view that one nation can exercise its political influence in the whole world. It is against this backdrop that countries that wield a lot of wealth and influence tend to impose their will on other countries. This influence takes on different forms ranging from economic, social as well as cultural. Neoliberalism on the other hand refers an economic philosophy, which sough to mend the conflicts between collectivist central planning, and classical liberalism, which was meant to temper capitalism while at the same time avoiding nationalism. These two phenomena seek to bring about influence in the world. As would be expected, there are many people who are support as well as those who oppose the two. There have been both positive and negative effects of globalism and neoliberalism. The development of urbanization as well as institutions with mixed ethnicities has made the world to be more cohesive. On the other hand global health has suffered due to reduced spending by governments. This has meant that health programs cannot be controlled fully by the government and this has resulted in fragmentation as well as social inequality.

 

References:

Ambrose, S.E. (2010).Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy Since 1938, Ninth Revised Edition. New York: Penguin Group US.

Eliot, C.W. (1869). “The New Education.” Atlantic MonthlyXXIII (February and March), 202-220, 363-366.

Hettne, B., Inotai, & Sunkel, A.O. (1999).Globalism and the New Regionalism. Palgrave: Macmillan.

Jreisat, J. (2011). Globalism and Comparative Public Administration. Florida: CRC Press.

Kloor, K. (2010). The new world order. Nature Reports Climate Change.

Lemann, N. (2000). The Big Test: The Secret History of the American Meritocracy. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.

Lowy, R. F. (1998). Development theory, globalism, and the new world order. Journal of Black Studies, 28(5), 594.

Otero, G. (2008). Food for the few: Neoliberal globalism and biotechnology in Latin America. Austin: University of Texas Press.

Turner, B.S. (1994).Orientalism, Postmodernism, and Globalism.London: Routledge.

Turpin, P. (2004). Globalism: The New Market Ideology (review). Rhetoric & Public Affairs.

Dexter: “Love American Style” (Season 1, Episode 5)

The television series Dexter, directed by Robert Lieberman, explores the fictional life of Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a serial killer and blood spatter analyst in Miami. Its season 1 episode entitled “Love American Style” (2006) depicts how insecurity, greed, and corruption are common problems affecting the society. This theme is developed in part by the show’s treatment of cultural identity.

To depict cultural identity effectively, the film director Lieberman features Hispanics, Asians, whites, and blacks, thus presenting the full range of Florida’s demography. In particular, the show talks about cultural identity issues in Cuban American society through characters such as Sgt. Angel Batista (David Zeyes) and more focus at Jorge Castillo (José Zúñiga). Life in the diaspora is presented through Cuban food, music, culture, and religion (Episode 1). However, the Cuban characters are painted as being power hungry, manipulative, murderous, and sexually deviant.

Angel Batista, homicide detective, is struggling with a relationship, which is a Cuban societal issue. In the first episode, Batista is revealed as an unfaithful man who is involved in several sexual scandals; he is in the process of a divorce. He is a heavy drinker who casually engages in illicit sex. The connection between Batista’s sexual desires and Cuban ethnicity are made clear from his language use (“la passion”). The detective’s career is constantly at risk because of his obsession with women. Batista is depicted as typical Cuban characters based on power thirst and immorality.

Jorge Castillo is presented as a character suffering from his cultural identity. Castillo lives in denial of his Cuban race and culture. Castillo leaves the dead bodies in the ocean, where they are washed ashore and the bodies handled as those of illegal immigrants. Castillo is a rich person who drives very expensive cars, lives in a beautiful home by the ocean, and operates a junkyard as a cover to his illegal operations.

Castillo is married to Valerie, a beautiful, blue-eyed, blonde woman. The couple believes their luxuriant life is a real reflection of the American dream. Castillo is culturally assimilated by North American culture. His intermarriage with Valerie clearly demonstrates this. Marrying a white woman shows that the social gap between the two races has been narrowed.  Castillo is ascending into white American Society through Valerie (1.5).

To live the American dream, Castillo fights against his Cuban identity to assume the North American culture. He asserts that he is a white through marriage and lifestyle, though not through birth. His junkyard is a symbol of his identity crisis. It is full of old car parts and a rusted car which is a representation of Castillo’s tainted morality. His personality has been damaged by his chase for the American dream. Dexter accepts this fact and admits he finds it difficult to understand why “Americans” are obsessed with cars. He believes that the chase of American dream is difficult and robs people their sanity, he says another American dream is his nightmare (1.5).

The junkyard is also a hiding place for fishing boats and trafficked people. In most cases, the victims are murdered. In doing so, Castillo believes he is fulfilling the American dream. Human trafficking is the way he affords his lavish lifestyle (the American lifestyle). Further revelation of Castillo’s ill character is seen during his conversation with Dexter.  Castillo talks of “a row boat with a hole in it” in reference to his gradual way of luring his victims before killing them.

Castillo pretends to have very limited Spanish knowledge. In essence, this was a message to Dexter that he was a fellow American. He says, “I’m American, pal, just like you.” Later, Castillo is seen ordering immigrants into the junkyard in Spanish (1.5). Castillo thus stands out as a man having a cultural identity crisis.

In Dexter (Love American Style), Cuban’s have been portrayed as people suffering from cultural immorality. Cuban are power thirsty, manipulative, murders and sexually deviant. Possibly, this explains why some members of the society are fighting to detach themselves and find new roots. Castillo is an example of a Cuban who is dissatisfied with his own community and seeks solace in pursuit of American dream. The director of the film has not only succeeded in painting the bad Cuban cultural setting but also provided audience a chance to compare it to the “ideal” American culture.  Through the pursuit for American dream, it is clear that Cubans believe in a better lifestyle with moral values.

 

Work Cited

“Love American Style.” Dexter. Showtime. 1 Oct 2006.

International Strategy Report: Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola Company is a multinational business organisation with headquarters at Atlanta, Georgia, United States (US). The company is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE); Coca-Cola Company specialises in non-alcoholic beverages syrups and concentrates. The organisation dates back to 1886 after John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist who discovered the Coca-Cola formula, which was later, developed into a brand in 1889; incorporation of the Coca-Cola Company dates back to 1892. It is worth noting that Coca-Cola Company offers other brands numbering to more than five hundred and distributed to over two hundred nations in the world. It is estimated that Coca-Cola Company serves more than one point seven billion each and every day (Coca-Cola Company, 2011 p. 9).

1. Business environment

Micro-environment

Micro-environment affecting Coca-Cola Company identifies with the company, suppliers, marketing intermediaries, customers, competitors and the public. Operations of the Coca-Cola Company depend on the target nation since business environment varies with diverse dynamics within the business environment. The board of directors with the inclusion of commercial managers, country manager and the human resources manager have the responsibility of overseeing the operations of Coca-Cola Company within the target nation. It has been noted that the board of directors have the responsibility of setting general policies and goals of the company within the boundaries of the nation. The supply chain managers are under the board of directors and accorded the responsibility of the providing the Coca-Cola products and services in a timely manner. Financial managers have the responsibilities of managing financial assets within the nation in developing the marketing plan, in which the marketers engage the plan in instituting the budgets. Regional managers are responsible for the subdivided regions within a nation. Public Affairs and Communications manager has the sole responsibility of enhancing business relationships among the partners and stakeholders and in making sure those connections with the global community is at the required standards (Pendergrast, 2013 p. 130).

Suppliers are organisations or individuals who enhance input to the organisation within a nation. Marketing management within the nation of operation has the responsibility of making sure that all the materials needed are in place and that accurate assessment is made depending on the changing business environment. Marketing intermediaries are businesses and individuals supporting the consumption, distribution and promotion of the services and products offered by the Coca-Cola Company. Marketing intermediaries within a nation identifies with commercial brokers, circulation of goods brokers, brokers of financial and credit institutions and the broker marketing services among others depending on the nation of operations.

The customers of Coca-Cola Company in the nation of operations are classified as the consumer market, reseller markets, business market, international markets and the government markets (Saylor.com, 2012 p. 3). Coca-Cola Company is sensitive on the perception of the customers on the brand, since the customer is the consumer of the products and services. Meeting the demands of the target customers is critical for satisfaction and sustenance.

Competitors of Coca-Cola Company depends on the nations of operations; there are a number of organisations in the beverage market. Taking a look at the United States, the major competitor is Pepsi among others. Each and every nation of operation has a diversity of customers and the segments targeted by the products in the market. Coca-Cola Company engages promotions in the media within the jurisdictions, in making sure that the company maintains a significant market share.

The image of Coca-Cola Company to the general public is very critical; the public has the capability of affecting the products and services in a negative or in a positive manner. Taking wrong actions in diverse of ways that affect organisations in a negative pattern. Public relations in Coca-Cola Company with the jurisdiction ensure that the right brand image is enhanced.

Macro-environment

Macro-environment affecting Coca-Cola Company identify with economic environment, natural environment, technological environment, political environment and cultural environment. Economic environment in the world has been unpredictable basing on the global changes encouraged by socialisation and modernisation. Recession and growth has influenced the demand and supply of Coca-Cola products and services (Isdell & Beasley, 2009 p. 107). Recession and supply in the global market shape the consumer purchasing power. It has been noted that the purchasing on the other hand influence the consumer price index and the inflation index among others. United States experienced recession in 2008 that influenced the demand and supply of the Coca-Cola products and services.

Natural environment identifies with the problems experienced by Coca-Cola Company which are cultivated by the natural environment. Industrial waste and emissions discharged by industries to the waterways has been of interest in protecting the natural environment. Organisations have been encouraged to conserve and create friendly natural environment, in which Coca-Cola Company has been on the forefront in enhancing a ‘green’ industry and environment (Scott, 2013 p. 171). The energy prices are ever rising, Coca-Cola Company has been sensitive in creating alternative sources of energy that are renewable. Material resources has been scarce, a model that has led to overexploitation of the natural resources, Coca-Cola Company has been committed in searching for new materials in the line of production and in making sure that the bottles used in packaging the products are recyclable.

Technological environment has been changing with time; Coca-Cola Company has been committed in research and design as a way of developing a competitive edge over the rivals. Coca-Cola Company has been committed in developing efficient processes in production and also in packaging (Pendergrast, 2000 p. 498). The organisation has constantly redesigned its bottles in ways that they take advantage of the available technology, and in conforming to the environment. An example is the plant bottle that is developed from plastic and molasses 30%. The new bottles are recyclable, an indication that they conserve the environment by 30% in reducing the carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Coca-Cola Company is doing away with PET bottles with time, as a way of changing with technology and environment.

Political environment in the globe varies with the nations of operations, it has been noted that Coca-Cola Company makes its decisions in accordance with the political environment as per the nations of operations. Political environment influence the legal factors with the jurisdictions; which includes the policies, local authority, governments, corporate law, civil law, customer legislation, investment law and tax laws among others (Saylor.com, 2012 p. 2). Regulations in advertising, product quality, copyright protection and issues of food safety among others, political environment also influence the laws that protect the benefits of the consumers. The political environment has the capability of creating a threat or a benefit to the operations of Coca-Cola Company.

Cultural environment varies with nations of operations, it has been noted that cultures influence product comparison with others in the market, an indication that the practice has the capability of creating a competitive edge or threat to the products and services of Coca-Cola Company. There are cultures holding Coca-Cola products on issues of health among other aspects. Coca-Cola Company builds confidence of the consumers by enhancing safety and quality of its products.

PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis has been critical in the operations of Coca-Cola Company. In the earlier segment of this paper, the factors have been discussed in relations to the operations of Coca-Cola Company in the global context. PESTLE has been influential in shaping the business environment in Coca-Cola Company that is useful in strategic decision making models. The world is facing diverse changes, an indication that Coca-Cola Company has to develop mechanisms of adapting to the changes in developing a competitive edge (Pendergrast, 2013 p. 322); which is critical in comprehending the bigger picture of the organisation and the environments in different nations.

SWOT analyses on Coca-Cola Company reflected on the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats of the organisation. Strengths pegged on Coca-Cola Company identify with that Coca-Cola is a recognised brand in the world having a worth of $77,838 billion United States dollars. Coca-Cola Company has the widest beverage market share, Coca-Cola Company engage in vigorous advertising and marketing, Coca-Cola Company has extensive distribution channels of the beverage products, Coca-Cola Company has developed customer loyalty in the world, Coca-Cola Company has developed mechanisms offering supplier bargaining powers and that Coca-Cola Company has enhanced an all inclusive Corporate Social Responsibility (Pendergrast, 2000 p. 583).

Weaknesses associated with Coca-Cola Company identify with the fact that the organisation has excessive focus on drinks that are carbonated, the product portfolio of Coca-Cola Company is undiversified, Coca-Cola Company has high debt values basing on acquisitions, Coca-Cola Company in the recent decades has experienced high levels of bad publicity basing on health issues related to the products and that Coca-Cola Company has developed a number of brands that has failed over the years.

Opportunities in Coca-Cola Company has seen a rise in the need of bottled water, which has encouraged the organisation to develop Dasani, another opportunity is pegged on the increased demand in packed foods and beverages, emerging markets are offering fast growing market share for the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola products and that the organisation has an opportunity in growth facilitated by acquisitions (Isdell & Beasley, 2009 p. 267).

Threats facing Coca-Cola Company are changes in the preferences of the consumers, scarcity in the supply of clean water, strong dollar, intense legal battles that are forcing the organisation to disclose to the public the side effects of its products, decreasing net profits and gross profits due to high operational costs, high competition in the target markets and saturation of drinks that are carbonated in the target markets.

1. History of Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola Company specialises in beverages in the world, with the headquarters being based in the United States. The current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is known as Muhtar Kent with an employee base of one hundred and forty six thousand two hundred individuals who are directly employed. Coca-Cola Company supports diverse human capital indirectly with the nations of operations. Revenue as at 2012 was standing at $48.01 billion and the profits as at 2012 were standing at $9.01 billion. The major competitors in the beverage industry identify with PepsiCo Inc., Unilever, Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., Groupe Danone, Nestle S. A., and Kraft Foods Inc. among others.

Globalisation has been taken serious by the Coca-Cola Company, the brand has managed to gain substantial support from the target market; a move that has encouraged Coca-Cola Company to gain growth, momentum and capitalization in the ever expanding markets (Scott, 2013 p. 100). Coca-Cola Company has been ranked as the largest organisation dealing with beverages. The organisations has been pushing for expansions in the world, the current nations of operations are more than two hundred, with suppliers exceeding eight four thousand mark.

Surveys have indicated that more than seventy percent of the sales originate from outside the United States markets; this has made Coca-Cola Company to be one of the largest organisations in the world worth multi billions of dollars. Entry mode in different nations is not a one model approach; there are a number of factors that influence the entry mode in the target company. Different jurisdictions in the world has supported Coca-Cola Company in operating within their markets, while there are hostile markets that has discouraged Coca-Cola Company to operate within their markets (Isdell & Beasley, 2011 p. 171). Coca-Cola products have been banned in a number of nations citing threat to the public health and that Coca-Cola product encourages cases of obesity.

Coca-Cola Company has faced a number of labour suits with accusations of discrimination associated to benefits of health care to the human capital and child labour sweatshops. The target markets have been flooded with alternatives, who are the competitors. The obstacles faced by Coca-Cola Company has not discouraged Coca-Cola Company in providing refreshing, quality and products that are satisfying in the target market (Allen, 2005 p. 313). Coca-Cola Company has managed in making sure that all the Coca-Cola products have the same taste, the recipes for making Coca-Cola has been a big secret to the organisation, prompting tight controls at the facilities used in the manufacturing of the recipe.

Globalisation of Coca-Cola Company started in the 1900s; the first bottling plants outside United States were erected in Panama and Cuba; which was inline expansions of the military in the United States. The plants were largely successful, a model that made Coca-Cola Company to bypass delivery and shipping costs. This led to opening of other bottling plants in Philippines, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Testing of the foreign markets was critical in making strategic decisions on the beverage product (Blanding, 2010 p. 76).

Coca-Cola Company created a centre for global relations that facilitated establishing plants and foreign relationships in the globe, by 1926, it was noted that Coca-Cola Company had expanded to diverse nations. Coca-Cola Company over the decades has been involved in rapid expansion and mass production, which generated local partnerships and local branches in different nations of operations. Cold war and World War II did not stop the expansion of the Coca-Cola Company, and the Coca-Cola brand grew stronger and stronger. Coca-Cola Company has been recognised for its global expansion and efficiency.

Porter’s five forces focus on threats associated with new entrants, threats associated with substitute products, threats associated with bargaining powers of the target market, threats of bargaining powers associated with the suppliers and finally on the threat associated with competitive rivalry in the firms that are existing (Isdell & Beasley, 2011 p. 100). In Coca-Cola Company, threats associated with potential competitors or new entrants are of medium pressure in that entry barriers are low and by the fact that Coca-Cola has been considered both as a brand and as a beverage.

Threat of substitute products is rated as medium to high pressure in the sense that the global market in the twenty first century has a number of substitute beverages, ranging from energy drinks, juice products and sodas among others. Threats of bargaining powers from the target market have low pressure. This an indication that individual buyers have pressure associated by the brand. Coca-Cola Company has already gained brand loyalty among the target market. Bargaining power from the suppliers is rated as low pressure. Coca-Cola Company’s suppliers are not differentiated or concentrated in regards to the ingredients used in the production of the Coca-Cola products (Saylor.com, 2012 p. 4). Coca-Cola Company has the largest supplier network of the products. Rivalry among the existing firms is rated at high pressure. It has been noted that the closest competitor is Pepsi, which has competing brands. Pepsi and Coca-Cola Company support outdoor activities and events as a marketing model. Other brands in the market have not gained the success experienced by Coca-Cola Company and Pepsi.

BCG matrix Coca-Cola Company reflects on the stars, cash, question mark and dogs. Stars in Coca-Cola Company show high business growth although the environment of operations is highly competitive. Cash in Coca-Cola Company indicates low growth business with high points relating to shares. Question marks in Coca-Cola Company are an indication of low point share in the business, although characterised with a high growth rate. Dogs in Coca-Cola Company indicate businesses characterised with low expected growth rate and low relative share, an indication of sustainability (Blanding, 2010 p. 184). Coca-Cola Company shows high stars, an indication of high business growth rate, question marks in Coca-Cola Company are few which indicates devastation, cash cows are low on the vertical axis and high on the horizontal axis indicating business growth rate is low and market share is high. Dogs in Coca-Cola Company indicated low market share, indicating a need for liquidation.

Porter’s Generic Strategies reflects on competitive advantage and competitive scope of Coca-Cola Company, mainly in cost leadership, differentiation, cost focus and differentiation focus in regards to Coca-Cola Company. Branding in Coca-Cola products has been influential in differentiation of the products from others in the target market. Examples of brilliant logos used by the Coca-Cola Company identify with the swoosh of Nike and the brand Coca-Cola that is handwritten, which is critical in setting the right tone for differentiation focus strategy. Coca-Cola Company on the other hand offers quality products at affordable costs, a move that has encouraged differentiation in the target market (Coca-Cola Company, 2011 p. 17).

Ansoff matrix in Coca-Cola Company is critical in expressing market penetration, development of the product, development of the market and diversification. Ansoff’s matrix is used in exploiting the product range within Coca-Cola Company. It has been noted that some of the common products associated with Coca-Cola Company are Diet coke, Coca-Cola Vanilla, Fanta Icy Lemon, Coca Cola share size, winnie the pooh Roo Juice and Powerade among others.

1. Corporate Social Responsibilities (CRS)

Coca-Cola Company has developed a respected brand in the world. It has been noted that building of the brand has been possible through an all inclusive corporate social responsibility. The main products of Coca-Cola Company are five major brands that are non alcoholic. CRS has been essential in dealing with ethical and moral issues both in the domestic markets and in the international market. Coca-Cola Company has developed one of largest distribution channels spanning in almost all nations of the world (Allen, 2005 p. 207).

Conflicts between ethical and social responsibilities and corporate strategy are added through enhancing effective investor relations among the diverse stakeholders depending on jurisdiction.  Coca-Cola Company has developed effective mechanisms of dealing with waste water and water management plans, which is critical in enhancing sustainability. Initiatives in energy conservation, recycling activities and programmes relating to community development have been critical in the conservation of the environment. Corporate social responsibility in Coca-Cola Company has enabled the organisation to operate in different guidance, legislation and regulations in building a competitive edge.

Corporate social responsibility in Coca-Cola Company has engaged corporate self regulation within the system. It has been noted that CSR policy has been functioning as a business model. Self regulating mechanism in Coca-Cola Company has been useful in active compliance and in monitoring the progress of organisation. Coca-Cola Company has enhanced global ethical standards, spirit of law and in dealing with international norms (Kent, 2011 p. 130). CSR within Coca-Cola Company had been engaging and being in compliance in building social good. Interests of Coca-Cola Company are shared among the stakeholders of the organisation, in ways that the vision and the mission of Coca-Cola Company have been influential in setting the right consumers, environment, communities and employees.

Coca-Cola Company was influential in building public sphere in building the brand image. CSR has been influential in building strategic management models that are critical in sustaining the product in the environment. Coca-Cola Company has been among the fortune 500 companies in the United States. Coca-Cola Company has managed to overcome the challenges that organisation has faced in the global environment (Kent, 2011 p. 77).

List of References

Allen, F (2005). Secret Formula: How Brilliant Marketing and Relentless Salesmanship Made Coca-Cola the Best-Known Product in the World. 4th ed. New York: Harper Paperbacks. 200-322.

Blanding, M (2010). The Coke Machine: The Dirty Truth Behind the World’s Favourite Soft Drink. 3rd ed. London: Avery Press. 34-200.

Coca-Cola Company. (2011). 125 Years of Sharing Happiness. Coca-Cola Company. 1 (1), 3-19.

Isdell, N. & Beasley, D (2009). Inside Coca-Cola: A CEO’s Life Story of Building the World’s Most Popular Brand. 2th ed. London: Pan Macmillan-St. Martin’s Press. 12-299.

Isdell, N. & Beasley, D (2011). Inside Coca-Cola: A CEO’s Life Story of Building the World’s Most Popular Brand. 3rd ed. London: Pan Macmillan-St. Martin’s Press. 78-201.

Kent, M (2011). Coca-Cola: 125th Anniversary. 2nd ed. New York: Editions Assouline. 45-139.

Pendergrast, M (2000). Coca-Cola Company. 2nd ed. New York: Basic Books. 105-653.

Pendergrast, M (2013). For God, Country, and Coca-Cola: The Definitive History of the Great American Soft Drink and the Company That Makes It. 3rd ed. New York: Basic Books. 128-348.

Saylor.com. (2012). Globalization and the Coca-Cola Company. The Saylor Foundation. 2 (4), 1-4.

Scott, R (2013). Coca Cola Slipcase Set of 3: Film, Music, Sports. 3rd ed. New York: Assouline. 105-187.

 

 

 

Critical Assessment of the Changing Relationships between Transnational Corporations and Nation States

Student’s Name

 

• The growth of the global economy

According to Al-Rodham and Stoudmann[1] , the term globalization is not a single concept which can be covered under a particular time frame. In addition, it is difficult to expound upon the term with certainty so as to apply to all individuals in all situations. Globalization entails economic integration, that is, policy transfer across borders, knowledge transmission, cultural stability, and power relations, reproductions and discourses[2]. Globalization is a concept which has been defined differently overtime, from political, social and/or economic points of view. Basing on their opinion and knowledge of globalization with regard its nature today, Al-Rhodam and Stoudmann[3] define globalization as a process which comprises of the causes, course and effects of trans-cultural and transnational integration of human and non-human activities. This implies that communities of people are consistently changing and experiencing change.

Globalization may be categorized into economic globalization, cultural globalization, and political globalization[4]. Economic globalization majorly involves rapid extension of international trade, capital market flows and foreign direct investment[5].

Technological developments are regarded the major drivers of most globalization processes. Technology can be described in terms of five major concepts: possession, instruments, knowledge, production, and change[6]. Developments in telecommunications and data processing capacities enable the coordination of research, marketing, and production operations across the globe[7]. Millions of households are now in possession of computers[8].  Computers have drastically evolved in their roles as they are no longer a reserved tool for business organizations and states, but also a household electronic appliance for information processing and retrieval, communication, entertainment and education. The Internet has ensured that information is shared around the globe twenty-four hours a day. Many businesses have exploited the internet to market their services and products around the world. Furthermore, text messaging, voice mail, and mobile phones ensure instantaneous communications across countries and states.

Changes in transport technological have also played an important role in globalization due to the fact that they have caused a drastic transformation in air, sea, rail, and road travel. Air transport has expanded trade and tourism across continents, as it has now become faster and more affordable. Innovations in the transport sector usually encompass communication and information technology.

Due to innovations in technology, entrepreneurs, particularly multinational corporations (MNCs) have fully exploited more free markets to spread production processes across the globe[9]. The decline in transport costs and the Internet have significantly impacted on the volume of trade, economic transactions and financial flows through the reduction of the methods and time of delivery and payment of products and services.

• The nature and purpose of the nation state

Most scholars contend that globalization culturally, economically, and politically undermines the autonomy of nation states. Globalization virtually causes all nation-states to be part of a larger series of global transformations and global flows. Communications, people, capital, goods, and weapons, in addition to beliefs, fashions, pollutants and crime move very fast across the territorial boundaries. This has become an entirely interrelated global order. Nevertheless, globalization is still incomplete. Whereas the world economy is globalized, society, politics, regulation, and law are still mostly national, with a slow emergence of bounds imposed by Westphalian or modern international states system[10].

As a reaction to economic globalization, many national states are rapidly coming together through memberships in transnational organizations with common political aspects[11]. Examples of such transnational organizations include: the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU)[12]. Though membership of these organizations has some benefits to nation states, it is also possible to lead to partial transfer of sovereignty from the nation state to the organization. For instance, EU law now has precedence over UK law in Britain.

There has been too much criticism than praise of globalization in developing countries[13]. Singapore, which was ranked the second most globalized country in the world in 2012 has signed Free Trade Agreements and introduced many multinational corporations into the domestic economy[14]. This is among developing countries that have really managed to be at the top in globalization. Nonetheless, there are concerns with regard to the impact of globalization in eroding the Singaporean identity, by overlooking national natural resources and the country’s culture. This is the same problem that Somali, which is ranked among the failed countries in globalization, faces. Somali receives international support from organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank on certain conditions which the country is supposed to comply with[15]. Due to overreliance on external relief, the country has failed to exploit its natural resources. The culture of Somali has also been eroded, leading to security problems in the country that has destabilized its proper functioning. Thus, the international and regional agreements also impact on the sovereignty of a country.
1.2. The nature and purpose of the TNC

Transnational Corporations (TNCs) are businesses whose operations are carried out in two or more countries[16]. TNCs have an unquestionable level of influence or power around the globe[17]. Consequently, they have attained and exhibited their capability in respect of influencing the direction of economic and political policies both domestically and internationally.

Specifically, a TNC combines aspects of global, Multinational and International companies by working with international institutions, which have given them a go ahead to fully take advantage of any country that they deem favorable for their businesses[18]. For instance, the World Trade Organization has allowed TNCs to pursue ‘free trade’ without taking into consideration such issues as human rights.
1.3. The relationship between the state and the TNC

The widespread approach to the creation and sustenance of economic growth in the current global atmosphere is attributed to the implementation of free-market principles[19]. On the face value, TNCs fiercely advocate for the free market system on grounds that it contests the control of market operations by governments, encourages the concept of free trade and stirs up a constructive implication with its seeming relationship to the growth of democracy. It is contended that in the pretext of promoting the advantages of the free market system, TNCs have attained significant influence in the global society, which has undermined democracy, exploited developing countries, and devastated the natural world[20].
TNCs seek to make money and grow market share. This conflict with the conventional efforts of effectively allocating human and natural resources in a way that benefits the entire society. Consequently, the conventional purpose has been ignored as most countries allow TNCs to grow in size, and develop into very dominant economic players, creating jobs (just a few of them) and boosting national income. This makes them to become very powerful and drive away potential critics.

In third world countries, the objective of TNCs is to ensure maximization of their profits through the reduction of the cost related to input such as raw materials and labor. Research shows that 80% of the countries in the third world are left out, hurt, and/or marginalized by the operations of TNCs.

Economic globalization involves the development of massive TNCs beyond the regulation of national governments[21]. TNCs with lifestyles, logos and brands outline a ‘global culture’ which undermines national culture[22]. TNCs such as Starbucks, Google and Amazon are capable of moving investment and production across the globe toward places which have favorable conditions[23]. Nation states from an individual perspective are not able to regulate the operations of TNCs and have therefore lost a considerable amount of power upon their own economies. Furthermore, several TNCs are more powerful than many governments[24]. This makes it easy for them to politically influence their countries. Accordingly, there are high chances that the TNCs will influence the passage of laws which favor their own interests rather than the interests of the country as a whole.

TNCs are reported to have devised more sophisticated ways of avoiding taxes in the recent years. As such, prominent companies such do not pay any taxes on their huge international profits[25]. In early 2013, protesters in the United Kingdom (UK) attacked Starbucks branches on grounds that the company evades taxes. Most Internet and computer companies based in America are accused of not paying taxes there, on their profits made overseas. This has been noted to also have a considerable impact on developing countries. This is an issue that has not been resolved as to how to handle such TNCs[26].

1.4. Influences affecting the actions of the State and the TNC

Since the World War II, Brenton-Woods institutions like the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have made efforts in reconstructing the international economy through “liberal market-oriented global capitalism” as a result of the influence of the industrialized states[27]. These institutions have pressurized developing countries into liberalizing their economies through the application of force and sanctions to make these countries get committed to trade liberalization and deregulation. International institutions focus on promoting equality in economic growth in respect of their members. They have however been criticized for putting too much force on developing countries by setting certain conditions which are perceived as agents for undermining the sovereignty of such countries.

It is contended that TNCs have influenced the World Trade of Organization (WTO) so that it issued a policy statement which declared that ‘free trade’ should not be interfered by environmental concerns and human rights. This is due the influential power that TNCs have amassed overtime. The IMF and the World Bank have also been criticized for the use of the money given to them by TNCs to loan third world countries, which has given TNCs a chance to fully exploit these countries[28].

Civil society encompasses the set of organizations, behaviors, and institutions located between the family, the business world, and the state. Particularly, it involves non-profit and voluntary organizations of varied kinds[29]. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are increasingly playing a significant role in recognizing and dealing with global and transnational issues by mediating between political regulation and societal interests. CSOs and networks relate to TNCs in governance and development comprises of an important force for regulatory change. CSOs aim at providing checks and balances on the increasing and unprecedented size and power of TNCs so that they may not undermine human rights and other ethical issues. Whereas the minority elites advocate for more regressive monetarist and neoliberal policies, others including mainstream CSOs are advocating for collective will in the bid to restore global rules for  accountability and transparency which aim at promoting human security for all, protecting biodiversity and the survival of natural evolution, and promoting sustainable development, as well as an environmentally sound economic growth.

In the contemporary global society, global corporations are required to issue reports on corporate social responsibility (CSR)[30]. In addition, the public requires businesses of all types to visibly indicate their CSR initiatives. CSR is used by most businesses in promoting various policies, increasing employee loyalty, generating bran equity and burnishing their image. This has led to a majority belief that CSR is a win-win situation for both the public and corporations.

However, there is a significant disagreement between CSR advocates and free trade advocates with regard to the nature of corporate social responsibility for global companies[31]. According to CSR activists, though profit is significant, there is need for a greater purpose to the existence of corporate companies in the same way as to that of humanity. Accordingly, CSR activists advocate for the adoption of socially responsible policies on human rights, environmental, and labor issues, though special issues may arise that the companies may be required to handle such as rainforest conservation, technology transfer, women’s rights and animal rights. Free trade advocates propose that corporate social responsibility should on entail the maximization of return-rates to the general shareholders in accordance with the law. With the increasing sensitivity to environmental and social issues by the general public and consumers, corporations need to seriously look into their societal role as expectations of them enlarge. This has a possibility of increasing their goodwill in the global society and reducing the need for strict state regulations[32].

 

References

Al-Rodhan R.F. Nayef &Stoudmann Gerard. “Definitions of Globalization: A Comprehensive Overview and a Proposed Definition.” Geneva Centre for Security Policy: Program on the Geopolitical Implications of Globalization and Transnational Security. 2006.

Nur Yusuf Ahmed. “Reviving the Somali Economy: Business Regulation and Development Opportunities Associated with Globalization.” Bidhaan, vo. 7.

Acs J. Zoltan & Preston Lee. Tehnology, and Globalization: Introduction to a special issue on small and medium-sized enterprises in the global economy. Small Business Economics, 1997, 9(1):1-6.

Amaldas Marystella. The Management of Globalization in Singapore: Twentieth Century Lessons for the Early Decades of the New Century. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences. (2009). Vol 1, No 3, 982-1002.

Milovanonic Goran, Barac Nada, & Andjelkovic Alexandra. “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Globalization Era.” Economics and Organization, 2009, 6(2):89-104.

Henn, Marcus. Tax Havens and the Taxation of Transnational Corporations. International Policy Analysis. June 2013.

Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[1] “Definitions of Globalization: A Comprehensive Overview and a Proposed Definition.” Geneva Centre for Security Policy: Program on the Geopolitical Implications of Globalization and Transnational Security, 2006.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[5] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[6] Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[7] Acs J. Zoltan & Preston Lee. Tehnology, and Globalization: Introduction to a special issue on small and medium-sized enterprises in the global economy. Small Business Economics, 1997, 9(1):1-6.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[10] Acs J. Zoltan & Preston Lee. Tehnology, and Globalization: Introduction to a special issue on small and medium-sized enterprises in the global economy. Small Business Economics, 1997, 9(1):1-6.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[13] Nur Yusuf Ahmed. “Reviving the Somali Economy: Business Regulation and Development Opportunities Associated with Globalization.” Bidhaan, vo. 7.

[14] Amaldas Marystella. The Management of Globalization in Singapore: Twentieth Century Lessons for the Early Decades of the New Century. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences. (2009). Vol 1, No 3, 982-1002.

[15] Nur Yusuf Ahmed. “Reviving the Somali Economy: Business Regulation and Development Opportunities Associated with Globalization.” Bidhaan, vo. 7.

[16] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[17] Ibid.

[18]Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[19] Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[20] Wolf. “Will the Nation-State Survive Globalization?”; David Harvey, A Brief History of Neoliberalism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005); Holton, Globalization and the Nation-State, 69.

[21] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[22] Ibid.

[23] Henn, Marcus. Tax Havens and the Taxation of Transnational Corporations. International Policy Analysis. June 2013.

[24] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[25] Henn, Marcus. Tax Havens and the Taxation of Transnational Corporations. International Policy Analysis. June 2013.

[26] Ibid.

[27] Hobson Jr. Ira. The Unseen World of Transnational Corporations’ Powers. Accessed on October 26, 2013 from: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/divisions/business/journal/Review_SP06/pdf/transnational_corporations.pdf

[28] Ibid.

[29] Acs J. Zoltan & Preston Lee. Tehnology, and Globalization: Introduction to a special issue on small and medium-sized enterprises in the global economy. Small Business Economics, 1997, 9(1):1-6.

[30] Milovanonic Goran, Barac Nada, & Andjelkovic Alexandra. “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Globalization Era.” Economics and Organization, 2009, 6(2):89-104.

[31] Ibid.

[32]Milovanonic Goran, Barac Nada, & Andjelkovic Alexandra. “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Globalization Era.” Economics and Organization, 2009, 6(2):89-104.