Diversity in the Workplace and Implications for Human...

Diversity in the Workplace: Implication for Human Resource Development - Paper Week 3 Homer Bolden BSHS/425 March 30th, 2015 Dr. Patricia Mc Donald Diversity in the Workplace: Implication for Human Resource Development - Paper Week 3 A brief description of the event and the work environment the discrimination occurred (Omit identifying demographic information and use fictitious names as needed). True event: When I was a younger man back in 1973 or 74, I was out in (Royal Oak) near the (Detroit Zoo). I cannot remember the reason I went out there more than likely just joy riding, I use to do a lot of that when I was younger since the age of 18, and mostly I have driven new cars all my adult life. I saw a sign for a delicatessen that†¦show more content†¦The following is a brief description of (DOLs) statutes which are most applicable to businesses, job seekers, workers, retirees, contractors and grantees. This brief summary of major labor laws and not to offer a detailed explanation. For authoritative information and references to fuller descriptions on these laws, you should consult the statutes and regulations themselves. (Employment Laws Assistance) provides a list of U.S. Department of Labor laws and regulations with links. The DOL compliance assistance Web site offers complete information about how to comply with federal employment laws. Rulemaking and regulat ions provide brief descriptions of links to various sources of information on DOLs rulemaking activities and regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) describes standards for wages and overtime pay that affect private and public employment. This act is administered by the Wage and Hour Division. It requires employers to pay covered employees who are not otherwise exempt, the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-one-half-times the regular rate of pay. For nonagricultural operations, it cuts the hours that children under age 16 can work and forbids the employment of children under age 18 in jobs deemed too dangerous. For agricultural operations, the law prohibits the employment of children under age 16 duringShow MoreRelatedA Cultural Diversity Training Program1213 Words   |  5 PagesWith many organizations expanding and becoming more global organizations, whose businesses deal with other countries, cultural diversity becomes more challenging. That is why it is important for organizations to create a cultural diversity training program to encourage employee from different backgrounds to come together and learn each other s belief system which can enhance the organization s ability to problem-solve. To do this successfully an organization needs to create an organizationalRead MoreHuman Resource Management Processes and Practices1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe Inï ¬â€šuence of Culture on Human Resource Management Processes and Practices. Dianna Stone and Eugene Stone-Romero, eds. New York: Psychology Press, 2008. 340 pp. $38.25, paper. Although national and international workforces have become increasingly culturally diverse, human resource systems and processes often lag in adapting to multiculturalism in ways that will reduce the cultural bias of existing human resource systems and enhance organizational effectiveness. Nearly 15 years ago Sharon LobelRead MoreManaging Diversity Within An Organization1674 Words   |  7 PagesManaging Di versity is often defined as a â€Å"management philosophy of recognising and valuing heterogeneity in organisations with a view to improve organisational performance† (Ozbilgin and Tatli, 2011). Hence recognising the wide variety of qualities possessed by people within an organisation and creating an environment that understands, values and utilises the differences within people. 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By allowing open discussion, answering religious questions and creating an open, welcoming religious environment in the workplace employees can better relate to one anotherRead More Business Ethics and the Global Dimensions of Business Essay1409 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Ethics and the Global Dimensions of Business This inclusive analysis was developed after an initial consultation with the C.E.O. of XYZ Construction, Inc. where the implications of expanding the construction company into Asia were discussed. The issues to be examined are the varied aspects of implementing a global business expansion. Time wise there is market potential for this opportune endeavor. However there are potential difficulties and risk that need to be considered before an internationalRead MoreFormal Structure Interface With Internal And External Business Environment904 Words   |  4 Pagesapproach their tasks. [12] †¢ Resources - The two main resources that affect creativity are time and money. When it comes to a project, we must determine the funding, people and other resources that a team legitimately needs to complete the task. [12] †¢ Work-group Features - If you want to build teams that come up with creative ideas, you must pay careful attention to the design of such teams. We must create teams that are mutually supportive and include a diversity of perspectives and backgroundsRead MoreKey Resources That Affect Creativity Are Time And Money778 Words   |  4 Pages†¢ Resources - The two main resources that affect creativity are time and money. When it comes to a project, we must determine the funding, people and other resources that a team legitimately needs to complete the task. †¢ Work-group Features–Group must work for common objectives of their group. There must be mutual understanding between group members. There must be predefined rules and regulations for every group member. There should be effective communication among every group member.(Wride, 2012)

Why Should We Conserve Our Coral Reefs Before Its Too Late Free Essays

Why Should We Conserve Our Coral Reefs Before Its Too Late? The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s latest report warns that half of the coral reefs could disappear by 2045. Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems that support different kinds of fish species and other organisms under the sea. They are home to as many as 150,000 species in any given coral reef (Harris 1060). We will write a custom essay sample on Why Should We Conserve Our Coral Reefs Before Its Too Late? or any similar topic only for you Order Now They are located in warm, shallow, and tropical marine waters where there is enough sunlight available for the coral reefs to thrive. It is very hard to estimate how much of the ocean floor is covered in coals because of the various places that they are located. The water temperature is also a very big influence on the growth and survival of coral reefs. For a coral to survive, the temperature needs to be around 74-78  °F and no lower then  °F. When the temperature gets too cold or too high, the coral starts dying immediately. The destruction of these coral reefs has become a dominant problem in the last ten or so years, resulting from various causes. As the number of coral reefs is rapidly declining and destruction is heading toward an all time high, while the rate of destruction is heading toward an all time high. We need to take action to conserve our coral reefs before it is too late. The destruction of coral reefs is being caused by both natural and manmade causes. The number one natural reason for the destruction of coral reefs is global warming. In an article for the Natural Wildlife Federation, author Joe Pupree explains the immediate effect of global warming and puts it into perspective saying, â€Å"While for most terrestrial creatures, the worst effects of global warming are decades away, for coral reefs the future is already here. The obvious major spikes in the oceans temperature are evident in many tropical regions today, showing pressing evidence that this is an increasing issue. The warmer water temperatures have also assisted in creating a new issue among the coral reefs known as coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is the second biggest problem within coral reefs. When coral bleaching occurs, the coral basically gets rid of the algae that are living inside of them, which is what g ives the corals their vibrant various colors. Corals draw in oxygen from algae in exchange for nutrients and carbon dioxide, so when corals expel their algae it is because they are experiencing a time of stress. When this happens the coral loose their color and turn white or become transparent. In 1998, for example, extreme water temperatures triggered a rare massive bleaching that left few corals untouched (Dupree). After this disaster, it was estimated that about 16% of the world’s corals had died in less than that one year. Regrettably, natural causes aren’t the only thing destroying our coral reefs, humans are also adding to the damage. Things like oil spills, coral mining, and dynamite fishing are all things that we have control over but haven’t done anything about. Even tourism can be physically damaging to the coral reef’s structure. The list of factors contributing to the destruction of coral reefs goes on and on. Throughout the world there are some well-known coral reefs that have been affected by the destruction. Ten years ago when reefs mysteriously started dying off the coast of Key West scientists began to investigate. The way they conducted the research to find out why these coral reefs were dying, was that they cornered off parts of the reef with metal stakes and sent divers with cameras frequently so they could monitor corals and signs of pests and disease. A decade later, the metal stakes were still in place at Easter Dry Rocks Reef, but the corals themselves were gone (Dupree). Another reef that is being affected is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Charlie Veron, a coral expert and a longtime chief scientist for the Australian institute of Marine Sciences says that â€Å"A history of the Great Barrier Reef is a catalog of disasters caused by planetary chaos. But they are disaster from which the reef has always covered† (Qtd. In Dupree). As for today’s reoccurring disasters the prospect for coral reef recovery is uncertain. With the destruction of coral reefs becoming such as escalating problem, there have been several efforts to save them. The issue of global warming affecting the coal reefs is the top priority for the National Wildlife Federation. They claim to be â€Å"backing congressional legislation to reduce greenhouse gases, publishing reports on warming’s impact on wildlife and collaborating with state affiliates on the grassroots efforts† (Dupree). Management plans have been put into place that strictly enforces the limitations and controls on marine exploitation. This management plan has, however, significantly improved the health of some of the reefs they have tested this method on. There are also organizations such as â€Å"Reef Check† that encourages people to get out into their community and volunteer and make a difference. The goal of â€Å"Reef Check† is to educate the public and governments about the value of coral reefs and the crisis facing them. The coral reefs that are dying every day not only affect our oceans, but they have a direct and indirect effect on our country. The people who depend on seafood for economic survival are finally beginning to realize that these coral reefs that they never cared to try to protect is going to have consequences. Fishermen will soon not be able o make a living in the commercial fishing industry and the economy will suffer from that. The nonexistence of coral reefs will also take a toll on the tourism industry. Things like reef tours, snorkeling, diving, and fishing, will all be affected. As said in the article Coral Crisis, â€Å"Globally, coral reefs are estimated to contribute more than 30$ billion a year in direct net benefits to human economics. † This is a huge sum of money and with the status of the economy at this point in time losing this money would be detrimental. Scientists as of lately have extracted over 1,200 potentially useful components from Cancer. If these components prove to be the answer to the curing of these terminal disease and there are no corals left, that could lead to some problems. Coral reefs are being destructed more and more every day. Whether it is by global warming making the temperature of the water unlivable, or by the stress placed on the corals until it causes them to become completely bleached throughout. It could also be caused by any human activities that harm the original nature of the coral reefs. The most prominent of the reefs being affected are the reefs in the Keys and in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Efforts to save the reefs have started to begin but these efforts are no where near the magnitude that is needed if we want coral reefs to be around in the years to come. The effects of these coral reefs ceasing to exist will become apparent soon enough, but by that time we start the conservation of these beautiful underwater ecosystems it will not help. As marine, biologist Chris Langdon from the University of Miami explains to us short and to the point that â€Å"if we wipe them out, we’re not going to have them around for a very long time† (Dupree). Word Count: 1240 How to cite Why Should We Conserve Our Coral Reefs Before Its Too Late?, Papers

Tax and Research free essay sample

Research and Planning Midterm Chapter 1 20. Discuss what is meant by the term â€Å"double taxation† of corporations. Develop an example of double taxation using a corporation and shareholder. The term â€Å"double taxation† refers to the taxing of the same income twice. This type of taxation typically results from a C corporation paying tax on its taxable income and shareholders paying income tax on any dividends received from the C Corporation. The impact of double taxation of C corporations has been substantially reduced by the fact that since 2003, dividends are taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. The most well-known example of double taxation in the U. S. is the income tax levied once on corporate income and then again when profits are distributed as dividends to shareholders. 21. Limited liability companies (LLCs) are very popular today as a form of organization. Assume a client asks you to explain what this type of organization is all about. We will write a custom essay sample on Tax and Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Prepare a brief description of the federal income tax aspects of LLCs. A Limited Liability Company or LLC is a legal form of business organization with daily activities like a partnership but with limited liability similar to a corporation. An LLC is formed in the state in which it operates. An LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the state in which you will be doing business. Limited liability companies (LLCs) are generally taxed as partnerships. Therefore, the LLC is not subject to income tax on its taxable income but such income is allocated to the members (owners) of the LLC.. 23. Partnerships and S corporations are flow-through entities. In connection with filing annual tax returns, these entities must include Form K-1 in the returns. What is Form K-1, what is its purpose, and who receives the form? Form K-1 is an integral part of the annual partnership tax return. It reports a partner’s allocable share of partnership ordinary income and separately-stated items, such as dividends, long-term capital gains, etc. The K-1 is prepared for each partner in the partnership and is filled with Form 1065(annual Partnership tax return). If a partnership has ten partners, there will be a K-1 for each. A copy of each partner’s K-1 is provided to them so that they can report the information on their own tax returns. Chapter 2 4. List the conditions that must be met in order to claim a dependency exemption for qualifying children and relatives. Briefly explain each one. (1) Identification number- all dependents must have social security numbers reported on the taxpayer’s return, (2) Citizenship dependents must meet a citizenship test(dependents must be U. S. citizens or nationals, or residents of the U. S. , Canada, or Mexico for some part of the year), (3) Married dependents cannot normally file a joint return but they are entitled to the exemption if they file solely to claim a refund of tax withheld , and (4) No dependent – dependents who file a tax return cannot claim personal or dependency exemptions on their returns. Additional requirements for Qualifying children are (1) Relationship test – eligible children must be the taxpayer’s child (including natural, adopted, foster, and stepchildren) or sibling (including half-siblings and step-siblings), (2) Age test – a qualifying child must be under 19, a full-time student under 24, or permanently and totally disabled, (3) Abode test – a qualifying child must have the same principal abode as the taxpayer for more than half of the year, and (4) Support test – a qualifying child may not be self-supporting for more than one-half of his or her own support during the year. Requirements for Other dependents – (1) Relationship test –other relatives must be related to the taxpayer or reside in the taxpayer’s household for the entire year, (2) Gross income test – the dependent must have gross income less than the amount of the personal exemption, and (3) Support test – The dependent must receive over one-half of their support from the taxpayer. 6. Under what circumstances must a taxpayer use a rate schedule instead of a tax table? A taxpayer will use a rate schedule instead of a tax table if taxable income exceeds the maximum in the tax table (currently $100,000) or if the taxpayer  is using a special tax computation method such as shortyear computation. 17. Explain what is meant by the phrase maintain household. The phrase maintain a household means to pay over one-half of the costs of the household. These costs include property taxes, mortgage interest, rent, utility charges, upkeep and repairs, property insurance and food consumed on the premises. Such costs do not include clothing, education, medical treatment, vacations, life insurance and transportation. Chapter 3 6. A landlord who receives prepaid rent is required to report that amount as gross income when the payment is received. Why would Congress choose to do this? What problem does this create for the taxpayer? Congress taxes prepaid rental income because of concern that taxpayers might otherwise spend the money and then be unable to pay the tax when it comes due. Taxing such amounts is to tax income when taxpayers have the greatest wherewithal to pay. The problem created for the taxpayer is that they are taxed before they incur related expenses. Repairs, insurance, depreciation, interest and other expenses are incurred as the income is earned. Therefore, there is a mismatching of revenue and expense. 7. Office space is often without carpet, wall covering, or window covering. Furthermore, many rental agreements specify that these improvements cannot be removed by a tenant if removal causes any damage to the property. What issue does this raise? The issue raised by such arrangements might cause the IRS to question whether the improvements are being made in lieu of rent. If this was the case then the owner of the property may be required to include the value of the improvements in gross income. Chapter 4 7. What is the tax significance of the face amount of a life insurance policy? The face amount of life insurance is excluded from the gross income of a beneficiary if the amount is paid upon the death of the insured. If the amount paid exceeds the face of the policy then the excess is taxable. 21. What types of income qualify for the foreign-earned income exclusion? The exclusion is applicable to earnings from personal services rendered in foreign countries. To qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion, a taxpayer must either be a bona fide resident of one or more foreign countries for the entire taxable year or be present in one or more foreign countries for a minimum of 330 days during a period of 12 consecutive months. Chapter 5 1. What problem may exist in determining the amount realized for an investor who exchanges? common stock of publicly traded corporation for a used building? How is the problem likely to be resolved? It will probably be difficult to determine the fair market value of the used building received by the investor. The problem is likely to be resolved by using the FMV of the property given to measure the amount realized. 15. Four years ago, Susan loaned $7,000to her friend Joe. During the current year, the $7,000 loan is considered worthless. Explain how Susan should treat the worthless debt for tax purposes. The debt is a non-business bad debt and the loss should be treated as a short-term capital loss. Chapter 6 Why is the distinction between deductions for AGI and the deductions from AGI important for individuals? Deductions for AGI reduce the taxpayers gross income by the full amount of the deduction even if the standard deduction is used. Deductions from AGI are not beneficial unless their sum exceeds the standard deduction, in which case these deductions will be included as itemized deductions. 2. Sam owns a small house that he rents out to students attending the local university. Are the expenses associated with the rental unit deductions for or from AGI? Expenses incurred in producing rental income are deductions for AGI. Chapter 7 1. a. For what persons may a taxpayer deduct medical expenses? A taxpayer may deduct medical expenses incurred on behalf of himself, their spouse, their dependents, and their children. The taxpayer may also deduct medical expenses paid for an individual who would otherwise qualify as a dependent except for the fact that the gross income test is not met, even though the taxpayer may not take an exemption for the individual. b. In the case of children of divorced parents, must the parent who is entitled to the dependency exemption pays the medical expenses of the child to ensure that the expenses are deductible? Explain. No, the medical expenses incurred by the divorced parents of a child are deductible by whichever parent incurs the expenses, even though the parent incurring the expenses is not entitled to the dependency exemption for the child. c. Who should pay the medical expenses of an individual who is the subject of a multiple support agreement? The taxpayer who is the subject of a multiple support agreement is treated as the dependent of the taxpayer who is entitled to take the dependency exemption. Since a taxpayer may deduct medical expenses subject to the 7. 5% of AGI limit incurred for a dependent, the taxpayer entitled to the dependency exemption under the multiple support agreement should be the one who pays the medical expenses. 12. What is an ad valorem tax? If a tax that is levied on personal property is not an ad valorem tax, under what circumstances may it still be deductible? An ad valorem tax is a tax determined by the value of the property being taxed rather than some other measure. A personal property tax that is not an ad valorem tax is still deductible as an ordinary business expense depending on if the property is used in a trade or business. If the tax is not an ad valorem tax and the property is not used in a trade or business or income-producing activity, the tax imposed on personal property is not deductible.

Compare and contrast the funeral speeches of Brutus and Antony Essay Example

Compare and contrast the funeral speeches of Brutus and Antony Essay Example Compare and contrast the funeral speeches of Brutus and Antony Paper Compare and contrast the funeral speeches of Brutus and Antony Paper Firstly, Brutus decides to make his speech first, which is a bog mistake, because the plebians will only really remember the last speech that was made, thus making Brutus speech less effective. Brutus would usually speak in a verse language, but in his speech he spoke in prose, to try and come down to the plebians level and he thinks that they will appreciate that. However, Antony speaks as he should, in verse and the plebians respect that and expect him to speak like that, so as soon Antony starts his speech, they already like it more than Brutus. Also the first sentence of each speech is significant. Brutus starts his speech with Romans, countrymen and lovers! . This is a great start to the speech because it shows how Brutus is equal to the plebians, and the plebians like to think that they are equal to someone as great as Brutus, and therefore are on Brutus side. However, Antony starts his speech and goes one better and starts his speech by saying Friends, Romans, countrymen . The most significant word is friends, it shows how he is fond of the plebians, and that he wants to be their friends. The plebians feel surprised, and overwhelmed by this, so straight away into Antonys speech, when they were on Brutus side just minutes before, the plebians are on Antonys side. Both of them use a rhetorical question in their speech, to challenge the plebians. Brutus asks Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to love all free men? He then asks that if any of them want to be slaves, then stand up. By saying this he is challenging the plebians, and making it hard for them to disagree with him. In Antonys speech he asks I thrice presented him a kingly crown, which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Because the plebians dont understand why a person would turn down the crown if they wanted to be king, they believe that Caesar never wanted to be king. So when Antony asks this question, it questions them whether he really was as good as they thought? He then challenges Brutus speech by saying yet Brutus says he was ambitious. This challenges whether Brutus was right in what he said, and makes the plebians think twice about whether to believe him. Brutus speech is trying to persuade the plebians to be on his side, and to make them agree with what he says, by using rhetorical questions. Antonys, however, is to make them question whether Brutus was right.. He repeats himself a lot, saying that Brutus is an honourable man. This may seem that he is praising him a lot, but actually, by repeating it, he is taking the meaning out of it. So when the plebians first here him say it, they agree with him that Brutus is honourable, but after the last time he says it (which is a lot of times) they almost get sick of him saying that and start to disagree with the fact that Brutus is honourable, and therefore turning on Brutus. Brutus tries to make the fact that Caesar is dead a good thing, whereas Antony gradually builds his speech up, and makes it seem like a tragedy. He starts this off by coming up to do his speech with the coffin next to him, instantly making the plebians feel sad. He excuses himself saying he is too emotional, and pretends to cry, and this makes the plebians want to cry, so now they dont like the fact that Caesar is dead. He then finds Caesars will in his pocket, and pretends he didnt know it was there. The plebians shout for him to read it out, but he insists not. This just makes them want it to be read out even more. The will is almost a prop for Antonys speech, making it more effective, but Brutus had no such prop, making his speech less effective. Antony then agrees to read the will, and to make it even more effective, he makes them stand around the open coffin. This is like another prop for the speech, and when the plebians see the body, it makes them more emotional and makes them hate Brutus even more. Before he reads it, he builds it up. He tells them to prepare to cry, even though some already are. He trails where the blood was, describing his death. This makes the plebians really emotional, and makes them want to kill Brutus. They all shout to kill Brutus, but Antony stops them and tells them to stay. This part of the speech is very clever by Antony, as it turns them on Brutus, and makes them love him. Overall his speech is a lot more effective than Brutus. Brutus was effective at the time, but it didnt have a cutting edge to it. The fact that Antony went last also didnt help, because now the plebians will only remember his, and forget about Brutus. A director would tell Brutus to play the role as if Brutus were very confident. This is because he thinks he has gotten away with it, and that he has won the plebians over. He also has no idea that Antony will make such a good speech after him, he thinks that it will be a speech that will praise Brutus.

Overview of Mali History and Independence

Overview of Mali History and Independence Malians express great pride in their ancestry. Mali is the cultural heir to the succession of ancient African empires – Ghana, Malinkà ©, and Songhai – that occupied the West African savannah. These empires controlled Saharan trade and were in touch with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern centers of civilization. Kingdoms of Ghana and Malinkà © The Ghana Empire, dominated by the Soninke or Saracolà © people and centered in the area along the Malian-Mauritanian frontier, was a powerful trading state from about A.D. 700 to 1075. The Malinkà © Kingdom of Mali had its origins on the upper Niger River in the 11th century. Expanding rapidly in the 13th century under the leadership of Soundiata Keita, it reached its height about 1325, when it conquered Timbuktu and Gao. Thereafter, the kingdom began to decline, and by the 15th century, it controlled only a small fraction of its former domain. Songhai Empire and Timbuktu The Songhai Empire expanded its power from its center in Gao during the period 1465-1530. At its peak under Askia Mohammad I, it encompassed the Hausa states as far as Kano (in present-day Nigeria) and much of the territory that had belonged to the Mali Empire in the west. It was destroyed by a Moroccan invasion in 1591. Timbuktu was a center of commerce and of the Islamic faith throughout this period, and priceless manuscripts from this epoch are still preserved in Timbuktu. (International donors are making efforts to help preserve these priceless manuscripts as part of Malis cultural heritage.) The Arrival of the French French military penetration of the Soudan (the French name for the area) began around 1880. Ten years later, the French made a concerted effort to occupy the interior. The timing and resident military governors determined methods of their advances. A French civilian governor of Soudan was appointed in 1893, but resistance to French control did not end until 1898 when the Malinkà © warrior Samory Tourà © was defeated after 7 years of war. The French attempted to rule indirectly, but in many areas, they disregarded traditional authorities and governed through appointed chiefs. From French Colony to French Community As the colony of French Soudan, Mali was administered with other French colonial territories as the Federation of French West Africa. In 1956, with the passing of Frances Fundamental Law (Loi Cadre), the Territorial Assembly obtained extensive powers over internal affairs and was permitted to form a cabinet with executive authority over matters within the Assemblys competence. After the 1958 French constitutional referendum, the Republique Soudanaise became a member of the French Community and enjoyed complete internal autonomy. Independence as the Republic of Mali In January 1959, Soudan joined Senegal to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent within the French Community on 20 June 1960. The federation collapsed on 20 August 1960, when Senegal seceded. On 22 September Soudan proclaimed itself the Republic of Mali and withdrew from the French Community. Socialist Single-Party State President Modibo Keita – whose party Union Soudanaise-Rassemblement Dà ©mocratique Africain (US-RDA, Sudanese Union-African Democratic Rally) had dominated pre-independence politics – moved quickly to declare a single-party state and to pursue a socialist policy based on extensive nationalization. A continuously deteriorating economy led to a decision to rejoin the Franc Zone in 1967 and modify some of the economic excesses. Bloodless Coup by Lieutenant Moussa Traorà © On 19 November 1968, a group of young officers staged a bloodless coup and set up a 14-member Military Committee for National Liberation (CMLN), with Lt. Moussa Traorà © as Chairman. The military leaders attempted to pursue economic reforms but for several years faced debilitating internal political struggles and the disastrous Sahelian drought. A new constitution, approved in 1974, created a one-party state and was designed to move Mali toward civilian rule. However, the military leaders remained in power. Single Party Elections In September 1976, a new political party was established, the Union Dà ©mocratique du Peuple Malien (UDPM, Democratic Union of the Malian People) based on the concept of democratic centralism. Single-party presidential and legislative elections were held in June 1979, and General Moussa Traorà © received 99% of the votes. His efforts at consolidating the single-party government were challenged in 1980 by student-led, anti-government demonstrations, which were brutally put down, and by three coup attempts. The Road to Multi-Party Democracy The political situation stabilized during 1981 and 1982 and remained generally calm throughout the 1980s. Shifting its attention to Malis economic difficulties, the government worked out a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, by 1990, there was growing dissatisfaction with the demands for austerity imposed by the IMFs economic reform programs and the perception that the President and his close associates were not themselves adhering to those demands. As demands for multiparty democracy increased the Traorà © government allowed some opening of the system (the establishment of an independent press and independent political associations) but insisted that Mali was not ready for democracy. Anti-Government Rioting In early 1991, student-led, anti-government rioting broke out again, but this time government workers and others supported it. On 26 March 1991, after 4 days of intense anti-government rioting, a group of 17 military officers arrested President Moussa Traorà © and suspended the constitution. Amadou Toumani Tourà © took power as the Chairman for the Transitional Committee for the Salvation of the People. A draft constitution was approved in a referendum on 12 January 1992 and political parties were allowed to form. On 8 June 1992, Alpha Oumar Konarà ©, the candidate of the Alliance pour la Dà ©mocratie en Mali (ADEMA, Alliance for Democracy in Mali), was inaugurated as the President of Malis Third Republic. President Konarà © Wins Election In 1997, attempts to renew national institutions through democratic elections ran into administrative difficulties, resulting in a court-ordered annulment of the legislative elections held in April 1997. It demonstrated, however, the overwhelming strength of President Konarà ©s ADEMA Party, causing some other historic parties to boycott subsequent elections. President Konarà © won the presidential election against scant opposition on 11 May. Amadou Toumani Tourà © General elections were organized in June and July 2002. President Konare did not seek reelection since he was serving his second and last term as required by the constitution. Retired General Amadou Toumani Tourà ©, former head of state during Malis transition (1991-1992) became the countrys second democratically elected President as an independent candidate in 2002 and was reelected to a second 5-year term in 2007. Source Public Domain, US Department of State Background Notes.

Trade and labour standards Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 15000 words

Trade and labour standards - Dissertation Example As such, in June 1998, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work was adopted. This development served to force the member states of the ILO. Another important outcome was that it was emphatically prohibited to employ labour standards for protectionist trade purposes. These principles and rights are first, freedom of association and actual recognition of a right to collective bargaining. Second, proscription of any form of compulsory or forced labour. Third, elimination of child labour. Fourth, prohibition of any form of discrimination, with respect to occupation and employment (Policy Brief. International Trade and Core Labour Standards, 2000). The ILO’s follow – up mechanism, in this context, is a significant development in its ability to address the difficulties arising from economic liberalisation at the international level. This system makes it possible to review the relevant progress made by the member states that have not ratified the core l abour standards conventions. A major supporter of this mechanism is the US which has made significant monetary contribution. The US has proposed a system that would assess the influence of international labour standards on international trade and the aims of the GATT (Grace, 2005). This US stance has resulted in the adoption of the basic labour standards of the ILO as the fundamental norms for worker rights. During the 1996, ministerial conference at Singapore, the US called upon the ILO – WTO cooperation to make themselves reciprocally supportive. In addition, it was also stated that there was an urgent need to promote a trading system that was non – discriminatory and transparent. Thereafter, at the 1999 Seattle ministerial meeting of the WTO, the US recommended certain explicit issues for consideration. Some of these were the relationship between social protection, core labour standards and trade; forced labour and trade; positive trade incentives; and derogation on account of trade from national labour standards (Grace, 2005). The extant standards relating to labour are not under the control of the rules and disciplines of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, some member states of the European Union (EU) and a few nations of North America have expressed the opinion that the WTO should address this issue. It is the firm belief of these countries that such a course of action is indispensable for strengthening public confidence in the international trading system and the WTO (Trade and Labour Standards, 2011). It is the firm conviction of these nations that the WTO should pursue the denial of rights, such as the freedom to engage in collective bargaining, freedom of association, eradication of discrimination in the workplace and workplace abuse. It has been suggested by these countries that these issues can be brought into the WTO, by the strategy of constituting a working group to analyse the norms related to trade and labour (Trade and Labour Standards, 2011). This initiative is believed to better the conditions of all the workers of the world. Views relating to international labour standards admit of considerable divergence. Social and labour activists are seized with the inexorable increase of imports from countries that have scant

Diversification Strategies Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Diversification Strategies - Research Paper Example The company is among the foremost producers in majority of the markets where it operates in. The products manufactured by 3M are delivered through several distribution channels including wholesalers, distributors, retailers and dealers among others. As of 2010, 3M had 80,057 employees, out of which 32,955 were engaged in the business operations located in the United States and the rest globally. For the year ending 2010, 3M generated net sales equivalent to $ 26.7 billion which was a 15.3% increment from the year 2009. The operating income of the company also increased by 22.9% in the year 2010 as compared to that of 2009 (3M, 2010). Sears, Roebuck & Co. is amongst the principal retailers in the United States, functioning in all the fifty states of US in addition to Puerto Rico. The company has very limited global presence and operates internationally only in Canada. The company merged with Kmart to form Sears Holding Corporation in 2004. The total revenue of the company in 2010 was $43,326 million while that in the year 2009 was $44,043 million. The revenue value of the company in 2008 was $46,440 and had been decreasing over the years. As of January, 2011, the company had 280,000 employees in the US and around 32,000 in Canada (Sears Holdings Corporation, 2010). Although Sears, Roebuck & Co was always primarily in retail business, in the early 1980s the company had diversified into real estate as well as brokerage services through its subsidiary Allstate. However, post the diversification though the performance of the finance segment of the company was reasonable, the retail group of the company suffered as it failed to respond to altering times (Monks & Minow, 2008). Diversification Outcomes of the Two Corporations and Reasons for the Different Outcomes The diversification of 3M into its six different segments had produced positive outcomes for the company. 3M is recognized for its aptitude to produce new products and generate new businesses. It can be subst antiated from the fact that 30 percent of its revenue comes from products developed during the preceding five years. The company had time and again extended its existing technological proficiency to generate a comparable yet innovative product. 3M’s success can be attributed to variety of factors, such as a corporate culture that promotes risk taking, a focus on resolving client problems, the utilization of extended and long-term goals, and independence of the employees to follow their own ideas. Furthermore, 3M consistently follows the system of sharing technologies and expertise amongst the different business segments. It also pursues a reward structure that recognizes innovators in the organization. Thus, 3M had succeeded in diversifying its business by leveraging its technological competence (3M, 2011). The Sears, Roebuck & Co had been struggling since the past couple of decades, trying first one approach and then another, looking for sustainable growth and momentum and a n improved image. As discussed earlier, Sears had diversified into financial services and specialty retailing during the 1980’s. However, after its diversification into real estate and other financial services, Sears could not maintain its performance in