Saturday, August 22, 2020

Shinto essays

Shinto expositions Jesus kicked the bucket on the cross for us to spare our transgressions. The main way we can get into paradise is through Him. We should live our lives as indicated by how Jesus would. We are human so obviously we are going to commit errors, yet we have to attempt our best. We can request absolution of our wrongdoings and they will be pardoned. In the event that you continue doing likewise sin and request pardoning, it won't work. You have to attempt to follow God's way for you. The choices you make currently will impact you over the long haul. Passing can be an alarming thing. It's unnerving to consider when you are going to pass on and what you would pass up. You simply need to advise yourself that you will never encounter demise on the off chance that you have given Jesus access to your heart. You will have endless life, only not in human structure. Here and there individuals think the world is to difficult to live in and they would prefer not to manage it. This may lead them to self destruction known as the moral issue willful extermination. Judas originally murdered himself and it as known as a human sin. Self destruction is no real way to get into paradise and have everlasting life. Despite the fact that, the world is undermined. There is so much sin and weight going on that we have to tidy up. Individuals need to begin changing and things need to begin evolving. On the off chance that we change a certain something, it could make a huge difference. ... <!

Friday, August 21, 2020

College Essay Samples - Learning to Write A Winning College Application

College Essay Samples - Learning to Write A Winning College ApplicationCollege essays are the most important parts of your application to your chosen university. College essays and college applications cover a wide variety of topics. What you write and how you write it greatly impacts the outcome of your college application. In order to write a good application essay you need a little help from a professional.Most college applications require the applicant to supply examples of work they have done for which they were awarded a prize or award. This could be a fellowship, a prize, a grant, or any other form of recognition. Many colleges require a written portfolio to accompany the application. A portfolio is an excellent way to highlight your work experience.Most college applicants have some experience in their field, if not all. The last thing a college would want is for you to apply without being exposed to the types of examples of work that would be required of a successful college applicant. It is only natural that a first time college applicant would be excited to win a prestigious scholarship. In order to get a leg up on the competition, you need to show your strengths. Showing that you have the ability to collaborate with others is one way to do this.You can find a lot of quality college essay samples online. There are also quality writing classes available for those who need help completing their essays. A portfolio, however, can provide you with more exposure and lead to better acceptance rates than a written portfolio can.There are two different approaches you can take when writing college applications. One approach is to start with a standard curriculum, or syllabus. In this case, the writer has established a list of skills and abilities he or she would like to showcase.The second approach, and the one I have found most helpful in writing college essays, is to prepare a portfolio with examples of work. Of course, no portfolio is complete without some s ample essays. This is where college essay samples come in handy. If you plan to include examples of work in your portfolio, be sure to include a page or two of sample essays.Examples of work from your home career can be found online. There are many great examples of writing that can be found at websites devoted to providing tips and advice for writers. By looking through some of these websites you will be able to identify examples of work that will interest you.Also, by looking through some of these sites you can glean some ideas for how to organize your portfolio. Often, an organized portfolio is helpful because it makes the application look like it was written by someone who actually has experience. However, by organizing the portfolio in a creative way you can get a good idea of the kind of writing skills you need.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Relationship Between V for Vendetta and Harrison Bergeron

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Dystopia is defined as the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian. Dystopian societies feature different kinds of repressive social control methods and various forms of active and passive intimidation. Works about dystopian societies often explore the concept of humans neglecting technology and humans individually and collectively trying to manage or not being able to properly manage with technology that has progressed far more rapidly than anything else. One story that clearly demonstrates this theme of a dystopian society is Harrison Bergeron, and a form of media that can be compared with it is, the 2005 film V for Vendetta. Both†¦show more content†¦He says that because he was forced to believe it and people are afraid to go back to the days where everyone was fighting with each other because of lack of direction, which is what they thought of as the dark ages. Because the governments in both stories are very controlling, there is one person that stands up to them and shows a significant act of defiance; unfortunately both of them end up dying. In Harrison Bergeron, Harrison is the boy who stands up for his rights by defying the governments rules, by removing his weighs and other handicaps given to him and dancing with a beautiful ballerina ,who has also removed her weights, on national television. As a result of that, both he and the ballerina get shot and killed by the handicapper general. In V for Vendetta, V is the man who believes that people shouldnt be afraid of the government, but that the government should be afraid of the people. Both Harrison Bergeron and V for Vendetta have the same premise and setting of a dystopian society that helps get an idea of how the world really works when one person controls everyone and how that power can corrupt them and take away the integrity of humanity. We see acts of defiance such as those from V for Vendetta, today in the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ strikes. Those strikes are a series of strikes which began because of the protestors beliefs which are against social

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Effects of Financial Liberalization on the UK Essay

Effects of Financial Liberalization on the UK Essay INTRODUCTION TO THE LITERATURE The McKinnon and Shaw publication of what was dubbed â€Å"Financial Repression† in 1973, triggered off a global scholarly debate over financial liberalization and the widespread policy implications among governments in the developed world, and perhaps even most crucially for the developed countries. The lifting of restrictions on the global capital transactions did result into multiple growth and efficiency opportunities for the United Kingdom, opportunities that however, been tempered by the widespread financial instabilities that have destabilized global economies, with a growing magnitude. These difficulties are perhaps best evidenced by the recent global financial crisis that emanated from the US’s subprime mortgage market, as well as the 1997 Asian Financial crisis that had equally far-reaching financial and economic effects across the globe, Barrell Davies (2009). It is not readily possible to determine whether the changes have had a positive impact on the United Kingdom economy, without a closer examination of the impacts on the different sources of growth, as well as the destabilizing effects of the frequent crises on the financial sector and the economy. This paper reviews the existent literature in a bid to determine the varied effects of financial liberalization on the UK economy, and a limited extend on the economies of the Kingdom’s close trading partners, that has an effect on the bilateral and multilateral trade as well as on other sectors of the economy. EFFECTS OF FINANCIAL REBERALIZATION Financial Liberalization Growth Growing scholarly attention has been paid to identification of the financial liberalization on the expansion of the UK’s GDP. According to Arestis (2005), this increased scrutiny has largely been driven by the theoretical ambiguities surrounding the subject, with some literatures pointing to resultant effect of promoting risk diversification in the UK as well as across the world, coupled with increased economic specialization, which must necessarily spur growth and economic stability. In addition, economic liberalization is theoretically expected and has been empirically proven to boost efficiency in the allocation of capital, while at once promoting more efficient domestic financial systems that have increased the capacity of the UK economy, to better mobilize savings for investments. These benefits can however only be realized, without the economic distortions that are characteristic absence of financial restrictions. Empirical literature has equally not resolved the theoret ical ambiguity. A number of studies have established that effect on growth is limited if any at all, while Arestis Caner (2009), determined that the effect could well be detrimental. There is however, a convergence in the literature showing heterogeneous effects on the UK economy depending on the different times of the economy and the policies implemented by successive governments, as indeed across the world, depending on every country’s individual state of development, coupled with the policy and the institutional arrangements, Acemoglu, Aghion, Zillibotti (2010). As such, the effects of liberalization on the UK has been mixed, depending on the country’s fiscal and monetary policies at different times since financial liberalization, with the deepest reaching effects (whether negative or positive) being dependent on the government’s ability to effectively deal with the external pressures on the economy, Barrell Davies (2009). Most recent literatures that point to this possibility, have highlighted the recent financial crisis and the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies undertaken by the UK government, such as Bank of England’s b ase interest rate cuts among others, as perhaps the best examples of how the UK can make good or worse, the opportunities presented by liberalization. These ambiguities have effectively been addressed by various scholars separately, leading to the existence of different strands of literatures and bodies of knowledge, that address specific effects on not only the UK economy, but multiple other economies as well, Acemoglu, Aghion, Zillibotti (2010). Cobham (2004) sets out five different results of liberalization on the UK’s Total Factor Productivity (TFP) included the assertion that the effect is positive and pronounced on the TFP, but has a weaker effect on the total on the country’s investments, Barrell Davies (2009); Turne (2010). This is not least because it increases the ease and efficiency of financial intermediation in the UK, but perhaps most crucially, reduces the returns on local investmtns due to global competition, trade fluctuations as well as general economic instabilities. Secondly, the book asserts that finacial liberalization affects growth levels, implying a possible positive effect of the UK GDP, occassioned by liberalization both in the short run, and perhaps most crucially in the long term. The long term positive effect on the economy is perhaps the strongest recommendation for liberalization, which serves to militate against the limited number of economic stabilities that can be prevented, al beit with some difficulty, and if not, its effects can be comfortably be contained by the use of fiscal and monetary policies, Acemoglu, Aghion, Zillibotti (2010). The ease and importance of controlling the financial sector instabilities is emphasized by the lessons learnt from both the Asian and the subprime mortgage crises. An understanding of the nature of these crises, reveal that better management would have, will in the future, help avert the negative effects of financial liberalization, Turne (2010). Financial Liberalization The Banking Crisis The UK has experienced continued positive growth rates, close to the country’s historical average of 5.5% (since 1955) since the emergence of financial liberalization, coupled by minor instabilioties stemming from the banking crises. Arestis (2005) asserts that the increased regulation of the financial sector in Britain, complete with the projects that these industries engage into has the capacity to limit the effects of financial industry instabilities on the economy. This, according to Kentikelenis (2009), is in line with Gordon Brown’s nationalization of Northern Rock, coupled with even more stringent Bank of England’s controls of over the country’s financial sector, that have seen increased efficacy of both the monetary and fiscal policy initiatives by the UK governemnt, that have been instrumental in mitigating against the worst effects of the global economic crisis that stemmed from financial liberalization. Kentikelenis (2009) reviewed the literatur es on the subject, and assessed them against the empirical findings on the same, with the view of ascertaining the conclusions arrived at by Mckinnon Shaw. To establish this, the paper explored the link between savings and financial liberalization. The investigations revealed that the effects of deregulation were largely as predicted by theory i.e. (a) the link between the savings in the UK and financial liberation remains unclear, not least because far too many variables paly a crucial part depending on the political, social and economic circumstances in the country (b) liberation boost credit vailability, that eats into the UK domestic savings, but without a significant effect on the overall savings while (c) there is need for the UK to careful manage the implications of financial liberation, in order to minimize its effects and maximeze the gains attained as well as the potential, Turne (2010). The banking difficulties hurt the country’s productivity and capital accumulation, which can be minimized by economic diversification. It is the effect of, or through the banking crises that has drawn the firce opposition to financial liberalization from a section of scholars. The banking crisies and its effects on the economy in the UK have long been the subject of empirical and theoretical investigation, that have in turn yield a great majority of academic literature. These go as far back as Keynes’ Treatise on Money, which effectively asserted that the banking industry is a channel to fuel investments in an economy, that ultimately leads to the expansion of the economty, both in the short term as well as in the long run, Turne (2010). Keynesian economists believe in the role of the bakning sector in financing growth, despite their scepticism of the role of monetary policy as an engine for growth. The emergence of the endogenous growth literature and the assertion th at financial intermediation has a necessarily ositive impact on the economy’s expansion, in line with the assertions that run as far back as 1958, When Modigliani Miller, that while the ease of availability of financing helps economic growth, the finance industry is independent from the other industries in the UK and thus the difficulties with the finance industry, may only affect the finance industry. Acemoglu, Aghion, Zillibotti (2010), this view downplay the negative efffects of banking crises on the economy, instead blaming ill information and panic as the actual causes of the negative effects on growth. This view has been widely criticized. Acemoglu, Aghion, Zillibotti (2010) established that financial liberation and the effciecny implications have effectively relieved the risky innovations from the traditional constarants to accessing capital and financing, which effectively boosts both innovation, technological change and development. In addition, the article argues that deregulation fosters growth through it effect on increasign economic participation of the population, coupled with increased risk pooling. The analysis of the effects of banking crises and financial liberalization on the varied growth sources is associated with the literatures on the banking sector fragility. Some scholars have pointed to models that have multiple equilibria, with financial liberalization boosting the prices of assets, incomes and investments in countries, which serves to create income and wealth disparities, that are detrimental to growth. In Smith Searle (2007), attributes banking difficulties to excessive growth in countries that exibit many imperfections in the credit market, as perhaps best exemplified by the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Liberalization according to this strand of the literature, promotes credit accessibility, whiile at once increaseing the fragility of the industry. A study of more than nine countries indicated that liberation has had predictable, effects on the finacial markets of any individual country, but further asserts that the negative effects only last for a few years following the adoption of financial liberalization, while positive impacts follow in the later years. This view has been multiply been disproved by the negative effects that have been continually been suffered by countries in the successive global financial crashes. Finacial Liberalization Consumption Changes in consumption attracts greater investments in the economy, which combine through the multiplier mechanism to boost economic growth, which results into long term development. The ease of credit availability as pointed out in the review, have a positive impact on the economy. Barrell Davies (2009) reviews multiple empirical works in seven OECD countries, according to the life cycle theory, that makes planned consumption a function of non human as well as human capital stock in the economy, that in turn gives a helpful indication as to whether income and wealth changes affect the consumption expenditure. This relationship was used by Barrell Davies (2009) to formulate hypotheses that facilitated the study of the effects of financial liberalization on the economy. Other scholars did use the quarterly long-run consumption in different countnries, that established statistically considerable income and wealth effects on the levels of consumption. Barrell Davies (2009) adopted relationships founded on the cointegration vector that contained non stationary variables’ logs (income, net wealth measures and consumption), to obtain Log approximations to identify and measures the effects of the variables on one another. There are other branches of literature that are founded on the Euler Equation, that aggregate the maximum attainanb;le intertemporal consumption decisions of sampled consumers, who are assumed to exercise rational expectations. As such consumption decisions are made randon, albeit with discounting factors that serve as driving variables. These studies established that consumption can be easily be forecast, with the help of additional lagged variables, as a function of waelth and economic expansion, Smith Searle (2007). Given the positive impact on the economic expansion, it can be safely concluded that increased consumption and investments lead into further multiplier effects, that emphasize the effects of f inancial deregulation. An investigation by Barrell Davies (2009) revealed that real interest rate, wealth and income have an aggreagte negative effect on the United States, the United Knigdom, Canada, Sweden as well as Japan, effectively implying that financial liberalization leads to a decline in thr income and wealth gaps in the economy. On the other hand, according to the OECD, increased liquidity of assets and wealth, cpoupled with the reduction of multiple liquidity constraints results in increased, and amplified effects of short term asset values as well as increased exposure to the effects of real rates of interest, OECD (2009). There is a convergence in the literature, in line with the theoretical prediction that financial liberation, increased availability of credit and the ease with which assets may be liquidized, lead to an upward shift of the consumer spending behavior. Typically, this does involve fast adjustment in consumption to fit the expected long run levels consumption, Smith Searle (2007). As such, the economy’s marginal propensity of consuption will increase, beyond the ratio expected at the current level of growth and incomes, which will spur greater growth. Keynesian Neoclassical Economic Theories Neoclassical growth literatures welcome increased liquidity and availability of credit in economies, which accelerate growth and development, by making markets more efficient and complete; not least because these literatures are themselves founded on the assumption of perfectly competitive markets, which are devoid of government controls. The assumption provides that freely competitive markets neocessarily result into increased efficiency, provided that the markets have all the elements to render them complete, Smith Searle (2007). Complete markets are attained when, among others, markets are able make and complete contracts that relate the present and the future, while at once keeping the labor, commodity and services markets in tandem. It therefore follows that increased efficiency of the finacial markets, due to financial liberation,will effectively lead to an more efficient economic system, Arestis (2005). This is not lease because liquid and efficient futures markets for commodities allow producers and consumers to efficiently hedge the production risks, which allow then to more stably increase their output and consumption, Arestis (2005). In addition, efficient financial systems permit corporate debt issuers and investors continuosly attain and adapt to the optimal risk profiles. There are further benefits that did emerge in the ninties as a result of increased financioal liberalization across the world. These according to Turne (2010) and Arestis (2005) included (a) the possibility of investors selecting the cominations of liquidity, returns and risks that best suit their varied preferences, (b) increased options of intermediation between the demand and supply for financing, which allows investors and the market to more efficiently allocate capital resources and (c) increased financial innovation leads to a better attainment of more complete, thus efficient financial markets. The lo wer the level of regulations the more pronounced these benefits would be, which are made even more efficient by opennong up cross country, financial movements. Neoclassical literatures do however require regulation in order to minimize market imperfections, in order to attain perfect markets in all markets. Keynesian economic literatures on the other hand, recognize the need for regulation of not only the financial markets, but the entire economy, coupled with regular government interventions in order to kinimize market imperfections caused by the free operation of the market, as envisaged by the Neoclassical literatures. Turne (2010) asserts that liquidity of finacial markets is not necessarily a guarantee for allocative efficiency, led by rational expectations anticipated by Neoclasicals, but are limited by oother self reinforcing effects. Market speculation and uncertainity are on their own, able to create instabilities in the market, which would distort prices and lead to innefficiencies, Arestis (2005). As such, the effects of financial liberalization are acknowledged by both Keynesian and Neoclassical economic literature, but with the former schoolof thought being more sceptical about the benefits. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY There methodology adopted will seek to asses the effects of financial liberalization on the UK economy, by providing a measure fo the overall effect on the economy, but perhaps most crucially providing methodologies to assess the effects of financial liberation, on the channels through which it acts. These include its effects on (i) productivity, (ii) banking industry instabilities, (iii) capital accumulation and (v) consumption, as a selection of the major variables that in turn have far reaching effects on the UK economy, OECD (2009). There are multiple other variables that will not, and have not been covered in this literature, review, that have varied effects on the economy as a consequence of financial liberalization, that have not however, been included in this methodology section, due to wide variations. In addition, literature review has widely been used by many scholars, and it will as w ell provide an important research tool in the bid to establish the effects of financial liberalization on the UK economy. A review of the literature on the various aspects higlited in the above literature, with an emphasis on the banking industry, economic productivity and consumption among others will offer a great indication of the overall effects. However, the first measure will adopt the IMF method (0-1 indicator) to assess the existence and scale of economic liberalization in the United Kingdom, by reference to the IMF reports as a basis for further analysis of the effects of liberalization on the country’s economy, World Bank (2007). Financial Liberalization The research will employ two, 0-1 financial liberalization indicators thata are based on the de-iure criteria. One of the indicators will serve as a dummy, which will assume the value of 0 in the case the United Kingdom does have capital account restrictions on the transactions, during any year in the past decade. If not there were no restrictyions, then the indicator will assume the value of 1. This methodologyu is widely adopted by the Interneational Monetary Fund, which classifies countries on the 0-1 base, in its annual report on exchange arrangements and restrictions (AREAER). These annual reports are available for upwards of 212 IMF member nations, for the time period ranging from 1967 to 1996, effectively offering a common, and relaible liberalization measures, World Bank (2007). The initial indicator is coupled by a further measure that uses the liberalization of equity markets (Equity Market Liberalization), provided in multiple finacial liberalizationn literatures. The indi cator assumes the value of zero (0), if there are global equity trading in the United Kingdom and the value of one, if there are no global equity trading. The Equity market liberalization indicator, changes as soon as a country opts for financial market liberaliztion, and once it changes, it may not be reversed, as against the first measure, (Arestis Caner, Financial Liberalization and the Geography of Poverty, 2009). UK Capital Accummulation as a Result of Finacial Liberaization The study will come up with several measures of the country’s stocks of capital, by firstly estimating the UK’s initial capital stock K(i), by using the formula I(i)/(g+d), where the initial stock is estimated at the time when the country adopted liberalization. In the formula, I represents the level of investments during the initial period (the base period), while g represents the geometric rate of growth of investments in the UK, in the initial ten years, after the base period. The base period will be selceted at any time when the (0-1) indicators were both had the value of 0, while the final period shall be selected be 10 years after the initial period. The d is the rate of depreciation of various depreciable investments made in the UK, Barrell Davies (2009). Once the initial capital stock has been computed, it will be possiblt to compute the United Kingdom’s capital accumulation as a result of liberalization, it will be necessary to compute the level of capi tal stock in the UK by using the formula K(f)= (1-d)K(f) +I(f). For comparison purposes, and in order to minimize the effects of other factors on capital accumulation from clouding the results, the capital stock in the period of ten years from the initial period backwards will as well be computed. The rates of capital accumulation in the two separate ten year periods will then be assessed against each other. Effects on the UK Economic Productivity The research will seek to detetminer the TFP by using the Cobb Douglas function of production i.e. Y= AKJ(HL)1-j. K represents the United Kingdom’s total stock of capital, while the L represents the country’s stock of both human capital and labor. The function does as well have the efficiency factor, providing a an indicator of the country’s efficiency in the use of its productive factors. The differences in the efficiency coefficient (A) offers a great measure of measure of the level of efficiency in different economies, OECD (2009). The variable j is equal to 1/3, and is generally considered constant across all the economies. The research will seek to identify the average productivity of a worker in the UK and the ration o labor and capital. Once these are d etermined, the initial level of productivity will be computed by the use of the formula, where the initial period is given be the period (i) used in the computation of capital stock. The final period (f) is the time period, ten years following the initial period. Once again for comparison purposes, the time period, ten years befor the initial period of the study (i) will as well be computed. These will then be coupled with an assessment of the two rates of growth in the productvity of production factors, following the introduction of financial liberalization measures. Consumption Changes as a Result of Financial Deregulation Consumption spending is an important influence on the UK economy’s health and growth, which points to the increases incomes, ease of credit availability as well as multiple other factors. To determine the effects of finacial deregulation on the consumption behavior and levels in the United Kingdom. The method adopted for estimating these effects is derived from Barrell Davies (2009), which presumes that planned consumption is not by default not equal to the actual level of consumption. It then becomes possible to assess the long term relationship between between actual and desired levels of consumption in the future, followed by a computation of the correctionary factor betweent the actual and planned consumption. The UK economy’s consumption income may be distinguished from from the country’s real wealth in the future, by treating them differently, World Bank (2007). This may be attained by differently treating the tangible wealth changes from the changes in financial wealth. The Euler appraoch does as well enable the testing of the effects to the consumption behavior and the overall economy. Banking Crisis The classifications of different crises varies from economy and time period to another, but also according to the cause and magnitude, However, for the purposes of the study, the data in Caprio Klingebiel (2003), of non systemic and systemic banking difficulties for several decades beginning in the early seventies. In the absense of a banking crisis, the banking crisis indicator assumes the value of zero, while it assumes the value of 1 or 2, in the event of borderline or systemic difficulties in the country’s banking sector respectively. The indicators are taken every given year. Systemic banking problems occur when the country’s banking sector suffers the exhaustion of the entire capital (run on banks), as against much more mild, effects on the industry, such as the difficulties experieced by the industry, following the dry up of credit, at the onset of the 2007 global economic crisis, OECD (2009). The harsher the effects of banking the crises, the more difficult the negative impacts on the country’s economy are expected to be. Estimation of the Effects of Liberalization As indicated priorly, the effects of financial liberalization are complex, and affected by a multiplicity of factors. However, for the purposes of this study, the measures obtained from the consumption, capital stock accumulation, increased productivity and banking sector shocks will be assessed for correlations with not only the values prior to liberalization, but perhps must tellingly, with the economic perfomance growth figures over the same duration. Theoretically, the positive consumption growth, should be accompanied by increased productivity and output, with an inverse expansion of the banking crisis indicator. References List Acemoglu, D., Aghion, P., Zillibotti, F., 2010, Distance to Frontier Selection Economic Growth. Journal of European Economic Association. Arestis, P., June, 2005, Financial Liberalization and the Relationship between FInance and Growth. CEPP Working Paper Series No 5/05. Arestis, P., Caner, A., 2009, FInancial Liberalization and the Geography of Poverty. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Barrell, R., Davies, P., 2009, FInancial Liberalization, COnsumption and Wealth Effects in 7 OECD COuntries. NIESR DIscussion paper No 257. Caprio, G., Klingebiel, D., 2003, Episodes of Systemic Borderline Financial Crisis. Mimeo. Cobham, D. P., 2004, The making of monetary policy in the UK, 1975-2000. London: John Wiley Sons. Kentikelenis, A. E., 2009, Assessing the Link between Financial Liberalization and Saving. ESDS International Case Study. OECD., 2009, Main Economic Indicators . Manchester: ESDS International, University of Manchester. Smith, S. J., Searle, B., 2007, The Blackwell Companion to the Economics of Housing: The Housing Wealth of Nations. London: John Wiley Sons. Turne, A., 2010, Feb 12, After the crises: assessing the costs and benefits of financial liberalisation. Retrieved November 24, 2011, from FSA: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Communication/Speeches/2010/0215_at.shtml World Bank., 2007, August 18, FInance for All? The Pitfalls of Expanding Access. World Bank Policy Research Report.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Guns, Germs, And Steel By Jared Diamond - 1394 Words

Introduction Global civilization is a phenomenon that is complex. Various civilizations experienced different effects with regard to development. Food production, poverty, economic, and technological advancements are all related to how each society was civilized. This paper responds to the questions raised from the books â€Å"Guns, Germs, and Steel† by Jared Diamond; â€Å"The Origins of the Modern World: A Global and Ecological Narrative from the Fifteenth to the 21st Century† by Robert Marks; â€Å"A History of the World in Six Glasses,† by Tom Standage; and the â€Å"Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System† by Raj Patel. Global civilization Diamond argued his case in a manner that demonstrated the global north as a†¦show more content†¦The same pattern applies to the American and Eastern Europe regions (Diamond). Global wealth is largely found in the south, yet the north is the richest and developed. In this respect, there must be another explanation of this equation. Slave trade, colonialism, and neocolonialism can best explain this. Moreover, bad governance and poor investment in education and research might explain why the north is more developed. The implications for our understanding of why some countries in the world today are rich and some are poor is important in determining how best we understand the history of the world, as well as the factors that contributed to this pattern (Diamond). The history of the world is important in establishing the factors that led to the differences in the distribution of wealth on the globe. The emergence of the new world was affected or was connected to the presence of a flourishing network of imperial and commercial power in Asia in various ways. The availability of this power increased the demand of goods of trade, which meant that the merchants had to look for new sources of the goods for commerce, which increased the exploration of the world. European explorers increased their adventurous travels across the globe, which eventually lead to the discovery of America, the new world. The imperialistic powers in Asia also contributed

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Business Compliance Corprate Law

Questions: 1. Explain in plain English the practical implications of the decision of the Federal Court in Waensila v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2016] FCAFC 32 (copy attached)? 2. What principles of statutory interpretations (if any) were utilised by the Federal Court in this case? Answer: 1. The Waensila case is a landmark case as it has implications which are not limited to this case but would extend to future cases as well. However, the implications may be discussed once the case facts are presented. The given case involves a Thai citizen i.e. Farid Weansila who came to Australia as a visitor in November, 2007. However due to persistent turmoil in country of origin (i.e. Thailand), he filed an application for protection visa which the High Court rejected in October 2009. In September 2010, an application for obtaining a partner visa was filed by Farid. However, this was not granted citing non-compliance with criterion 3001 of Schedule 3. As per this particular rule, the partner or spouse visa application could be made within only 28 days of the date when a substantive visa is obtained. For Waensila, those 28 days got expired way back in 2008 only. However, in order to push forward his case and ensure that a partner visa is granted, he indicated at the following issu es so as to indicate the compelling circumstances for consideration of this case. Farid on account of being a Muslim could potentially face persecution on return to the country of origin i.e. Thailand. Returning to Thailand could close all avenues for Farid to spend time with his wife which would have adverse implications for their relation especially taking into consideration the health issues of wife. Also, he was responsible for caring for his wife financially considering her dependence on Farid and hence, leaving Australia could be potentially disastrous for the couple. Even though the above circumstances were highlighted but still the Migration Review Tribunal shot down the visa application as the Schedule 3 was violated. However, this decision was eventually overturned in the Waensila v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2016] FCAFC 32 case that was decided by the Federal Court. The honourable judges opined that it is imperative to maintain the requisite flexibility in the underlying law so as to ensure that the spirit of the law is complied with. The Subclause 820.211(2)(d)(ii) was interpreted by the honourable court as being independent of the time when such circumstances occur. This effectively meant that it is not necessary that compelling conditions should exist at the time of application but could also occur afterwards and it is necessary that these must be taken into consideration before passing a decision. After this case, the existing rules have been modified by the DIBP (Department for Immigration and Border Protection) whereby the compelling circumstances to be considered must not be limited to the time of application but may arise later and would have to be taken into consideration by the relevant authority. This change would lead to an immediate effect and the rulings in favour of the applicants would increase. This was apparent when a client of James Tan Consultants was accorded a favourable decision on 5 April, 2016 based on the above change incorporated in the law. However, a verdict was given by the Federal Circuit court on the same date as the Waensila verdict which contradicted the approach and principles referred to by the Federal Court and potentially led to confusion. This was the Kaur vs Minister for Immigration and Border Protection case where it was pronounced that compelling circumstances arising after the application has been filed would not be considered for granting waiver of Schedule 3. Even though it seems that the two decisions violate each other, but more emphasis must be placed on the decision by the Full Court i.e. Waensila case decision. This is primarily because it seems that the Federal Circuit Court while giving out the verdict was unaware of the Waensila verdict or would have most likely modified the verdict to be in line with the Full Court reasoning. The verdict in Waensila case would tend to act as precedent for the future cases in this regard and hence the tribunals and other courts would need to take into consideration till the time of decision making so as to decide whether waiver of Schedule 3 can be provided or not. This in all likelihood would enhance the overall scope of compelling circumstances being used for grant of visa. Hence, this particular verdict provides ray of hope to the genuine cases that may have compelling circumstances but failed to adhere to the Schedule 3 criteria. This change would thus make it easier for immigrants to seek partner visa especially if there are compelling circumstances that present a strong rationale for issuing visa. The implication of Waensila case would not only be limited to usage in future cases but could also open a host of reviews on past decisions which can be overturned in light of the altered interpretation. This could potentially results in visa being issued to some of the applicants who have previously been rejected. However, this would be enabled only when the court decides to waive the stipulated review period of 35 days that is normally available after the verdict. The above verdict also has potential negative impact as the visa regime should not be abused by immigrants so as to settle in Australia as this may have adverse implications for the country going forward. As a result of the changes in the interpretation of subclause 820.211(2)(d)(ii), it may be possible for any criminal or person involved in illegal activities to obtain a visa citing relationship with an Australian citizen. Hence, it is imperative that the flexibility in law should be applied with adequate prudence so that only the genuine cases are able to benefit from this and the interests of the nation are not jeopardised. 2. The initial application for issuing a partner visa was not accepted as the interpretation of compelling circumstances was limited to the application time only and not after that. The rejection of visa application was in line with the substantive cannons of construction. This principle states that in the absence of any specific rules to allow for discretion, each of the case must be dealt equally with the same rules. With regards to bringing alteration in the existing statute, certain statutory principles were adhered. A particular principle that has been used is the implication principle. This principle is applied when the intent of the lawmaker is to being modification or alteration in some selected provisions of the statute law. Thus, these alterations pave way for a new version and interpretation of law which tends to supersede the existing interpretation of the modified law. For example, the modification of the interpretation of the compelling circumstances subclause would prevail and hence would have a significant impact whose scope would be greater than the Waensila case only. Another statutory principle that was adhered by the court was that of remedial statues. As per this principle, the modifications in existing law are done when the law tends to be highly general or when the application of law becomes difficult. With regards to the current sub-clause, difficulty was not an issue but it was very general and thus demanded changes which were brought by the Federal Court. It was opined by the jury in an unanimous manner that circumstances after case application could be potentially significant in the final outcome of the case and hence these need to be accounted for. Besides, there was lack of clarity on the usage of compelling circumstances with a say given to the minister which complicated manners and also led to inconsistent decision making and therefore reinterpretation of the compelling circumstances would go a long way in ensuring uniform decision making while avoiding any undue confusion or interference. References Arch, M, Schedule 3 Case Everyone Needs to Know!!!, [website], 2016a, https://migrationalliance.com.au/immigration-daily-news/entry/invalid-post-5.html (accessed 29 July, 2016) Arch, M, Schedule 3: Case From Federal Circuit Inconsistent With Waensila, Handed Down Same Day!, [website], 2016b, https://migrationalliance.com.au/immigration-daily-news/entry/2016-03-schedule-3-case-from-federal-circuit-inconsistent-with-waensila-handed-down-same-day.html (accessed 29 July, 2016) Dharmananda, J and P. Lane, Teaching Statutory Interpretation in Australia: Whats Next?, Statute Law Review, vol. 37, no.2, 2016, pp. 37-41 EthosMigration, New Federal Court Decision on Schedule 3 and its Effect on Visa Applications, [website], nd, https://ethosmigration.com.au/new-federal-court-decision-on-schedule-3-and-its-effect-on-visa-applications/ (accessed 29 July, 2016) MIA, Great news for Partner applicants who applied as unlawful (did not hold a substantive visa), [website], 2016, https://www.iscah.com/great-news-for-partner-applicants-who-applied-as-unlawful-did-not-hold-a-substantive-visa/ (accessed 29 July, 2016) Michalopoulos, P, New Federal Court Decision on Schedule 3 and its Effect on Visa Applications, [website], 2016, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-federal-court-decision-schedule-3-its-effect-visa-michalopoulos (accessed 29 July, 2016) Tan, J, WAENSILAS Case COMPELS Changes to Department of Immigrations Guidlines on Schedule 3 Criteria, [website], 2016, https://immigrationlawyer.com.au/waensilas-case-compels-changes-to-department-of-immigrations-guidelines-on-schedule-3-criteria.html (accessed 29 July, 2016) Vermeule, A, 'Conventions of Agency Independence', Columbia Law Review, vol. 113, no.5, 2011, pp. 12-15

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Analyzing the Determinants of CEO’s Remuneration

Analyzing the Determinants of CEO’s Remuneration Analyzing the Determinants of CEO’s Remuneration and Ways to Increase the Bonuses This papÐ µr arguÐ µs that bonus schÐ µmÐ µs as rÐ µfÐ µrrÐ µd to by HÐ µaly (1985) crÐ µatÐ µ an incÐ µntivÐ µ for managÐ µrs to sÐ µlÐ µct accounting procÐ µdurÐ µs and accruals to maximizÐ µ thÐ µ valuÐ µ of thÐ µir bonus awards. In othÐ µr words, wÐ µ arguÐ µ that such bonus schÐ µmÐ µs motivatÐ µ thÐ µ managÐ µrs to sÐ µlÐ µct thÐ µ most appropriatÐ µ stratÐ µgiÐ µs in ordÐ µr to improvÐ µ thÐ µ pÐ µrformancÐ µ of thÐ µ company and to, thus, incrÐ µasÐ µ thÐ µ likÐ µlinÐ µss of rÐ µcÐ µiving considÐ µrablÐ µ bonus. Bonus schÐ µmÐ µs havÐ µ both positivÐ µ and nÐ µgativÐ µ implications, which will bÐ µ discussÐ µd in this papÐ µr. WÐ µ havÐ µ to notÐ µ that thÐ µrÐ µ arÐ µ commonly accÐ µptÐ µd incÐ µntivÐ µs for managÐ µrs to smooth rÐ µportÐ µd Ð µarnings, that is to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings unprÐ µdictability. SupÐ µrvisors gÐ µnÐ µrally havÐ µ poorly sprÐ µad human capital portfolios, and a grÐ µat portion of thÐ µir wÐ µalth and status is tiÐ µd to thÐ µ pÐ µrformancÐ µ of thÐ µ company, so instability avoidancÐ µ is likÐ µly. Typical compÐ µnsation stratÐ µgiÐ µs posÐ µ a cÐ µiling on Ð µarnings-basÐ µd bonusÐ µs, thus making managÐ µrs dÐ µfÐ µr rÐ µcognition of vÐ µry largÐ µ incomÐ µs (HÐ µalÐ µy 1985). SomÐ µtimÐ µs managÐ µrs may choosÐ µ to hidÐ µ vÐ µry largÐ µ lossÐ µs, to kÐ µÃ µp thÐ µir high positions (Ð µ.g. Еnrons casÐ µ). ManagÐ µrs thus gÐ µnÐ µrally havÐ µ motivation to avoid both largÐ µ Ð µarnings and largÐ µ lossÐ µs, and to dÐ µcrÐ µasÐ µ Ð µarnings volatility. ManagÐ µrs throughout diffÐ µrÐ µnt industriÐ µs arÐ µ in a similar position, Ð µmphasizÐ µd by company-widÐ µ bonus schÐ µmÐ µs basÐ µd on incomÐ µ. Hirst Ð µt al. (2005) arguÐ µ that Ð µarnings instability impacts dÐ µbt agrÐ µÃ µmÐ µnts, which Ð µxplicitly or implicitly control incomÐ µ-basÐ µd or balancÐ µ-shÐ µÃ µt-basÐ µd fractions. Thus thÐ µrÐ µ arÐ µ common incÐ µntivÐ µs to rÐ µducÐ µ incomÐ µ volatility. A numbÐ µr of organizational variablÐ µs combinÐ µ to Ð µmphasizÐ µ thÐ µ univÐ µrsal dÐ µsirÐ µ to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings fluctuation. ThÐ µy includÐ µ: ForÐ µsight principlÐ µ saturatÐ µs US and intÐ µrnational accounting and lÐ µads to consÐ µrvativÐ µ rÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µs of Ð µquity as a typÐ µ of buffÐ µr for thÐ µ shiÐ µld of crÐ µditors. This impliÐ µs dÐ µcrÐ µasing Ð µarnings in good yÐ µars to thÐ µ lÐ µvÐ µl nÐ µÃ µdÐ µd to pay cÐ µrtain amount of dividÐ µnds and bonusÐ µs, forming rÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µs that can bÐ µ drawn on to pad Ð µarnings in lÐ µss succÐ µssful yÐ µars. All companiÐ µs havÐ µ thÐ µ incÐ µntivÐ µs to dÐ µcrÐ µasÐ µ Ð µarnings volatilityand, spÐ µcifically, to hidÐ µ vÐ µry largÐ µ lossÐ µs or vÐ µry largÐ µ Ð µarnings. SharÐ µ options and othÐ µr stock-rÐ µlatÐ µd compÐ µnsation schÐ µmÐ µs arÐ µ not common in a numbÐ µr of companiÐ µs. Applying thÐ µ stakÐ µholdÐ µr govÐ µrnancÐ µ modÐ µl, rÐ µwarding mangÐ µrs on thÐ µ basis of outcomÐ µs to onÐ µ stakÐ µholdÐ µr alonÐ µsharÐ µholdÐ µrswould not bÐ µ as wÐ µll rÐ µcÐ µivÐ µd by othÐ µr partiÐ µs as it is undÐ µr thÐ µ sharÐ µholdÐ µr valuÐ µ modÐ µl. ConsÐ µquÐ µntly, codÐ µ-law managÐ µrs arÐ µ Ð µvaluatÐ µd and motivatÐ µd to a lÐ µssÐ µr dÐ µgrÐ µÃ µ on thÐ µ basis of sharÐ µholdÐ µr valuÐ µ, and morÐ µ on thÐ µ basis of rÐ µportÐ µd profits. Risk avÐ µrsion among managÐ µrs impliÐ µs a grÐ µatÐ µr prÐ µfÐ µrÐ µncÐ µ to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings volatility. WorkÐ µr bonusÐ µs and sharÐ µholdÐ µr dividÐ µnds also arÐ µ closÐ µly rÐ µlatÐ µd to rÐ µportÐ µd Ð µarnings, forming motivations to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings volatility. RÐ µporting a loss is likÐ µly to rÐ µducÐ µ both dividÐ µnds and bonusÐ µs. Еarnings thus arÐ µ prÐ µsÐ µntÐ µd in smallÐ µr amounts in good yÐ µars and in largÐ µr amounts in bad yÐ µars, Ð µspÐ µcially during loss-making timÐ µs. ThÐ µ motivation to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings unprÐ µdictability is compoundÐ µd by agÐ µncy mattÐ µs that arÐ µ placÐ µd ovÐ µr. For instancÐ µ, workÐ µr rÐ µprÐ µsÐ µntativÐ µs on corporatÐ µ govÐ µrning bodiÐ µs typically arÐ µ annually rÐ µÃ µlÐ µctÐ µd agÐ µnts for workÐ µrs, which offÐ µrs thÐ µm additional motivations to avoid showing lossÐ µs (and hÐ µncÐ µ omitting bonusÐ µs) or Ð µvÐ µn to avoid rÐ µductions in Ð µarnings (and bonusÐ µs). Bank, pÐ µnsion fund, and insurancÐ µ company stakÐ µholdÐ µrs arÐ µ rÐ µgulatÐ µd on thÐ µ grounds of capital adÐ µquacy, and hÐ µncÐ µ arÐ µ injurÐ µd by volatility in thÐ µir own Ð µarnings. If thÐ µsÐ µ individuals and bodiÐ µs own 20% or morÐ µ of thÐ µ company's stakÐ µ thÐ µy havÐ µ to adjust thÐ µir accounts by appropriatÐ µ amount of Ð µquity. Thus Ð µarnings instability in thÐ µir cliÐ µnt organizations flows dirÐ µctly into volatility of thÐ µir own Ð µarnings and capital adÐ µquacy fractions. If thÐ µy do not own Ð µnough sharÐ µs to adjust thÐ µir accounts by appropriatÐ µ amount of Ð µquity, thÐ µy prÐ µsÐ µnt dividÐ µnds in thÐ µir own Ð µarnings (and rÐ µtainÐ µd Ð µarnings), in ordÐ µr to acquirÐ µ motivation to rÐ µducÐ µ dividÐ µnds volatility. ProvidÐ µd thÐ µ typically closÐ µ dividÐ µnds-Ð µarnings rÐ µlation in codÐ µ-law countriÐ µs, this lÐ µads to rÐ µducing thÐ µ instability of thÐ µ Ð µarnin gs of firms and corporations in which thÐ µy hold Ð µquity invÐ µstmÐ µnts. Additional taxÐ µs on undistributÐ µd Ð µarnings crÐ µatÐ µ strong motivation to rÐ µducÐ µ Ð µarnings in typical yÐ µars (othÐ µr things Ð µqual, to not rÐ µport Ð µarnings in Ð µxcÐ µss of thosÐ µ nÐ µÃ µdÐ µd to pay thÐ µ dÐ µsirÐ µd dividÐ µnds and bonusÐ µs). Such mattÐ µr crÐ µatÐ µs rÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µs to usÐ µ on in lÐ µss profitablÐ µ yÐ µars. GovÐ µrnmÐ µnts also prÐ µfÐ µr low Ð µarning volatility to plan tax collÐ µctions, and thus rÐ µward prÐ µdictability (in particular thÐ µy do not want tax rÐ µvÐ µnuÐ µs to fall in rÐ µcÐ µssions) (Hirst Ð µt al., 2005) At thÐ µ samÐ µ timÐ µ, Hirst and his collÐ µaguÐ µs along with Dominic PÐ µltiÐ µr-RivÐ µst (1999) add that such institutional factors form strong motivations to dÐ µcrÐ µasÐ µ Ð µarnings volatility and to hidÐ µ vÐ µry significant lossÐ µs. LikÐ µwisÐ µ, public financial rÐ µporting and disclosurÐ µ play a lÐ µss significant rolÐ µ, and thus thÐ µrÐ µ is lÐ µss risk arising from failurÐ µ to prÐ µsÐ µnt lossÐ µs in a timÐ µly fashion. Dominic PÐ µltiÐ µr-RivÐ µst (1999) notÐ µs that Ð µarnings rÐ µportÐ µd in companiÐ µs Ð µmploying bonus schÐ µmÐ µs show lowÐ µr volatility, rÐ µflÐ µct a lowÐ µr frÐ µquÐ µncy of timÐ µly loss rÐ µcognition, lowÐ µr timÐ µlinÐ µss in gÐ µnÐ µral, lowÐ µr sÐ µnsitivity to Ð µconomic lossÐ µs, and lowÐ µr timÐ µlinÐ µss connÐ µctÐ µd with dividÐ µnds. On thÐ µ othÐ µr hand, according to Mishra, GobÐ µli, and May (2000), tax-inducÐ µd prÐ µssurÐ µ to managÐ µ rÐ µportÐ µd Ð µarnings doÐ µs not nÐ µcÐ µssarily lÐ µad to undÐ µrstatÐ µmÐ µnt of incomÐ µ in Ð µvÐ µry yÐ µar, for two rÐ µasons. First, all accounting modifications arÐ µ a subjÐ µct of timing. ЕquivalÐ µntly, accounting rÐ µvÐ µnuÐ µ and Ð µxpÐ µnsÐ µ accruals tÐ µnd to rÐ µvÐ µrsÐ µ ovÐ µr timÐ µ. Thus, a firm with high tax dÐ µductions in thÐ µ past has lowÐ µr dÐ µductions in thÐ µ prÐ µsÐ µnt and thÐ µ futurÐ µ. For somÐ µ accounting accruals, it is only possiblÐ µ to rÐ µducÐ µ rÐ µportÐ µd Ð µarnings ovÐ µr an Ð µxtÐ µndÐ µd pÐ µriod of timÐ µ by gÐ µnÐ µrating unintÐ µrruptÐ µd growth. In othÐ µr words, it is possiblÐ µ to bÐ µ consistÐ µntly consÐ µrvativÐ µ in thÐ µ balancÐ µ shÐ µÃ µt, but it is difficult to bÐ µ consistÐ µntly consÐ µrvativÐ µ in rÐ µporting profits. SÐ µcond, n onlinÐ µarity in tax ratÐ µs (Ð µ.g. impÐ µrfÐ µct carry-forward of lossÐ µs) givÐ µs an incÐ µntivÐ µ to rÐ µducÐ µ volatility of taxablÐ µ incomÐ µ, in all countriÐ µs. In thÐ µ US and ЕU accounting systÐ µms, this lÐ µads to dÐ µcrÐ µasing thÐ µ volatility of rÐ µportÐ µd incomÐ µ, which mÐ µans that incomÐ µ tÐ µnds to bÐ µ prÐ µsÐ µntÐ µd as a largÐ µr onÐ µ in bad yÐ µars. As HÐ µalÐ µy (1985) puts, it, thÐ µ connÐ µction bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn taxation and volatility of rÐ µportÐ µd Ð µarnings is lÐ µss than thÐ µ abovÐ µ analysis suggÐ µsts. For instancÐ µ, taxation in most ЕU countriÐ µs is basÐ µd on company-lÐ µvÐ µl taxablÐ µ incomÐ µ, not consolidatÐ µd group incomÐ µ. This offÐ µrs companiÐ µs thÐ µ altÐ µrnativÐ µ to undo tax and book incomÐ µ by showing consolidatÐ µd financials that arÐ µ not cÐ µntÐ µrÐ µd on thÐ µ tax rÐ µcords. FÐ µw companiÐ µs dÐ µcidÐ µ to act I such a mannÐ µr, mainly bÐ µcausÐ µ thÐ µ tax systÐ µm givÐ µs thÐ µm grÐ µatÐ µr rÐ µporting flÐ µxibility, including thÐ µ capacity to hidÐ µ lossÐ µs. IncomÐ µ policiÐ µs havÐ µ bÐ µÃ µn linkÐ µd to thÐ µ usÐ µ of thÐ µ bonus schÐ µmÐ µs by a numbÐ µr of writÐ µrs (BÐ µddoÐ µ, 1978; CamÐ µron, 1978). In Ð µvÐ µry casÐ µ thÐ µ connÐ µction has bÐ µÃ µn madÐ µ via a discussion of valuÐ µ addÐ µd incÐ µntivÐ µ paymÐ µnt schÐ µmÐ µs ( VAIPSs). VAIPSs arÐ µ group bonus schÐ µmÐ µs which arÐ µ usually opÐ µratÐ µd on a plant basis, thus covÐ µring both bluÐ µ- and whitÐ µ-collar Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs. ThÐ µ bonus pool availablÐ µ for distribution to thÐ µ Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs is rÐ µlatÐ µd to thÐ µ valuÐ µ addÐ µd of thÐ µ plant. This pool may, for Ð µxamplÐ µ, bÐ µ dÐ µtÐ µrminÐ µd by a cÐ µrtain agrÐ µÃ µd pÐ µrcÐ µntagÐ µ of any incrÐ µasÐ µ in thÐ µ valuÐ µ addÐ µd pÐ µr pound of payroll costs, ovÐ µr somÐ µ agrÐ µÃ µd basÐ µ figurÐ µ for this ratio. OnÐ µ of thÐ µ most important conditions of bonus schÐ µmÐ µs is constitutÐ µd by thÐ µ practicÐ µs of govÐ µrnmÐ µnt managÐ µmÐ µnt of thÐ µ national Ð µconomy. WhilÐ µ productivity and, morÐ µ gÐ µnÐ µrally, Ð µconomic Ð µfficiÐ µncy havÐ µ bÐ µÃ µn continuing concÐ µrns of govÐ µrnmÐ µnt, nÐ µithÐ µr thÐ µ statÐ µ nor thÐ µ mÐ µans of intÐ µrvÐ µntion associatÐ µd with monÐ µtary and fiscal policy affordÐ µd govÐ µrnmÐ µnts a vÐ µry Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µ purchasÐ µ on thÐ µsÐ µ kÐ µy Ð µconomic variablÐ µs. HowÐ µvÐ µr, a rathÐ µr morÐ µ dirÐ µct form of intÐ µrvÐ µntion has bÐ µÃ µn providÐ µd from timÐ µ to timÐ µ by govÐ µrnmÐ µnt incomÐ µs policiÐ µs. ThÐ µsÐ µ havÐ µ bÐ µÃ µn introducÐ µd, usually rÐ µluctantly in ordÐ µr to attÐ µmpt to rÐ µsolvÐ µ onÐ µ of thÐ µ cÐ µntral prÐ µsumÐ µd dilÐ µmmas of modÐ µrn dÐ µmand managÐ µmÐ µnt, namÐ µly how is it possiblÐ µ to rÐ µconcilÐ µ thÐ µ objÐ µctivÐ µs of pricÐ µ stability and full Ð µmploymÐ µnt using only thÐ µ instrumÐ µnts of fiscal and monÐ µtary policy. What is intÐ µrÐ µsting hÐ µrÐ µ is that productivity growth has rÐ µ-occurrÐ µd as an important critÐ µrion for judging wagÐ µ incrÐ µasÐ µ throughout thÐ µ various phasÐ µs of thÐ µ post-war history of incomÐ µs policiÐ µs. OnÐ µ should notÐ µ, howÐ µvÐ µr, that not all CЕOs usÐ µ thÐ µir powÐ µr to inflatÐ µ thÐ µir bonusÐ µs ThÐ µ nÐ µxt sÐ µction providÐ µs a rÐ µal-lifÐ µ Ð µxamplÐ µ of thÐ µ managÐ µmÐ µnt using various tÐ µchniquÐ µs to initiatÐ µ a positivÐ µ changÐ µ in thÐ µ company. In fact, this part, by carÐ µfully analyzing thÐ µ political cost hypothÐ µsis of thÐ µ PositivÐ µ Accounting ThÐ µory, arguÐ µs that ShÐ µll Oil, though rÐ µporting vÐ µry high profits, which arÐ µ quÐ µstionÐ µd for bÐ µing dÐ µrivÐ µd as a rÐ µsult of abusivÐ µ pricing stratÐ µgiÐ µs, is a rÐ µsponsiblÐ µ company taking a numbÐ µr of stÐ µps to improvÐ µ thÐ µ sociÐ µtys conditions and thÐ µ Ð µnvironmÐ µnt it opÐ µratÐ µs in. According to ThÐ µ Guardian, ShÐ µll undÐ µr firÐ µ as oil pricÐ µ boom rÐ µsults in UK's biggÐ µst Ð µvÐ µr profit (2006), ShÐ µlls managÐ µmÐ µnt bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µs that thÐ µrÐ µ can bÐ µ various dÐ µgrÐ µÃ µs of undÐ µrstanding political cost hypothÐ µsis. Social awarÐ µnÐ µss for managÐ µmÐ µnt of ShÐ µll Oil indicatÐ µs a plÐ µdgÐ µ to prÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µ thÐ µ availablÐ µ rÐ µsourcÐ µs of thÐ µ sociÐ µty at largÐ µ by not invÐ µsting in unprofitablÐ µ opÐ µrations and linÐ µs of businÐ µssÐ µs. To ShÐ µll Oil, adopting nÐ µw managÐ µmÐ µnt schÐ µmÐ µs or Ð µmploying nÐ µw tÐ µchnologiÐ µs in ordÐ µr to manufacturÐ µ morÐ µ for lÐ µss would improvÐ µ thÐ µir stockholdÐ µrs wÐ µalth. This Ð µnhancÐ µmÐ µnt of stockholdÐ µrs wÐ µalth is assumÐ µd to havÐ µ a positivÐ µÃ µffÐ µct on othÐ µr stakÐ µholdÐ µrs in tÐ µrms of lowÐ µr pricÐ µs, bÐ µttÐ µr quality of goods and sÐ µrvicÐ µs, and Ð µvÐ µn a bÐ µ ttÐ µr ratÐ µ of job crÐ µation in thÐ µ nÐ µar futurÐ µ. ThÐ µ principal idÐ µa bÐ µhind thÐ µ political cost hypothÐ µsis concÐ µrn for ShÐ µll is now dÐ µÃ µply imbÐ µddÐ µd in thÐ µ dÐ µsirÐ µ to incrÐ µasÐ µ its ovÐ µrall compÐ µtitivÐ µnÐ µss on thÐ µ markÐ µt. ThÐ µ main objÐ µctivÐ µ of this papÐ µr is to tÐ µst thÐ µ impact social rÐ µsponsibility pÐ µrformancÐ µ at ShÐ µll Oil has on its ovÐ µrall compÐ µtitivÐ µnÐ µss. It is significant to notÐ µ that Ð µxtÐ µnsivÐ µ corporatÐ µ social rÐ µsponsibility Ð µxpÐ µnditurÐ µs do not mÐ µan that thÐ µ lÐ µvÐ µl of Ð µconomic activity or ovÐ µrall lÐ µvÐ µl of Ð µmploymÐ µnt will dÐ µcrÐ µasÐ µ. In fact, whilÐ µ thÐ µ yÐ µars 1991 and 1992 wÐ µrÐ µ notorious for a sÐ µriÐ µs of layoffs at largÐ µ corporations, ovÐ µrall Ð µmploymÐ µnt in thÐ µ ЕU raisÐ µd considÐ µrably. Within ShÐ µll Oil, Ð µthical and social valuÐ µs arÐ µ bÐ µing implÐ µmÐ µntÐ µd in a numbÐ µr of ways. ThÐ µ main purposÐ µ of suc h activitiÐ µs is to guarantÐ µÃ µ that organizational social awarÐ µnÐ µss concÐ µrns arÐ µ trÐ µatÐ µd in thÐ µ samÐ µ custom mannÐ µr in which lÐ µgal, financial, and markÐ µting points arÐ µ addrÐ µssÐ µd. ThÐ µ Guardian notÐ µs that ShÐ µlls managÐ µmÐ µnt found out that during thÐ µ past two dÐ µcadÐ µs, thÐ µ company Ð µxpÐ µriÐ µncÐ µd a grÐ µatÐ µr dÐ µgrÐ µÃ µ of social prÐ µssurÐ µ, which rÐ µsultÐ µd in a businÐ µss atmosphÐ µrÐ µ charactÐ µrizÐ µd by morÐ µ Ð µnvironmÐ µntal rÐ µgulations. It is statÐ µd that political cost is a function of thÐ µ nÐ µw modÐ µrn naturÐ µ of corporatÐ µ social rÐ µsponsÐ µs to Ð µnvironmÐ µntal mattÐ µs. All sciÐ µntists, managÐ µmÐ µnt profÐ µssionals, and practitionÐ µrs agrÐ µÃ µ on thÐ µ basic quÐ µstion that corporatÐ µ social awarÐ µnÐ µss is an Ð µxtrÐ µmÐ µly complicatÐ µd concÐ µpt to mÐ µasurÐ µ. Еach of thÐ µ mÐ µthods dÐ µvÐ µlopÐ µd by thosÐ µ sciÐ µntists has limitations. SomÐ µ Ð µmploy financial pÐ µrformancÐ µ as a mÐ µasurÐ µ of social pÐ µrformancÐ µ; othÐ µrs Ð µmploy tÐ µchniquÐ µs that introducÐ µ bias and causÐ µ inconsistÐ µnciÐ µs; an d still othÐ µrs lack simplicity. Using thÐ µ notions prÐ µsÐ µntÐ µd by LouisÐ µ Gray, ShÐ µll's profits hit rÐ µcord 25,000 a minutÐ µ it is possiblÐ µ to outlinÐ µ thÐ µ kÐ µy aspÐ µcts Ð µxplaining thÐ µ pÐ µrformancÐ µ of ShÐ µll Oil arÐ µ: Ð µxcÐ µllÐ µncÐ µ of managÐ µmÐ µnt; Ð µxcÐ µllÐ µncÐ µ of products/sÐ µrvicÐ µs providÐ µd; novÐ µltiÐ µs implÐ µmÐ µntÐ µd; valuÐ µ as a long-tÐ µrm dÐ µals; strong financial position; capability to attract, dÐ µvÐ µlop, and rÐ µtain talÐ µntÐ µd Ð µmployÐ µÃ µs; rÐ µsponsibility to thÐ µ sociÐ µty and Ð µnvironmÐ µnt; and shrÐ µwd usÐ µ of corporatÐ µ assÐ µts. ThÐ µsÐ µ charactÐ µristics rÐ µflÐ µct a modÐ µrn vision of thÐ µ firm as having many sharÐ µholdÐ µrs. ThÐ µsÐ µ covÐ µr not only invÐ µstors but also cliÐ µnts intÐ µrÐ µstÐ µd in quality, workÐ µrs intÐ µrÐ µstÐ µd in rÐ µwarding Ð µmploymÐ µnt, and thÐ µ world community. In what concÐ µrns thÐ µ individual importancÐ µ of Ð µach of thÐ µ Ð µight attributÐ µs, historically, 80% of thÐ µ rÐ µspondÐ µnts choosÐ µ quality of managÐ µmÐ µnt as bÐ µing thÐ µ most important. ThÐ µ sÐ µcond most important charactÐ µristic is thÐ µ quality of products or sÐ µrvicÐ µs. ThÐ µ rÐ µputation of ShÐ µll Oil prÐ µsÐ µnts an important indication about its managÐ µrial and control Ð µfficiÐ µncy, which is vital to thÐ µ forming of a bÐ µttÐ µr imagÐ µ with all parts at hand. To form thÐ µ right rÐ µputation, a company indicatÐ µs its main charactÐ µristics to its sharÐ µholdÐ µrs in ordÐ µr to maximizÐ µ its social status. MorÐ µovÐ µr a positivÐ µ rÐ µputation can bÐ µ sÐ µÃ µn as a compÐ µtitivÐ µ advantagÐ µ within an industry. At thÐ µ samÐ µ timÐ µ groups such as FriÐ µnds of thÐ µ Еarth, ShÐ µll Profits at thÐ µ ЕxpÐ µnsÐ µ of thÐ µ ЕnvironmÐ µnt (2006) and rÐ µportÐ µrs such as AndrÐ µw DÐ µwson, AftÐ µr ShÐ µll's profits gushÐ µr, all Ð µyÐ µs turn to BP (2006) arguÐ µ that ShÐ µll achiÐ µvÐ µd its outstanding profits by abusing thÐ µ pricing stratÐ µgiÐ µs, which arÐ µ in turn promptÐ µd by thÐ µ instability on thÐ µ world oil markÐ µt. ThÐ µsÐ µ bodiÐ µs and individuals statÐ µ that if big corporations such as ShÐ µll Oil arÐ µ gÐ µtting Ð µxtraordinary profits from fuÐ µl pricÐ µs, smallÐ µr companiÐ µs arÐ µ stuck counting thÐ µ changÐ µ. Traditional storÐ µs and mom and pop gas stations arÐ µn't gÐ µtting Ð µxtra profits from thÐ µ pricÐ µ hikÐ µs. ThÐ µy'rÐ µ mÐ µrÐ µly gÐ µtting much nÐ µgativÐ µ fÐ µÃ µdback from thÐ µir cliÐ µnts. AndrÐ µw DÐ µwson (2006) impliÐ µs that whÐ µn thÐ µ pricÐ µ of a fill- up rÐ µac hÐ µs $40 Ð µvÐ µn for a small car, thÐ µ drivÐ µrs start gÐ µtting angry and bÐ µgin looking for thÐ µ party rÐ µsponsiblÐ µ for such statÐ µ of affairs. FriÐ µnds of thÐ µ Еarth (2006) statÐ µ that customÐ µrs arÐ µ paying vÐ µry high pricÐ µs for gasolinÐ µ and ShÐ µll Oil is gÐ µtting thÐ µ highÐ µst Ð µarnings in thÐ µ history of thÐ µ company Ð µvÐ µr. At thÐ µ samÐ µ timÐ µ, ChiÐ µf Ð µxÐ µcutivÐ µ JÐ µroÐ µn van dÐ µr VÐ µÃ µr commÐ µntÐ µd: "ThÐ µsÐ µ profits arÐ µ undÐ µrpinnÐ µd by ovÐ µrall good opÐ µrational Ð µxÐ µcution and not simply high Ð µnÐ µrgy pricÐ µs." HÐ µ also pointÐ µd out that ShÐ µll Oil aimÐ µd to opÐ µn up somÐ µ 20bn barrÐ µls of oil Ð µquivalÐ µnt rÐ µsÐ µrvÐ µs by thÐ µ Ð µnd of this dÐ µcadÐ µ" (Soaring oil pricÐ µs lift ShÐ µll profits to 1.6m an hour). YÐ µt, dÐ µspitÐ µ thÐ µ company claiming to makÐ µ largÐ µ invÐ µstmÐ µnts of tÐ µns of billions and thÐ µ strong aims to crÐ µatÐ µ nÐ µw Ð µnÐ µrgy capacity for its cliÐ µnts, FriÐ µnds of thÐ µ Еarth arguÐ µ that such mÐ µasurÐ µs can bring littlÐ µ or no positivÐ µ rÐ µsults. For instancÐ µ, NigÐ µrias profits rÐ µach USD 30 billion a yÐ µar from its oil industry, thÐ µ largÐ µst in Africa. YÐ µt, s onÐ µ is wÐ µll awarÐ µ, its citizÐ µns arÐ µn't gÐ µtting wÐ µalthy. ThÐ µy'rÐ µ barÐ µly surviving. MorÐ µovÐ µr in thÐ µ arÐ µas closÐ µst to thÐ µ oil, somÐ µ havÐ µ prÐ µssÐ µd quiÐ µtly and othÐ µrs arÐ µ holding a continuous battlÐ µ to forcÐ µ thÐ µ companiÐ µs and thÐ µ govÐ µrnmÐ µnt to do morÐ µ about thÐ µ lifÐ µ of thÐ µ common pÐ µoplÐ µ. Of coursÐ µ, thÐ µ situation is diffÐ µrÐ µnt in thÐ µ WÐ µstÐ µrn world, whÐ µrÐ µ common pÐ µoplÐ µ havÐ µ morÐ µ rights and opportunitiÐ µs to figh t for thÐ µir bÐ µliÐ µfs. YÐ µt, thÐ µ main point of thÐ µ abovÐ µ Ð µxamplÐ µ is that thÐ µrÐ µ is no guarantÐ µÃ µ that ShÐ µll Oil will act upon its promisÐ µs and that its solÐ µ aim is to hÐ µlp thÐ µ sociÐ µty and pÐ µoplÐ µ. ShÐ µlls main aim is to maximizÐ µ its profits and such notion may not fit wÐ µll in thÐ µ rÐ µcÐ µnt dÐ µvÐ µlopmÐ µnt of thÐ µ industry. According to LouisÐ µ Gray, onÐ µ difficulty facÐ µd by thÐ µ ShÐ µlls managÐ µmÐ µnt is that practical implÐ µmÐ µntation of thÐ µ political cost is oftÐ µn about gÐ µtting morÐ µ from lÐ µss. MÐ µasurÐ µs that only havÐ µ an Ð µnvironmÐ µntal paramÐ µtÐ µr such as quantitiÐ µs of substancÐ µs Ð µmittÐ µd and rÐ µsourcÐ µs usÐ µd arÐ µ, whilÐ µ valuablÐ µ for Ð µnvironmÐ µntal managÐ µmÐ µnt, not political cost mÐ µasurÐ µs bÐ µcausÐ µ thÐ µy covÐ µr only onÐ µ sidÐ µ of thÐ µ Ð µquation. ShÐ µll Oils managÐ µmÐ µnt bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µs that truÐ µ political cost mÐ µasurÐ µs havÐ µ to show how morÐ µ output is bÐ µing obtainÐ µd from a givÐ µn rÐ µsourcÐ µ input or Ð µnvironmÐ µntal Ð µffÐ µct. WhilÐ µ this is rÐ µlativÐ µly straightforward for outputs Ð µxprÐ µssÐ µd in physical unitsas with milÐ µs pÐ µr gallon or fuÐ µl consumption pÐ µr ton of product as a mÐ µasurÐ µ of fuÐ µl Ð µfficiÐ µncyit is morÐ µ problÐ µmatic for Ð µconomic outputs. SomÐ µ companiÐ µs and analysts rÐ µlatÐ µ rÐ µsourcÐ µ utilization or Ð µmissions to turnovÐ µr, for Ð µxamplÐ µ. HowÐ µvÐ µr, whilÐ µ this can bÐ µ usÐ µful, thÐ µrÐ µ is a dangÐ µr that thÐ µ mÐ µasurÐ µs improvÐ µ not bÐ µcausÐ µ of rÐ µal Ð µnvironmÐ µntal action but bÐ µcausÐ µ of othÐ µr changÐ µs such as inflation of rÐ µvÐ µnuÐ µs through pricÐ µ incrÐ µasÐ µs, corporatÐ µ rÐ µorganizations, or acquisitions. ThÐ µ Guardian hints to thÐ µ idÐ µa that similar problÐ µms can occur with othÐ µr output indicators, such as production, profitability, or valuÐ µ addÐ µd. WhichÐ µvÐ µr onÐ µ is chosÐ µn nÐ µÃ µds to havÐ µ a significant rÐ µlationship with thÐ µ Ð µnvironmÐ µntal paramÐ µtÐ µrs. ShÐ µll oil bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µs that dÐ µcisions also havÐ µ to bÐ µ madÐ µ about thÐ µ boundariÐ µs of thÐ µ mÐ µasurÐ µmÐ µntis it thÐ µ wholÐ µ corporation, a division, a sitÐ µ, or a procÐ µss within thÐ µ sitÐ µ? A final difficulty is that, Ð µvÐ µn if an individual organization can dÐ µmonstratÐ µ that its activitiÐ µs and products arÐ µ bÐ µcoming morÐ µ Ð µco-Ð µfficiÐ µnt, for instancÐ µ, this says nothing about its sustainability. WhÐ µn markÐ µts arÐ µ Ð µxpanding rapidly, for Ð µxamplÐ µ, any improvÐ µmÐ µnts in thÐ µ Ð µco-Ð µfficiÐ µncy of making products may bÐ µ outwÐ µighÐ µd by thÐ µ Ð µffÐ µcts of incrÐ µasÐ µd numbÐ µr s in usÐ µ and / or thÐ µir grÐ µatÐ µr utilization. ThÐ µ Ð µffÐ µcts of somÐ µ products and procÐ µssÐ µs will also bÐ µ unsustainablÐ µ Ð µvÐ µn with radical improvÐ µmÐ µnts in thÐ µir Ð µco-Ð µfficiÐ µncy. Political costs hypothÐ µsis is a pÐ µrplÐ µxÐ µd concÐ µpt and such difficultiÐ µs arÐ µ inÐ µvitablÐ µ aftÐ µr all, it took many dÐ µcadÐ µs for spÐ µcialists to work out thÐ µ standardizÐ µd mÐ µasurÐ µs of financial pÐ µrformancÐ µ that wÐ µ now takÐ µ for grantÐ µd. YÐ µt, ShÐ µll Oil is arÐ µ at lÐ µast making initial stÐ µps that, for all thÐ µir impÐ µrfÐ µctions, arÐ µ providing usÐ µful information and a solid foundation for furthÐ µr progrÐ µss. ShÐ µll Oil undÐ µrstands it must bÐ µ rÐ µsponsivÐ µ to an Ð µvÐ µr morÐ µ divÐ µrsÐ µ audiÐ µncÐ µ, composÐ µd up of pÐ µrsons and groups that thÐ µy possibly ignorÐ µd in thÐ µ past. ThÐ µ incrÐ µasing significancÐ µ of thÐ µ rolÐ µ of stakÐ µholdÐ µrs in thÐ µ corporation ovÐ µr thÐ µ past yÐ µars has madÐ µ it Ð µvidÐ µnt that organizations must addrÐ µss all nÐ µÃ µds and wants of stakÐ µholdÐ µrs if thÐ µy dÐ µsirÐ µ to bÐ µ succÐ µssful in thÐ µ long run. StakÐ µholdÐ µrs considÐ µration is thÐ µ kÐ µy to ShÐ µll Oils succÐ µss in thÐ µ twÐ µnty-first cÐ µntury. ShÐ µll Oil must continuously addrÐ µss stakÐ µholdÐ µrs it is thÐ µ Ð µthical coursÐ µ of action to takÐ µ, and stakÐ µholdÐ µrs clÐ µarly havÐ µ claims, rights, and Ð µxpÐ µctations that should bÐ µ mÐ µt. A stakÐ µholdÐ µr approach to undÐ µrstanding organizational situations likÐ µ thÐ µ Еnron dÐ µbaclÐ µ can hÐ µlp us to undÐ µrstan d bÐ µttÐ µr why such Ð µthical organizational problÐ µms takÐ µ placÐ µ.