Russia Influence on CIS countries

Introduction This chapter will introduce the research study. In other words, it will shortly discuss about the topic from different perspectives. For example, a thorough background to the study will be dealt with in the introductory part.Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Russia Influence on CIS countries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, this chapter will investigate why Russia has had the desire to spread its influence to CIS countries. Besides, there will also be importance to talk about political issues that have been surrounding control of wealth among the CIS countries (Tochitskaya Lucio 18). One of the reasons why it will be important to consider the aspect of wealth control in these regions is because there are few studies that have successfully explored this area as far as politics of Russian investments on CIS regions is concerned. Therefore, this study will investigate the same by pro viding examples from several industrial sectors. It will also discuss some of the motivating factors for business investments in some of the selected countries that will be put under study. Literature review Chapter two of this research study will discuss expansion of Russia into nations of Commonwealth of Independent States and how these nations have been affected politically. This chapter will also consider how Russian trade relations have affected political relations of CIS countries with Russia. Some of the sources that will be used to support this chapter will be chosen based how Russia and CIS countries have been relating with each other (Tochitskaya Lucio 22).The chapter will further look into other pieces of literature that have talked about studies on how expansion of Russia into commonwealth independent states has contributed to its infrastructure, population, energy, governance and economy. In line with this, the chapter will consider how the border region has continued to be an issue between Russia and CIS countries. As a matter of fact, international relations still remain as center of focus among the regions that will be addressed in the study.Advertising Looking for dissertation on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Even as Russia expands to commonwealth nations, there seems to be no agreement at all. Even though such expansions have been witnessed in the past, the emerging challenges of 21st century especially those touching on regional or global security are yet to be debated openly. This is because the same issues have continued to raise questions on security and international relations in the region. However, some studies have argued that in spite of prevailing concerns on global security, political and economic fairness of the CIS regions has continued for long. This chapter will also investigate past agreements between Russia and other CIS countries. It will fu rther analyze how recent agreements on international region between various states have impacted Russia politically (Appadurai 67). It will look at earlier studies on recent agreements between CIS and Russia have contributed to putting to an end minor border disputes in the region and how the agreement contributes to future well being of the region. Border disputes may be to some extent, perceived as both politically and economically driven. The case study of Russia and CIS nations shows that while both nations are scoring relatively high in terms of economic performance, the desire to be superior politically is also a growing issue of concern among the states that are not at peace with other (Tochitskaya 9). Moreover, every single challenge faced by Russia and made worse by CIS countries are dealt with to put a check on population drop in these regions and how the same contributes to political conflicts. Statistical analyses that have been supported by studies and official figures will have to be employed in determining the rate of decline at workplace. Furthermore, developments in politics in Russia and CIS regions will be highlighted in this chapter (Baraboshkin 351). The same chapter will also discuss economic power in the region and its impact on politics in Russia (Izyumov JVahaly 88).The same section will further discuss debts run by Russian government and its agencies in their desire to set up infrastructures such those catering for energy provision (Amurskiy 123). Finally, discussion on the extent or level at which the local population in RFE feel that they have been disconnected from both leadership and effectiveness of the same will be examined in details. The same literature will be used to identify whether the Russia has great impact and credibility of Moscow in the region (Kappeler 123).Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Russia Influence on CIS countries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The last section on the chapter entitled â€Å"changing nation and society† will present impacts on the trends and changes on existing border populations. Hence to approach this exhaustively, the chapter will begin by addressing border conflicts that has existed in these regions (Shevtsova 122). Collected data and statistics from the region will then be compared before being contrasted to determine the scope and the impact of integration in the region. In order to achieve detailed results that can be easily and thoroughly compared. Some of the subjects that will be contrasted and compared will include public opinion, living standards, governance in addition to analysis of various economic sectors that CIS nations and Russian nationals are involved in along the borders. The later will also be discussed alongside minor and major impacts of political developments not only Russia but among other CIS countries. A summary of the relevant debate in the literature R ussia has emerged as one of the major countries that export capital to CIS countries. The outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) of Russia have grown drastically since the end of Cold War. Although Russian OFDI to CIS pales in comparison to that of United States or European Union countries such as Germany, UK and France, in 2004, Russia exported over $ 99 billion in OFDI stock. The CIS countries have been used as launching pads for majority of Russian firms to gain entrance to the international markets (Baraboshkin 351). In many instances, the infrastructure and energy assets held by Russian firms in the CIS region tend to be contentious in nature. Moreover, Russian firms tend to be central players in a number of CIS markets while in high income economies, they frequently hold lesser market shares and control in respective sectors. However, attention should be given to the fact that there has been significant rise in investments by Russian Firms in the CIS region (Krug 632). Cons equently, the Russian Federal State Service, the OFDI investment to CIS countries in 2004 was over $ 710 million. On the other hand, the recent years the Russian telecommunications and energy companies have invested in CIS countries with the value of individual transactions surpassing the aggregate investment from Russia.Advertising Looking for dissertation on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This inconsistency is attributed to the fact that key Russian firms invest overseas via offshore investment units which are omitted from the balance of payment records of the Russian Federation. Belarus and Ukraine, some of the CIS countries, have received the largest capital investment from Russia in the past years. Russia was the seventh biggest investor in Belarus with aggregate FDI stock of over $540 million (Amurskiy 123). The motivations behind Russian Investments in the CIS The decision by Russia to expand its Capital investments in CIS will depend on the influence in these countries. For instance, during the 2008 economic crisis, Moscow offered a number of CIS countries loans and grants to stabilize their fragile economies in return for economic and political rewards. For instance, Russia granted Belarus $ 2 billion as loan to make it stable. In return, Belarus agreed to form a military air defense system agreement with Russia (Kappeler 123). The motivations behind Russian f irm’s foreign investments in CIS are therefore different. Russian energy resources are greatly used by Moscow as a foreign policy tool to control her political and economical wellbeing in the CIS region. For example, Gazprom and UES have attained major grip in the CIS countries as a result of intergovernmental accords. However, it is worth to note that Russian OFDI investment to CIS is also driven by the lucrative market in these countries that have notably lower entry obstacles than the Western and US market (Amurski y 123). In addition, it will also be necessary to mention and perhaps emphasize the state of international relations that has hitherto existed among various states in CIS regions. If this case will be important to mention or discuss, then the history Russia will have to be analyzed. At this point, it is important to note that the two aforementioned countries have for a long time dominated world history with their empire building and conquest characteristic. For example, since 1950s, tsarist Russia has been eager to distract the new developments and global attention away from conquests that they were defeated in Crimea which afterwards turned eastwards. Furthermore, this was not the first time for Russia to direct its tactics on the orient traders in Europe. Therefore, the present study is further justified on the basis that Russia has seen itself as part of an empire and nation put together and driven by aspiration and desire to spread civilization not only to CIS countries but also to other parts in Pacific regions. Methodology Due to the fact that the study is most importantly based on the issue of political and international relations, methodology that will be applied will be grounded on the on the decisions made by various Russian leaders in regard to eastward expansion (Seltser 19). Hence, international relations especially touching on politics will be of importance. As a result, due consideration will be made on the basis of existing bilateral relations between china and Russia (Anon 25). Additionally, this is due to the fact that the future of the region may not be secured by bilateral integrations and agreements, but rather impacted as a result of internal developments. Therefore, based on this fact, the study will further focus on statistics and data via demographically available sources in addition to political and economic analysis of the existing structures, resources and abilities of identified regions. Moreover, in giving analysis of the Trans border regions, In terms of economic and demographic aspects, the study will further make use of existing trends and population figures (Izyumov JVahaly 85). This will be sourced from western and Russian sources in line with scientifically modified studies on how to handle demography as an entity in international relations studies. Furthermore, secondary sources will be identified from majority of available journals in addition to analytical journalism obtained f rom mainstream media covering international and political relations in the region (Mishina 518). The study will further outline pictures of the region using myriad and variety of sources derived from Russian media. Both state and private owned media sources will be used as potential part of methodology in gathering necessary data (Keylor 133). Some of the source materials will also be drawn from contemporary and credible Russian scholars based in the region. Findings Chapter four of the study will comprise of findings and data drawn from the methodology used. The same will be presented using diagrams, charts and figures. Discussions and conclusions Chapter five will give a critical analysis of the findings in line with available literature on how Russian ventures have contributed to internationalization of ventures. Investment trends will be further compared with the findings of the study. The findings will be used to discuss how Russian investments opportunities in CIS countries ha ve impacted on international and political relations (Baraboshkin 351). Recommendations This chapter will deal with recommendations which will have been obtained from the whole study. For example, some of the recommendations will include how political and international relations in Russia and other CIS regions can be improved (Bassin 112). Works Cited Amurskiy, Statisticheskiy. Statistical Yearbook of Amur Oblast  Amurstat, 2008. 22nd Aug. 2011. Web. Anon. Russia’s oil exports to non-CIS countries up 4.2% in 11 months. Russian Financial Control Monitor 2010. 14 Sep. 2011. Web. Appadurai Yezhegodnik. The Production of Locality’, in Counterworks:  Managing theDiversity of Knowledge. London: Routledge, 1995. Baraboshkin, Yu et al. The Fourth All-Russia Conference â€Å"Cretaceous System of Russia and CIS Countries: Problems of Stratigraphy and Paleogeography†. Stratigraphy and Geological Correlation 17.3 (2009): 351. Bassin, Mark. Imperial Visions: Nationalist Imagination and Geographical  Expansion in the Russian Far East, 1840-1865, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Izyumov, Alexi JVahaly, John. Old Capital vs. New Investment in Post-Soviet Economies: Conceptual Issues and Estimates. Comparative Economic Studies 50.1 (2008): 79-110. Kappeler, Andreas, The Russian Empire: A Multiethnic History, Essex: Pearson Education Ltd., 2001. Keylor, William R.,The Twentieth Century World: An International History (4th  ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. Krug, Peter. The Law of Treaties in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States: Text and Commentary. The American Journal of International Law , 98.3 (2004): 631-633. Mishina, Yu. Prospects for integration of financial markets in CIS countries. Studies on Russian Economic Development 21.5 (2010): 518. Seltser, Don. Who governs? The Transformation of Sub-Regional Political in Russia (1991-2009), in Russian analytical Digest, 67(2009): 12-28. Shevtsova, Lilia. Russia: Lost in Translation – The Yeltsin and Putin Legacies, Carnegie, 2007. Tochitskaya, Irina Lucio, Vinhas De Souza. Trade relations between an enlarged EU and the Russian Federation, and its effects in Belarus. Economic Change and Restructuring 42.1-2 (2009): 1-24. Tochitskaya, Irina. The Customs Union between Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia: an Overview of Economic Implications for Belarus. CASE Network Studies and Analyses 405 (2010): 1-18. This dissertation on Russia Influence on CIS countries was written and submitted by user Alexia Harrell to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Heart of darkness 8

Heart of darkness 8 Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad is a landmark of modern fiction. It is onsidered to be one of the greatest works of literature of its time. In Heart of Darkness, a boat is anchored in the Thames River outside London. A sailor by the name of Marlow begins to reminisce of a certain incident in his past, when he commanded a steamboat on the Congo River. This reflection forms the plot of the novel. In his yarn, Marlow aspires to explore the uncharted African jungles. His aunt arranges for him to be captain of a Congo steamer. When Marlow reaches the Company's Outer Station in Africa, he is confronted with white greed and black slavery. He discovers disease ridden African workers awaiting their death. He also meets the Company's chief accountant. The accountant tells of Mr. Kurtz who is and agent who has sent more ivory back from the jungle than the other agents combined.Le vapeur â€Å"Roi des Belges† dans le Haut-Congo ...Marlow becomes obsessed with Kurtz throughout the remainder of the story. Marlow arrives at the Company's Central Station, following a difficult 200-mile tramp. Upon arrival, he learns that the steamer he was supposed to command has been wrecked. He meets the local manager, who has no moral sensibility, only business sensibility. He mentions that Mr. Kurtz may be ill at his station upriver and that it is fundamental to reach him as soon as possible. Marlow learns a great deal about Kurtz in the time spent waiting for his steamer to be repaired. At one point he talks to a brick maker, who feels that Kurtz is admirable, yet he is resentful towards him because of his many talents which make him a likely candidate for promotion. On another occasion, Marlow overhears a conversation between the manager and his uncle, an explorer. The...

The Battle of Fort Donelson During the Civil War

The Battle of Fort Donelson During the Civil War The Battle of Fort Donelson was an early battle in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Grants operations against Fort Donelson lasted from February 11-16, 1862. Pushing south into Tennessee with assistance from Flag Officer Andrew Footes gunboats, Union troops under Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Henry on February 6, 1862. This success opened the Tennessee River to Union shipping. Before moving upstream, Grant began shifting his command east to take Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. The capture of the fort would be a key victory for the Union and would clear the way to Nashville. The day after the loss of Fort Henry, the Confederate commander in the West, General Albert Sidney Johnston, called a council of war to determine their next step. Strung out along a wide front in Kentucky and Tennessee, Johnston was confronted by Grants 25,000 men at Fort Henry and Major General Don Carlos Buells 45,000-man army at Louisville, KY. Realizing that his position in Kentucky was compromised, he began withdrawing to positions south of the Cumberland River. After discussions with General P.G.T. Beauregard, he reluctantly agreed that Fort Donelson should be reinforced and dispatched 12,000 men to the garrison. At the fort, the command was held by Brigadier General John B. Floyd. Formerly the US Secretary of War, Floyd was wanted in the North for graft. Union Commanders Brigadier General Ulysses S. GrantFlag Officer Andrew H. Foote24,541 men Confederate Commanders Brigadier General John B. FloydBrigadier General Gideon PillowBrigadier General Simon B. Buckner16,171 men The Next Moves At Fort Henry, Grant held a council of war (his last of the Civil War) and resolved to attack Fort Donelson. Traveling over twelve miles of frozen roads, the Union troops moved out on February 12 but were delayed by a Confederate cavalry screen led by Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest. As Grant marched overland, Foote shifted his four ironclads and three timberclads to Cumberland River. Arriving off Fort Donelson, USS Carondelet approached and tested the forts defenses while Grants troops moved into positions outside the fort. The Noose Tightens The next day, several small probing attacks were launched to determine the strength of the Confederate works. That night, Floyd met with his senior commanders, Brigadier-Generals Gideon Pillow and Simon B. Buckner, to discuss their options. Believing the fort was untenable, they decided that Pillow should lead a breakout attempt the next day and began shifting troops. During this process, one of Pillows aides was killed by a Union sharpshooter. Losing his nerve, Pillow postponed the attack. Irate at Pillows decision, Floyd ordered the attack to commence, however it was too late in the day to begin. While these events were occurring inside the fort, Grant was receiving reinforcement in his lines. With the arrival of troops led by Brigadier General Lew Wallace, Grant placed the division of Brigadier General John McClernand on the right, Brigadier General C.F. Smith on the left, and the new arrivals in the center. Around 3:00 PM, Foote approached the fort with his fleet and opened fire. His attack was met with fierce resistance from Donelsons gunners and Footes gunboats were forced to withdraw with heavy damage. The Confederates Attempt a Breakout The following morning, Grant departed before dawn to meet with Foote. Prior to leaving, he instructed his commanders not to initiate a general engagement but failed to designate a second-in-command. In the fort, Floyd had rescheduled the breakout attempt for that morning. Attacking McClernands men on the Union right, Floyds plan called for Pillows men to open a gap while Buckners division protected their rear. Surging out of their lines, the Confederate troops succeeded in driving back McClernands men and turning their right flank. While not routed, McClernands situation was desperate as his men were running low on ammunition. Finally reinforced by a brigade from Wallaces division, the Union right began to stabilize however confusion reigned as no one Union leader was in command on the field. By 12:30 the Confederate advance was stopped by a strong Union position astride Wynns Ferry Road. Unable to breakthrough, the Confederates withdrew back to a low ridge as they prepared to abandon the fort. Learning of the fighting, Grant raced back to Fort Donelson and arrived around 1:00 PM. Grant Strikes Back Realizing that the Confederates were attempting to escape rather than seeking a battlefield victory, he immediately prepared to launch a counterattack. Though their escape route was open, Pillow ordered his men back to their trenches to re-supply before departing. As this was happening, Floyd lost his nerve and believing that Smith was about to attack the Union left, ordered his entire command back into the fort. Taking advantage of the Confederate indecisiveness, Grant ordered Smith to attack the left, while Wallace moved forward on the right. Storming forward, Smiths men succeeded in gaining a foothold in the Confederate lines while Wallace reclaimed much of the ground lost in the morning. Fighting ended at nightfall and Grant planned to resume the attack in the morning. That night, believing the situation hopeless, Floyd and Pillow turned command over to Buckner and departed the fort by water. They were followed by Forrest and 700 of his men who waded through the shallows to avoid Union troops. On the morning of February 16, Buckner sent Grant a note requesting terms of surrender. Friends before the war, Buckner was hoping to receive generous terms. Grant famously replied: Sir: Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works. This curt response earned Grant the nickname Unconditional Surrender Grant. Though displeased by his friends response, Buckner had no choice but to comply. Later that day, he surrendered the fort and its garrison became the first of three Confederate armies to be captured by Grant during the course of the war. The Aftermath The Battle of Fort Donelson cost Grant 507 killed, 1,976 wounded, and 208 captured/missing. Confederate losses were much higher due to the surrender and numbered 327 killed, 1,127 wounded, and 12,392 captured. The twin victories at Forts Henry Donelson were the first major Union successes of the war and opened Tennessee to Union invasion. In the battle, Grant had captured nearly one-third of Johnstons available forces (more men than all previous US generals combined) and was rewarded with a promotion to major general.

State Aid developments in 2013 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

State Aid developments in 2013 - Research Paper Example ings on issues are to be the preserve of the European Commission whilst the European Court is called upon as the court of last resort in these issues. Article 107(1) was interpreted significantly in the Doux Elevage case where it was found that in cases where government agencies and units are independent from government, their directives which seemingly favors some organizations cannot be classified as state aid. A ruling on the state aid claims and disbursement in France concerning the France Telecom and the French Government showed that in cases where the donation and/or investment into a given entity is seen as some kind of reorganization or a long-term change in the structures of the entity, it could be seen as something done outside the scope of the state aid restriction. And this could be permitted. Also, Article 107(3) (a) has been interpreted to be compatible with state aid allowances if they cover areas that are considered to be areas that need accelerated development and change. And this is typically allowed where the activity is within the scope and context of relevant rules and relevant limits set in the law of the com munity. The deminimis regulation was also reviewed in the current year under review. The ceiling remained at â‚ ¬200,000 for most aspects of the state aid system in spite of calls for an increase. The GBER and other frameworks are introduced, whilst the overall plans and objectives of the European Union has been moved to focus on the aviation industry. Numerous benefits and advantages are put in place to encourage the aviation industry. There are numerous rulings that occurred in the past year that has significance in the interpretation of European Union State Aid laws and regulations. Some of these cases provide further interpretation of the existing laws whilst others provided an insight into new circumstances and situations that were not expressly defined and stated in the European legal systems. The fundamentals of European law

Group Project - Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Group Project - Leadership - Essay Example ent within the organization along with the hiring of individuals that helps the organization to develop their basic conceptual framework of theory and principle. Environment in an organization is the atmosphere in which the employees of an organization work as a team rather than to be on their own as individual to achieve a goal. Where as, culture of an organization consists of same beliefs, concepts, norms and values. Altogether, they make the organization’s personality. Though, it may be clear that culture is an environment of the organization that makes employees feels comfortable to share their ideas and beliefs while working as a single team. The experienced executives and founders of the company can bring it in and enhances it via other employee by giving them training for none but to sense. Culture is negotiable, that is, a whole team can together change the culture of the organization as if the strategies goes against the will of employees they never own them and though it effects the achievement of the goal instantaneously. Culture may be weak or strong, it may be said as different views and norms sometimes may create subculture in different departments of an organization and this may lead to a non-successive organization. A culture in an organization can be made effective in a manner that all the employees of the company works whole heartedly to achieve the goal as a single team. It can only be done when besides keeping a formal relation among the co-workers they have full freedom to share their ideas and beliefs. They should be paid a deserving salary and moreover rewarded with incentives and bonuses. Their seniors should appreciate them. All employees should know very clearly about the culture of the organization and though a part of it that senior makes their juniors trained fully and welcome them to show up confidently. Formulation of policy and administration involving people to provide decisions and supervise the culture and tasks performed

Advantages Of Mixed Economy To Hilton Kuching Marketing Essay

Advantages Of Mixed Economy To Hilton Kuching Marketing Essay In this assignment we have chosen Hilton Hotel, Kuching as our research and analysis. Hilton Kuching is located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, which is at the center of the city. From Kuching International Airport, it usually takes 25 minutes to arrive Hilton. Surround the hotel; there are variety of shops such as the 24-hours convenience shop 7-11, the coffee shop, the lounge, bistro and shopping mall. It is very convenient for the guests who wish to have different kind of activities during their stay at the accommodation. Hilton Kuching provides guests with different types of facilities and services. For the business convenience, Hilton Hotel provide the guest with business center which is well equipped with the internet access, express mail, printer, photocopying service and etc. They also provide the businessman with the meeting room in order to allow the businessman meet with their client. Apart from that, the hotel also provides some service to the family who come for vacation. The service is such as the babysitting service, the family package offer, the cribs and the playground. For the other convenient of the guest, the hotel has provide the guest with the other service such as the concierge desk, the barber shop, the lounge, the safety deposit box, the guest recreation desk and the multi-lingual staff. During the time of the guests stay, Hilton Hotel provide the places for them to have their outdoor activities such as the swimming pool and the tennis court. For the food and beverage service, Hilton Hotel provides the restaurant where they serve different types of cuisine. For example, the Waterfront Restaurant that serves the guest in buffet style. They are opened for the breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the Toh Yuen Restaurant, they serve Chinese cuisine. The guests can have their meal their during the lunch and dinner time. Sometime, the Chinese will held the wedding at that restaurant. Apart from that, the hotel also provides the guests with fine-dining service at the Steakhouse. They serve the western food for the guests and the well known dish that recommended by the chef is the steak and sirloin. These are the 3 main restaurants that located in the establishment. Apart from these 3, there are other lunge and bistro such as the Senso bar where the guests can taste the variety of cocktails, the Cafà © Cino where is full with the aroma of coffee and serve the freshly baked bread. They also provide the wireless service to the guests. Lastly, the Hilton Hotel provides the guest with 7 types of room with different room rates. The room type is such as the King Deluxe Plus, King Guestroom Plus, King Hilton Guestroom, Twin Guestroom Plus, Twin Hilton Guestroom, Suites and the King Executive Suite. Every different type of room will have their own room rate and the highest rate is the King Executive Suite. The Hilton Hotel is experiencing a mixed economy in Kuching which means that the economic system that combined the private and states enterprise. Hilton Hotel does not have the full control on their establishment. The mixed economy which is experienced by the Hilton Hotel brings them the advantage and disadvantage. We will look into the details of what advantages and disadvantages has bring to the hotel in the coming pages. Executive Summary In this assignment, we have chosen Hilton Hotel, Kuching as our research and discussion. Hilton Kuching has experienced a mixed economy in Kuching. Mixed economy is an economic system that combines the private and the state enterprises. It is the common form of national economic organization, somewhere between the command economy and a market economy. The degree of government intervention is the basis of most political division in countries using this system. The objective of this assignment is to enable us to know more about the economy that experienced by the Hilton Kuching which is mixed economy. It also enables us to understand the advantages and disadvantages for Hilton Kuching to have mixed economy. Through this assignment, we will be able to understand the details of mixed economy but not the surface only. It also helps us to improve our knowledge and look into detail of the economic world. Nowadays, teenagers do not concern about the economy of particular country and with this assignment, we have the opportunities to look into the articles and the news of mixed economy. It helps us to improve our knowledge on the economic field. As a conclusion, this assignment can guide our concentration to a new environment and new field which is economic environment and this will help us a lot in our future. Advantages of Mixed Economy to Hilton Kuching Hilton Kuching is experiencing a mixed economy and this has brought them few advantages. We will look into detail on how the advantages influence the hotels operation. The first advantage of the mixed economy to Hilton Hotel is that the business can make their decision by their own is some areas. They do not need to follow exactly what the government has stated down. They have their own rights in making decision. For example, the top management of Hilton Kuching can choose to have a foreigner as their manager and in charge in the particular department. Apart from that, the food and beverage department can also import the ingredients for their food from the other country. It is such as some of the seafood that the restaurant needs to import from Japan or Korea. The second advantage is that the government has limited control which is good for the structure. Sometime, due to the regulation that has been set by the government, the public need to accept it but with the mixed economy, the operation has much more freedom in controlling and running their operation. They are able to have their own idea as long as they do not have any illegal act. At the same time, they are able to get the help from the government. The third advantage is that Hilton can get the active government support and direction in their operation while at the same time; they can have their own idea and doing what they wish to do. They can have their own plan; own mission, own vision and also their own target on how they want to achieve the target that has been set. For example, when they are having financial problem such as the problem in turnover, they can get the support and help from the government in order to help operation to overcome the problem. The fourth advantage is that all national resources are utilized under the mixed economy. This is because both public and private sectors work hard to bring out more production and this can helps a lot in the growth of economy of Hilton Hotel. The production can be in the term of promotion, which the government helps to top up their sales of room, in the term of producing food and beverage and etc. The fifth advantage for Hilton Hotel to have mixed economy is that by the using of mixed economy, the both parties are able to strengthen their relation and create a more stable condition of the operation. They help each other in growing up on the economy where as the Hilton will help to grow the economy of Kuching while the government will help to grow the economy of Hilton by helping them to earn more profit. So these are the advantages of the mixed economy bring to the Hilton Hotel, Kuching. Disadvantages of Mixed Economy to Hilton Kuching After looking into the advantages of mixed economy for Hilton Kuching, we will look into the disadvantage of mixed economy for Hilton Kuching and how it influences the operation of the Hilton Kuching. The first disadvantage of the mixed economy for Hilton Hotel, Kuching is that the government intervention in this system to protect the economy will cause the limitation of production because government is responsible for some of the production in this operation. The varieties of products tend to be limited and controlled. For example, due to Malaysia is an Islamic country, Muslim occupying most of the population in Malaysia, the Waterfront Restaurant of Hilton Kuching is required to be Halal which they serve the food without any pork. This can decrease the mobility of the business in preparing the food because without serving pork, they might loss most of their guests who like to eat pork. Pork can be served in variety ways and most of the Chinese love to eat pork. Without serving pork, the restaurant might loss most of their Chinese guests and this can cause them loss an amount of profit. The second advantage is that minor decisions from the business and consumer have to follow the governments policies. With the intervention of government, the operation has a limitation in setting their policies which is such as the example that has been given above. The hotel is required not to serve the pork in their main dining restaurant which is Waterfront Restaurant. apart from that, most of the administrative policies are also based on the governments decision such as the working hour of the staffs, the type of uniform that the staffs should wear and the design of the room. The uniform of the Waterfront Restaurant is based on the Malay costume while for the design of the room, there will be an arrow which shows the direction for the Muslims prayer. Due to this intervention, every room is requested to have the arrow on top pf the ceiling. The third disadvantage is that mixed economy tends to encourage more states monopolies, higher and higher tax and dominant the public finance, making the government the overwhelmingly large economic player as compared to the corporate or the individual entities. Sometime the operation are not in control of the taxes that the guests need to pay and for those guests who do not understand the procedures, they may feel that the charges for the tax is unnecessary and somehow the charges is too much. As we all know that, every guest who stays in the hotel room will need to pay the 5% of government tax and 10% of service tax. The fourth disadvantage is that mixed economy system often turns into the closed economies hindering the international trade and the globalization and depriving citizens from the benefits of an interdependent world economics. This might be due to some regulation of the government and in order not to disobey the regulation; the operation has to stop the particular plans. For example, Hilton Hotel is a well known hotel which they can actually have a more attractive and fashionable design, but due to the intervention of government; they have a limited idea on the design of building because they need the approval from the government. This has cause many limitation to the management of the establishment. For example, the interior design of the hotel. The design is allowed to be more fashionable and attractive but due to the intervention of the government which they might need to save cost for the materials, they will change the design to a more simple design which is acceptable for the pu blic and affordable to them. This can reduce the ambience of the whole establishment and the guest has loss their opportunities to experience a better environment which is like the western country. The fifth disadvantage is that mixed economy system has a natural tendency to move further and further away from the reliance on the competitive market. With the help of the government, the operation does not need to worry about their profit because they can get the support from the government. The government will always held their function at the hotel which provides the government staffs with the accommodation. The example of the activities is such as the workshop or some particular course to improve the skill of government staffs. It is such as the computer course which is prepared for the clerk who working with the government. Summary As a conclusion, we have discussed about the advantage and disadvantage of the mixed economy to the Hilton Hotel, Kuching and how these two elements influence the hotel. As we all know, Hilton Hotel should maintain their strength and improve their weaknesses which can be found out in the research that we have done. For the advantage, we know that the main advantage is the Hilton are able to cooperate with the government in order to improve their performance while for the disadvantage, we know that there are some limitation in running the operation. For example, the limitation of the production. Hilton Kuching should find a solution to overcome the weaknesses and also the problem that cause by the mixed economy in order to ensure their establishment can maintain their present guest and attract more guests to have a nice stay at Hilton Hotel, Kuching.

Analysis of Sporstwear

Case I. COMPETITION HITS SPORTSWEAR GROUP’S PROFIT 1. Explain why the sportswear industry in JJB operates may be considered an example of monopolistic competition. Textile Intelligence Reports in 2007 indicate that the UK sportswear market was estimated to have a value of ? 3. 65 bn (US$6. 72 bn) in 2006. The reason behind is that, purchase levels are high. Sportswear items are purchased by almost 90% of people under 35 years of age, and by 76% of the population as a whole according to the research. UK sportswear industry can be considered a monopolistic competition in the sense that there are only about four leading sportswear retailers in the United Kingdom: JJB Sports, Blacks Leisure. John David Group and Sports World. The dominant player in the market is JJB sportswear given the number of outlets and stores it operates 450 stores, the closest is JDB by around 300 stores. Given the wide gap, JJB at some point has control of the control of the entire market sales and distribution and posed a barrier of entry. [pic] Illustration from: http://www. ized. co. uk/current/leisure/2004_5/111004_map. htm Given the above, characteristic of a monopolistic competition exist in this industry. The characteristic of monopolistic market is further expanded on Question 2. In this case of UK sportswear market structure is a pure monopoly. There are quite a number of sellers in the industry and therefore many close product substitutes in existence but nevertheless firms like JJB retain some mar ket power. 2. How does the monopolistic market structure exemplified in the article differ from perfect competition? Below are two comparable sets that differentiate monopolistic market from perfect competition: |Perfect competition |Monopolistic competition | |Many sellers – |Single seller – | |Each firm is relatively small compared to the overall size of the |Monopoly exists when a specific firm has sufficient market/industry | |market. This provides assurance that no single firm can gain control |control over a particular product or service and able to determine | |over price or quantity of the entire market or industry. If one firm |significantly the terms of quality and price by which all buyers will | |decides to increase its output or shut production, the market is |have access to [similar to JJB case] | |unaffected. The market price does not change and there is no distinct | | |change in the quantity purchased or exchanged in the industry. | |Identical / â€Å"homogeneous† products sold by all firms – |Unique product – | |Each firm in a perfectly competitive market sells an identical |For a monopoly to exits, there should be a unique product. Monopoly | |product, they are not perfectly the same but the buyers will not |lacks in providing a practicable substitute goods. | |distinguish any difference. Each competitive firm produces a good that| | |is a perfect substitute for the product of every other firm in the | | |same industry. | | |Price Taker – | | |As a result not one can control market price. If one tries to charge a| | |higher price, then buyers would immediately switch to other cheaper |Price Maker- | |competitor goods that are perfect substitutes. |Since there is no competition, prices are set to maximize profits. | | |However in order to increase sales, prices are reduced by the firm. |Low-Entry/Exit Barriers – |High Barriers of Entry/Exit – | |There are no restrictions, government regulations. Each can do a |There is an assurance of sufficient control and dominant presence due | |start-up cost according to their own resources as long as their output|to a number of assorted reasons for barriers to entry: (a) required | |can perfectly compete and match competitor’s quality and price. government license or franchise as monopoly is often times regulated | | |(b) existing patents and copyrights and (c) high start-up cost needed | |Perfect Information – |Specialized Information – | |As mentioned in point 2, one firm cannot sell its g ood at a higher |Commonly characterized by control of information. Monopolistic firm | |price than other firms. This follows that buyers are completely aware|held exclusively information like a secret recipe, formula or unique | |of sellers' prices. Each firm also has complete information about the |method or technology or production which is often protected by | |prices charged by other sellers. This means that it would be unlikely |patents, copyrights, or trademarks. This also creates legal barriers | |for them to charge less than the current market price. Perfect |to entry. | |knowledge also extends to technology. All perfectly competitive firms | | |have access to the same production techniques. There is a remote | | |possibility that a competitive firm can produce its output faster, | | |better, or cheaper because of special knowledge of information. | | |Nicholson, Walter (2005) | | [pic] Also, For a competitive firm, price equals marginal cost. P = MR = MC †¢ For a monopoly firm, price exceeds marginal cost. P ; MR = MC 3. In the long run, are firms better off operating in monopolistic competition or in perfectly competitive markets? Long-run effects of increasing competition in the monopolistically competitive industry: In the long run, a monopolistically competitive firm will make zero economic profit. However, due to influence in the market it can most of the time raises prices without losing customers but to deflect new entrants, it can lower its prices and leverage on customer loyalty. This means that a firm making profits in the short run will break even in the long run because demand will decrease and average total cost will increase. Also means that a monopolistic firm's demand curve is downward sloping, in contrast to perfect competition, which has a perfectly elastic demand schedule. See illustration in item #2. Long-run position of a firm in a perfectly competitive industry: In the long run positive profit can not be sustained as there is always arrival of new firms or expansion of existing competitive firms. This causes the demand curve of individual firm to shift downward and prices to go downward as well. This means that at the same time the average revenue and marginal revenue curve also points downward. Bottom line, in the long run similar to monopolistically competitive industry, the firms in perfect competition in the long run will also make a normal profit. The horizontal demand curve will touch its average total cost curve at its lowest point Conclusion: When the long-run average cost exceeds long-run marginal cost, JJB’s output is not at the minimum point on long-run average cost curve. JJB can sell sportswear at a lower price in the long run and by taking advantage of economies of scale, such as price discounts. Therefore is not much difference between monopolistically competitive firms vs. Long-run position of a firm in a perfectly competitive industry. The difference lies mainly on the product (homogenous vs. unique) and influence in the market. 4. JJB states that their â€Å"profit margins were hit by a vigorous promotional campaign launched in October and a Christmas/New Year sale†. Illustrate how the promotional campaign is likely to affect their profit margins. Before the promotional campaign: [pic] †¢ Similar to a competitive firm, a monopoly maximizes profit by producing the quantity at which marginal cost and marginal revenue are equal †¢ Above graph is the scenario of JJB prior to price promotional campaign to ward off growing competition. After the promotional price campaign: [pic] †¢ During the promotional campaign, the price maybe less than average cost causing the decline in JBB’s profit. †¢ This gives no incentive for JJB to reduce cost. References: McTaggart, Findlay and Parkin (2007), Economics (5th ed. ) Pearson Education Australia Publisher Nicholson, Walter (2005) Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extensions 9th edition, Ceneage Learning India Pvt Ltd Publisher PERFECT COMPETITION, CHARACTERISTICS, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, [Online], Available: http://www. AmosWEB. com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2009. [Accessed: September 12, 2009] MONOPOLY, CHARACTERISTICS, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, [Online], Available: http://www. AmosWEB. com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2009. Accessed: September 12, 2009] Antony Davies & Thomas Cline (2005). â€Å"A Consumer Behavior Approach to Modeling Monopolistic Competition†. Journal of Economic Psychology 26: 797–826 [pic] ———————– Average Total cost e d [pic] c Marginal Revenue Marginal cost Demand Revenue Costs and 0 QMAX Quantity Total cost Average Price Demand Price 0 Quantity of Output Price 0 Monopolist†™s Demand Curve’ Competitive Firm’s Demand Curve Demand Quantity of Output Average total cost Marginal cost Demand Price Loss 0 Quantity Price Promotion Total cost Average Profit