Medical microbiology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Clinical microbiology - Assignment Example (ii) The most ordinarily utilized stain for the gastric biopsy for the discovery of H. pylori is the changed giemsa stain. Segments of the biopsy in a patient with gastritis would show epithelial harm and a summed up decline in the thickness of the bodily fluid layer. Disintegrated regions of the stomach coating would likewise show the nearness of white platelets, for example, lymphocytes and neutrophils. A haematoxylin and eosin stain of an individual with interminable gastritis would show polymorphonuclear leucocytes meddling into the covering of the bodily fluid organ. Helicobacter pylori lives profound into the coating of the stomach divider, and as the polymorphonuclear cell can only with significant effort arrive at the site of disease, they discharge superoxide radicals which harms the stomach lining. A methylene blue stain of the segment would recolor the H. pylori microscopic organisms blue and would present as little bend formed, winding microbes in the bodily fluid coverin g. (iii) 13C urea breath test is a precise, non-intrusive, basic test that can create results inside 20 minutes. Helicobacter pylori produces urease catalyst which frames the premise of 13C urea breath test. The patient is given a non-radioactive 13C urea to drink, which is separated into smelling salts and bicarbonate by the urease protein in Helicobacter pylori. Bicarbonate particles separate into Carbon dioxide and water in the acidic condition of the stomach. The 13C isotope containing carbondioxide is ingested into the circulation system and taken to the lungs to be terminated. Readings are taken of the lapsed air and the outcomes are sent to the lab for Mass connection spectrometry to be performed and levels of 13CO2 are resolved, which are equivalent with the nearness of Helicobacter pylori. (iv) A triple routine treatment is encouraged to the patient, which comprises of a proton siphon inhibitor (for example omeprazole) and two anti-infection agents (for example amoxicillin,

The Relationship between Drugs and Crime

The Relationship among Drugs and Crime Medications: their utilization, abuse and associations with wrongdoing In this exposition I might want to contend that the investigation of wrongdoing and medication use is mind boggling. There are various differing factors that lead individuals to abuse sedates; these are a blend of social, mental and financial variables. Age and sexual orientation are noteworthy measurably however deficient research has been completed to investigate these issues completely. In this thesis we will consider how individuals gain a physical and mental reliance on drugs. We will take a gander at the weight that can be put upon helpless people by useless families and friend pressure. Different components that will be investigated are whether character attributes or genetic variables assume a noteworthy job in medicate abuse and any resulting criminal conduct. It is additionally certain that there is a relationship among's wrongdoing and medication taking however again this connection isn't obvious. It will be important to consider if there are factors that incline individuals to degenerate conduct and medication abuse or on the off chance that one factor prompts another, and if so in what bearing. We will consider at some length what is being done to ‘police’ tranquilize wrongdoing and reason that albeit much is being done it is a troublesome and developing region, requiring the intercession of specific wrongdoing organizations, for example, the Serious and Organized Crime Agency (SOCA). We will close by looking at that as significantly more research should be done to help comprehend this unpredictable issue however that there are various territories where valuable ventures could be made. The first is in the arrangement of progressively gifted individuals to go about as medications guides, so as to assist lower with requesting for drugs; the second is to co-work with worldwide bodies in shaping approach to battle the worldwide medications business and co-work globally with requirement organizations; the third is for authorization offices in this nation to act in association with one another and outside offices to help upset the gracefully of medications by evacuating its provider and their cash and lessening request by helping drug-clients to battle their compulsion. Just when every one of these measures are followed up on will any critical progress be made in the ‘war on drugs’. Definitions Before we leave on our investigations, I might want to characterize how I will utilize the term tranquilizes in this exposition; I plan to characterize medicates as psychoactive medications; this is any concoction that ‘alters recognitions and conduct by changing cognizant awareness’. Notwithstanding, I will avoid recreational medications that are acknowledged by society, especially liquor. The purpose behind this is to empower me to accomplish a firmly engaged contention inside the restrictions of the word check. There is a lot of research on liquor misuse; quite a bit of it reflects the abuse of different medications, in any case, there are some huge contrasts, which would expand out the contention to an extreme. In this exposition we will confine ourselves to drugs that are outside of society’s endorsement. The medications we will consider in this work fall into four classifications: depressants, energizers, sedatives and drugs. The depressants incorporate liquor, barbiturates and solvents. Energizers work by expanding the transmission of nerve driving forces in the cerebrum; they incorporate cocaine, MDMA (otherwise called ‘ecstasy’), and amphetamines. The following gathering of medications, sedatives have been known since the hour of the old Sumerians; in 4000BC they named the plant that delivered pitch from its unripe seedpods, the poppy. From this gum come the sedative medications. These discourage neural working, smother physical sensation and reactions to incitement, which is the reason the codeine and morphine forms of this medication are utilized as significant painkillers. Stimulants are the last gathering and contain LSD, PCP and cannabis. In this paper, when we have thought about what drives at first to medicate use and abuse, we will take a gander at the connection among medications and wrongdoing. I have characterized above what I mean by drugs, I’d now prefer to characterize what mean by wrongdoing. Such a definition isn't anything but difficult to set up. There is recognizable distinction between the definition made by an exploration clinician and a legal advisor; one has a profoundly conceptualized definition, the other a legitimate one. In this paper, I will utilize Glen Walters meaning of wrongdoing. In his book Drugs and Crime in Lifestyle Perspective, he characterizes it as ‘a decide breaking conduct that, whenever known to legitimate specialists, would bring about the standard breaker’s being accused of a criminal offense deserving of law’. Size of medication issue It's anything but a simple undertaking to precisely record what number of individuals take these types of medications all the time. A National Survey on Drug Use and Health, attempted in the United States in 2003, uncovered that an expected 3.7 million individuals had utilized heroin sooner or later in their life. It additionally uncovered that 119,000 had utilized heroin in the month prior to the overview. It is maybe reassuring that the British Crime Survey uncovers that medication taking in this nation among 16 to 24 years olds has diminished since 1998, in spite of the fact that it has expanded in individuals structure 16to 59. A United Nations report, distributed in 2005, evaluated that 200million individuals, or around 5% of the world’s populace, aged15-64, have utilized medications in the most recent year. Whichever figure is right, the quantity of individuals who misuse drugs is enormous. As far as the criminal side of wrongdoing, this is an inexorably troublesome issue to manage. The unlawful market for drugs is massive, which pulls in the consideration of enormous composed wrongdoing gatherings. All things considered, managing this difficult will be a significant piece of the work done by the new Serious and Organized Crime Agency. A significant zone that should be taken a gander at is the manner by which to disturb the progression of medications into the nation; this will be an intricate endeavor. Utilizing Cocaine for instance, the medication starts in Latin America, primarily Columbia. Its at that point taken first to an auxiliary nation, for example, Spain, Portugal or West Africa, lastly channeled into the UK through France, Belgium or the Netherlands. In spite of the fact that, Jamaica, the Caribbean Island nearest to Latin America, which additionally has a critical worker network in England, gives a more straightforward course into this nation for drugs. Obviously, this implies the Immigration and Customs and Excise divisions additionally have a significant part to play in policing this ‘industry’. The structure of the contention In section one we will take a gander at the physical, mental and natural factors that lead to habit of oppressive substances. In section two I will think about whether there is a connection among compulsion and wrongdoing; we will likewise consider the ramifications of the illicit medications advertise on policing. In part three I will talk about the anticipation systems that exist. At long last, I will finish up by clarifying that in spite of the fact that it is conceivable to arrive at certain resolutions in our examination, it is hard to reach a complete resolution because of the measure of research material and its complex and regularly conflicting nature. Part 1: The street to medicate use and abuse Presentation In this section we will consider the elements that lead to sedate use and abuse. We will consider how perspectives when all is said in done concerning drug use have changed and how this has prompted a more prominent acknowledgment of taking medicine. We will likewise consider the mental components that could add to an individual initially falling prey to sedate use. There is proof that financial components might be critical and we will investigate this thought; we will incorporate a thought of the inexorably refined ‘marketing’ techniques utilized by the dealers of unlawful medications. At long last, we will infer that in spite of the fact that there is a lot of data regarding the matter of why individuals start ingesting medications we will see that it is hard to reach an inference from the data accessible. We can't offer ends just assumptions. Changing perspectives to drugs Individuals have been utilizing drugs for significantly longer than it has been viewed as an issue. Tammy Salah proposes that medication use has been common since old occasions (Salah, p6). In any case, critical significant changes have happened in the example of medication taking over the most recent four decades. During the 1950s not many individuals enjoyed any type of medication, other than liquor or cigarettes, in any case, this circumstance has bit by bit changed until we have become a medication utilizing society. Various reasons have been recommended for this change. Some have recommended that the expansion in consuming medications for restorative purposes changed people’s general demeanor towards ingesting medications; as they obtained the discernment that a pill could fix physical issues and psychological sickness, they acknowledged the likelihood that a pill could be utilized to counter different issues; others upheld the possibility that in the 1960sand 70s individuals, especially Americans, were investigating new ways of life, many had an expanded measure of relaxation time and searched for new exercises to fill them, one of those approaches to fill the additional hours squander recreational utilization of medications. Streets to dependence This expansion in medicate misuse prompted issues with enslavement as individuals obtained a physical reliance on these substances. Step by step, subsequent to taking the medication for quite a while, an individual obtained a resistance, so required increasingly more of it to accomplish a similar impact. They additionally arrived at a phase where discontinuance of the medication in the framework prompted horrendous withdrawal indications. At this stage they are said to have obtained physical reliance on the medication. In any case, this isn't the main type of reliance that can emerge; it is additionally conceivable to get a mental reliance. This can happen especially if a medication is utilized to diminish uneasiness; despite the fact that no physical reliance happens, the sentiment of being without nervousness is addictive, which makes the medication addictive

Oxazepam Use, Side Effects, Cautions, and Withdrawal

Oxazepam Use, Side Effects, Cautions, and Withdrawal Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print How Oxazepam (Serax) Is Used for Anxiety By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 30, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 16, 2020 BSIP/UIG/Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis In This Article Table of Contents Expand Side Effects Precautions Safety Compared to Other Benzodiazepines During Pregnancy and Nursing Withdrawal View All Back To Top The medication oxazepam (brand name Serax, among others) is used for short-term relief of anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability. Its also used to treat anxiety associated with depression and alcohol withdrawal and cocaine withdrawal.?? Oxazepam is an older medication, having first been marketed in 1965. Since its been around so long, its available almost exclusively as a generic drugâ€"brand name versions like Serax are difficult or impossible to find. However, the generic versions of the medication should work as well as prescription versions. Oxazepam works slowly compared to other benzodiazepine drugs. Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine. As with all medications in that class of drugs, you can become addicted if you use the drug too frequently or for too long. Benzodiazepines: Addiction and Dependence Side Effects As with all prescription drugs, oxazepam has potential side effects, some of which may be serious. The most common side effect seen with the use of oxazepam is drowsiness or lethargy, especially when you first start to take the medication. If this is too big a problem or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor about reducing your dosage (which almost always solves the problem). Less common side effects of oxazepam include:?? HeadacheTremorSwellingDizziness or lightheadednessVertigo (trouble with balance or the sensation that the room is spinning)Slurred speechNauseaChanges in your sex drive Benzodiazepines Uses, Indications, and Side Effects Precautions When starting oxazepam, you shouldnt drive or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how you will react to the medication (and even then you should practice caution). Combining oxazepam with alcohol, opioid medications, or other substances that depress the central nervous system could result in serious complications, even death due to suppression of the breathing center in the brain.?? How Depressants Affect the Central Nervous System Those with a history of psychosis should not be prescribed oxazepam.?? Likewise, the medication should be avoided in anyone with a history of addictive behavior. An exception, of course, is when the medication is used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When oxazepam is used for alcohol, cocaine, or other substance abuse withdrawal, a person should be closely monitored for the duration of the time the medication is used. Benzodiazepines, including oxazepam, should also be avoided entirely in the elderly and in people with dementia.?? Safety Compared to Other Benzodiazepines Oxazepam is significantly safer in terms of toxicity than either Librium (chlordiazepoxide) or Valium (diazepam), two other benzodiazepines.?? Commonly used doses of oxazepam are less likely than equivalent doses of other benzodiazepines to cause dangerous side effects. During Pregnancy and Nursing Because other drugs in the benzodiazepine family have been shown to cause birth defects, you should not take oxazepam while pregnant.?? If you accidentally become pregnant while taking it, talk to your doctor. This medication should be stopped as soon as possible in pregnancy, but due to the possibility of withdrawal, this should only be done under the guidance of your physician. Oxazepam will pass through into your breast milk,?? and therefore should not be used by nursing mothers unless you and your doctor decide the expected benefit of the drug outweighs the risk to the baby. Withdrawal Abrupt discontinuation of oxazepam or any other benzodiazepine, especially after extended therapy, can cause mild to severe withdrawal effects.?? For those who have been using oxazepam for some time, withdrawal can be very serious, and even fatal. Because of this problem, you should try to use the medication for as little time as possible, and discuss with your doctor how to taper your dosage off gradually. Never discontinue the drug suddenly. How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Your System? Bottom Line Oxazepam can be a useful medication for the acute treatment of anxiety or alcohol withdrawal, and since it may have fewer side effects than some of the other benzodiazepines, may be a good choice in certain circumstances. At the same time, its important to understand that benzodiazepines are strong medications with a potential for abuse and serious side effects, both due to the side effects of the drug alone or in combination with other drugs, and due to withdrawal side effects when it is discontinued.

How far do the The Drovers Wife and Squeakers Mate question traditional gender binaries Free Essay Example, 2000 words

How far do the ‘The Drover’s Wife’ and ‘Squeaker’s Mate’ question traditional gender binaries? Introduction Gender binary refers to the division of the world into aspects that can be regarded as either masculine or feminine. The masculine aspects relate to men while the feminine aspects tend to relate to women. Gender binaries connote that men and women have many differences, yet at the same time they can be regarded as having many commonalities. The gender divisions with regard to gender binaries can be with regard to a number of aspects. This paper will look into how the Squeaker’s Mate and the Drover’s Wife question traditional gender binaries. How the ‘The Drover’s Wife’ and ‘Squeaker’s Mate’ question traditional gender binaries The two stories question the gender parity that existed between men and women in the traditional Australian society. In â€Å"The Drover’s Wife†, the hardships faced by the women in Australia are discussed by the author. According to Lawson, the Australian society glorifies men, but the women are left to suffer and they cannot address the difficulties they face. However, Lawson portrays women as people who play crucial roles in society. We will write a custom essay sample on How far do the The Drovers Wife and Squeakers Mate question traditional gender binaries or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

The Central Problems Of International Politics - 1721 Words

ne of the central problems of international politics is that of cooperation or lack of cooperation. Though, cooperation is not always possible or a welcome idea when it comes to states making decisions. Creating and claiming value are two of the most fundamental aspects of negotiation strategy that exist, but there is tension with one another. In any negotiation, the delegates need to decide which course of action to take whether that be competitive, cooperative, or some of both. David Lax and James Sebenius call this the negotiator s dilemma. It is similar to the prisoners dilemma in game theory, because this is a way of using rational choice and strategic thinking to describe situations. In a book written by D. Lax and J. Sebenius The Manager as Negotiator: The Negotiator s Dilemma: Creating and Claiming Value, the authors argue that negotiation includes both cooperative and competitive elements, and that these elements exist in tension. The dilemma in this situation is in deciding whether to pursue a cooperative or a competitive strategy. The authors suggest several strategies to resolve this dilemma, and how to encourage cooperative approaches to creating mutually beneficial outcomes. Conflict analysts tend to view negotiations either as a matter of cooperating to create value, or as a matter of competing to claim values. In the value-creating view, negotiators work primarily to increase the available resources, to find joint gains or win-win solutions,Show MoreRelatedEssay on Hungary Economic Crisis1672 Words   |  7 Pages(BEA910M) 6 August 2012 Contents Executive Summary 3 Problem Identification and Analysis 3 Floating of the Currency (Forint) 3 A shift to the Right 3 Feud with the IMF 4 Crisis Taxes 4 Renationalisation of Pensions 4 Governance 5 Monetary Policy and Central Bank Independence 5 The Media Law 5 Loophole Legislating 5 Statement of Key Problems 5 Hungary had two major problems, namely: 5 Political Climate 6 A Shift to the RightRead MoreRealism And Liberalism In International Relations1610 Words   |  7 PagesA theory of international relations is a set of the ideas that explains how the international system works and how its operated. Unlike an ideology, a theory of international relations would at least be in principle, backed up with a large amount of concrete evidence. 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Dbq- Scientific Revolution Free Essays

DBQ – The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Revolution of the sixteen and seventeenth century were affected greatly from the contributions of the opposing voice and ideas of the Church and their disagreement with the uprising of scientific studies. Despite the rejection from the Church, the Scientific Revolution was heavily influenced by those in society who felt differently, and believed the benefits the Scientific Revolution would bring. This view however, was unequally agreed in when it came to the view of it politically. We will write a custom essay sample on Dbq- Scientific Revolution or any similar topic only for you Order Now Still during the sixteenth and seventeenth century, religious and the Church played a great role in the ways of people. Till the time of the Scientific Revolution, many things were not questioned, but once scientists began to question the traditional beliefs, many people of the church were outraged and spoke openly against it. Even people like Copernicus, who was the great contributor to the heliocentric idea, denied himself and submitted to the church even dedicating a part of his book to Pope III which showed his fear and actions in pleasing the pope to avoid condemnation. doc. 1) His situation greatly exemplified how the Scientific Revolution although was growing but many times stunted because of fear from the disapproval from the Church. Italian monk Giovanni Ciampoli also expressed his disapproval in a letter to Galileo stating with much urgency that the nature of the world should just be left alone for the Scripture to explain it and that man should not go about their ways to r eason why. (doc. 3) Similar to Copernicus, Walter Charleton a English doctor and natural philosopher who studied the balance of science and religious. He makes it clear that science is only possible with religion. Although he does not completely push the idea of scientific studies, he does believe it is only possible with the power of God. (doc. 8) The conclusion as you interpret out of Charleton is that no matter what man upholds through science or ideas are not sufficient enough to differ or oppose what God determines it to be. The views of secular people and society also bought about significant influence upon the Scientific Revolution, but just on the other side of the scale. Francis Bacon, a English philosopher of science made it evident in his advocacy of science. In fact, in the document, he expresses his eagerness of the goal people need to bring achievement in human society. (doc. 4) The document shows that despite the lack of support from the church was given, many people chose to stray away tradition and venture out into new ideas. Another document that poses the same suggestion as Bacon as to improving the community of scientific studies was that of Henry Oldenbury, Secretary of the English Royal Society in his letter to Johannes Hevelius. Oldenbury emphasizes the need in cooperation, and that scientists shouldn’t just focus on one’s study, put into consideration with the studies of others to develop the education of science. (doc. 6) Oldenbury in saying â€Å"friendship among learned men is a great aid to the investigation and elucidation of the truth† only shows him hinting that a society of scientist should be raised. Both Bacon and Oldenbury were men during the seventeenth century who viewed science as a way to improve and enhance society, but others had a different view. Margaret Cavendish’s Observations on Experimental, shows her demand in questioning why women were not allowed to be a part of the revolution and contribute as men could, and her willingness in building upon the study of natural philosophy of women if she were allowed. (doc. 9) Her partake show’s that the influences of the Scientific Revolution did not solely come from different men of different social communities, but it had even spread to the other gender, which shows involvement. Political figures serve as a voice and power of the people in their society. In this case, politics took a great part in the uprise of the Scientific Revolution. Document 5 is a letter from French monk Marin Mersenne to his noble patron in which he asks for the approval of his patron on his statements based on his experiments. His letter expresses a sense of meekness and humbleness Mersenne has for his patrons. He feels pressure in doing things correctly for his patrons, and is hindered from sharing what he has experimented on without winning the approval from his patrons. The power of political figures still remained throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth century, which from this document, shows how some studies were hindered because of the political authority. Political influences on scientific studies included personal beliefs on how scientific research should be controlled and suppressed. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher believed that any scientific findings that would interfere with the authority of rulers should be rid of. (doc. 7) Hobbes, a strong believer in an absolute monarch emphasized the power of rulers to overpower the research of scientists. Unlike other documents, the depiction of the drawing that commemorated Louis XIV’s visit to the French Royal Academy, although not a very reliable source still portrayed how Louis XIV’s support in the scientific studies. Since a ruler takes up such a huge part in a country, the people of the country, in this case France, would naturally follow in the steps of their ruler. Louis XIV from this painting would’ve initiated a message that showed The work of scientists were affected by religious, social, and political ideas and influences in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. All these affected in ways that encouraged the study of science, while others felt that all scientific research should be stopped and suppressed. How to cite Dbq- Scientific Revolution, Essay examples

Dell Supply Chain Analysis free essay sample

Dell’s Position in PC market Service level: high customization, etc Competitive Strategy: Dell chooses the customers who prioritize Variety: high product variety Quality: reasonable quality Price: reasonable price Lead time: approximately one week Implied Demand Uncertainty Impact of customer needs on implied demand uncertainty Conclusion: The competitive strategy in meet high variety and service level contribute to Dell’s high implied demand uncertainty. Dell SC Capabilities 1. Facilities 2. Inventory 3. Transportation 4. Information 5. Sourcing 6. Pricing 7. Customer service Facilities †¢ Location: Regional approach, suppliers’ facilities built next to door †¢ Capacity: Lowest raw material shipping time, perform intended functions, little excess capacity will be more efficient per unit; high-utilization facility difficult to respond to demand fluctuations , customer could conveniently send orders via internet and telephone. Summary: Dell’s facilities strategy reduce inbound shipping time, and the logistics cost, and increase service level. Inventories †¢ Safety Inventory: on-site inventories to copy with the next few hours of orders †¢ Seasonal Inventory: Level of Product Availability(time): High Level and just-in-time Delivery 4 days across the entire operation Summary: Dell’s low inventories strategy minimizes inventory and overstock, therefore it could meet customer high variety by quickly transferring to latest products. Transportation †¢ Leave it to the Suppliers †¢ Design of Transportation Network: Air Networks mostly in Asian Market: Shanghai, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong †¢ Choice of Transportation Mode: Summary: Dell’s transportation strategy could minimize the production lead time, and also could provide high service level by shipping products directly to customers’ home. Information †¢ Push Versus Pull †¢ Coordination and Information Sharing †¢ Forecasting and Aggregate Planning: how to make and to what extent to rely on †¢ Enabling Technologies: EDI, Internet, Extranet, B2Bi Summary: Shared Information strategies could realize supply continuity. Thereby it could meet the high customization and product availability. Sourcing †¢ In-house or Outsource †¢ Supplier Selection: 50 suppliers †¢ Procurement: Consolidated supply, 80% of procurements to ensure low transaction costs Summary: Stringent supplier selection criterion could increase product availability, and reduce supply uncertainty. Pricing Customer Service †¢ Pricing – Eliminating the by distributors and retails as well as the added value; – Pricing is not Dell’s main strategy, but Dell provides a reasonable price with good quality. †¢ Customer Service – Customer orders conveniently via phone and internet; – Shipping the products to customers’ home; – Service Center is dedicated in Dell’s brands. Summary: Dell’s strategies in pricing and customer service could provide products with high service level and reasonable price. Responsive Supply Chain Supply chain responsiveness includes a supply chains ability to do the following (Chopra Meindl, 2010): †¢ Respond to wide ranges of quantities demanded †¢ Meet short lead times †¢ Handle a large variety of products †¢ Build highly innovative products †¢ Meet a high service level †¢ Handle supply uncertainty Conclusion: Dell realize a supply chain with high variety, service level, and flexible to hand supply uncertainty, Dell supply chain is high responsive. The responsiveness spectrum Somewhat Somewhat efficient responsive Dell: Highly responsive Highly efficient Why it works well . Facilities 2. Inventory Service level: high customization, etc 3. Transportation Variety: high variety 4. Information Quality: Reasonable quality 5. Sourcing Price: Reasonable price Lead time: approximately one week 6. Pricing 7. Customer service Strategic Fit Why it works well High implied Uncertainty VS. Responsive SC Strategic FitIntercompany Interfunctional Scope †¢ †¢ †¢ Dell SC considered different functions inside the company; Dell SC considered different stages; The intercompany interfunctional scope could obtain the maximize profitability. Suppliers Dell Customer Intercompany Interfunctional Scope Competitive Strategy high [variety, customization, service level], reasonable [price, quality, lead time]. Supply Chain Strategy Build facilities next to Dell plant floor; Managing manufacturing per Dell MRP forecast; Ensuring freights were last loaded in order to be unloaded first. Build to order; Lowest inventory; No distributors and retailers; Shipping to customer home, etc. Online sales; Sharing MRP forecast, order flow, Inventory with suppliers, etc Direct contacting with customer Ordering computers on line; Customizing the computers. Information Strategy MS Strategy FA strategy Tight cash flow Limitations of Direct Model †¢ Time: – Relative long lead time for customers(one week); †¢ Cost: – Suppliers’ next to door facilities increase suppliers’ cost; – High delivery cost, especially for rural areas; †¢ Service Level: – Complex and time-consuming after sale service; – Low inventories may impact in production continuity; – Lack of first hand experience before buying; †¢ Variety – Limited diversity due to Dell’s commitment to Intel; †¢ Innovation – Less innovative, relying on suppliers’ intellectual property. Challenges in Emerging Markets †¢ Printers and TVs markets – Difficulties to make outsourcing printers work seamlessly with dell’s products; – Less innovative; – Competitors start to sell online; †¢ New geographic markets – More expensive than other competitors in low-end products; – Customers dislike to buy on the phone or internet; – Expensive cost in delivery, service and support in rural areas; – Limited diversity and higher cost due to Dell’s commitment to Intel; – inability to serve all market needs due to limited vendors; – Requirement for better information and communication technology. Proposals for Dell †¢ Printers and TVs markets – More innovative; – More TVs displaying in public places to raise customer awareness; – More development in high-end products; †¢ New geographic markets – More product availability and diversity in low price products; – Long term cooperation with dedicated logistic companies or huge wholesalers to reduce the delivery cost (e. g. Amazon); – More localized channels to place and pay orders; – Setup franchisee to provide customer service and support. The End. Thank you!

Chosen By Potok Essays - The Chosen, The Promise,

Chosen By Potok Malter's Development in The Chosen One of the most emotional scenes from Chaim Potok's The Chosen is when Reuven goes with Danny Saunders to talk to his father. Danny has a great mind and wants to use it to study psychology, not become a Hasidic tzaddik. The two go into Reb Saunders' study to explain to him what is going to happen, and before Danny can bring it up, his father does. Reb Saunders explains to the two friends that he already known that Reuven is going to go for his smicha and Danny, who is in line to become the next tzaddik of his people, will not. This relates to the motif of "Individuality" and the theme of "Danny's choice of going with the family dynasty or to what his heart leads him." The most developing character from the novel is Reuven Malter. One of the ways that he developes in the novel is in hus understanding of friendship. His friendship with D\fanny Saunders is encouraged by his father, but he is wary of it at first because Danny is a Hasid, and regards regular Orthodox Jews as apikorsim because of the teachings of his father. Reuven goes from not being able to have a civil conversation with Danny to becoming his best friend with whom he spens all of his free time, studies Talmud and goes to college. Reuven truly grows because he leans, as his father says, what it is to be a friend. Another way that Reuven grows is that he learns to appreciate different people and their ideas. He starts out hating Hasidim because it's the "pious" thing to do, even though his father (who I see as the Atticus Finch of this novel) keeps telling him that it's okay to disagree with ideas, but hating a person because of them is intolerable. Through his friendship with Danny, studies with Reb Saunders, brief crush on Danny's sister (who was never given a name), and time spent in the Hasidic community, he learns that Hasids are people too with their own ideas and beliefs that are as valuable as his. He learns why they think, act, speak, and dress the way that they do and comes to grips with the fact that he doesn't have a monopoly on virtue. A third way in which Reuven grows, though the book doesn't really talk about it a great deal, is in his appreciation of life, or cha'im in Hebrew. He almost loses his vision, his father nearly works himself to death, six million Jews are butchered in Europe, and Danny's brother's poor health threatens Danny's choice to not become a tzaddik. When his eye is out of order he can't read, and indeed does remark that it's very difficult to live without reading, especially with a voracious appetite for learning such as his. His father almost dies twice and he talks about how difficult it is to live all alone in silence (which is a metaphor alluding to Danny's everyday life) for the month while his father is in the hospital. He sees Reb Saunders and his father feeling the suffering of the six million dead, Saunders by crying and being silent, David Malter by working for the creation of a Jewish state and being a leader in the movement, in addition to teaching at a yeshiva and adult education classes. And of course Danny is very worried by his brother's illness (hemophillia?) because if he dies it will be even harded for Danny to turn down his tzaddikship. By the end of the book, Reuven Malter is a very changed character. Potok is an expert with using allusion and metaphor. Very subtly throughout the book he uses this for the purposes of renforcing his points, foreshadowing, and to make the book a better read when you've read it previously and know the outcome. One example of this, one that I missed the first time I read the book in 7th grade is the paragraph at the end of chapter nine where Reuven is sitting on his porch and sees a fly trapped in a spider's web with the arachnid builder approaching. He blows on the fly, first softly, and then more harshly, and the fly is free and safe from the danger of the spider. This is a metaphor to Danny being trapped in the "filmy, almost invisible strands of the web" (165) that is a metaphor for the Hasidic clan that has Danny somewhat captured and expected

Ceramic Definition and Chemistry

Ceramic Definition and Chemistry The word ceramic comes from the Greek word keramikos, which means of pottery. While the earliest ceramics were pottery, the term encompasses a large group of materials, including some pure elements. A ceramic is an inorganic, nonmetallic solid, generally based on an oxide, nitride, boride, or carbide, that is fired at a high temperature. Ceramics may be glazed prior to firing to produce a coating that reduces porosity and has a smooth, often colored surface. Many ceramics contain a mixture of ionic and covalent bonds between atoms. The resulting material may be crystalline, semi-crystalline, or vitreous. Amorphous materials with similar composition are generally termed glass. The four main types of ceramics are whitewares, structural ceramics, technical ceramics, and refractories. Whitewares include cookware, pottery, and wall tiles. Structural ceramics include bricks, pipes, roofing tiles, and floor tiles. Technical ceramics are also know as special, fine, advanced, or engineered ceramics. This class includes bearings, special tiles (e.g. spacecraft heat shielding), biomedical implants, ceramic brakes, nuclear fuels, ceramic engines,  and ceramic coatings. Refractories are ceramics used to make crucibles, line kilns, and radiate heat in gas fireplaces. How Ceramics Are Made Raw materials for ceramics include clay, kaolinate, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and certain pure elements. The raw materials are combined with water to form a mix that can be shaped or molded. Ceramics are difficult to work after they are made, so usually they are shaped into their final desired forms. The form is allowed to dry and is fired in an oven called a kiln. The firing process supplies the energy to form new chemical bonds in the material (vitrification) and sometimes new minerals (e.g., mullite forms from kaolin in the firing of porcelain). Waterproof, decorative, or functional glazes may be added prior to the first firing or may require a subsequent firing (more common). The first firing of a ceramic yields a product called the bisque. The first firing burns off organics and other volatile impurities. The second (or third) firing may be called glazing. Examples and Uses  of Ceramics Pottery, bricks, tiles, earthenware, china, and porcelain are common examples of ceramics. These materials are well-known for use in building, crafting, and art. There are many other ceramic materials: In the past, glass was considered a ceramic, because its an inorganic solid that is fired and treated much like a ceramic. However, because glass is an amorphous solid, glass is usually considered to be a separate material. The ordered internal structure of ceramics plays a large role in their properties.Solid pure silicon and carbon may be considered to be ceramics. In a strict sense, a diamond could be called a ceramic.Silicon carbide and tungsten carbide are technical ceramics that have high abrasion resistance, making them useful for body armor, wear plates for mining, and machine components.Uranium oxide (UO2 is a ceramic used as a nuclear reactor fuel.Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is used to make ceramic knife blades, gems, fuel cells, and oxygen sensors.Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a semiconductor.Boron oxide is used to make body armor.Bismuth strontium copper oxide and magnesium diboride (MgB2) are superconductors.Steatite (magnesium silicate) is used as an electrical insulator.Barium titanate is used to make heating elements, capacitors, transducers, and data storage elements. Ceramic artifacts are useful in archaeology and paleontology because their chemical composition can be used to identify their origin. This includes not only the composition of clay, but also that of the temper the materials added during production and drying. Properties of Ceramics Ceramics include such a wide variety of materials that its difficult to generalize their characteristics. Most ceramics exhibit the following properties: High hardnessUsually brittle, with poor toughnessHigh melting pointChemical resistancePoor electrical and thermal conductivityLow ductilityHigh modulus of elasticityHigh compression strengthOptical transparency to a variety of wavelengths Exceptions include superconducting and piezoelectric ceramics. Related Terms The science of the preparation and characterization of ceramics is called ceramography. Composite materials are made up of more than one class of material, which may include ceramics. Examples of composites include carbon fiber and fiberglass. A cermet is a type of composite material containing ceramic and metal. A glasss of glass-ceramics include glass stove tops and the glass composite used to bind nuclear waste for disposal.

Forging Ideas and Opinions about Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forging Ideas and Opinions about Music - Essay Example Music continues to shape the world in diverse ways. Its history is as old as time itself. It carries aspects of culture, history, traditions and values, having social, economic and political impact on the society. Music is from various genres that continue to advance with the changing times. American music has drawn a lot from the British and Jewish backgrounds among others and the culture in these have been influential in determining the ideas expressed and the way opinions are shaped. Discriminations on basis of cultural affiliation have been a trending issue in the music industry. In his topic of discussion ‘Highbrow, Lowbrow, Voodoo Aesthetics’, Robert Walser brings up the controversies behind music and races. He notes that the opinions and mindsets among several people in the population have been biased in regards to the racial and cultural affiliations, the whites usually being placed highly, demonstrating what he calls ‘highbrows’. The music does not only affect the musicians by the acceptance they get but also the listeners are given regard based on the music they listen to (Walser 235-237). Classical music continue to have popularity, interviewing heavy metal music lovers Walser found that they viewed metal music as the most important in their lives but were swift to recognize the wisdom and superiority of classical music. However, cultural hierarchy in music does not influence all individuals; some have beaten odds and drawn from other cultures. For example, rock guitarists of have been able to draw from the techniques and procedures in classical music. Eddie Van Halen not only facilitated technological techniques that saw the making of the Baroque models but also showed how to play speedy arpeggios on the guitar. He spearheaded a revolution that also saw a revolution in the rock guitar (Walser 242-3). This has seen as a deviation from the convectional culture of the music. In the 1980s, Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen brought a new revolution that saw the development of metal neoclassicism an aspect that attracted other musicians who were haste to copy the advancement. Rhoads was very influential in classical materials of music and was good at teaching and an inspiration to many musicians. The concepts of cultural differences and regard of one over the other among the heavy metal musicians is a demonstration that social strata have been shape in music and are maintained (Walser 244). Opinions on music ca n also be shaped according to the origin of the musicians. America is one of the countries in the world that enjoys huge cultural and historical diversity, aspects that have influenced its music. In view of the Jewish songwriters they were seen to embrace a southern strategy after the first world war, but they still upheld some of the traditions attached to their community (Whitfield 9). The south was influential in attracting the songsmiths to their countries who became dominant in the Tin Pam Alley, but no inspiration was forthcoming resulting to their adoption of the southern culture that they owned and propagated in their works. These Jews were the pioneer shapers of American music, the Tin Pan Alley as coined by Rosenfeld in 1909 in description of a music district that had emerged. In the early days of the 20th Century, the Jewish dominance was evident with the creation of songs such as â€Å"The Girl I Loved in Old Virginia†, a piece that dated way back in 1899 by Max D reyfus among others (Whitfield 13). It was seen that songwriters that were Americans of Jewish origin engaged in writing songs on the traditions of the outsiders especially the people of the south without any major experience about some of these areas. These songwriters started to shape music in taking a global perspective. The initial impression created about the south by Tin Pan Alley painted a lasting image about them, in the songs such as ‘Cotton is King’ that was released in 1855 exposes various issues about cotton in the south

Family Law and Divorce Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Family Law and Divorce - Assignment Example According to the findings, section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, deals with the norms relating to the settlement of matrimonial assets and monetary issues. Specifically, it comprises of the principles to be adhered to by the court, whilst dealing with the orders relating to financial provisions, property; and ancillary orders dealing with the sale of property, under sections 23, 24, 24(A), respectively. Decisions of the courts are chiefly based on the extant legislation and relevant case law. For making orders under sections 23, 24, 24(A) the courts take the following factors, into consideration. First, the income, property and other assets of the disputants, which are either present or are likely to be available in the foreseeable future, are considered. Second, the present and future financial obligations and needs are taken into consideration. Third, the lifestyle of the family is considered. Fourth, the duration and age of the parties to the marriage are taken into consi deration. Fifth, the physical and mental disabilities of these parties are taken into cognizance. Sixth, any contribution made towards the welfare of the family is taken into consideration. Hence, the consent order should be drawn in such a manner that it includes all the issues regarding ancillary relief. It will be deemed to be a final order and will prove to be difficult to modify or contest, subsequently. Hence, Sheila should have ensured, while drafting the consent order that it reflected all the agreed upon financial provisions. The drafting of consent orders necessitates the exercise of considerable care, so as to provide the maximum possible protection to the applicant. Several considerations have to be envisaged, whilst drafting consent orders.

International Business Environment Of Countries Hg Operates Economics Essay

International Business Environment Of Countries Hg Operates Economics Essay To identify and gain an understanding of the environment for international business in Germany, several factors will be reviewed. A countrys geography, culture, population demographics as well as political and economic structure can all play a role in either contributing to or working against the existence of a climate favourable to international business. By examining issues such as Germanys participation in area economic integration, its attitude toward foreign direct investment and its participation Germanys Geography Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with almost 83 million people inhabiting 357,022 square kilometres of land. The country consists of 16 federal states and 32 kingdoms, principalities and small towns. The countryside is quite diverse with five major landscape types, including sandy beaches along the North and Baltic Seas, hills and lakes in the North German Plain, numerous islands, fertile lands, lowland bays, and mountain ranges in the Alps.    The Bavarian plateau in the southwest averages 1,600 feet above sea level, while its highest point, the Zugspitze   Mountains, reaches 9,721 feet. Germanys major rivers are the Danube, the Elbe, the Oder, the Weser, and the Rhine. Natural resources present include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt and nickel.   Ã‚   Germanys Population Demographics The estimated 2006 population of Germany is 82,422,299 with a population growth rate of -0.02% Balance of Trade Germany continues to be a very export focused, as noted below in its current account balance. Germany exports account for more than one-third of national output. Although production costs within Germany are very high it continues to be a top exporter of goods. German export sales are concentrated in motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and heavy electrical equipment. France is Germanys second-largest trading partner, with the U.S. being the second largest. Trade with the U.S. totalled $89.1 billion in 2002; U.S. exports to Germany totalled $26.6 billion while U.S. imports from Germany totalled more than $62.5 billion. Foreign Debt Obligations Germanys focus on being a lead exporter lends it to continue to carry a positive trade/debt ratio compared to that of competing countries such as the U.S. Estimates based on 2005 data show that the U.S. continues to run a current account deficit compared to that of Germany. Germany continues to run a positive current account balance; this has been one of the factors supporting the increase of the euro compared to that of the dollar. World Trade Organization Involvement Germany was one of the inaugural members of the World Trade Organization founded in January of 1995. Today it remains committed to promoting multilateral trade and in 2000 began a series of contributions to the WTOs technical assistance and training activities.    Germanys most recent donation of EUR 1.7m in 2006 makes it the second biggest voluntary contributor to the WTO. Currency of Germany Germany is the worlds third-largest economy and the largest in Europe, but has recently been one of the slowest growing economies in the European Union for a number of reasons including: the continued integration of the eastern German economy, inflexible labour practices which continue to increases unemployment rates to 11.7%, taxation and high social insurance cost.    The bureaucracy associated with labour practices have led German employers to consider investing in oversee operations or automating production rather than to create jobs in domestic facilities.   Historically Germanys main currency was the Deutschmark, but in 1999 the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used within its members financial institution and by January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for all member countries. As of the November 30, 2006 the euro was trading at 1.3167 compared to that of the U.S. dollars, this is an increase over the 2005 average of .8041. (Yahoo Finance)    Due to the creation of the euro it is difficult to determine Germanys overall impact on this increase of the euro compared to that of the dollar, however, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) information illustrates Germanys dramatic impact on the increase. Although Germany has experienced a high level of unemployment in recent years, 11.7% in 2005, it continues to hold a major labour force of approximately 43 million; Analysing the above data shows that although the growth rate has been low in recent years Germany has experienced a relatively stable economy with the potential to increase it performance. Conclusion Although Germany has experienced recent slow economic growth and the cost of producing goods is higher than other foreign countries, Germany offers an environment that strongly supports international business, evidence of this includes the presence of a highly skilled and productive worker force and its prime location in the heart of Europe. Investing in Germany appears to be a sound business decision; various incentive packages can offset real costs as well as provide tax incentives in future years. To help structure a successful integration with German consumers, companies should ensure that they have a high quality innovative product. Culturally, German consumers do not focus on the cost of a product but are extremely focused on the quality of a product. Promising sectors to consider for international business opportunities in Germany include computer software, management consulting services, drug and pharmaceuticals, and telecommunication equipment.   United Kingdom Major Elements and Dimensions of Culture in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom is rich in cultural heritage. The country is a tourist destination known for its landscape, art galleries, architecture, parks, palaces and museums.    Although the sites are remarkable, the culture is distinctive.    In the United Kingdom, their culture is considered a reflection of their diversity. Languages The official language of the United Kingdom is English which is said to be spoken by 95% of the population.    Although the Unites States speaks English as well, they are very different.    The dialects are not only different between the United Kingdom and the United States; they are also very different between the regions in the United Kingdom.    The American English and the British English are the reference forms of English that recognized in the rest of the world. Economic value The United Kingdom is the third largest trading and financial center in Europe.    Over the past few years, the United Kingdom has been focused on growth of the economy and reduction within the social welfare system. The government of the United Kingdom has been researching possible ways to stimulate the economy; however, they are currently facing economic slowdown, high unemployment, declining home prices and increased consumer debt.    The rate changes in the United Kingdom are driven by the rate moves of the Bank of England; this is similar to the moves that are driven in the United States by the Federal Reserve (The economy of, 2010). When doing business with the United Kingdom, it is first necessary to determine whether you have established a presence with your business activities.    If your business with the United Kingdom is simply exporting goods, then there is no a presence established.    If there is a permanent base in the United Kingdom, then the a business has a permanent establishment that will require consideration which will possibly be taxable in the United Kingdom, if business is conducted from that base with regularity (Bryan Cave, 2009). If a permanent establishment is created there are additional considerations the United States based company must consider. The United Kingdom has a tax system has gone through many changes.    It is based on an income system, much like that of the United States.    When a business has been permanently established in the United Kingdom they are subject to taxation in the same way that the local businesses are.    The tax systems measures the rates based on cash flow, instead of profits as it has been in the past.    According to a study of King and Fullerton the corporate tax rate for the United Kingdom has changed consistently since the war.    They have continued to experiment with the rates with legislative approval.    In addition to the corporate taxes, they also have social security tax and capital gains tax. Banking It is important to understand that to conduct business in the United Kingdom will be required to establish a local bank account.    Due to increased issues surrounding corruption and money laundering, the United Kingdom establishes the Money Laundering Regulations. As a result of this program, the banks in the United Kingdom have undertaken a process for due diligence, which is required as part of this law Imports and exports Since the beginning of 2011, UKs monthly trade deficit has hit record levels of more than  £4 billion per month. The monthly deficit in the UK for 2011 is also exceeding the previous record level of  £3.5 billion per month reached in 2007. Total value of exports: US$405.6 billion. Primary exports commodities: manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco. Primary exports partners: US (14.71 percent), Germany (11.06 percent), France (8 percent), Netherlands (7.79 percent), Ireland (6.89 percent), Belgium (4.65 percent), Spain (4 percent) Total value of imports: US$546.5 billion Primary imports commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs Conclusion Scanning the business environment is an activity that needs to be conducted on a continual basis by all international businesses. The reasons are diverse when dealing with countries risks. When global companies enter into the international arena, consistent efforts must be made to understand the ever-changing business climate in each country that they are involved in .Thus company objectives and policies must be aligned accordingly to meet these changes. In dealing with country risk, strategic usage of joint ventures and partnerships may be used to minimize the risk involved. P2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Describe how the following mechanisms regulate international trade: the work of the WTO in international trade; Quotas and Tariffs; The legislation on product safety and reliability. WTO The WTO as an Organization was created on January 1, 1995, as a result of the Uruguay Round Negotiations. Currently consisting of 140 members worldwide, it is based with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and has a secretary staff of over five hundred. The organization of the WTO consists of a head Ministerial Conference, with branches of a General Council, Trade Review Body, and Dispute Settlement Body. Below these branches lie several councils and committees to deal with many different trade issues. One branch consists of a committee with the name Trade and the Environment, which concerns itself with issues relating to trade and the environment. Overseeing the organization of the WTO is the director-general, currently Michael Moore. The basis for all WTO decisions lies in its multilateral trading system, where a large amount of agreements that are negotiated and signed by members must finally be ratified in each countrys individual Senate. While the individual agreements are signed and ratified by each countrys government, the primary purpos e of the legislation is to assist the countrys producers, exporters, and importers. The overall goal of the WTO is to make trade freer, resulting in, claims the WTO, a promotion of peace worldwide, an increase in income and a stimulation of economic growth. As part of its preamble, the WTO claims an interest in the environment, and thus created the Committee on Trade and the Environment to make decisions when environmental issues are involved. The preamble itself states it will promote trade while allowing for the optimal use of the worlds resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, seeking both to protect and preserve the environment. The organization, in the past few years, however, has encouraged a lower tariff universally, thereby encouraging producers to look towards less developed countries as prime places for cheap labour and low regulations, especially low regulations relating to the environment. These less developed countries, or LDCs, are known u niversally for having very cheap, productive labour, and are not even close to having the environmental protection efforts seen in the United States and Europe. So these countries are encouraged to make waste of the land and save profits. Yet the WTO maintains that freer trade will benefit all, and their concern for the environment is shown in the existence of a council concerned with only environmental matters. The tariffs   The discussion of tariffs covers both tariffs on quantities within quotas and those outside. Traditionally, the tariff reductions that resulted from trade negotiations came from bilateral product-by-product bargaining, or they were based on formulas that applied over a broad range of products, or combinations of the two. How the reductions will be handled in the present negotiations is still undecided. Some countries such as Canada and the US are advocating that in addition, sectoral liberalization should be negotiated. In some sectors, in past negotiations these have sometimes meant zero-for-zero deals. It would include negotiating the complete elimination of tariffs (and possibly other measures such as export subsidies or subsidized export credits) by at least the key WTO members in specific sectors such as oilseeds, and barley and malt. Some countries for example Japan have said they do not support this. One country, the US, has gone so far as to argue that because so many agricultural tariffs are high, the negotiations to reduce tariffs should start with applied rates (the tariffs governments actually charge on agricultural imports) and not the generally higher bound rates (the legally binding ceilings committed in the WTO as a result of previous negotiations). This has proved quite controversial because it would break a tradition of basing negotiations on bound rates. A number of countries have also countered that they should be given credit for unilaterally applying tariffs that are more liberal than the negotiated bound rates, instead of being forced to make even deeper cuts than countries that kept to their higher bound rates. Some countries that recently joined the WTO also feel that they accepted low tariffs in order to become members and therefore should not have to reduce them much further. A number of developing countries also complain that they face difficulty if they try to increase their incomes by processing the agricultural raw materials that they produce. This is because the countries they see as potential export markets impose higher duties on processed imports than on the raw materials known as tariff escalation in order to protect their own processing industries. Some countries see tariffs and other import barriers as necessary in order to protect domestic production and maintain food security. For this reason, some countries are linking lower import barriers with disciplines on other countries export restraints and export taxes if producing countries do not restrict their exports, then importing countries can feel more secure about being able to obtaining food from them. Some developing countries say they need flexibility in deciding the level of import duties they charge to protect their farmers against competition from imports whose prices are low because of export subsidies. The tariff quotas Quota administration is a technical subject, but it has a real impact on trade on whether a product exported from one country can gain access to the market of another country at the lower, within-quota tariff. Methods used for giving exporters access to quotas include first-come, first-served allocations, import licensing according to historical shares and other criteria, administering through state trading enterprise, bilateral agreements, and auctioning. The terms can also specify time periods for using the quotas, for example periods of time for applying for licences, or for delivering the products to the importing countries. Exporters are sometimes concerned that their ability to take advantage of tariff quotas can be handicapped because of the way the quotas are administered. Sometimes they also complain that the licensing timetables put them at a disadvantage when production is seasonal and the products have to be transported over long distances. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and many WTO members acknowledge that it can be difficult to say conclusively whether one method is better than another. Several countries want the negotiations to deal with tariff quotas: to replace them with low tariffs, to increase their size, to sort out what they consider to be restricting and non-transparent allocation methods, or to clarify which methods are legal or illegal under WTO rules in order to provide legal certainty. Who has tariff quotas?  Ã‚   43  WTO members currently have a combined total of 1,425  tariff quotas in their commitments. The numbers in brackets show how many quotas each country has. Australia (2) Barbados (36) Brazil (2) Bulgaria (73) Canada (21) Chile  (1) China  (10) Chinese Taipei (10) Colombia (67) Costa Rica (27) Croatia (9) Czech Rep (24) Dominican Rep (8) Ecuador (14) El Salvador (11) EU (87) Guatemala (22) Hungary (70) Iceland (90) Indonesia (2) Israel (12) Japan (20) Korea (67) Latvia (4) Lithuania (4) Malaysia (19) Mexico (11) Morocco (16) New Zealand (3) Nicaragua (9) Norway (232) Panama (19) Philippines (14) Poland (109) Romania (12) Slovak Republic (24) Slovenia (20) South Africa (53) Switzerland (28) Thailand (23) Tunisia (13) United States (54) Venezuela (61) P3  Describe  how the environment and culture of another country affects HGs business operations.  You are asked to present a PEST (L) analyse on both the Netherlands and China. PEST Analyse The Kingdom of the Netherlands General Facts Full name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands Population: 16.6 million Capital: Amsterdam; seat of government: the Hague   Dependencies: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany Area: 41,864 sq km (16,164 sq miles)   Major language: Dutch Major religion: Christianity   Export commodities: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs GDP per Capita: $ 47,042 Political Risk Factors Political Structure Analysis   The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy (since 1815) and a parliamentary democracy (since 1848). Dutch monarch has no real political power: from the representative side head of state (Queen Beatrix), from the executive side person uniting the divided parliamentary politics. Thus, the Netherlands is usually governed by an alliance of different political parties. Prime minister comes from the party, which won the most seats in the elections, and forms the new government. These days Dutch government is in uncertain situation due to its collapse in mid-February 2010. Whichever government alliance comes to power after the June 2010 election will continue to focus on managing the after-effects of the political and financial crisis. Limits of press freedom Dutch constitution guarantee freedom of the press, as is free speech. Moreover, journalists dont present flagrant news in the light of tabloid sensationalism. But government limits press freedom establishing rules especially regarding countrys secret service. Every day there is papers confrontation with the government. Journalists have to make out where are secret information and not. And government needs to clarify free speech statement. Key Internal Political Risks Political unrest in the light of financial crises. Decision-making of financial crises results is held up at least until the general election in June due to the collapse of the government in mid-February. The two main parties failed to agree on whether or not to withdraw troops from Afghanistan as planned in 2010 and it served the main reason for government breakup. Indeed, the future of a new road pricing suggestion (the kilometre tax), based on charging motorists for the distance and time driven, has become uncertain. This scheme has been hanging in the air since its initiator, Mr Eurlings, has announced his departure from the political scene and this question hasnt got its following consideration. The kilometre tax question isnt a sole problem that previous government hasnt had time to solve them. New solutions of residual tasks will be founded when new government comes to the office. Corruption and private property Private property and contracts are secure. There is no difference between citizens and foreigners purchasing real property. Although intellectual property rights are generally protected, there is piracy of optical disc media as everywhere. Government needs to increase arrangements against these criminal organizations. Corruption is on the minimal level. So the Netherlands ranks 6th place among 180 countries in Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index (2009). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments    Anti-Bribery Convention leads struggle against corruption by penal offense. However low-level law pressure corruption doesnt have to allow government to relax its attention regarding corruption. Key External Political Risks The Netherlands Antilles as a part of the Netherlands The Netherlands Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and acknowledge the Dutch monarch. In comparison with its motherland, the Netherlands Antilles dont have very low political risk. In 2010, Curacao and St. Maarten (two largest islands whose production accounts more 70% of GDP) will achieve independence from the rest of the islands and the Netherlands Antilles probably will desist to exist because of    financial insolvency (poor tax collection and high social spending contribute). Economic Risk Factors The Netherlands has one of the most advanced economies in the world, which is modern and diversified, with institutional strengths in the sphere of legal framework and impregnability of property rights. Exports and imports account more than 60 % of nominal GDP. Strategic geographic position and a small size of its domestic market play a key role on the world arena and by attracting foreign investments. The Netherlands showed significant economic performance and GDP growth in the nineties. The economys main focus is export commodities. Dutch trade mainly comprises chemical products, fossil fuels and agricultural products, machinery and transport equipment. Exports contributed 70 % of GDP in 2000 in comparison with 58.3 % of GDP in 1996. In 2001 the rate of GDP decreased sharply and the economy didnt see growth improvements at all in 2002-2003. Cyclical shock was caused by lower rates of export growth as part of the global economic slowdown. 2006 however, showed a promising 3% growth, which steadily accelerated to 3.5 % in 2007. The economy still grew 2 % in 2008, but due to global financial crisis the economic activity had been shrinking; exports and imports dropped rapidly in 2009, by 8.4 % and 8.9 % respectively. The Public Sector Fiscal policy in the Netherlands is designed to reduce taxes and to create a favorable climate for business investors. The Income Tax of 2001 represented significant tax cuts since the war. Total tax revenue was 37.5% of GDP (2005), which is below the EU average. In January 2007 Dutch government has deducted corporate tax to 25.5%. The following tax reform gave international companies a green light for FDI in the Dutch economy. Dividend tax has also been diminished from 25% to 15% and a patent box with a 10% tax rate on income from innovations was proposed. The Dutch tax system combines 30% tax break for top qualified foreign workers, wide tax treaty network and participation exemption. The Monetary Sector The Netherlands joined economic and monetary union on January 1st 1999. European Central Bank controls monetary policy and sets interest rates in euro zone. The Netherlands is a member of the euro zone. Inflation level between 2006 and 2008 has been relatively low, averaging 2% and is expected to stay low at about 1.5% in the coming years.   Refinancing rate was raised by 25 basis points eight times to 4 % since December 2005. Due to recent financial turmoil intervention rates have risen very rapidly to 4.7 %. Since 2009 these rates remain unchanged and likely to continue to do so in 2010. The External Sector The Netherlands had strongly positive balance of payments in 2005 estimated at à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬31.5 billion, because more than two-thirds of GDP was derived from merchandise trade. Top leading export markets in 2007 were Germany with 28.2 % of the total export share, Belgium with 15.6%, the United Kingdom with 10.5 % and France with 9.8%. Germany topped the list as leading supplier to the Netherlands with 20.5 % share of imported goods. From these figures it becomes obvious, that Germany is the most important trading partner of the Netherlands.    According to EIU World Investment Prospects foreign investments increased particularly in 2007 on a worldwide basis. Inward foreign direct investments to the Netherlands have skyrocketed from US$ 635 billion in 2007 to US$ 796 billion in 2010. (see Appendix 4) The Netherlands showed good results in co-operation with multinational companies from emerging industrial companies, like India, China and Korea. The Labour Market The Dutch labour market and welfare system is similar to the German model. Policy making and industrial relations are key elements in dealing with most issues. In recent years the labour market has become more flexible than in Germany. Labour regulations are relatively strict in the Netherlands. The non-salary cost of employing a worker is high, and dismissing an employee is costly and unenviable process. The pension system is financed by pension funds, which invest pension contributions in shares and other assets. One unique characteristic of the Netherlands labour market is a large number among women, who work at part-time jobs. The one and a half earner model has become very popular in Holland, in which man has a full-time job and a woman works part-time. The current labour market is in a structurally better position.   Social Risk Factors   Ã‚   Social Spectrum of Netherlands Introduction to Social Structure of Netherlands   The Netherlands is a country where native population is nearly 81%. Dutch society is tolerant to the homosexuality but undergo Islamic conflict. This country also is well-known for the most comprehensive system of social security in the EU. It is also one of the worlds most densely populated nations. As in many European countries, there is the tendency of growing 65s population that lead to greater demands on the welfare system. Facts of social structure of Netherlands: Population: 16,715,999   Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.4%;  15-64 years: 67.7%;  65 years and over: 14.9%   Median age: total: 40.4 years; male: 39.6 years female: 41.2 years   Population growth rate: 0.412%   Net migration rate: 2.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population   HIV/AIDS: people living with HIV/AIDS: 18,000   HIV/AIDS: deaths: fewer than 200   Ethnic groups: Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Netherlands Antilles Aruba 0.8%, other 4.8% Religions: Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006) Key Social Risks   Over the past decade there is trend of the politicization of childhood which links with certain risks. In many countries, these risks are known as the new social risks (services for the elderly and disabled; services for families with children; active labour market policies). One of the reasons for it results from income and service gaps in post-industrial labour markets. This is one social risk of insufficient income security. Besides there has also been an increase in the female employment rate and virtually all adults are now expected to be involved in employment. (see Appendix 7) In addition, changes of labour markets and transformations of family and demography create challenges of social care (especially child care) when young families lack access to affordable and quality child care and yet all adults in the family must enter the labour force.   Demographic changes   Around 68% of its population is aged between 15 and 65. A short term risk Netherlands faces is the very low birth rate. Declining working population and low rate of migrant inflow are present these days. In the Netherlands, the legality of guest workers that arrived in the 1960s to work temporary for Dutch industries but never left the country afterwards leads the countrys current migrant labour situation and conflicts what link with it. The social care sector has some difficulties in immigration sphere. Government officials maintain that there is no demand for migrant labour in the social care sector, and hence there is wide field of activity for low-skilled labour. Religious restrictions   Nearly a half    (42%) of Netherlands citizens are atheists but Muslims are the main problem for the country . There is no evidence which suggests strict religious regulations in this country. In general, religious restrictions risk hence remains very low but government should continue improve situation regarding Islamic groups.   Technical Risk Factors Superior logistics and technology infrastructure The Netherlands is located in the center of Europe and provides a strategic location to run international businesses with global market leaders. Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest seaports and Schiphol Airport is considered as one of the busiest hubs in Europe.   The Netherlands is ranked as one of the most wired countries in the world, because of dynamic communications, e-commerce boom and outsourcing; but although the quality of transport and high speed Internet, cable communications network is fantabulous, the railway and road density thousand citizens is relatively low. Total government spending on rail, harbor, road and airport infrastructure improvements is one of top priorities and this plan is estimated to cost a total of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬37 billion. Highly qualified workforce The Netherlands labour market predominantly consists of highly educated and competent workers. Dutch prof

The American System of Government

Chapter 4 We – the People Dividing Power: The American System of Government The Basics †¢Americans have distrusted any concentration of political power ever since its founding †¢American form of government was written down in a Constitution o1787, after thirteen colonies gained independence from Great Britain †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Tyranny† of King George III – the Americans wanted to make sure no person was allowed to have too much power †¢Representative democracy Elected representatives who could be regularly shifted out oPower rested with the people †¢Federal system oIndividual states which give only certain specific powers to a central government oFederalism †¢The separation of powers oDivided the power into three oNo one is too powerful Federalism †¢The federal government can only do what it has specifically been given the power to do in the Constitution oDelegated powers by the states †¢Reserved powers are for the states and the peo ple oState rights The states gave the federal government power over the following areas oForeign affairs (treaties and relations with other countries) oDefense (defending the nation and declaring war) oMonetary policy oTrade (among states, between states and government, between the nation and other countries) Separation of powers †¢Breaking power into three oThe Executive (the President) oThe Legislative (Congress) oThe Judicial (Supreme Court) †¢Main idea – power could never be combined under one man oThreaten people and democracy The Founding Fathers created the system of checks and balances oEach of the branches can limit the power of two The Congress – legislative powers †¢Two â€Å"chambers† – the House of Representatives and the Senate †¢The smaller states were afraid of being controlled of the larger states †¢The number of representatives each state got in the House of Representatives was based on the population of the stat e †¢In the Senate, each state was given two representatives no matter how small or large †¢Congress has the power to: Pass laws (legislation) oLevy taxes oDecide how federal money is used †¢No one in the federal government gets paid nothing gets funded unless Congress has passed a â€Å"bill† approving the use of money †¢Members of the House of Representatives – Congressmen o435 members, all its members are elected every two years (democratic) †¢Members of the Senate – Senators o100 members, two from each state, elected for six years of the time (stable) †¢Checks on Congress oThe President can veto a bill by refusing to sign it The Supreme Court can declare laws â€Å"unconstitutional† The President – executive powers †¢The President is Head of State and represents the people of the US at home and abroad †¢The President is Chief Executive oHeads all federal organizations, has a â€Å"cabinet† with poli tical advisors †¢The President is Commander-in-Chief oHe is head of the armed forces of the only superpower in the world. Only Congress can declare war, but the President can ask Congress for the power to use â€Å"necessary force† †¢The President is Chief Diplomat Decides foreign and defense policy, appoints ambassadors, sets up embassies and negotiates treaties (only become law if two-thirds of the Senate approves) †¢The power of the President has increased since 1787, he leads three million people who work for this branch of the government †¢Checks on the President oThe Supreme Court can declare his actions unconstitutional oCongress can change or refuse to pass the legislation suggested by him oCongress can override a presidential veto with a two-third majority oCongress and Supreme Court can â€Å"impeach† the President (remove him) The Supreme Court – judicial powers Highest court in the land, all courts must accept its interpretation o f the law †¢States have their own laws and their own supreme courts, but if there is a conflict, the federal law overrides the state law (to make sure the law is applied the same way everywhere) †¢Decides what laws are in compliance and what laws are unconstitutional †¢A law that is unconstitutional is â€Å"null and void†, no longer valid †¢Nine members of the Supreme Court oNine to make sure it can’t split evenly oâ€Å"Justices† are appointed for life †¢Checks on the Supreme Court oCongress can change the Constitution Congress and the Supreme Court can â€Å"impeach† a Supreme Court Justice Checks and balances in action †¢Every year the President must submit a bill for federal budget to Congress †¢Congress never passes it as it is, both the House and the Senate make changes †¢If president gets a majority, he may then accept a compromise. He can refuse to sign the bill, and send it back to the Congress, both must a compromise Appointing a Supreme Court Justice †¢When a justice dies, the President nominates a judge to fill the seat †¢Since the President can choose someone he finds beneficial for the job, he Senate must first approve â€Å"ratify† the choice before the President can appoint a nominee †¢If it does not, the President must find someone else (checks and balances) Separation of powers – advantages and disadvantages †¢It has worked as intended †¢It has kept government under democratic control †¢When Richard Nixon broke the law (Watergate scandal) he was forced from office †¢On the other hand, when the President is a Democrat and Congress has a majority of Republicans (or vice versa), the division of powers can paralyze the political system †¢Some say it would’ve been better with a parliamentary democracy (the Congress chooses the President).In that way, the budget would always pass in congress †¢However, this would gi ve the President a lot more power State government †¢American states are â€Å"real states† oThey make their own laws, collect their own taxes, have their own welfare systems, police forces, educational systems and so on †¢Most â€Å"governing† goes on at the state and local levels †¢Any American is bound to respect federal law, state law and local city and county law †¢Most states use the federal government as a model for their state government oAll have a written constitution All practice the separation of powers into three branches †¢The executive branch is headed by a Governor †¢The legislative branch is divided into two chambers (except Nebraska) †¢All states have a state supreme court and separate court systems †¢The 50 states are all different, and are looked at as 50 â€Å"laboratories of democracy†, which means that they come with new solutions to new and old problems †¢The US is proud to have an extremely la rge degree of local democracy and variationAdvantages and disadvantages †¢Local democracy > source of strength and innovation, but hard to govern †¢E. g. the school system. The President and Congress can have an opinion on what is best for the school systems, but they can’t order the states to adopt these measures, because education is a â€Å"state right† and not a federal responsibility †¢Variety > inequality. Some states are rich, some are poor Political Parties in the United States The electoral system There are two basic things to keep in mind about the electoral system in America oAll federal and state elections are in single-seat election districts †¢Only one representative from each district will be elected oA candidate can win an election with either a majority of votes, or a plurality of votes †¢The winner is candidate C, because that candidate has a plurality of votes. â€Å"The winner takes it all†. The other votes are  "wasted†. 85306 †¢If A and B goes together and supports one candidate, that candidate could easily win with 60% of the votes †¢Problems: finding someone they both support The US only has two parties: The Democrats and the Republicans. Both are giant coalitions of wildly different political groups. Shooting for the center †¢Both parties are coalitions > neither party presents a very clear political profile †¢A clear ideology would send away some interest groups, weakening the party †¢Both parties are vague about what they stand for †¢No one wants to come out with strong ideological statements that might scare away any voters, because to win you have to win the votes of the electorate, which basically is divided into twoThe Democratic Party (donkey) †¢Supports stronger federal authority, more liberal, willing to use government in the service of the people at the expense of â€Å"states’ rights† †¢Wants to involve the federal government in shaping American society (more than the Republicans), reducing the gap between rich/poor †¢Support welfare programs more strongly than Republicans †¢Taxes are a resource that can be wisely used †¢Have support in large cities and states on the coasts The Republican Party (GOP, the elephant) More conservative party, support state rights and resist a large role for the federal government †¢Wants to give a great deal of free play to market economy and are opposed to government regulations of the economy †¢Lower level of taxation †¢Every-man-for-himself tradition, are suspicious of welfare systems †¢Have support in the Midwest and the south and among businesspeople Democrats and Republicans †¢Some Democrats are more conservative than Republicans and some Republicans are more liberal than Democrats. †¢Different histories and tradition Serious political consequences > the Republicans have grown more powerful because conservative so utherners have left the democrats Advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system †¢Gives a stable foundation to build on †¢Forces the parties to look for voter support from the center of American politics, encouraging moderation, an agreement, a â€Å"consensus† †¢The two-party system helps create such broad agreement †¢Wastes votes of millions who vote for candidates who are not elected oUndermines democracy †¢No directions other than leading the country Blocks new ideas and movements (they are drawn into the coalitions) Interest Groups and Lobbyists †¢Joining or supporting a political party is not the only way to influence the political process in America †¢A more direct route > INTEREST GROUPS oPolitical organizations which seek to influence government policy about one specific issue or related set of issues oCompromise without being part of one of the great party coalitions oCan be more straightforward, aggressive and ideological PAC s †¢Political Action Committee Organized specifically to elect (or defeat) politicians or to promote legislation †¢Collects contributions and use them to support or oppose candidates oHard money > goes directly to the candidates oSoft money > pays for campaigns in various ways Lobbyists †¢Interest groups make use of lobbyists who try to persuade individual politicians to support the interests they represent. They have recently become more active (16 000>34000) †¢Can be done in many ways: Taking them out for dinner, paying their way to conferences and seminars, finding jobs for their relatives and so on †¢Lobbyists are found near the centers of power.Spent 2. 4 billion in 2005 Advantages and disadvantages †¢Make the citizens politically active †¢They show that the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are being put to good use †¢Some worry about the increasing role of interest groups oWeakened political parties? oSplits the electo rate up in warring groups? †¢Another reason for concern is the skyrocketing expense of getting elected †¢Senate campaigns costs minimum 3 million dollars, rising to 10 million in big states †¢House of Representatives: 1 million dollars every two years oA great deal of the money comes from lobbyistsElecting a President †¢To major stages in the election process oDeciding nominees for candidates for President and Vice President oElecting President and Vice President †¢Primaries > winner > national convention > nomination > Vice President/platform > campaign > election (people) > election (electoral college) > President The nomination race †¢Exhausting process †¢January > June: Primaries are held in most states oChoosing a party nominee †¢Earlier they were chosen by state party conventions Not good, because they ended up being controlled by a party elite †¢Decided to choose nominees by a special state-wide election †¢Protects the public from the leadership of its own political parties †¢Primaries are held at different times in different states and often with different rules †¢Each party emerges with a man or a woman as winner in each of the states holding a primary oWinner is the state’s delegates at the party’s national convention †¢As the primaries proceed, the number of persons running for the nomination is gradually reduced to two or three per party †¢Failure > losing support †¢Succeed > momentum and fresh funding Earlier the primary season was longer, and that gave relatively unknown candidates the chance to gain support oExample: Jimmy Carter †¢Recently, primaries are held earlier and earlier oNo point in holding a state primary after other primary elections have already determined which candidate has a majority of delegates at the national party convention †¢Held as early as possible, on the same day in several states †¢This favors well-known candidates w ith a lot of money who can campaign in several states †¢Ironically, the money comes from powerful special interests, forces primaries were created to avoid Tickets and platforms Late August/early September, a national convention is held in a major city †¢A party chooses its final candidate for President †¢Used to be an exciting event (unknown who would become candidate) †¢These days, the results are almost always already decided from the primaries †¢The nomination is â€Å"ritual†, with balloons and speeches and cheering crowds †¢However, a good deal of interest is still connected to the choosing of a party â€Å"ticket† and the creation of a party â€Å"platform†. †¢The party ticket is the team of candidates running for President and Vice President †¢The choice of Vice President is up to the President Often a secret until the presidential nomination is accepted †¢A BALANCED TICKET, to reach a broad section of the ele ctorate oCandidate from South, other one from North/West oCandidate is woman, other one is a man oCandidate is conservative, other one is liberal oCandidate is inexperienced, other one is a seasoned politician or statesman †¢All interests can’t be balanced in two people, but an effort is made †¢Once the ticket is clear, the two sit down with the party leadership and write a party platform oThe team will run for election Party platform > closest thing to an ideological statement †¢It consists of political statements or promises which together make the party’s political program †¢They differ from year to year and election to election, addresses the different issues of the day and incorporate with new political trends †¢They want to meet the expectations of as wide a group of voters as possible oFuzzy and broad, both parties promise the same thingsThe election and the Electoral College †¢Finally there is the actual election †¢Serious cam paigning starts in September and lasts until voting day, the first Tuesday in November †¢The candidates travel all over the country, speaks at meetings, takes part in official debates, appears on TV, gaining recommendations from important people, TV-ads, press releases, e-mails, books, pamphlets and etc †¢Expensive, in 1996 it amounted together 448. million dollars. In 2008 it doubled to over 1 billion dollars, 500 million dollars on each. †¢The President and Vice President are not elected directly by the popular vote †¢They are elected indirectly by a majority of the electoral votes cast by the nation’s fifty states system †¢The 41 days comes from the old days (1787), when it was a lot harder to travel around. Most people didn’t know who the candidates were, but they trusted someone in town.Votes were cast for these men as electors from each state. They assembled, discussed the candidates, and sent their decision to Washington D. C. †¢The candidate who had won a majority of the popular vote in a state got all the electoral votes in the state (Winner takes it all) The Electoral College †¢Each state is given a number of electors equal to its presentation in Congress oTwo Senators + a varied number of Congress man †¢D. C. , which belongs to no state has three electors The number of electoral votes is equal to: o435 congressmen o100 senators o3 from the District of Columbia †¢538 electoral votes †¢To win the Presidential election a candidate must have a majority of these votes, that is 269+1 = 270 votes. †¢It is possible for a President to be elected with a majority of the votes in the Electoral College while having a minority of the popular vote nationwide. oSmall states are over-represented in the Electoral College