State-Building and theOperation of the Market Essay

State-Building and theOperation of the Market - Essay Example Since then, international state-building has become acceptable because the condition had called for it. Today international state-building has seemed to change the understanding on the operations of the market; yet a deeper analysis on its arguments essentially reveals how capitalism manoeuvres to get over with its present crisis. In short, international state-building is a framework that further strengthens the relationship of the state and capital to ensure the pre-eminence of free-market economy in which the US remains unchallenged. International State-building State-building, a concept in state theory first used at the end of Cold-War, pertains to deliberate interventions by national or international forces meant to capacitate and strengthen weak/fragile states and state institutions thereby making them functional (Jones & Chandran 2008, cited in Menocal 2009, p. 2; Caplan 2004, p. 53; Lotz 2010, p. 219). Current world events – e.g. ... 16). In his book, International state-building: The rise of post-liberal governance, Chandler (2010) noted, how the world today has grown more acceptable of international state-building not only as a reactive response to reconstruct war-torn or conflict-ridden states but more as a preventive mechanism to save states from possible economic and political collapse (p. 1). What made this so, Woodward (2011) traced back to the end of Cold-War and the collapse of the USSR, which had resulted to violent break-up of socialist states, beginning with Yugoslavia in 1991. These chaotic disintegration of the USSR simultaneous with the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Somalia had reversed the view toward the state of major world powers and their international machineries for security (UN, NATO, EU) and finance (IMF-WB) – The strong and totalitarian states are no longer viewed as the primary threat to international peace and prosperity; today the considered problem states are the weak/fragil e ones, because as they fail to secure the needs of their people; they cause so much human suffering and chaos, resultantly preventing the smooth operations of the market, thus threatening international peace and prosperity. Within this premise, international state-building – through which international aids were diverted to conflict transformation by building-up government capacities and institutions – was then made acceptable and until lately was seen necessary. (p. 316) This changed perception of the state, Chandler (2009) explained, had redefined sovereignty as no longer pertaining to a nation’s political independence, but to state capacity. Thus sovereignty is perceived no longer as a ban but

World Financial Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

World Financial Environment - Essay Example The US dollar is undoubtedly the largest global currency. Most of the goods and services around the world are valued in dollars; and much of the international transactions are paid in dollars (Daniels, Radebaugh and Sullivan, 2007). It is quite evident that the President Obamas unprecedented expenditure plans would bring in millions of dollars of budget deficits and consequently increase the US national debt level by more than two-fold in the next five years. Hence, presently there is a common speculation that the dollar is moving for an all-time new slump and a probable collapse (Will the US Dollar Lose "Reserve Currency" Status?, n.d.). As a reserve currency, the dollar is expected to be stable. However, the fluctuations in the dollar value and exchange rates give a different picture all together. The economic meltdown and the global financial crisis occurred due to the financial imbalances shooting from the vast deficits in the US current account and the sever pressures arising from the accommodative monetary policy of the US that affected the exchange rate evaluation across the globe. The US dollar had the tendency to depreciate considerably with respect to the other floating currencies. Since most of the international Therefore, with most of the international transaction being carried out in dollars, some nations arbitrated in their foreign exchange markets to limit currency and monetary precariousness so as to sustain domestic financial stability. This resulted in an increase in the dollar prices of several commodities and a further escalation in the reserve accumulation (Mohan, 2009). Due to the continuous dep reciation in the value of the dollar, concerns have cropped up with regard to its status as the global economy’s reserve currency (Faux, 2002). On the one hand, the unexpected fiscal and monetary policy reactions have resulted in heavy

Nike Football Marketing Report

Nike Football Marketing Report The purpose of this paper is to undertake discussion about the marketing mix of Nikes football boots. Nike football boots are one of the most immaculate products launched under the name of Nike. First of all the paper presents a brief introduction about the Nikes football boots and the proper discussion about the marketing mix is done. In the discussion about marketing mix the element of product is discussed. This discussion entails product features and various football boots that are offered by Nike. The pricing strategy of Nike is discussed and a discussion is done about what makes Nike to charge premium price for its football boots. The stores and centres are mentioned in the section of place. The last and the most intriguing element of promotion mentions thriving and enchanting promotional stunts that are used to promote Nikes football boots including celebrity endorsement of Ronaldo, TVCs and billboard. On the basis of the discussion of marketing a conclusion is presented. After analysis of the marketing mix few strategies are also recommended in the last part of the paper to enhance the marketing mix of Nikes football boots. Ribbon Sport between the years 1964 and 1971 (Nike, 2013). The other brands in Nike Inc.s portfolio are: The Converse Inc., Hurley International, Jordan Brand and the Nike Golf. The company however commenced operations in the design of football boots in the 1990s and created the lightest boots recorded as at the time, The Nike Mercurial which weighed 200g. (Garenthmcknight, 2012). The football boots remain the most immaculate and innovative products of Nike Inc. The boots offer perfect fit, exceptional feel and outstanding ball control as it implies innovative features. With the help of innovative techniques like asymmetrical lacing, strategic stud patterns and by implying All Conditions Control technology, Nike is able to produce these outstanding products. The products provides a wide range of collections to choose from; these include the firm ground to soft ground and indoor. It is not only the product that has earned great response from customers but behind this product of football boots proper and well devised strategies are applied. One of the important facets of these strategies that sum up the overall product philosophy is marketing mix. The following part of the paper discusses marketing mix of the football boots of Nike. Marketing Mix of Nike The marketing mix (or the 4Ps as it is referred) is a marketing tool often used by Marketers to build a strategic plan towards the achievement of the corporate goal whilst also satisfying customers needs. The 4Ps is a combination or mixture of four elements put together to produce the desired plan of action ( Masterson and Pickton, 2010). It was McCarthy who in the mid-twentieth century, called it the theory of the Four Ps as it uses four variables, whose initials in English starting with p. These four Ps are as follows: Product Place Promotion Price Nike football boots are easily recognised from the swoosh logo embedded on all product. Product The product decisions should consider the products advantages and how they will be leveraged (Julian and Michael, 2012, 17). Nike Inc. has several products under its football boots brand and these are the Mercurial Range, Nike Tiempo, Nike T90, CR7, Customised Range (Nike, 2013). Mercurial: This range of football boots were designed using ultra light and ultra responsive technology for the purpose of quick cuts in any direction. This product range features supreme control at high speed with the super lightweight dimpled design. Nike Tiempo Masterful Class: One of the classy pair of boots offered by Nike. The Tiempo is the oldest of the swoosh designs. It was lauched in the summer of 2011 and produced in conservative colour except for the 2013 edition which are in red colour. This brand is designed to particularly improve water retention. Nike T90 Deadly Strike: Designed to deliver the deadliest strike on the pitch. CR7: One of the most famous football boots in the world is CR7. This is the brand that has been endorsed by Cristiano Ronaldo and ingraved with the Love to win, hate to lose graphics. Custom Football Boots: This is another type of boots that are offered by Nike. As the name implies this product allows customers to customise their football boots according to the desired traction, colour and various other options of personalisation. The various brands of the Nike football boots are designed for optima performance aced on the All Conditions Control (ACC) technology to provide optimal ball control in both wet and dry conditions. Three different types of Grind materials are used for the production of football boots. These three different types of Grind materials include upper fabric, foam of midsole and rubber for outsole. For the football boots each Grind material is used to make surface for football field. All products are availables in various colours. Price The pricing strategy of Nikes football boots can be described as competitive to the other sports shoe retailers. This pricing strategy of football boots is akin to the overall pricing strategy of Nike Inc product spectrum. The basis of the pricing strategy is of premium segment and target customers. The prices of Nikes football boots are high when compared to other brands such as Adidas and Puma, however, this could be attributed to the premium quality of the products developed. These high prices are often associated with their successes in sports and with organisations. The price range of Nikes football boots starts from  £60 and goes up to $200. A price list of various products of Nikes football boots is as attached in the appendix (Nike, 2013). Place Place in the marketing mix means distribution channels, outlets and catchment areas. Strategies related to place indicate and takes into account different places where the sale of the product would be consummated (Charles, Joseph and Carl, 2008, 44). Nike Inc. is a global company with many outlets around the world. The exclusive stores sell the different products of the company which includes the various brands of Nike football boots. The football boots are stocked by retailers in almost 200 countries. In the United States alone, these football boots are sold to 20,000 retail accounts. With the help of independent distributors, licensees and subsidiaries Nike Inc. sells its football boots in the international market. Promotion The business uses sponsorship to generate brand authencity in the competitive market. Advertising is a major tool used by the company to drive the brand. A few footballers currently sponsored by Nike football boots are Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Miroslav Klose. Other scores of promotional techniques are also adopted. A promotional strategy is adopted according to the situation and nature of the product. Following promotional schemes are used by Nike for the promotion of Nike football boots. Television Commercials (TVCs) TVCs that run on TV are full of inspiration and hold in-depth messages. The end product of these adverts are the psychological appeal by portraying stars from football arena. Nikes football boots invites customers to have the experience of wearing these boots. Billboards One of the most effective, most famous and most appealing promotional campaigns that is being practiced by the marketers of Nikes football boots are the billboards. In the review of the billboard, attention must therefore be drawn to the brand logo and tag line. The tag line Just Do It play a major role in enthusing energy and sportsmen spirit among the target market. All billboard adverts undoubtedly have the swoosh and tag line present and without a doubt, these parts are the most recognised all over the world. Celebrity Endorsement Celebrity endorsement is another techniques used by the Nike to attract the target market. These endorsements are regarded as the captivating technique. The football boots are endorsed by renowned, eminent and charismatic football players. Celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Andres Iniesta have been used for endorsement for various brands of the Nike football boots. These celebrities are also found on the companies websites and other advertising platforms. Celebrities chosen usually relate with the product and their personality compliment the product. The SWOT Analysis The need for strategic planning towards the actualisation of a companys goals and objectives can not be over-emphasied. The strategic plan creates a framework for the development, performance expectation and maps out the goals of the furture. Nikes marketing strategy would be further examined using the SWOT Analysis. Strengths Nike football boots are produced using very innovative designs. There are three different types of Grind materials often used for the production of football boots. These three different types of Grind materials include upper fabric, foam of midsole and rubber for outsole. High quality of products: The Nike football boots are associated with high quality products on all brands. Sponsorship: The company is often associated with sponsorship of football players Weaknesses The product prices are quite expensive when compared to other brands. Opportunities The company set to sponsor sport activities such as the Olympics and World Cup tournament. Threats The football boots are in extreme competition with other brands such as Adidas and Puma. The global nature of the brand presents the company with a risk in the cost and margin imbalance. Conclusion This report provides in-depth analysis of the marketing strategies related to product, price, place and promotion of Nike football boots. On the basis of the discussion that is done in the above part of the paper it can be concluded that marketing mix is an important part of the marketing strategy. The discussion reveals that with the help of marketing mix and by implementing effective strategies Nike football boots are successful in positioning the right image in the eyes of the market. Marketing mix is the nub of all marketing strategy. In a way, it can be suggested that marketing mix provides direction to the brand and if it is implemented in the right way just like the marketing mix of Nike football boots is implemented then it leads the brand to touch the zenith and allows organization to operate business lucratively. The pricing strategy, the quality of product, product features, and the way it is being promoted all these strategies speaks for the brand and are consistent with the brand image. Recommendations Although the marketing mix of Nikes football boots is in its perfect form and is doing well for the business but, still there is some room for improvement. Following recommendations can be made in order to enhance the brand image of Nikes football boots. The first strategy that can be adopted is of brand ambassador. Nike has brand ambassador but there is no specific brand ambassador for football boots. The product of football boots is endorsed by a lot of soccer players but there is no brand ambassador of Nikes football boots. Another thing that marketers at Nike can do to enhance the promotional campaign is to form a club. Just like Harley Davidson has a club for bike lovers Nike can also formulate online forums and clubs where soccer lovers can be the members and share their views not only about the game but about the product as well. Just like hoop it up which is a basket ball event that is sponsored by Nike several football events can also be sponsored by Nike to promote Nikes football boots. References Charles, W., Joseph, F., and Carl, D. (2008), Marketing, Cengage Learning. pp. 44 Julian, V., and Michael, V. (2012), Marketing Management, Atlantic Publishers Distri. pp. 17 Kotler, P. (1999), Kotler On Marketing: How To Create, Win, and Dominate Markets, Simon and Schuster. pp. 70 Levy, S. (1999), Brands, consumers, symbols, and research: Sydney J. Levy on marketing, Sage Publication. pp. 45-47 Nike.com. (2013), About products, Nike.com. pp. A-1 Stevens, R. (2003), Marketing Your Business: A Guide to Developing a Strategic Marketing Plan, Routledge. pp. 47-50 William, E. (2004), Product life-cycles as marketing models, University of Chicago Press. pp. 31-36 William, M. (2011), The Marketing Plan: How to Prepare and Implement It, AMACOM. pp. 12

Charles Babbage :: Essays Papers

Charles Babbage Charles Babbage was born at Walworth, Surrey England in December 26,1791. He achieved many great feats and belonged to many very distinguished groups before he died in October 18, 1871. Many people consider him to be the grandfather of computer science due to his great works with his Difference Engine (1821), which printed tables of polynomials, and his Analytical Engine (1856), which was intended as a general symbol manipulator. These inventions were far more complex than the work of any of his fellow inventors. Although there is no evidence that the computers of today are direct descendants of his work. He grew up with a passion for how mechanical objects worked. He also was an excellent mathematician. This was discovered at an early age when he employed a tutor only to find out he knew more about math than the tutor did. He was home schooled for a good many years before entering Cambridge University in 1810 an institution where he would later hold the position of Lucasian c hair of mathematics from 1828 to 1839. His home schooling was in direct result of poor health in his youth. He was involved in many different fields of science. He was the first person to be presented the Gold Medal award given by the Astronomical Society. He was also a key figure in the founding of the Astronomical Society in 1820, the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1831 and the Statistical Society of London in 1834. He is also the author of the very influential book On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures. He also wrote a series of papers on many different topics such as optics and cryptology. Babbage excelled in many categories but being a politician wasn’t one of them. As a result he would not be able to persuade the government in England to give him a grant on working on the analytical engine. In Babbages early years he was quite social an pleasant to have around. In fact he was notorious for excellent dinner parties where many famous and prominent people would be in attendance. Although over the years and believed by some as a result from the death of his daughter Shelley, who drowned near La Spezia in July of 1822 and 5 years later the death of his 35-year-old wife Georgiana in August 1827 he became a very bitter old man.

Political Stupidity Essay

In E . J. Dionne’s essay, â€Å"Political Stupidity, U. S. Style† he wants to address the political stupidity that the government is making. To start his argument, he raises an emotional question, â€Å"Can a nation remain a superpower if its internal politics are incorrigibly stupid? † The author is saying are we letting politics, irrational ideas on fiscal policy and an antiquated political structure undermine our power. He divides political stupidity into three parts: stupid tax policies, irrational ideas on fiscal policy and antiquated political structure. In his essay, â€Å"Political Stupidity, U.S Style,† Dionne employs ethos, connotation and an emotional appeal. In paragraph sixteen, Dionne uses ethos. He writes, â€Å"I’m a chronic optimist about America. † E. J. Dionne is confident about the future to get better but we need well intentioned republicans who care about the nation interest to realize something has gone fundamentally wrong with their party and work to help bring it back. To get rid of political stupidity, he wants to form a senate, a new conservatism that is worthy of our name, liberals willing to speak out on the threat our daft politics poses to our influence in the world, and moderates. However the readers might have complete trust of the government of the United States and so they might not like someone questioning their credibility. In paragraph number seventeen, Dionne uses connotation saying â€Å"We need moderates who do more than stick their fingers in the wind to calculate the halfway point between two political poles. † Dionne is hoping to make people aware of the political stupidity and the need to bring change in the system of politics. Sticking their fingers in the wind, means a person putting his finger in the wind is unlikely to come up with original solutions, and decisions are made without backing evidence. It says that the politicians are making blind decisions without even thinking about its consequences. It also makes them look like fools running the country. However, if some people think that the politicians were fools, the United States would not have been a super power. In paragraph seven, Dionne uses a strict emotional appeal as a mean to persuade his audience. He writes, â€Å"The simple truth is that the wealthy in the United States- the people who have made almost all the income gains in recent years- are under taxed compared with everyone else. † Consider two reports from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. One, issued last month, highlighted findings from the Congressional Budget Office showing that, â€Å"The gaps in after-tax income between the richest 1 percent of Americans and the middle and poorest fifths of the country more than tripled between 1979 and 2007. † The other, from February, used Internal Revenue Service data to show that the effective federal income tax rate for the 400 taxpayers with the very highest incomes declined by nearly half in just over a decade, even as their pre-tax incomes have grown five times larger. He writes this, hoping that by using the reports from the Congressional Budget Office, he would be able to prove his point that the United States is politically stupid. It seems as if he is trying to bring awareness among the people of the United States about the decisions made by politicians. Although he has demonstrated his evidence very convincingly and it seems that he would get his readers attention and they would listen to his concerns but some of his readers think that he is being blunt and through his essay he is making direct acquisitions on the politicians of the United States. The United States is falling behind and the public seems not to notice. In paragraph number fourteen, Dionne talks about the structure of our government. He talks about how the ratio between the largest and smallest state was 13 to 1. Now it’s 68 to 1. He writes,† because of the abuse of the filibuster, 41 senators representing less than 11 percent of the national population can, in principle, block action supported by 59 senators representing more than 89 percent of our population. And you wonder why it’s hard to get anything done in Washington? ’’ Dionne gives convincing evidence to support his claim which is the politics of the United States is stupid. He uses ethos and shows his concerns by saying he is a chronic optimist about America. He also uses reports to prove his point and persuade the audience. However he seems blunt and tells it like it is without any fear.

Ap Human Geography Chapter 2 Study Guide

AP Human Geography Chapter 2 Study Guide Terms: population density – a measurement of the number of people per given unit of land  ·arithmetic population density – the population of a country or region expressed as an average per unit area  ·physiologic population density – the number of people per unit area of arable land  ·population distribution – description of locations on the Earth's surface where populations live  ·dot maps – maps where one dot represents a certain number of a phenomenon, such as population  ·megalopolis – term used to designate large coalescing supercities that are forming in diverse parts of the world  ·census – a periodic and official count of a country's population  ·doubling time – time required for a population do double population explosion – rapid growth of worlds human population during the last century  ·natural increase – population growth measured as excess of liv e births over live deaths  ·crude birth rate (CBR) – number of live births yearly per thousand people  ·crude death rate (CDR) – number of live deaths yearly per thousand people  ·demographic transition – multi stage model of changes in population growth in countries undergoing industrialization  ·stationary population level (SPL) – level at which national population ceases to grow  ·population composition – structure of a population in terms of age, sex, and other properties  ·population pyramids – visual representation of age and sex composition of a population  ·infant mortality rate (IMR) – describes the number of babies that die within the first year of their lives  ·child mortality rate (CMR) – number of children that die between the first and fifth year of their lives  ·life expectancy – how long, on average, a person may be expected to live  ·AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome à ‚ ·chronic diseases – long lasting afflictions now more common because of higher life expectancies  ·expansive population policies – government policies that encourage large families  ·eugenic population policies – government policies to favor one racial sector  ·restrictive population olicies- government policies to reduce the rate of natural increase Notes  ·Change in population is calculated using the following: Global Population Formula – p1 = p0 + b(irths) – d(eaths) Sub-Global Population Formula – p1 = p0 + b – d + i(mports) – e(xports) Net Migration Formula – p1 – p0 + RNI + nm  ·Types of population density: arithmetic density, agricultural density, physiological density, urban density, residential density  ·Major World Population Centers – China, India, Russia, Central Europe, Asia, Northeast Africa, Northeast U. S.  ·Overpopulation – a generally undesirable condition where an o rganism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitatMalthus’s Theory, though incorrect, states population rate increases geometrically and the rate of food increase grows arithmetically.  ·Demographic Transition Model (http://www. main-vision. com/richard/demographic. htm) Stage 1: Stage one of the demographic transition model is the most primitive of the stages where there is a high fluctuating birth and death rate. Because of this there is no great population growth. These countries or even tribes have very basic living standards such as those in the Amazon rainforest where they hardly have any education, medicaments or birth rates such that population is based on food supply, health of tribe members etc.Other factors involved are no family planning therefore many children or because of the faith of the people which may look at large families as a sign of verility etc. Stage 2: In this stage of the demographic transition model there are a lot of births, however t he death rate has gone down to about 20/1000 infants who die. This results in a rise in population due to the fact that more infants are surviving. Reasons for which more people may be surviving may be better health care, improved sanitation such as water etc, more transport and medical care as well as inventions relating to this. In other words this stage involves a slight modernisation in health care raising people's living standards as well as there life expectancy.Stage 3: Stage three is the stage at which there is already a low death rate as well as a declining birth rate therefore leading to a slight increase in population. The reason for the fall in births may be due to family planning, better education, lower infant mortality rate, a more industrialised way of life and the want for more material possesions as well as women being able to go out to work. In other words these countries are in the final stages of becoming like the western countries such as the states and those i n Europe. Stage 4: Stage four is the one at which Switzerland is. There is a stable population whithout much change because both the death and birth rate are low and in some cases there are more deaths than births therefore leading to a possible stage five. Possibly a stage five? A country such as Sweden is currently entering into the negative growth rate meaning that there are less births than deaths so that the country's population size is decreasing leading to problems which will be discussed later on this page.  ·A population pyramid, also called an age structure diagram, is a graphical illustration that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population (typically that of a country or region of the world), which forms the shape of a pyramid when the population is growing.  ·There is a predicted stage 5 of population growth that will level off at 10 billion people. The world’s population will progressively increase until it ultimately reaches this point.  ·Geography of health is the application of geographical information, perspectives, and methods to the study of health, disease, and health care. Epidemiological transition is a phase of development witnessed by a sudden and stark increase in population growth rates brought about by medical innovation in disease or sickness therapy and treatment, followed by a re-leveling of population growth from subsequent declines in fertility rates. The epidemiological transition model represents the developments resulting from epidemiological transition (disease and treatment).  ·The People's Republic of China has pursued anti-natalist policies, notably the ‘one-child’ strategy, for over a decade. While anti-natalist government policies may be instrumental in lowering birth rate, state coercion may have unexpected and damaging results; reports in 1995 suggested that abortion of female children had become common in China, so that male : female sex ratios at birth had become grotesq uely imbalanced.