Separation of Power Plays an Important Role in the...

The doctrine of separation of powers plays an important role from a constitutional perspective. In defining the term it can be seen within a vast multitude of legal text as the â€Å"constitutional principal limiting powers vested in an institution or person. The functions of governmental authority is divided into three categories; inspired by French jurist Montesquieu (1689- 1755), the legislative, executive and judiciary as separate branches exists in many countries. In Trinidad and Tobago these branches are defined as the Legislative in the form of Parliament, the Executive as the Government and the Judiciary as the courts. Reflected by chapter 4 part I of The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act 4 of 1976, composition of†¦show more content†¦Important acts of the President can only be exercised as identified in 80 (1) .... in accordance with the advice if Cabinet or a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet. The Cabinet consists of elected members where its election principle includes the percentage of votes each candidate received in the last election. They are responsible for formulating methods to implement the laws passed by Parliament; however it is noteworthy that these elected members can be at any time dismissed by the Prime Minister. The Judiciary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the last of the three mentioned arms of the state, it is headed by the Chief Justice, and the judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Judicature, the Magistracy and the Privy Council. The Constitution seeks to ensure the independence of the Judiciary by various means, including prohibiting the abolition of judges’ posts or reduction of their salaries. Section 99 of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago constitution it states: â€Å"There shall be a Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago consisting of a High Court (hereinafter referred to as â€Å"the High Court†) and a Court of Appeal with such jurisdiction and powers as conferred on these Courts respectively by this Constitution or any other law.† The Chief Justice is appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, but may only be removed byShow MoreRelatedCxc Mutipe Choice Questions13016 Words   |  53 PagesAugust, 1962 b) May, 1961 c) July, 1963 d) July, 1974. The four countries that attended the first Heads of Government Conference were: a) Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada and Barbados b) Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago c) Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Belize d) Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Carifta came into being on: a) May 1, 1968 b) July 1, 1968 c) August 1, 1968 d) May 1, 1971. After the inception of Carifta, three functional institution were set up except:Read MoreA001426633 Corporate Governance Assignment3332 Words   |  14 Pagesrecommendations for suggested improvement based on your review. Word Count: 2504 words Executive Summary The proliferation of corporate scandal has brought corporate governance into the spotlight. Stakeholders have now become more aware of the power and responsibility of the board of directors. As such emphasis is being placed on the review of the board of directors and the extent to which they exhibit good corporate citizenry. This paper seeks to function as a report to the chairman of the boardRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesPerception and Individual Decision Making 165 Motivation Concepts 201 Motivation: From Concepts to Applications 239 3 The Group 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Foundations of Group Behavior 271 Understanding Work Teams 307 Communication 335 Leadership 367 Power and Politics 411 Conflict and Negotiation 445 Foundations of Organization Structure 479 v vi BRIEF CONTENTS 4 The Organization System 16 Organizational Culture 511 17 Human Resource Policies and Practices 543 18 Organizational Change

Business Ethics Dilemma Free Essays

The Internet today is a major resource and tool for many people. Computers have been around since the 1950s’. However, the popularity of computers didn’t take off until the 1990s’. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Ethics Dilemma or any similar topic only for you Order Now Many businesses today market, promote, and have their own website. This is important as it serves as avenue of business to promote their products, sell their services to their customers, and continuously inform the public on their performance. The Internet also provides various search engines in 2011 with popular search engines such as Yahoo, MSN, Google, and newer search engines such as (Microsoft) Bing. This paper will ssummarize and analyze the ethical dilemma between Google and (Microsoft) Bing search engines. In addition, discuss why the behavior is unethical and the impact it has on the organization. It will also include the theory of ethics that explains the unethical behavior and suggest ways to improve the behavior to avoid the problems in the future. Internet When did the Internet start? Back in the early 1960s’, ARPANET was created by many sophisticated engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians. The ARPANET design allowed computers to connect, run on different operating systems, and without ARPANET, the Internet wouldn’t look or behave the way it does today, it may not even exist. As technology advanced technicians began making advancements with combing the ARPANET network to the Satellite Network (SATNET). The technical term for the connection between the networks is inter-networking or better known today for many as the Internet. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee developed a system designed to simplify navigation on the Internet which became known as the World Wide Web. As the years went by, and as the technology advanced so did the internet search engines. Microsoft’s full scale entry into the browser, server, and Internet Service Provider market completed the major shift over to a commercially based Internet. Google vs. (Microsoft) Bing On February 3rd, 2011 the Harvard Business Review has reported that, â€Å"Google has sparked a media uproar by alleging that Bing â€Å"copies† Google results and Bing unequivocally has denied it. According to the article, when user’s search information through the Bing toolbar the user’s browser sends information to Microsoft to collect data, track information and watch to analyze behavior patterns. The Harvard Business Review article also has reported the following, â€Å"Google staged a setup for gibberish search terms Google made up which caused the search engine to serve up random pages Google selected arbitrarily. Then Google told its employees to run Google searches for these g ibberish terms, and to click the artificial results Google had inserted. The employees did this on computers running the Bing Toolbar and IE Related Sites, so their click patterns were sent to Microsoft just as Microsoft’s privacy policy and other disclosures said they would be. Microsoft used this data to improve its search results to present in Bing results the links these users seemed to favor, again just as Microsoft said it would. † Google is making an allegation that (Microsoft) Bing has copied their search results process through the use of the toolbar functionality. According to the Harvard Business Review article, â€Å"Microsoft received user permission for these observations and information about users’ click patterns is users’ information not Google’s. † In a post at WebmasterWorld, Google’s Matt Cutts, wrote as follows, â€Å"It’s my personal, unofficial belief that using toolbar data in the future to augment our crawl is not only a good idea, but specifically allowed by the original policies we posted. † Ethical Dilemma The dilemma here is that Google is not practicing in an ethical manner as their organization is making an allegation that Bing is infringing on their toolbar process and tracking user patterns is not appropriate. Based on the Harvard Business review Matt Cutts further said: â€Å"A good idea,† when using this method but now that Microsoft uses this very approach, suddenly Google argues it’s improper. Microsoft – Bing has the same right to use this method to track information and based on the Google Toolbar Privacy Policy it is disclosed that Google reserves the right to track and use pattern information to enhance their search engine. Conclusion Based on the information in the Harvard Business Review article, Google has violated the ethical code of customer confidence. This is due the fact that Google is operating in the same fashion as Bing by monitoring activity searches through its toolbar portal to enhance the information that it is displayed through their website. This affects the employees of Google because the corporation is making a false claim, and this may leave a negative feeling with employees because the organization may not be completely clear with it s full disclosure policies. Google could have been prevented these false claims by having an internal compliance team conduct research and with their findings could have advised Google on a better approach to address competition efforts from (Microsoft) Bing. This reinforces the purpose of having a code of ethics within an organization and that every employee of all levels abides by it. References Internet. (2011). When did it start. (2011). Retrieved on February the 6th, 2011 from: http://computer. howstuffworks. om/internet/basics/internet-start. htm Harvard Business Review. (2011). Google Policy. (2011). Retrieved on February 6th, 2011, from: http://www. webmasterworld. com/forum80/21-1-30. htm Internet. (2011). Internet History. (2011). Retrieved on February 6th, 2011, from: http://www. walthowe. com/navnet/history. html Ethical Dilemma. (2011). Google vs. Bing. (2011). Retrieved on February 6th, 2011 from: http://www. businessweek. com/managing/content/feb2011/ca2011024_853469. htm How to cite Business Ethics Dilemma, Papers

Export Enterprises France – Foreign investment

Question: You are required to write a report which will be addressed and discussed at the companys next Board meeting. The report should be written in a business style, of no more than 4,000 words outlining the different aspects of the investment proposal. These aspects together with allocated marking are provided below as guidance; Market entry considerations (10%) Political and economic risk Countrys appetite for Foreign Direct Investment(FDI), FDI trends Competitors analysis Financial consideration (30%) Investment appraisal Impact on financial reporting of the projected results Financing arrangements Corporate capital structuring Cash/ profit repatriation Tax opportunities/costs Specifics risks associated with overseas investments (30%) A detailed consideration and evaluation of specific foreign exchange exposure the investment may be faced together with a detailed hedging and management of this potential risk Day to day and management of these risks Long term and strategic management of identified ongoing risks Market Entry Alternatives (15%) Advice and appropriate recommendation on the market entry Commercial and legal consideration of selected option Operational matters (15%) The report should highlight key operational issues in managing a large investment in an overseas market. It should make recommendations as to how these will be effectively managed.These should include the following: Recruitment and management of personnel from a distance, Management and respect of cultural difference Effective communication with personal based in distant countries. Answer: Next Plc, as a second largest retailer in clothes for UK, plans to move forward with the expansion of its stores. Although around the world the trend shows a slowdown of retail stores and the market is getting captured by the online sale. In a very short span of time the online market has captured a huge part of the industry and has led to close down of various big and small stores and outlets. However, the tough online market and the consumer climate have not let the hopes down for the company to open up new stores. The company has identified around 1.4 Mn square feet of new space for its future expansion. In the scenario where the stores and markets are getting closed down, this would show up a growth of around 20 percent. This can act as a strong turning point for the store market and better serve those customers no satisfied with the online market and can also attract the ones on the other side of the table as well. The new store expansion also helps the company with its online business as around 38% of the orders are being collected from outlets; it is easier to find locations which are attractive in a weak retail scenario. Thus the idea of this store does not only provides a platform for retail physical market but also provides an equal platform for our online market as it can act as a common location or pick point for the same. In an internet and online based environment it acts as a counter instinct to open up stores where the others around are getting closed. However, this initiative to open up store is yet to get planning approval. In previous scenario when there were huge markets for retail stores it was comparatively tough to get the approval but we are finding it easier to get consent from the municipalities in the current scenario. Today, Next has around 500 stores in UK and more than 200 stores in 40 plus countries. In last few years various large fashion and other retail stores have opened up across UK. In 2011, August Next opened its home and garden store which is a combined fashion store. In 2014, other two large home and fashion stores were opened. Next has launched its mail order operation in 1988 with a book containing 350 pages which creates an outline for catalogue retailing. The online shopping was then introduced in 1999 which made the entire book available to shop from. Next now serves customers from around the world, it consists of customers from 70 countries outside United Kingdom approximately. Next has over the number of years expanded its reach across the globe. We have continued to improve our customer service and have initiated various services for customer like next day delivery straight to customers home. The tough market and industry standards in current scenario makes it very difficult to attract customers, however through an improved customer service experience we can attract the customers and get their loyalties in long run. Customers will have a facility to collect or return any items at any store nationwide, this is in turn create a lot more opportunity for the customers to feel connected and have easy reach for their queries and concerns. Moreover a new facility of in house delivery is being set up where we have the ability to service the clients even on weekends. This will make the customers feel important and their time getting valued in turn from customer satisfaction point of view this service will help us attract them. The customers can also avail the facility of checking their accounts immediately after a purchase or after a return and can make their payments online. This will help them to get connected to us and reach us with just a click and make their experience easy and user friendly. International Investment / Expansion Decision: Next Plc has decided to expand its business operations to France by opening its retail stores in Paris which is a global center for fashion. This expansion can help us grow manifold in terms of demand and as a brand because Paris as discussed is a global center for fashion and successfully leaving our footprints in Paris will help us grow as a brand altogether. However, this expansion decision will have to deal with many factors. Following are the factors we have to consider before investing in France: Political, Economic and Social Risk: Political France also comes under European Union which has a stable political environment for doing business and trade. This can prove to be in our huge advantage as currently the online market has taken over lot of stores and physical retail market. There is a huge competition in market and therefore we can take advantage of this stability for our expansion decision. We can also take a chance to invest a big amount in this expansion. Economic Economic climate in France is currently stable but there is a problem as the Sterling is weak against Euro. Due to this weakness of Sterling there are chances of foreign exchange loss in some transactions. But if we are successful with our launch and the France market turns out to be a boon for us, this exchange loss will be negated by the increased revenue from Paris. Social Population of France is high and on an increasing trend, therefore it can prove it to be a good customer base for us. As our target group of 25 to 45 in UK is falling therefore high population in France will provide us an opportunity to increase our target group. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in France: For global expansion we will need a huge amount of money to invest in development of new product to be launched in Paris, investment in infrastructure, purchase of necessary machines for local production, buying property, hiring new staff, etc. This proposed expansion is very expensive and will require huge foreign direct investment (FDI) in France, therefore we have to comply with the foreign direct investment policy of France. We have to set competitive prices for our products and have to provide different offers to attract new customers and to improve our brand loyalty in Paris. This will require lot of pre work require so that we figure out the legal and rightful ways of investment and also figure out how and when to strike the market so that we do not make any mistakes considering the amount of money involved. As per the results of the World Investment Report by the UNCTAD, foreign direct investment in France has fallen and it has shifted France from 11th to 19th place in the list of worlds most FDI attractive countries. This can prove to a negative sign in midst of our venture and should raise concerns. But currently the situation has considerably changed and is different because FDI inflow has doubled from US dollar and ranges from 15bn to 44bn. Paris is ranked number 2nd in the world to host MNCs head office after Tokyo. Currently over 500 MNCs have their head offices in Paris. It also has a good ranking in the report of 2016 Doing Business issued by the World Bank. Therefore these studies and reports mitigate the chances of risk and concerns which could have possibly interrupted us then. Moreover, France has a highly skilled workforce, easy availability of resources for large industries and it is centrally located in Europe, which can work to our great benefit. We have decided to Invest in France because of the following reasons: France comes under top 10 economic powers in the world and is located centrally in Europe. France has a well-developed tertiary sector and it is a very innovative country. This not only helps us understand France market but it also provides us a platform to prove ourselves in a country which offers us a large fashion market. Infrastructure of the country is of high quality and it has a large industrial base. France has a very skilled, productive and qualified workforce which comes second in terms of hourly production in Europe. This can help us have effective and efficient people working with us who have significant higher local markets knowledge. France has a very simple legal system with stable and transparent policies and compliance. It has a low manpower cost and less competition in some sectors, this also helps us have efficient and cost effective staff. However, there are some weaknesses also related with investing in France. Taxation rates are high as compared to other regions of Europe. There are some labour rules which may create complexity in compliance with labour law. This is an area of concern which needs to be worked upon and analyzed before we fix onto our commitment to invest in France. Government of France has taken many measures to eliminate above mentioned weaknesses. According to foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of France, a foreign company which decides to start their business operations in France and want to expand its existing business by investing in France will be treated as a French company by the government. Government of France has also reduced no. of administrative formalities to make its procedure simple and less complex for foreign companies which wants to establish business in France. This has made the investment decisions comparatively easier and made the procedures compliant friendly. Further, it has also implemented various programs (corporate tax credit program) to fight financial crisis and to attract investors they have removed corporate solidarity tax. They have created new labour laws to make French labour laws more flexible and to improve vocational training programs. The government has also introduced tax incentives for new innovative companies. This has made the laws and regulations investor friendly and also shows an interest of the government to invite investors from the globe to work in France. Competitors analysis: Next Plc has to fight with growing retail market of the United Kingdom as many overseas companies are using the United Kingdom as a base for the expansion of their overseas clothing retail business. For example, Giordano a famous Asian retailer of Hong Kong and it is highly popular and successful in Asia. The other competitors of NEXT are Marks and Spencer (MS), Debenhams and Arcadia Group. Marks and Spencer is the main competitor of NEXT Plc followed by Arcadia Group at number two in retail clothing. We have to establish only 15 more stores to get equal to Marks and Spenser (MS) in retail clothing business. Marks Spenser and Debenhams has invested huge amount in their online / internet business therefore to fight and compete with them we have to expand our overseas business also as we are dealing with products which are almost equal and just having a different brand label. Therefore we have to mint every opportunity that can accelerate our earnings. Office Real Estate and Land Ownership: A foreign company can purchase its own leasehold or freehold industrial building, land and commercial premises. They can buy them through real estate company established in France. Foreign direct investment policy allows foreign companies to invest in properties for their business operations. This proves to our advantage as direct investment in France will help us reduce our other costs of lease etc. and also help us have a brand under our owned roof in an overseas market. Risks Associated With Expansion Decision: A wrong business strategy adopted by the board or any wrong implementation of strategy the board may lead to future problems and in turn the business suffers. We need to be very careful while implementing the strategies as they form a basis for our growth. The strategies need to be properly understood, managed and analyzed by the board so that their implementation can result in long term future growth of the business and its stakeholders. The business strategies however are generally reviewed by the board regularly to monitor the sales and profit budgets effectively and to lead to effective management of business operations. Shareholders value increment is major concern areas which is involved in this process wherein annual budgets are set and long term financial models are made. Further to this, the industry growth worldwide and the change in industry standards across the globe are critical area for business and groups concern. The major part of financial risk for Next pertains to the funds availability to meet business needs, fluctuations in foreign exchange and in interest rates and defaults done by its counter parties towards financial transactions. Further to this, Nexts business expansion plan and its buyback of share strategy may force the need of additional finance which can give rise to variations in profit by increasing interest costs. A high debt level can also result in increase in cash flow proportion which was dedicated to serve debt and can possibly increase its exposure towards interest rate fluctuations. A centralized treasury function of Next manages its liquidity, foreign currency risks and interest. The treasury policy of the group allows using derivatives subject to the fact that the derivative instruments are not entered for speculative purpose. Further, Next is supposed to provide funds for its defined benefit scheme for pension and ensure that enough contributions have been made to me et the outstanding liability as and when they fall due. In case Next does not provide sufficient and timely funds for the contributions, actions can be taken either by the pension scheme trustees or by the regulators of pension which can in turn result in increase of overall deficit. Management for the purpose of monitoring meets the trustees of the scheme regularly to assess the performance of fund and also to decide future levels for contributions and any necessary changes if required for the benefit of the members of the scheme. Cash, bank overdrafts, corporate bonds, loans and short term deposits form principal financial instruments of the group other than derivatives. The main reason for these financial instruments is to raise funds for the operation of group. Trade receivable and payables are other financial assets and liabilities of group which arise directly from its operations. The Board continuously identifies and reviews key business risks and development processes undertaking oversees so as to ensure that these type of risk are managed and mitigated properly. The main kinds of risks are discussed as below: Liquidity risk: Credit risk is a kind of risk which surrounds Next due to its directory and other business customers. Various stringent procedures and followed to regularly review and monitor Groups credit customer. Credit risk also encounters the suppliers whose services are necessary for smooth running of our business operations. These include provision of IT systems, printing of directory etc. In case any of the supplier fail during the course of business this risk assessment procedure of the Group helps it to recognize various alternative and also to develop contingency plans. This helps to keep an eye on the liquidity of the company and that of the group as a whole so that unforeseen liquidity crunch does not surround and hamper the growth of the company. The Group also maintains proper long term and medium term planning to support its business operations in such kind of situations and also for probable future. The board keeps an eye on the economic conditions within UK and also globally to mit igate any exposure it may face. To decrease unnecessary interest expenses the group tries to manage its cash and borrowings centrally, this is managed in between the risk parameters which have been defined by the board. Interest rate risk: For its fixed rate corporate bonds, group is exposed to fair value interest risks and for floating rate loans and overdrafts from bank it is exposed to cash flow interest rate risks. The profile containing cash and borrowing is being monitored by the board on a regular basis so as to minimize and mitigate the risk for fixed and variable rate debt. To reduce its exposure towards change in interest rate or fluctuations in rate of interest, the group tries to use interest rate derivatives instead. These interest rates derivatives help to minimize the amount of risk by the capping the interest amount so as to reduce fluctuations and loss. Foreign currency risk: The foreign currency exposure for the group arises when it gets into the purchase for overseas products. The policy for the group allows but it does not demand for these exposures to be hedged upto 18 months in advance to fix the cost. The hedging activity includes the usage of spot, option and forward contracts. The board regularly reviews the market value of outstanding foreign exchange derivatives and a cover is taken depending upon the market conditions and the conditions of the industry as a whole. In relation to translation of overseas assets and liabilities the group does not have a material exposure and hence it does not plan to hedge for any such exposure. The hedging activity helps to reduce the foreign exchange loss which can be suffered due to fluctuations in currency and interest rates. Foreign currency: cash flow hedges: To manage its foreign currency exchange risk the group uses derivatives instruments for its future purchases which are sourced overseas for up to 18 months ahead. These derivatives generally includes currency options and contracts whose terms matches with the terms of its expected purchases. Financial Consideration: In order to finance our expansion NEXT Plc. will raise funds through long term borrowing options such as long term loans, Bonds, debentures, etc. because our treasury department is good in hedging interest rates fluctuation by taking interest rate swaps. Allocation of Expansion budget: Initial expenses - 200,000 (Legal, rent, insurance, R D, expensed equipment, consultants, etc.) Assets - 500,000 (Production equipments, office equipments, other assets) Cash balance - 300,000 1,000,000 Sales Forecast: Statement showing projected sales along with all the estimated expenses for calculating projected Profit and Loss for first 3 years of operations in Paris: Projected Profit Loss Particulars Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales revenue 800,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 - COGS (60 % of revenue) 480,000 600,000 900,000 Gross profits (a) 320,000 400,000 600,000 Expenses: Rent 36,000 36,000 36,000 Pay roll expenses 30,000 30,000 30,000 Advertisement 40,000 40,000 40,000 Selling distribution expenses 80,000 100,000 150,000 Depreciation (15%) 17,250 17,250 17,250 Other operating expenses 20,000 25,000 16,000 Total expenses (b) 223,250 248,250 289,250 Profit (or Loss) before taxes (a-b) 96,750 151,750 310,750 In first year of operations we have to maintain low introductory price to attract more customers. This will attract the customers with low prices and as they start using and liking the products we can raise the bar there on. Therefore, from 2nd year onwards sales price will be increased to cover operating expenses. Cost of production however will remain same during the first three years and there will be no increase in salaries. In order to increase sales volume we have to incur more advertisement expenses in coming years, this will help us to create a brand recognition for our product. Recommendations: Other than overseas expansion we have to take actions for our existing business operations in order to increase our market share therefore I would like to give following recommendations: Our analysis reveals that to achieve a top position in the market we have to increase advertisement (specifically TV ads) for increasing our sales. This advertisement strategy will help us in increasing our brand value and product image. This will help us increase our reach to the customer we have to been able to touch base upon. Since we have to fight with our major competitors therefore we have to increase our online shopping customers who shop our product from our Directory sales facility. Online market is growing at a great speed and this will at some point and time force us to spread our reach over internet world as well. We have to improve our core strategy of Delivering products to the doorstep on the next day if order is placed till midnight in order to give more completion to our competitor Marks Spencer. We should provide 3D body scanner at our stores so that we can take accurate and precise body measurements of our customers. Since our main target market adult fashion wear (that ranges from 25 to 45 age group) is reducing comparatively therefore we also have to advertise for kids clothing in order to improve sales and make up for the reduced market there. We should also start cost cutting programs by adopting better cost management system, making stock management more efficient and improving gross net margins. The increase in investment and the increase in advertisements for our extended reach will make the expenses manifold therefore to keep a control over the cash flow and net profitability we will have to manage the cost effectively. NEXT plcs main aim is to increase shareholders wealth therefore we have to enhance interest of our shareholders by purchasing our own shares with excess earnings. We have to increase our market share rapidly in order to improve our financial strength and to give tough competition to our competitors. We have to revise our pricing policies and decisions so that we can sell our products at more competitive prices. We should provide our customers better services, stylish and trendy designs, better quality and improve order timings. Better customer service is one way through which we can gain loyal custome rs and retain them for a longer period of time. We have to allocate more funds towards brand development so that we can increase our brand value in the market. We have to stick with our objective of increasing selling / trading space and increasing our retail clothing outlets across the globe, but we must note that every new store have to maintain standard and quality as per companies policy. We have conducted a survey which reveals that many of our stores needs renovations and improved customer services. These make our products and services more competitive and better to display in the growing fashion world. In order to compete with Marks and Spencer (MS) we have to increase our number of stores outside the United Kingdom i.e. we have to expand our business in overseas market to cover more market area. This will not only help us increase our sales manifold but also help us reach a lot of customers which we would have not been able to reach if we would have restricted our steps with in the country. We have also conducted the SWOT analysis with the help of external professionals and it shows that in the next 10 years our sales may fall because of our main target customers (25 45 age group) are moving out. Therefore in order to increase sales in future we have to expand our operations into new target group. We have not tried our hands in sportswear segment till now so it is the best time to cover this new target market to improve our sales, this will not just improve sales but also help to increase our brand recognition. Till now our regular customers have to buy sportswear from our competitors therefore we have to cover this market also. We can launch a new sportswear brand for this new target market. Many of our regular customers have demanded a resting place in our stores so that they can relax and can take drink during shopping, Marks and Spencer has already adopted this facility in its stores. We will have to conduct fashion events, shows, organize free make-up studios for one day in order to attract new customers. To concise my report, NEXT Plc. have to fulfill its mission statement and my recommendations in order to multiply its growth and to make its position top in the future market. It has to concentrate on its product quality, design, customer service and delivery strategies. Reference: Export Enterprises, 2016, France foreign investment, viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://en.santandertrade.com/establish-overseas/france/foreign-investment Hausarbeit, 2001, Analysis of Next Plc., viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://www.grin.com/de/e-book/102251/analysis-to-next-plc Business Finance, 2010, International business finance, viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://www.economywatch.com/business/business-finance/international-business-finance.html NEXT PLC, 2016, Strategies and Objectives, viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://www.nextplc.co.uk/about-next/our-strategies-and-objectives NEXT PLC, 2016, Reports and presentations, viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://www.nextplc.co.uk/investors/reports-and-presentations/2015-16 NEXT PLC, 2016, Risks and uncertainties, viewed on 16th March 2016 _ https://nextplc.annualreport2015.com/business-reports/strategic-report/risks-uncertainties

Pressures Faced by College Students free essay sample

First, coursework can be very demanding and the competition for earning top marks can be very fierce. For instance, Students who want to do their best and who are planning to apply for admission to graduate school can be under a great deal of pressure as they struggle to excel in school. The same is true for those who are seeking scholarship funding or who must keep their grades up in order to keep existing scholarship awards. Many college students experience financial stress.This involves the struggle to find sufficient money to pay for tuition, as well as securing the funds needed to over the costs of living while attending school. Even those students who are able to qualify for sufficient financial aid to cover immediate college costs still have to cope with the financial stress of knowing that they will have to face paying a sum of money for graduation. We will write a custom essay sample on Pressures Faced by College Students or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Also, the debt associated with student loans can be a source of stress, even long before finishing school and entering the job market. College students often engage in multiple activities outside of school.In addition, students taking several classes at one time may also be juggling jobs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, family responsibilities, and more. It can be overwhelming at times, doing many things with a very little time which is certainly a cause of stress for many students. According to a popular saying That which doesnt kill us makes us stronger. College students are faced with academic performance pressure, financial pressure and balancing their normal life with college works. This can be overwhelming, but it helps discipline a student for family life and taking responsibilities.

History of Fingerprinting essays

History of Fingerprinting essays Forensic science used in criminal justice has recently been revolutionized with new DNA technology, but fingerprinting is still the most valid and effective form of identification used in law enforcement today. Going back in the time of ancient Babylon, fingerprints and ridge patterns were used on clay tablets for business transactions and governmental procedures. By the 14th century, the fact that no two prints were alike was becoming more noticeable, thus the history of the fingerprint began. Noting the ridges, spirals, and loops in fingerprints, Marcello Malpighi, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bologna, made no declaration to the value of personal identification, but began to point out the differences in fingerprint patterns in 1686. Then, in 1823, a professor of anatomy at the University of Breslau, John Evangelist Purkinji, discussed nine fingerprint patterns in a published thesis, but still did not take notice to the individuality of each print. It wasnt until 185 6 that Englishman and Chief Magistrate, Sir William Hershel, used fingerprints on native documents. After gathering many prints, Hershel took notice to the fact that all the prints were unique and could prove identity from all those he made transactions with. Dr. Henry Faulds, the British Surgeon-Superintendent of Tsukihi Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, shared his studies with Charles Darwin in 1880, but Darwin, who was rather ill at the time, could be of no service to Faulds studies. Eight years later, Sir Francis Galton, a British anthropologist and Darwins cousin, began to study Faulds articles on fingerprint classification. Galton began to concentrate on linking fingerprints to genetic history and intelligence, but had no luck. Scientifically proving that fingerprints never changed during ones lifetime, Galton stated that the odds of two prints to be exactly the same were 1 in 64 billion. In 1901, Sir Edward Richard Henry revised ...

Definition and Examples of Language Change

Definition and Examples of Language Change Language change is the phenomenon by which permanent alterations are made in the features and the use of a language over time. All natural languages change, and language change affects all areas of language use. Types of language change include sound changes, lexical changes, semantic changes, and syntactic changes. The branch of linguistics that is expressly concerned with changes in a language (or in languages) over time is historical linguistics (also known as diachronic linguistics). Examples and Observations For centuries people have speculated about the causes of language change. The problem is not one of thinking up possible causes, but of deciding which to take seriously...Even when we have eliminated the lunatic fringe theories, we are left with an enormous number of possible causes to take into consideration. Part of the problem is that there are several different causative factors at work, not only in language as a whole but also in any one change...We can begin by dividing proposed causes of change into two broad categories. On the one hand, there are external sociolinguistic factors - that is, social factors outside the language system. On the other hand, there are internal psycholinguistic ones - that is, linguistic and psychological factors which reside in the structure of the language and the minds of the speakers.(Jean Aitchison, Language Change: Progress or Decay? 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2001)Words on the Way OutAmidst and amongst are all rather formal, almost affected, now, and are more usually encountered in high-brow writing, less usually in speech. This suggests that these forms are on the way out. They will probably bite the dust, just as betwixt and erst have done...(Kate Burridge, Gift of the Gob: Morsels of English Language History. HarperCollins Australia, 2011) Anthropological Perspective on Language ChangeThere are many factors influencing the rate at which language changes, including the attitudes of the speakers toward borrowing and change. When most members of a speech community value novelty, for example, their language will change more quickly. When most members of a speech community value stability, then their language will change more slowly. When a particular pronunciation or word or grammatical form or turn of phrase is regarded as more desirable, or marks its users as more important or powerful, then it will be adopted and imitated more rapidly than otherwise...The important thing to remember about change is that, as long as people are using a language, that language will undergo some change.(Harriet Joseph Ottenheimer, The Anthropology of Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology, 2nd ed. Wadsworth, 2009)AÂ  Prescriptivist Perspective on Language ChangeI see no absolute Necessity why any Language would be perpetually changing.(Jonathan Swift, Proposal for Correcting, Improving, and Ascertaining the English Tongue, 1712) Sporadic and Systematic Changes in LanguageChanges in language may be systematic or sporadic. The addition of a vocabulary item to name a new product, for example, is a sporadic change that has little impact on the rest of the lexicon. Even some phonological changes are sporadic. For instance, many speakers of English pronounce the word catch to rhyme with wretch rather than hatch...Systematic changes, as the term suggests, affect an entire system or subsystem of the language... A conditioned systematic change is brought about by context or environment, whether linguistic or extralinguistic. For many speakers of English, the short e vowel (as in bet) has, in some words, been replaced by a short i vowel (as in bit), For these speakers, pin and pen, him and hem are homophones (words pronounced the same). This change is conditioned because it occurs only in the context of a following m or n; pig and peg, hill and hell, middle and meddle are not pronounced alike for these speakers.(C.M. Millward, A Biography of the English Language, 2nd ed. Harcourt Brace, 1996) The Wave Model of Language Change[T]he distribution of regional language features may be viewed as the result of language change through geographical space over time. A change is initiated at one locale at a given point in time and spreads outward from that point in progressive stages so that earlier changes reach the outlying areas later. This model of language change is referred to as the wave model ...(Walt Wolfram and Natalie Schilling-Estes, American English: Dialects and Variation. Blackwell, 1998)Geoffrey Chaucer on Changes in the Forme of SpeecheYe knowe ek that in forme of speeche is chaungeWithinne a thousand yeer, and wordes thoThat hadden pris, now wonder nyce and straungeUs thinketh hem, and yet thei spake hem so,And spedde as wel in love as men now do;Ek for to wynnen love in sondry ages,In sondry londes, sondry ben usages.[You know also that in (the) form of speech (there) is changeWithin a thousand years, and words thenThat had value, now wonderfully curious and stran ge(To) us they seem, and yet they spoke them so,And succeeded as well in love as men now do;Also to win love in sundry ages,In sundry lands, (there) are many usages.](Geoffrey Chaucer, Troilus and Criseyde, late 14th century. Translation by Roger Lass in Phonology and Morphology. A History of the English Language, edited by Richard M. Hogg and David Denison. Cambridge University Press, 2008)

Discuss the extent to which regulatory reform, prompted by the failure Essay

Discuss the extent to which regulatory reform, prompted by the failure of Enron, has been successful by reference to the financial crisis and more recent developments - Essay Example According to the Federal securities law, the financial statement of any listed company should be certified by an auditor. In case of Enron, it gave much attention the outside audits. The independent auditor of Enron was Arthur Andersen who was taken into justice charges due to the destruction of documents activities. Enron collapsed not due to it was a big organization but the main reason was that it was shown as much bigger than it really was. Publicly traded companies need to publish the information related to their financial statement but in case o9f Enro9n, some imaginary transactions were shown between the parent company and its subsidiaries that covered the true financial position of the firm (Jickling, 2002). It was the fault of the board of directors to oversee the issues in corporate management to protect the stakeholders’ interest. In the year 1999, the board of directors ignored a conflict of interest to permit the CFO in creating private partnerships. But the transactions that were involved in the partnerships included losses and debts which had a bad impact on the reported profit of Enron. The collapse of the company raises the concern about the capability of directors and bill was passed to question any unauthorized dealings done by the corporate managers (Gudikunst, 2003). The core business of Enron was energy and it was involved in trading of derivative contracts which were based on the prices of gas, oil and electricity. These types of contracts allowed the buyers to hedge the risk that was caused by increase or decrease in energy prices. As the market in which the company traded were highly unstable thus there were very little information available about the actual financial condition of Enron other than which was in the financial statement. Thus the buyers were influenced by the financial statement without knowing the actual fact and traded speculatively which was a high risky activity for Enron (Rantanen, 2007). The main reason behind the

Warfare among tribal societies other topics surrounding warfare, Research Paper

Warfare among tribal societies other topics surrounding warfare, conflict, or aggression - Research Paper Example Discussion Tribal Societies A tribe may be defined as a group of individuals in a barbarous or primitive developmental stage, claiming to have a common ancestor, and pledging their allegiance to a chief. A tribe may also be defined as a social group of individuals united in dialect, having affiliation to a territory, endogamous without specializing in functions, appreciating distance with other tribes and ruled by tribal chiefs (Harrow, 2005). A tribal society on the other hand may be defined as a way of life in such a way that individuals pursue their own activities as independent local communities. These communities are composed of clan and families without states or central governments. Members of tribal societies are related by their districts, to their neighbors according to Harrow, (2005). Smaller groups of tribal societies have their specific customs, local communities and languages and sometimes engage in conflicts with each other. It is for this very reason that anthropologi sts claim that such societies are not capable of defending themselves from outside forces. Majority of the tribal societies know how to deal with their environments and they have ensured their survival through organizing themselves along the lines of kinship and clans. The way the tribal society views and utilizes the environment is entirely based on the strong cultural ethos held by this tribal society (Rose, 2000). These tribal societies are prone to the pressure of nature. However, the pressure is minimized through the formation of clan systems. A clan is described as a group of family responsible for some of the aspects of the tribal life. Allegiance is offered to each of the tribe by the clan and the clan is responsible for some of the functions in the economy, society and religion. This type of diffused responsibility offers a broad-based insurance policy that ensures the survival of the tribe (Champagne, 1999). Cultures that are organized as large states have numerous cultura l concerns such as the emphasis on personal mobility, personal safety, personal freedom, individual effort and the material well-being (Rose, 2000). Chronic disputes are very common in most of the tribal societies but these disputes are usually directed externally. The normal survival of a tribal society was not very much threatened by internal conflict although within these small societies there was no clear definition between internal and external conflicts. These tribal societies lacked government and their form of rule was anarchic. They were also characterized by economic self sufficiency and self rule or freedom (Bodley, 2007). Internal order was well maintained although they lacked formal legal codes, formal political offices, and specialized law enforcement institutions. The maintenance of order by the tribal society is attributed to the cultural and social conditions. In the tribal societies, the individual self interests do not conflict with the interests of the entire soc iety. Theft, excessive conflict, hoarding of resources and the use of force in the tribal society was detrimental and lacked logic because everyone depended on each others’ cooperation and mutual trust. Other than stability and ecological success, the interests of the tribal societies have as maintained the population equilibrium. Conflicts in a low-density tribal society were minimized by extreme flexibility of the group

Gold is a precious meta Essay Example for Free

Gold is a precious meta Essay Gold is a precious metal and its price since its discovery is usually determined by the open market. However, a bench mark figure is set daily through a procedure referred to as gold fixing and this benchmark figure controls the gold industry thus the prices of gold. This gold fixing procedure was introduced in 1919 and it originated from London where it is still practiced even today. Gold is usually measured using grams and also by troy weights like all other metals considered precious. In the past, gold was being used as currency and this only ended with introduction of paper money. In 1968, the economic conditions which were prevailing led to the formation of a two-tier pricing scheme. Under this format, a standardized currency based on the gold value at that time was allowed to settle all international accounts while gold trade at the private market was being controlled by the market forces. This arrangement however ended in 1975 and gold started operating in a free market. This caused the price of gold to fluctuate with the price rising to $850 per ounce of gold in 1980 to as low as $252 in 1999. The historic prices of gold have been known to fluctuate greatly although a benchmark figure is set to ensure that the price do not exceed the upper and lower limits. Before the collapse of the gold standard in the 1970s, the price of gold was highly influence by the United States dollar since the dollar was pegged on the gold (GOLDPRICE. ORG, Para 1-5). This research paper will evaluate the impacts that the current recession may have on the prices of gold, the differences between government and gold investment, the causes of gold fluctuations as well as the effects that gold fluctuations may have on the present value of money. Impact of recession on gold prices One of the questions which are being frequently asked today is what would happen to the prices of gold as a result of the recession or depression being experienced in United States. A research conducted by the world gold council aimed at comparing gold performance during the recessionary periods. However, it has been established that gold prices are not affected by the global recession. During recessionary periods, the must be losers and winners based on the terms used in evaluating asset performance. Fixed income assets like gold tend to win during such periods while cyclical stocks lose. An analysis on correlation and regression carried out during a recessionary period in the United States showed that there is no possible relationship between the growths of the country’s GDP and the gold price changes. As such, a recession does not impact negatively to the prices of gold. This underpins the role of gold as a diversifying asset especially in times of recession and also outlines the forces that control gold prices. The recession unlike it was widely believed has had positive impact for gold prices despite the decline in the dollar strength (Connell, Para 2-4). Due to the recessionary period being experienced in most parts of the world, more people have turned to gold investment thus making the present value of money to decrease. An increase in gold trading would lead to an increase in the gold prices thus purchasing the same value of gold for more money. This would mean that the value of money would have gone down. On the other hand, a decrease in the volume of gold would lead to and increase in the present value of money (Potter, Para 4-5). Gold investment versus government investment There is a heated debate on what form of investment is more viable and beneficial between gold investment and investing in government securities or bonds. Both of these two investment options have their advantages and disadvantages. Gold investment is recognized as one of the best investment since it offers solid investment. As noted above, gold prices are not adversely affected by the recessionary periods meaning gold can still maintain value of investment even when there are economic crisis in a country. The fact that gold prices are not negatively influenced by recession makes gold investment more attractive than investing in government bonds especially in times of economic crisis (Willink, Para 2). However, gold investment is a risky investment especially for a person who is not an expert in the gold field. Also, some forms of gold can be confiscated by the government in times of war leading to big losses. Government bonds on the other hand amounts to lending to the government which is usually done at a fixed rate of interest. The bonds are considered to be risk free and also repayment is guaranteed. This form of an investment does not yield higher returns to the investor making it less desirable. Due to the improvement of technology and globalization, investing in gold is becoming risky as they are chances of being cheated. Gold is also very costly and the returns may not be good especially due to the form of market in which gold operates. As such, investing in government bonds would be more effective since the risk involved is minimal and returns are guaranteed (Willink, Para 3-6). Causes of gold price fluctuations Gold prices are regulated by the market forces and as such they are subjected to the law of demand and supply which explains the gold prices fluctuations. During inflationary periods, people buy more gold for investment since it is not affected by inflations. This leads to an increase in gold demand thus the prices. On the other hand, people sell their gold investment during the boom period making the price of gold to decrease. Demand and supply forces are major contributors to the fluctuation of gold price. Another possible cause of gold price fluctuation is the exploration cost of gold and also the cost involved in developing gold to make the needed products such as jewelry. When exploration and manufacturing cost increase, the price of gold and gold products also increase and vice versa. Fluctuations in the paper currency may also affect or lead to price fluctuation of gold. When paper money loses value or individuals lose faith in a country’s currency, the demand for gold increases leading to price surge (Jackson, Para 1-4). Conclusion Gold trading is one of the oldest forms of trade in the world. In the ancient times, gold was being used as a means of exchange and was used as a standard that was being used in the international markets. During the gold standard, the dollar was pegged on gold and was used to ensure equitability and measurability. However, after the collapse of the gold standard, gold prices were left to be determined by the free market which has led to the fluctuations being experienced in the gold market. Unlike in the past, more people are turning to gold investment mainly due to its resistance to global market fluctuations and economic crisis. However, gold investment is one of the most risky and also lucrative investments as it may lead to huge losses or huge profits. Investing in this market also requires experts due to the complexity and instability of this market. Reference: Connell, Rhona: What does a US recession imply for the gold price? (2008). Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from, http://www. ibtimes. com/articles/20080604/what-does-a-us-recession-imply-for. htm. GOLDPRICE. ORG: Gold Price History. Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from, http://www. goldprice. org/gold-price-history. html. Jackson, Dave: Why Gold Prices Fluctuate. Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from, http://ezinearticles. com/? Why-Gold-Prices-Fluctuateid=720555. Potter, Christopher K. : Gold Money. (2007). Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from, http://news. goldseek. com/GoldSeek/1194370818. php Willink, Andrew: Alternative Investment Round-up. (2008). Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from, http://www. ratecity. com. au/savings-accounts/info/alternative-investment-round-up/.

Jane Eyre :: essays research papers

Ten-year-old orphan Jane Eyre lives unhappily with her wealthy, cruel cousins and aunt at Gateshead. Her only salvation from her daily humiliations, such as being locked up in a "red-room" (where she thinks she sees her beloved uncle's ghost), is the kindly servant, Bessie. Jane is spared further mistreatment from the Reed family when she is sent off to school at Lowood, but there, under the hypocritical Evangelicalism of the headmaster, Mr. Brocklehurst, she suffers further privations in the austere environment. She befriends Helen Burns, who upholds a doctrine of Christian forgiveness and tolerance, and is taken under the wing of the superintendent, Miss Temple. An outbreak of typhus alerts benefactors to the school's terrible conditions, Mr. Brocklehurst is replaced, and Jane excels as a student for six years and as a teacher for two. Jane finds employment as a governess at the estate of Thornfield for a little girl, Adà ¨le. After much waiting, Jane finally meets her employer, Edward Rochester, a brooding, detached man who seems to have a dark past. Other oddities around Thornfield include the occasional demonic laugh Jane hears emanating from the third-story attic. Rochester always attributes it to Grace Poole, the seamstress who works up there, but Jane is never fully convinced, and the fire she has to put out one night in Rochester's bedroom plants further doubts. Meanwhile, Jane develops an attraction for Rochester, not based on looks (both are considered plain) but on their intellectual communion. However, the higher social standing of the beautiful Miss Ingram seemingly vaults her above Jane. Though Rochester flirts with the idea of marrying Miss Ingram, he is aware of her financial ambitions for marriage. An old acquaintance of Rochester's, Richard Mason, visits Thornfield and is severely injured from an attack†¹apparently from Grace†¹in the middle of the night in the attic. Jane, baffled by the circumstances, tends to him, and Rochester confesses to her that he made an error in the past that he hopes to overturn by marrying Miss Ingram. He says that he has another governess position for Jane lined up elsewhere. Jane returns to Gateshead for a while to see the dying Mrs. Reed. When she returns to Thornfield, Rochester says he knows Miss Ingram is after him only for his money, and he asks Jane to marry him. Jane accepts, but a month later, Mason and a solicitor, Mr. Briggs, interrupt the ceremony by revealing that Rochester already has a wife: Bertha Mason, Mason's sister, a lunatic who is kept in the attic in Thornfield.

Clarkson Lumber Case Essay

Clarkson Lumber Company is a classic example of a privately held company that has experienced a rapid growth in sales and has reached a point where it is facing a shortage of cash to sustain the expected growth in sales in the following years. The owner, Keith Clarkson, bought out his partner’s interest in the company in 1994 for $200,000. His partner, Henry Holtz, took a note for the $200,000 with an interest rate of 11% and was repayable in the semi-annual installments of $50,000 beginning June 30, 1995. The note was taken to give Mr.  Clarkson time to arrange for the necessary financing. Mr. Clarkson seems to be running the company well, evident by the constant growth in sales year after year. However, the company is running low on cash on hand, and needs some form of financing to reach the expected sales of 5. 5 Million in 1996. Moreover, the borrowing limit set by the Suburban Bank has been reached, prompting the bank to ask Mr. Clarkson to guarantee the loan personally. Mr. Clarkson has been in communication with another bank, Northrup Bank, which might be willing to extend a line of credit of up to $750,000. Analysis There are several reasons for Mr. Clarkson’s need to rely on borrowing despite good profits. Although the profits are good, they are not good enough in our view. The Net Profit Margin has been close to 2% since 1993 (Exhibit D). The cost of goods relative to the sales is high and is keeping the profit margin low. In other words, the costs have increased at a faster rate than sales. The Cost of Goods Sold is consistently around 75% of sales. Secondly, the Return on Assets is roughly 5% in 1995 (Exhibit D). This ratio is kept low due to a high total assets figure. Total assets are also inflated due to the liabilities taken in the form of trade credits by Mr. Clarkson The company is keeping a high volume of inventory in stock as shown by its Inventory Turnover ratio average of 6%. The Average Collection Period has jumped from 38 days to 48 days since 1993 (Exhibit B). Thus, the limited amount of cash inflow is largely tied in inventory, and payments on loans. Mr. Clarkson has been unable to take full advantage of the trade discounts (2% if paid with in 10 days) during the last two years ‘due to a shortage of funds arising from his purchase of Mr. Holtz’s (his partner) interest in the business and the additional investments in working capital associated with the company’s increasing sales volume’ (Case, Pg 2). And even though Mr. Clarkson has been able to use the credit from Suburban Bank of up to $400,000 to finance the increase in sales, the ceiling has also forced the company to use cash to fund itself and pay off loans. The current and quick ratios both support this fact (see Exhibit D). Based on the pro forma sheets there is an additional $251,000 needed to attain the goal of $5. 5 million in sales. Also, since part of the agreement is to break off from Suburban National Bank, the line of credit has to cover the 399,000 covered by the loan. With about $650,000 line of credit used, the remaining $100,000 of the new loan could be used to pay off Mr. Holtz and enable Mr. Clarkson to take advantage of the trade discounts by paying his suppliers back in 10 days; thus achieving the sales target with lower cost. Recommendations We recommend Mr. Clarkson to seriously consider taking the new line of credit. The line of credit will enable the company to take advantage of the trade discounts and pay off previous debt. Lowering the costs should be a high priority and it might be worth while to consider holding less inventory (if it does not affect the service and quality clients expect). Mr. Clarkson should identify and prioritize the high profit margin products/services the company offers and focus on those. The company would also do well to try to reduce the Average Collection Period to with in 30 days. As far as Northrup Bank is concerned, we recommend that the bank extend the line of credit but makes sure that the company does not reach the ceiling again. A high proportion of the credit line would be used in the beginning but that is due to the line of credit covering the previous loan, Mr. Holtz interest and some immediate financing for inventory purchases. In the foreseeable future though, once the company sheds the loans it carried and get more streamlined, it will start increasing its cash gradually. Mr. Clarkson’s business references are excellent and the company has always paid its bills on time. Therefore, the company is not a risk and the line of credit should be approved.

Women in the Soviet Union

Women in the Soviet Dictatorship How were the lives of Soviet women affected by the policies of the Stalin era? Document 1 Source: Izvestiia, â€Å"Old Way of Life,† March 8, 1930. Document 2 Source: Pravda, â€Å"On the Path to a Great Emancipation,† March 8, 1929. Today is international communist women’s day, the international day for working women. Today is a holiday in honor of one-half of the international proletarian army and in honor of the women workers of the socialist Soviet Union.In our country, governed by the power of the proletariat, the day of the woman worker has been consciously designated as a political and cultural â€Å"great day. † And outside the Soviet borders, in places where capitalist bondage has not been overthrown, we are certain that conscientious, advanced women workers will today demonstrate their dedication to the cause of the international revolution and their indestructible solidarity with the working women and men of the Soviet Union. Our woman worker in the past . . during the barbaric, savage, and blood stained tsarist regime. The heavy and hopeless fate of the woman worker—as mother, wife, and girl. All of the striving of the woman worker toward the light, toward freedom, and to a human existence were snuffed out by the criminal arm of the autocracy. The exploitation and debasement were tripled: in politics, in factory labor, and in daily life. Working women in capitalist countries. Capitalist â€Å"democracy† has not and cannot give freedom to working and laboring women.Working women in all bourgeois countries are economically and politically enslaved. Middle class conventionality has a tenacious vice-grip on daily life. Advanced women workers and revolutionary women proletarians are persecuted. The most brutal blows of capitalist â€Å"rationalization,† unemployment, and hunger in the midst of plenty descend upon the female half of the proletariat. Fascism, Catholicism, and reformism with increasingly thoroughness exploit the historical backwardness of women orkers in order to split apart the proletarian ranks and strengthen the position of imperialism. The temples of â€Å"national government†Ã¢â‚¬â€what a thing to talk about! —are protected by stone walls which prevent the participation of working women. Only we in the Soviet Union have at hand all of the preconditions and foundations for the complete emancipation of working women. These preconditions were created and acquired in a severe struggle with enemies, at a time when world history passed over the heights of the great October summit.Only our women have been emancipated in practice, acting as conscious builders of a new society and a new governing commune, and speaking out as active citizens with fully equal rights in the socialist family. For more than eleven years, our woman worker has made her way along the path set by the proletarian dictatorship. Together with all the prol etariat she fought for power in October. Together with her working brothers she passed through the crucible of sacrifice and suffering during the civil war. She stands in the most advanced ranks of our working collective in the present-day glorious and productive period of socialist construction.In the factory workshop and at the controls of the state ships, in the cooperatives and at the shooting range, in the nursery school and at the thundering machinery, everywhere the tractors of our increasingly strong state farms and collective farms are plowing the virgin soil of our Soviet land, in the workers’ faculties and in courses for the red sisterhood where the proletariat struggles relentlessly to master science, and everywhere that life is in full swing and the anthills of labor are humming—in none of these places have the working women of the Soviet Union been forced into last place.Everywhere the vigorous stream of activism of our women workers is flowing. With ever more firm and certain steps they are advancing on the path to complete emancipation under the tested leadership of our Party. Needless to say, without the conscious and active participation of the working woman we will not fulfill the tasks defined by Lenin and by the entire development of the October revolution. We will not achieve the rapid tempo of socialist industrialization if the woman worker turns out to be passive.We will not achieve the complete cultural revolution if the woman worker remains â€Å"on the side,† or is somehow pushed off toward â€Å"the second rate plan. † For the successful completion of all these tasks we must mobilize the entire women’s active. Recruitment of the best women into the Party and the courageous and steadfast advancement into the soviets, management and cooperative duties, and the governing apparatus—these measures will ensure the actual emancipation of women who remain backward in comparison with our general leve ls of economic and cultural development.The maximum activism of all women proletarians and conscientious working peasant women is one of the indispensable guarantees of our further successes and our victorious socialist growth. The greatest possible and most inexhaustible activism, the unceasingly creative work of the woman proletarian on all large and â€Å"small† fronts of our life, their rigid and total solidarity with the Party—these are the obligatory conditions for our creativity.The struggle for a new cultured life—is this possible without the creative initiative of the woman worker? The struggle with alcoholism and disgusting drunken debauchery and the struggle to expel the green hydra from the Soviet home—are these conceivable without the will and determination, without the intensive and constant force of the working woman? Could the struggle with such social ulcers as prostitution proceed successfully without arousing and involving hundreds of t housands of working women?And the struggle to overcome difficulties, the struggle with our many-faceted class enemies, the struggle with anti-Semitism, with the priesthood, and with religious stupefication—are these goals attainable if the campaign against these barbarisms does not include the millions of working women and if they are not advanced into the leading positions? All of these tasks need to be accomplished, and they will be accomplished. The path to the complete emancipation of working women is clear. No force has concealed it.And not only today, on the red holiday of March 8, should we take note of and strongly emphasize the great challenges facing the women’s proletarian movement. These should be remembered constantly, they should become part of our everyday â€Å"routine† of socialism. For surely we are talking about one of the greatest tasks that has been set by history: the complete liberation and emancipation of working women from any kind of ex ploitation, from material need, from lack of culture, and from barbarism. Document 3 Source: Minkin, Z. â€Å"The Bolshevik factory still does not have any women-master workers. Rabochii, July 7, 1931. In the past year, in connection with the overall growth in production, new ranks of women workers have flowed into the â€Å"Bolshevik† factory. At the present time, women make up 26. 2 percent of all workers at the factory. A large share of the newly entered women workers are the wives of workers who had already been working at the plant. As a result, the status of mass cultural and political educational work among these workers has clear significance. At the â€Å"Bolshevik† factory, 79 percent of women workers are shock workers.But the Party stratum among women workers is only 9. 2 percent, whereas it has reached 30 percent among all workers at the factory. This clearly indicates that recruitment among women workers is insufficient. The promotion of women into more q ualified jobs and the training of women to take the place of men’s labor within certain limits has been unsatisfactory within this factory. Many older women workers, who have worked for a long time at the factory, have been assigned to work not requiring qualifications and thus have not progressed any further.For example, at jobs near the presses, near the finishing machines, or involving work as planers, the number of women workers can be counted on a single hand. Yet a large share of women workers are assigned to unskilled labor not requiring any qualifications. It is sufficient to note that not a single woman worker can be found among the staff of master workers, despite the presence of a number of women workers who have already worked many years in factory, have sufficient qualifications, and could be assigned to this work.Because of the shortage of master workers, it happens that when the master worker of a particular section or workshop has to be away for several days, no one is available to take his place. Yet if the desire were there, it would not be difficult to train a couple of women to become master workers. It would also be possible to train a large number of women workers for other kinds of qualified positions. The situation is no better regarding the development of mass work among women workers. It is true that 14 percent of women workers received various kinds of awards for their shock work.A group made up of activist women workers is coming together. But inadequate efforts among women workers has meant that only 2 percent participating in rationalization measures. The percent of women workers in all kinds of public organizations is lower than the percent of men workers. The weakness of work among women workers is explained by the â€Å"absence of personal responsibility† in this area. Women’s organizers change frequently, and as a result this work is quite unsatisfactory. Document 4 Source: Pravda Severa, â€Å"Maria Seme novna Requires Assistance from the Party Collective,† September 9, 1932.In its day to day work with women, the Party constantly implements the instructions of V. I. Lenin â€Å"to bring women into public and productive work and to pull them out of ‘domestic slavery’ by freeing them from subordination to the stupification and humiliation of always and forever being responsible for cooking and taking care of the children. † But officials of the Party collective and of the factory committee and the directors of timber mill No. 23 still have not understood this objective.Pravda Severa has already written more than once about Maria Semenovna Abramova, and has repeatedly demanded that the Party collective of the factory committee and directors of factory No. 23 earnestly take up the tasks of eliminating lines at the stores and improving the work of nursery schools and kindergartens, so that Maria Semenovna [Abramova] and all the other housewives of the factory ma y be liberated from the absurd lines and kitchen fumes which wash away all the strength of women, isolate them from production and cultural activities, and undermine the completion of the production plan.Despite the fact that two months have already passed since Pravda Severa raised these questions, conditions at the factory have not changed at all. As before, Maria Semenovna spends her days standing in line for bread, herrings, and milk, and as before she rushes around the kitchen preparing supper for her kids. She tries with all her might to get away from this â€Å"vicious† circle, but she cannot. She tried to work at the factory, but had to quit work after ten days, because the horrible work of the childcare center left her children going hungry and without supervision.As a result, her youngest son became sick, and this tied the hands of Maria Semenovna. The medical assistance was also quite poor. Neither the Party collective nor the factory committee have lifted a finger to improve any of these awful conditions and they have also made no effort to keep Maria Semenovna at work in the factory. The secretary of the Party collective Lukin says that they have decided to reform their efforts in ZRK and have assigned one person in the supply department to eliminate lines at the stores, but in fact nothing has changed in this area.At the present time, the Party collective does not even have a women’s organizer, which is evidence for judging the efforts of the Party collective to organize women and to draw housewives like Maria Semenovna into the public and political life of the factory. We categorically demand that the Party collective and the factory committee immediately turn their attention to issues of women’s work, to freeing housewives from the tenacious grip of lines, to ensuring the consistent work of nursery schools, and to drawing women into socially productive labor.Document 5 Source: Za kommunisticheskoe prosveshchenie, â€Å"Sch ool No. 130 Follows its own Law,† February 6, 1937. In the Soviet Union, the rights of mothers and children are strictly protected by the law. For example, in addition to a four month maternity leave, every working mother has the right to take breaks during work for nursing until the infant reaches the age of nine months. But it seems that the administration of school 130 in the Soviet district of Moscow considers that this rule does not apply to its school.I have worked as a teacher for nine years, and am in my first year at school 130. Returning from maternity leave, I placed my infant in a nursery school. At first, I was able to nurse him regularly, every three hours. But because I could not nurse my infant during the break between classes (20 minutes), I was always late by 10-15 minutes. These minutes of tardiness were not absences, because I have the right to an additional half-hour besides these 20 minutes for nursing my infant.But the head of instruction and the school director, after repeated warnings, have ordered me to either stop nursing my infant or quit working in the school, because they consider that the class (42 pupils) cannot and should not be left without a teacher for even a minute. I completely agree with the orders of the head of instruction and the school director that pupils should not be left without a leader for even the shortest amount of time. But it does not follow from this that I, as a teacher-mother, am not able to lead the children in lessons. This unequal battle has resulted in the victory of the school administration.Despite the orders of a doctors, I had to stop nursing my infant and switch to artificial food, which quickly had a negative effect on the child’s health. I consider that the approach to me taken by the head of instruction and the school director demonstrates an unwillingness to let a teacher-mother have normal conditions for bringing up a healthy infant. It is possible to find a solution to this sit uation that does not harm the children and does not violate Soviet law by providing a substitute during this break or by drafting a schedule so that the pupils have another teacher after three hours.I love the work of teaching and do not want to give it up because of this temporary condition. In the current situation, I demand only that the administration of school 130 provide a little flexibility and human sympathy, so that I can continue working and bringing up my infant normally. Document 6 Source: Chart of â€Å"Women in the Soviet Labor Force: Total Number and Percent of Workforce. † In Zhenshchina v SSSR (Moscow, 1936). Document 7 Source: Chart of â€Å"Women in the Soviet Union and Capitalist Countries. In Zhenshchina v SSSR (Moscow, 1936). Document 8 Source: Pravda, â€Å"International Communist Woman’s Day,† March 9, 1939. In the Bol’shoi Theater, a celebration of March 8, International Communist Women’s Day, occurred yesterday, organized by the Moscow Committee of the All Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), the Moscow Soviet, and the VTsSPS, in conjunction with party and soviet organizations, Stakhanovites, shock workers, and the Soviet intelligentsia of the city of Moscow.The hall was more than filled to capacity, and burst into warm applause when at the presidium appeared the leaders of Moscow party and soviet organizations and the VTsSPS, and the famous women and heroes of the Soviet Union, the heroines of labor and award-winners whose names are familiar to the entire nation. The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by comrade Popov, the secretary of the Moscow city committee of the VKP(b). Places at the presidium were taken by comrades Shcherbakov, Chernousov, Pronin, Shvernik, Marshal of the Soviet Union Budennyi, Nikolaeva, Marina Raskova, Valentina Grizodubova, Polina Osipenko, Zinaida Troitskaia, T.Fedorova, Evdokiia and Mariia Vinogradova, O. Leonova, and others. Comrade Fedorova proposed to elect an hon ored presidium. The first name nominated was comrade Stalin. Shouts of â€Å"hurrah† and exclamations of â€Å"Long live our own Stalin! † and â€Å"We raise our banner to salute Stalin! † rolled through the hall. Accompanied by stormy applause from all participants in the celebratory meeting, the candidates elected to the honorary presidium included the members of the Politburo of the Communist Party led by comrade Stalin, as well as comrades Dimitrov, Tel’man, and Pasionaria.The secretary of the VTsSPS, comrade Nikolaeva, made a speech about International Communist Woman’s Day: â€Å"We have assembled on the eve of historic events. In two days, the voice of the leader of the people, comrade Stalin, will be heard from the tribunal of the XVIII Congress of our party. Comrade Stalin will describe the results of the gigantic victories won by our country, and will set out the path toward solving the even greater tasks set by the third five year plan. Comrade Nikolaeva talked about the rise of the Soviet woman, about the heroic and energetic path taken by women of our country, and about the concern for women shown by the Soviet government and party of Lenin-Stalin. In her speech, comrade Nikolaeva referred to clear evidence that the Soviet woman had secured an honored place on all fronts of socialist development and in all areas of the political and public life of our country. The deputies to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR include 189 women, and the deputies to the Supreme Soviets of the union republics include 848 women.What a clear example of the growth of the political activism and the political maturity of the Soviet woman! Comrade Nikolaeva spoke about the heroism of the Soviet woman and the unforgettable flight taken by V. Grizodubova, P. Osipenko, and M. Raskova. The heroines were located right there, on the presidium, and the hall greeted them with warm applause. Comrade Nikolaeva described how Soviet women had mastered technology and knowledge and had become powerful economic leaders.She cited the example of Zinaida Troitskaia, who successfully mastered the complex craft of driving a locomotive engine, became an engineer, and now is the director of the Moscow regional railway. Zinaida Troitskaia was also located right there on the presidium, and her success was recognized with warm applause. Speakers also talked about the tremendous assistance that had been provided to the woman in our country by the Soviet government and the party of Lenin-Stalin, about the many millions of benefits given to mothers with many children, and about the steady growth in he number of nurseries and kindergartens. Expressing the thoughts and feelings of the entire hall, speakers referred to the warm sympathy felt by Soviet women for the women of China and Spain, who were heroically fighting for the honor and independence of their homelands against fascist invaders. After her speech, Hero of the Soviet Union Marina Rasko va proposed to send a letter of greeting to comrade Stalin on behalf of the assembly. With a warm ovation, the hall approved this heartfelt greeting.

8 Requisitos Esenciales del Matrimonio para Inmigración

8 Requisitos Esenciales del Matrimonio para Inmigracià ³n Es bien sabido que tanto los ciudadanos americanos como los residentes permanentes legales pueden pedir para sus esposos una tarjeta de residencia, tambià ©n conocida como la green card. Y esto aplica tanto a los matrimonios entre una mujer y un varà ³n como a los de dos personas del mismo sexo. Adems, el matrimonio  una de las formas ms rpidas de obtener la residencia, si bien es ms rpido en el caso de peticiones cursadas por ciudadanos que las solicitadas por residentes. Pero para que esta tramitacià ³n migratoria llegue a buen puerto, Inmigracià ³n establece que necesario  que el matrimonio cumpla con una seria de caracterà ­sticas. En este artà ­culo se explican cules son los requisitos que debe cumplir el matrimonio para inmigracià ³n y tambià ©n cules pueden ser los problemas que dan lugar a la negacià ³n de la green card. Y es que el matrimonio por sà ­ solo no garantiza la obtencià ³n de la residencia. Para empezar, cuatro requisitos que aplican a todos los matrimonios, sin importar el lugar de celebracià ³n. A continuacià ³n se explican otros cuatro requisitios que deben cumplir cuando el matrimonio tiene lugar en Estados Unidos o uno de sus territorios, como por ejemplo, Puerto Rico. 4 requisitos delmatrimonio para Inmigracià ³n sin importar lugar de celebracià ³n Para que las autoridades migratorias aprueben una tarjeta de residencia por matrimonio, à ©ste debe cumplir los siguientes ​cuatro  requisitos: En primer lugar, legalidad. El matrimonio tiene que  tener validez en el lugar de su celebracià ³n, adems, tiene que poder obtenerse un documento oficial en el que consta su celebracià ³n.  Son vlidos tanto los religiosos como los civiles y cualquier otra fà ³rmula que sea aceptada como vlida en la localidad en la el casorio tuvo lugar.​ En segundo lugar, debe ser de buena fe. Lo que tambià ©n se conoce con el nombre de bona fide. Esto es, que se trata de un matrimonio de verdad, no uno que se ha celebrado con el objetivo de que uno de los contrayentes pueda sacar los papeles para la residencia permanente.  Los matrimonios falsos son perseguidos por el Servicio de Ciudadanà ­a e Inmigracià ³n (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s).  Los castigos pueden ser severos.   En tercer lugar, es necesaria la presencia en la boda. Ambas partes conyugales deben estar presentes. Es decir, como regla general no se admiten los matrimonios por poder. Si este es tu caso, debers probar que despuà ©s del casorio ha habido una consumacià ³n de la relacià ³n (ha habido sexo entre los esposos). En cuarto lugar, se exige solterà ­a. Hay que ser soltero o divorciado o ser viudo o haber obtenido la anulacià ³n de un matrimonio anterior. No se admite ni la bigamia ni la poligamia. 4 requisitos adicionales si el matrimonio se celebra en Estados Unidos Las bodas y sus requisitos son un asunto regulado por cada estado. Esto quiere decir que tienes que cumplir con las leyes del lugar en el que celebra.  Debes tener en cuenta estos 4 requisitos: 1. Residencia. En algunos estados debers residir en el estado por un nà ºmero de dà ­as para poder casarte. En otros no. Esto quiere decir que puedes casarte legalmente en algunos estados en los que no vives, pero en otros no ser posible. Lo importante es que una vez que se celebra el matrimonio en EEUU respetando las leyes estatales del lugar ser reconocido por todos los estados y, lo ms importante para inmigracià ³n, por el gobierno federal. 2. Edad. Si tienes 18 aà ±os, puedes contraer matrimonio libremente. Si eres ms joven debers verificar las leyes de tu estado. En muchos es posible casarse con 16, pero en otros ser preciso el consentimiento de los padres. Para edades ms jà ³venes siempre se va a necesitar dicho consentimiento e incluso en algunos estados el de un juez. 3. Parentesco. Si te quieres casar con un primo carnal (en primer grado) debers comprobar las leyes locales, ya que aproximadamente la mitad de los estados lo prohà ­be o establece serias limitaciones de edad requiriendo que los novios hayan dejado atrs la edad de procrear. 4. Common law. En algunos estados se considera matrimonio cuando dos personas se ponen de acuerdo en vivir juntas y proclamarse pà ºblicamente como esposos. Esto es posible si vives en Alabama, Carolina del Sur, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Pensilvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah y el Distrito de Columbia. Si este es tu caso antes de presentar los papeles habla con un abogado de inmigracià ³n o consulta directamente con el USCIS, lo que puedes hacer con el servicio de INFOPASS. Por supuesto que los matrimonios celebrados en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico son reconocidos por las autoridades de inmigracià ³n a todos los efectos migratorios. 6 problemas que pueden surgir en la tramitacià ³n de la residencia por matrimonio A pesar de estar casado legalmente y de  buena fe con un ciudadano estadounidense o un residente permanente legal puede darse el caso de que las autoridades migratorias no aprueben para el cà ³nyuge pedido la green card, o la visa de inmigrante si est en el extranjero. Las razones pueden ser varias, destacando las siguientes: 1. Que la persona que presenta la peticià ³n, es decir, el ciudadano o el residente, haya sido condenado por un delito que impide solicitar los papeles para un familiar segà ºn la ley Adam Walsh.   2. Que la persona que presenta la peticià ³n no tenga los recursos econà ³micos que pide la ley para poder patrocinar a un familiar. Este tema es particularmente problemtico cuando se trata de un ciudadano americano que lleva tiempo viviendo en otro paà ­s y desea regresarse a los Estados Unidos acompaà ±ado de su cà ³nyuge. En todo caso, tener presente que si se carecen de medios econà ³micos la ley permite buscar co-patrocinador para firmar la declaracià ³n de sostenimiento (affidavit of support). 3. Que el matrimonio sea considerado falso por Inmigracià ³n. Tener en cuenta que es posible la denuncia anà ³nima de matrimonios de conveniencia. 4. Que la persona que presenta la peticià ³n decide ponerle fin durante su tramitacià ³n. 5. Que se produce un divorcio. Esto podrà ­a  ser especialmente problemtico en los casos de residencias permanentes concedidas condicionalmente por un periodo de dos aà ±os, pero no es el à ºnico caso. 6. Que la persona extranjera para la que se piden los papeles sea inadmisible. Es decir, que la residencia se deniegue por una de estas 42 causas. En este punto hay que tener en cuenta que el problema surge al final de la tramitacià ³n. Es decir, se obtiene la aprobacià ³n de la primera gestià ³n, que es el formulario I-130, pero al final Inmigracià ³n dice no. En este apartado de considerar al extranjero como inadmisible destacar dos casos, aunque no son los à ºnicos. En primer lugar, si se ha ingresado a los Estados Unidos con visa K-1 de prometido de ciudadano americano, es necesario casarse con la persona que realizà ³ la peticià ³n. No es posible casarse con otra distinta. Esto solo da lugar a problemas y muy serios.   En segundo lugar, el problema que surge cuando el extranjero pedido est ilegalmente en los Estados Unidos. Si se encuentra en la actualidad como indocumentado decir que si se casa con un residente permanente no podr arreglar los papeles por esa causa, porque no puede ajustar su estatus. P​or el contrario, si  se casa con un ciudadano americano hay una gran diferencia entre las personas que ingresaron a los Estados Unidos legalmente y que sà ­ pueden ajustar su estatus y aquellos que cruzaron ilegalmente, que no pueden hacerlo. Las personas en esta à ºltima situacià ³n tienen que salir de los Estados Unidos para ir a travà ©s de un procedimiento consular y ahà ­ probablemente surjan los problemas y tengan que esperar fuera por mucho tiempo.   Otra posible opcià ³n es el Parole in Place, pero en este caso el migrante indocumentado que ingresà ³ ilegalmente tendrà ­a que estar casado con un ciudadano que est en el Ejà ©rcito o es veterano.Por eso consultar con un abogado reputado para ver cules son las opciones. Verificar tambià ©n si es posible calificar para recibir la waiver provisional por dureza extrema, que se recibe antes de salir de los Estados Unidos. Por à ºltimo, los extranjeros que han estado ilegalmente en los Estados Unidos y ahora estn fuera del paà ­s estn sujetos, salvo excepciones, al castigo de los 3 y de los 10 aà ±os  aunque tengan una peticià ³n realizada por un cà ³nyuge. Aunque en algunos casos es posible pedir una waiver, tambià ©n conocido como perdà ³n o permiso, lo cierto es que no aplica a todos y hay que cumplir requisitos muy serios. En otras palabras, hay que tener muy claro en el caso de ser migrante indocumentado cundo se est en una situacià ³n que la ley permite ajustar el estatus por matrimonio y cundo no es posible. Es importante conocer la situacià ³n real, buscar buen consejo legal y evitar ser và ­ctimas de fraude por pate de personas sin escrà ºpulos que prometen arreglar los papeles a cambio de pagar una importante suma de dinero y por ley es imposible que se dà © lo que prometen. Test de respuestas mà ºltiples sobre la green card Este test resuelve importantes dudas e inquietudes comunes sobre la tarjeta de residencia. Se aconseja tomarlo. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

The Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War From 1846 to 1848, the United States of America and Mexico went to war. There were several reasons why they did so, but the most important ones were the US annexation of Texas and the Americans desire for California and other Mexican territories. The Americans took the offensive, invading Mexico on three fronts: from the north through Texas, from the east through the port of Veracruz and into the west (present-day California and New Mexico). The Americans won every major battle of the war, mostly thanks to superior artillery and officers. In September  1847, American General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City: this was the final straw for the Mexicans, who finally sat down to negotiate. The war was disastrous for Mexico, as it was forced to sign away nearly half of its national territory, including California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several other current US states. The Western War American President James K. Polk intended to invade and hold the territories he wanted, so he sent General Stephen Kearny west from Fort Leavenworth with 1,700 men to invade and hold New Mexico and California. Kearny captured Santa Fe and then divided his forces, sending a large contingent south under Alexander Doniphan. Doniphan would eventually take the city of Chihuahua. Meanwhile, the war had already begun in California. Captain John C. Frà ©mont had been in the region with 60 men: they organized American settlers in California to revolt against the Mexican authorities there. He had the support of some US navy vessels in the area. The struggle between these men and the Mexicans went back and forth for a few months until Kearny arrived with what was left of his army. Although he was down to fewer than 200 men, Kearny made the difference: by January of 1847 the Mexican northwest was in American hands. General Taylors Invasion American General Zachary Taylor was already in Texas with his army waiting for hostilities to break out. There was already a large Mexican army on the border as well: Taylor routed it twice in early May of 1846 at the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. During both battles, superior American artillery units proved the difference. The losses forced the Mexicans to retreat to Monterrey: Taylor followed and took the city in September of 1846. Taylor moved to the south and was engaged by a massive Mexican army under the command of General Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista on February 23, 1847: Taylor once again prevailed. The Americans hoped that they had proved their point: Taylors invasion had gone well and California was already securely under control. They sent envoys to Mexico in the hopes of ending the war and gaining the land they desired: Mexico would have none of it. Polk and his advisors decided to send yet another army into Mexico and General Winfield Scott was selected to lead it. General Scotts Invasion The best route to get to Mexico City was to go through the Atlantic port of Veracruz. In March of 1847, Scott began landing his troops near Veracruz. After a short siege, the city surrendered. Scott marched inland, defeating Santa Anna at the Battle of Cerro Gordo on April 17-18 along the way. By August Scott was at the gates of Mexico City itself. He defeated the Mexicans at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco on August 20, gaining a toehold into the city. The two sides agreed to a brief armistice, during which time Scott hoped the Mexicans would finally negotiate, but Mexico still refused to sign away its territories to the north. In September of 1847, Scott attacked once again, crushing the Mexican fortification at Molino del Rey before assaulting the Chapultepec Fortress, which was also the Mexican Military Academy. Chapultepec guarded the entrance to the city: once it fell the Americans were able to take and hold Mexico City. General Santa Anna, seeing that the city had fallen, retreated with what troops he had left to unsuccessfully try and cut the American supply lines near Puebla. The major combat phase of the war had ended. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo The Mexican politicians and diplomats were finally forced to negotiate in earnest. For the next few months, they met with American diplomat Nicholas Trist, who had been ordered by Polk to secure all of the Mexican northwest in any peace settlement. In February of 1848, the two sides agreed on the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Mexico was forced to sign over all of California, Utah, and Nevada as well as parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and Colorado in exchange for $15 million dollars and exoneration of about $3 million more in previous liability. The Rio Grande was established as the border of Texas. People living in these territories, including several tribes of Native Americans, reserved their properties and rights and were to be given US citizenship after a year. Lastly, future disagreements between the US and Mexico would be settled by mediation, not warfare. Legacy of the Mexican-American War Although it is often overlooked in comparison with the American Civil War, which broke out about 12 years later, the Mexican-American War was just as important to American History. The massive territories gained during the war make up a large percentage of present-day United States. As an added bonus, gold was discovered shortly thereafter in California which made the newly acquired lands even more valuable. The Mexican-American War was in many ways a precursor to the Civil War. Most of the important Civil War Generals fought in the Mexican-American War, including Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, George Meade, George McClellan, Stonewall Jackson and many others. The tension between the slave states of the southern USA and the free states of the north was made worse by the addition of so much new territory: this hastened the onset of the Civil War. The Mexican-American War made the reputations of future US Presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, Zachary Taylor, and Franklin Pierce all fought in the war, and James Buchanan was Polks Secretary of State during the war. A Congressman named Abraham Lincoln made a name for himself in Washington by vocally opposing the war. Jefferson Davis, who would become President of the Confederate States of America, also distinguished himself during the war. If the war was a bonanza for the United States of America, it was a disaster for Mexico. If Texas is included, Mexico lost more than half of its national territory to the USA between 1836 and 1848. After the bloody war, Mexico was in ruins physically, economically, politically and socially. Many peasant groups took advantage of the chaos of war to lead uprisings all over the country: the worst was in Yucatan, where hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Although Americans have forgotten about the war, for the most part, many Mexicans are still irate about the theft of so much land and the humiliation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Even though there is no realistic chance of Mexico ever reclaiming those lands, many Mexicans feel they still belong to them. Because of the war, there was much bad blood between the USA and Mexico for decades: relations did not begin to improve until World War Two, when Mexico decided to join the Allies and make common cause with the USA. Sources: Eisenhower, John S.D. So Far from God: the U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848. Norman: the University of Oklahoma Press, 1989 Henderson, Timothy J. A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and its War with the United States.New York: Hill and Wang, 2007. Wheelan, Joseph. Invading Mexico: Americas Continental Dream and the Mexican War, 1846-1848. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2007.