How religious conflict lead to the weakness of government in Lebanon Essay

How religious conflict lead to the weakness of government in Lebanon - Essay Example Lebanon Lebanon is an Arab country located in the Middle East and it shares borders with Syria, Israel, and Jordan. Lebanon was known as the Paris of Middle East because it was so multi-cultural. Its population used to be half Muslim and half Christian and they generally lived peacefully with each other for hundreds of years, sharing everything and even marrying between each other. Lebanon was considered as a secular country. When the civil war started in Lebanon in the year 1975, many people believed that the major reason for this ethnic war in Lebanon was the weakness of their regime, since it was set up based on sectarianism and not based on the interest of the state and the people as a whole. This weakness caused a lot of problems in Lebanon, in which the government could not control the religious organizations such as Hezb Allah (Hezbollah), which is the biggest Islamic Shi’a political organization in Lebanon. They took control of everything there, from education, health, economy, etc., because the government was too weak and divided to provide those services for everyone. They also worked hard on changing Shi’a thought about other religious groups in Lebanon with a strong belief that they alone should rule. They started having children more and more just to raise the number of Muslims in Lebanon, to become the majority of the population over the Christians and Sunni minority. In doing this they could argue that they are the majority and it would be unfair for them to have a leader that is Christian or Sunni. On the other hand, they also succeed in some good things such as forcing the Israeli Army to withdraw from southern Lebanon in year 2000, which was considered a HUGE victory for them. They also funded schools and public projects, fed the poor, and many other social services that the government had been unable to provide in order to gain support of the growing Shi’a Muslim population in Lebanon. Lebanese Regime They have a form of parliamentary democracy system that is based on sectarianism, that is to say leadership positions are ditched out according to the percentage of population per group or sect. Their constitution gives them the right to choose their representatives every 4 years through elections, and then the parliament chooses the president. The president has a six-year term. The current religious divisions are as follows; a. A president must be a Maronite (Christian) b. Prime Minister must be a Sunni c. Speaker of Parliament must be Shia d. The confessional composition of parliament is pre-determined These divisions between the parties and groups continually lead to conflicts between them and rivalries for power. Hezbollah continues to battle for power and legitimacy within the state in order to impose its beliefs in Sharia law, while Christians retain more favorable standing with the West that backs them. According to Khashanm, the Hezbollah said that "We are incapable at the present time of insta lling the rule of Islam, but this does not mean postponing our ideology and project† (81-82). Conflicts are long standing and both sides have committed atrocities. Political assassinations by both sides are not uncommon. It seems very unlikely that Lebanon will find a stable peace any time soon that will restore its former reputation as the Paris of the Middle East. WHY it is

Why do so many people return to college later in life Essay

Why do so many people return to college later in life - Essay Example The return to school is spurred by a variety of reasons; these include, increasing job security, and new skills to become more competitive in their respective business or career fields; without doubt, earning new academic qualifications opens up a whole new world of opportunities. This essay is aimed at examining, and discussing various reasons that motivate people to go back to school, even after many have already started their career. One of the driving factors behind the school returning wave is the economic meltdown that has resulted in increasing rates of unemployment; it has made it increasingly difficult for those who do not have degrees to get jobs. The unemployment gap is particularly explicit between those with degrees and those without, this situation make the idea of going to college become an increasingly attractive alternative. As a result, many of the high school graduates in the job market realize that the job market is not accommodating for them; thus, they opt to go back to school to get post high school qualifications. ... Employers, at times offer incentives to employees in their staff who that have furthered their education, besides; there are positions that can only be filled by people with special skills or academic qualifications such as masters and other higher educational diplomas (Shih). Indeed, in some organizations no matter how effective one is, absence of a college degree could prevent them from getting a promotion, either way, in most organizations; professionals with advanced degrees are often paid higher salaries than their colleagues. The bureau of labor statistics in the weekly earnings summary reported that a high school diploma holder earns around 621 dollars per week while a bachelor’s degree holder can earn around $1145 each week which is almost doubled the former (Schweitzer). Individuals with masters and doctoral degrees make even more with the averages ranging around $75,000 or more, the gap between the potential of high school diploma holder and a doctorial holder exceed s a million dollars in a lifetime. On the other hand, not all those who return to school, do it for the sake of acquiring promotions of formal employment; indeed there are many entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who go back; , not of the credentials but for the skills acquired therein. When one starts a new business, they may feel the need to improve their skills in the field so that they are able to manage it better or to save on hiring specialists; furthermore, others get back to school so that they can meet new people in their fields. This is because going back to school avails the opportunity to make new connections and network, both which are vital aspects in

The meaning of the marine NCO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The meaning of the marine NCO - Essay Example War is usually fought by trained personnel who are either expert in ground combat, air combat or water combat. However the USA Marine Corps is a special unit that is a maestro both in ground and water combat. In this sense they might be termed as the amphibians as powerful as a tiger lurking its prey on ground and as vicious as a crocodile waiting silently beneath the water without a hint that its probable prey could have catch. United States of America has a rich and engrossing military history. Over the centuries they have not only protected their home land rather came into rescue for several times to other nations well. The two of the prime example might be the first Great War followed by the second one within a span of quarter of a century. Such aggression and military success by no means qualifies the country as war monger, but war is an evil necessity and at times to restore peace or to save the world from evil dictatorship dedicated to wards military regime instead of fostering democracy; war cannot be avoided. The effort of the USA military can best be classified under these two headings one to restore global peace and the other to tame the evil dictators who came with a dream to rein the entire world through force of military not by the power of love. The USA armed force has several sectors, each dedicated to its own cause and entrusted with their specific responsibilities. The entire armed force of USA might be sub-divided into four parts namely, US Army, US Navy, US Marines and US Air Force (Wisegeek, 2013). The term USA Marine Corps brings peace to the heart of each American people and runs a chilly wave along the spine of all the enemies of United States of America. The first question that hover the mind of a researcher is what was the need for the USA Congress to initiate a new division of armed force? The Marine Corps started as an infantry division within the Navy with a view to protect the ship from any mutiny and

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

History - Essay Example The sudden and drastic increase in the number of industries provided women with another opportunity to demonstrate their independence (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). The result of this industrialization was an increase in the number of women employees in factories and industrial production units Women assumed new responsibilities in the teaching profession as well as in the industry. They were no longer confined to their homes and eagerly sought outside work. These factors encouraged women to be independent and to improve their self – esteem. Several new trade unions were formed, in order to address women’s difficulties at the work place, and many women became active members of these trade unions (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). However, many of these women were compelled to relinquish their jobs after marriage and to take care of their family and children. Nevertheless, some of them, continued in outside employment even after marriage. Moreover, many women with a heightened sense of morality had established women’s associations to help women whose condition was miserable. These associations assisted distressed women in several ways, promoted religious ideals, attempted to eradicate prostitution and poverty, and sought to enhance self – esteem (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). These associations conducted rallies to pressurize the government to improve conditions in prisons, asylums and hospitals. These movements culminated in the subsequent movement to procure women’s suffrage under the leadership of Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott. The nineteenth century witnessed two major movements, namely female suffrage and labor (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). The 19th Century Industrial Revolution drastically changed the economy and life of the people.

Contract law research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Contract law - Research Paper Example As earlier mentioned, a contract refers to a relationship of exchange that is either written or oral agreement between persons. This relationship contains one or more promises, which are legally enforceable. Several crucial elements are reflected by this definition of a contract. They include the following: the first element of an indenture is that, it is an agreement that is either written or oral between a minimum of two persons. This element implies that one cannot make a contract with oneself. The relationship in a contract is consensual and voluntary, meaning that no one is coerced to sign a contract. Even, though, the minimum number of people required in signing a contract is two, the transaction can involve a limitless number of parties. The parties create a contract with intent and free will to be bound, and they reach an agreement concerning vital provisions of the relationship. A contractual obligation is distinguished from other legal duties by the agreement element. The s econd element is that a contract is a relationship of exchange that is based on the principle of offer and acceptance. This element emphasizes that the parties who enter in to a contract are bound together by the by a commodity that they are exchanging. Minimum interaction is involved in a number of contractual relationships (Blum, 2007). For instance, if an individual enters into a contract to have his hair cut, the barber will perform a quick activity of trimming his hair and the individual will honor his obligation by paying for the services. These two activities will mark the end of the contractual relationship. On the contrary, contractual relationships like supply contracts or leases could last for several years, and the parties involved engaging into constant dealings that are controlled by the provisions stated in the agreement. A contract relationship has an essential purpose which is exchange. Society and the economy require the trade of intangible rights, services and pro perty. These exchanges are regulated and facilitated by a contract as part of its chief role. Therefore, a contract carries with it the principle of reciprocity, in which one must part with something to get something back. The third essential element is that a contract should have a minimum of one promise, which is made with a hope of being honored in a later date as per the agreements. A contract is not constituted in the instantaneous exchanges, even though they involve a trade and are consensual (Blum, 2007). A promise, therefore, goes beyond the agreement instance as a future commitment. If both parties honor their side of the commitment at the expiry of the agreed duration, then there will be no need of involving the law in contracts. Contract law comes in incase of breach of contractual agreement by either of the parties. Last but not least, a contract has an

Market Research and Marketing Research Essay Example for Free

Market Research and Marketing Research Essay Research is the process of gathering, processing and analyzing information on markets. The scope of such research is limited to the study of markets and does not include studies on the brand or product to be marketed. Market research is a subset of marketing research. Marketing Research is the process of gathering, processing and analyzing information for the purpose of marketing a product. It includes, but is not limited to market research. Marketing research extends to other areas of marketing activity like: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Studies on consumer behavior Brand and positioning research Research on product and packaging Research on communication strategies and advertising channels and their effectiveness Studies on sales promotion strategies and effects of discounts and sales promotion strategies on customer buying and consumption habits 6. Brand perception studies 1 Difference between Qualitative vs. Quantitative 2 Importance of Marketing Research The importance of marketing research in management extends to intelligent decision making, maximizing profits, increasing the sales, minimizing the risks and ascertaining whether a new product will be profitable in a given market at a given time. What is Marketing Research? This research can be defined as the process of gathering recording and analyzing the data related to certain products and services. This need for market research is derived from the concept that only by understanding the needs and wants of the target audience and by effectively meeting them, you will be able to achieve the organizational goals and surpass the competition n the specific market. Thus, arises the need to collect data about the customers, competitors, and other forces in the marketplace. This data in turn is collected and analyzed to make relevant marketing decisions, be it in relation to setting up a business, developing a product, creating a brand or coming up with an advertising campaign. What is t he Importance of Marketing Research? To Make Marketing Decisions: This research helps the marketers to make a decision about the product or service. Sometimes a marketer might believe that the new product or service is useful for the customers. However, research may show that customers do not need a product or are meeting their needs with a certain competitor product and so on. Similarly good research strives to provide options for the successful introduction of new products and services. This makes the market entry of a new product or service less risky. Survive the Competition: Marketing research helps in ascertaining and understanding competitor information such as their identity, marketing network, customer focus and scale of operations. This helps in surviving and in certain cases, even leaving behind the competition. Moreover, with market research you can also help understand the under-served consumer segments and consumer needs that have not 3 been met. Helps to Decide Target Markets: Research helps provide customer information in terms of their location, age, buying behavior and gender. This helps the marketers zero in on the target markets and customers for their products and services. Maximize Profits: Apart from profit maximizing steps such as item optimization, customer profitability analysis, and price elasticity, marketing research allows you to find out methods that can help you maximize profits. For example, a products price elasticity research can help you ascertain the impact of an increased price on the sales and the profits of a product. This emphasis on profitability also helps the companys focus to shift from maximizing sales to increasing the profits of a company. This helps the company survive in the long run and maximize its profits. Increasing the Sales: Increasing the sales of your products or services helps a company in maximizing its profits. By understanding the customers needs, wants and attitude towards the products and determining whether your products fit the bill, marketers can increase their sales. This helps in not only increasing the sales to the target customers and people already using the product but also converting the non users into customers for the product. With an understanding of the customer, competitors, products and the overall industry needs, this research can equip the management with the power to make better decisions. However, the importance of marketing research is limited to just being a marketing tool that helps you make an informed decision. So rather than basing all your management decisions on a customer survey, use this tool as a guide and supplement it with intelligent decision making.

SWOT Analysis of Skoda

SWOT Analysis of Skoda Introduction. After began an industrial revolution from England in late 18th century most of Europeans and some other countries socially and economically changed. Such as they shift from home-based hand manufacturing to large-scale factory production. As a result of that people were moved to use of iron and steel, new energy sources, the invention of new machines that increased production. As well as this was mainly caused to continue the transports and communication sectors. Eventually there were certain values in the automobile industry. (Answer.com/03-02-10). That has got a rapid development; Such as land rover, jaguar from England and Audi from Germany were made fast as a result of the great industrial revolution. Two cyclists named Vaclav Klement; Vaclav Lourin started to make their own bicycle industry in the year 1895 whose country was Czechoslovakia from the Eastern Europe. Then they were succeeded to develop their industry by making cars, farm ploughs and air planes. They made a brand name for this multiple industry; â€Å"Skoda† one of the great invent of these cyclists. Nevertheless from 1925 to 1990 they couldnt be successful because of political changes, war, economical depressions. (www.skoda.co.uk/03-02-10) As a matter of fact they decided to merge with Volkswagen AG (VAG) came from Germany which has got the biggest manufacture of Europe for their products included Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, CEAT, Lamborghini,bently and Bugatti. However in this report I am going to analyse and illustrate about Skoda automobiles case study from â€Å"The Times 100†. 1. According to the case study the key weaknesses that SKODA UK was able to identify through the SWOT analyse can be explained as follows; * Recently Skoda has 1.7 market shares in the world car market. So that its not enough to fit into highly competitive fragmented market. Because Mercedes Benz, Ford, BMW and other high branded products has succeeded in the car market. * Skoda doesnt have a good brand image about their products. Because customers think that their brands are out-dated perceptions as customers think that their products contain poor vehicle quality, assembly, design and materials. 2. Skoda did use enough strength to turn its brands weakness into an opportunity as bellows; * They started to make some products with differentiation according to the market as they have realized what the customer wants. Because they have got to know that there is a gap among their competitors. So that they have created a slogan named â€Å"The manufacturer of happy drivers†. (www.skoda.co.uk/03-02-10). The reason why they have created that slogan; they havent promoted their brand itself like their competitors but they do promote the customer experience what the customer needs. * They have decided to design cars with various ranges for the proper market segments. For instant; The Skoda Fabio is sold as a basic but quality â€Å"city car† The Skoda Superb offers a more luxurious, â€Å"up market appeal† The Skoda Octavia Estate provides a family with fun drive but also a great big boot.  · Considering with other products they introduced quality budget cars when comparing with their competitors. They have a good combination when we considering about their ranges of the car market.  · Their products lifecycles every steps are environmental friendly. This is mainly caused to increase their customer minds brand image and accurate EU legal procedures. For example; Their cars dont make much noise because they have created those with improved sound quality. They used to recycle their products as much as possible. They are using the latest most environmental-friendly manufacturing technologies for their manufacturing process. Their cars dont use much fuel according to the efficiency of those machines. So that the efficiency of those machines are exquisite when we considering about using fuel for them. 3. The Skoda has identified some external threats such as.  · According to the case study the main threat that Skoda facing is market competition come from their competitors. For instant if competitor launching cheaper and good quality products for the market. As an example 50 car makers active in UK car market. 2000 model selections have for the customers. So Skoda should active effectually to wining their market share from others.  · EU legal and environmental regulations also put extra preacher for the Skoda. As a resalt of that they should spend more money for their product life cycle rather than their competitors. Because they using environmental- friendly technologies and facilities are always more costly than others. Not only environmental regulation but also other legal rules also reason to increase production cost. Such as labours minimum wages, welfare, working hours, government taxations etc 4. According to my personal point of view about SWOT analyse, it is an enormously useful tool for any kind of organization. Because it has been facilitated for management to understand and decision- making for all sorts of situations. The SWOT analyses provide very clear pitcher to organizational internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats for management. Swot analyse is scheduled to know how acts the internal factors for a business. Because internal influences are some factors which preceded a business for the success. As they can obtain competitive advantages. Product differentiation and cost leadership are known as competitive advantages. In the other hand SWOT analyses can be used inside a business in different ways to gain different perspectives. Such as ; (Robson W. /1997) (www.tutor2u. Net/2010). The way how they contribute their sales. Making an unbreakable partnership. Finding an alternative way to change the supplier. Adding some investment opportunities. How to launch for the new market and also how they use their business ideas for the improvement and success of their business. In the view of the above report the SWOT analyses can be explained as a compulsory tool for the modern business world. I said so because this is the unique tool and the only way that helps to create a perfect internal environment. References Answer .com /03-02-10/ Industrial revolution/ [online]Available From http://www.answers.com/topic/industrial-revolution Wendy R. , [1997] Strategic Management Information Systems [secand edition], Financial times, Prentice Hall , London, UK Www.skoda.co.uk/ About Skoda/ [online] Availble From http://www.skoda.co.uk/aboutskoda.aspx www.tutor2u. Net , Strategy- competitive advantage [online], Available From http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/competitive_advantage.htm Bibliography Quick MBA , [1999-2007], Strategic Management [online] Available From http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/ Rugman A., Collinson S. , [2006], International Business (4th Edition), Financial Times ,Prentice Hall , London ,UK