Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India Issues, Concerns, and future Essay Example

Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India: Issues, Concerns, and future Essay Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India: Issues, Concerns, and hereafter Abstraction: Get downing a new venture and going an enterpriser is an exciting and disputing undertaking. On one side it is a measure towards fulfilment of some dreams and aspirations and on the other side there are so many things to see before person really starts the journey. And if person truly wants to get down up a venture in India, many other’ things come into the manner, apart from a good concern thought, human resource and capital. Issues that decidedly hold to be dealt with include land acquisition, agreement of necessary financess, political intervention, and revenue enhancement load and so on. And so there are the anxiousnesss and concerns: Will I do it? Am I in over my caput? How make I get down? This article is an effort to throw some visible radiation on the troubles that entrepreneurs face before get downing an enterprise in India and the obstructions faced by bing participants of Indian market. The article will besides place some intrinsic strength of Indian market, e conomic system and discourse some positive enterprises by authorities of India to pull new investings in India and to supply a congenial concern environment. We will write a custom essay sample on Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India: Issues, Concerns, and future specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India: Issues, Concerns, and future specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Initiation and Sustenance of Business in India: Issues, Concerns, and future specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Introduction: Elect diaries like Economic and Political weekly are full of articles depicting Indian Economic Policy as Neo-liberal. This might take to a idea that India has become a Eden of economic freedom, an ideal finish for concern. But frequently person who plans to get down and run a concern in India has faced an arrant acrimonious side of the world. India ranks merely 132 out of 183 states in easiness of making concern, harmonizing to Doing Business in 2012’ . Some one might believe that the Government claiming to do life simpler for the aam aadmi’ will take particular attention to better the easiness of get downing a concern. But, unluckily India ranks merely 166Thursdayin easiness of get downing a concern. 5 old ages ago, India occupied 88Thursdayplace, and has gone earnestly declivitous since. As a affair of fact, if person wants to win in making concern in India he has to cover with an environment, which is neer precisely same as any other topographic point in the universe. Any new concern enterprise in India has to win many hurdlings in its journey. Resource ( land, labor, etc. ) , Infrastructure ( power, conveyance etc. ) , Administrative and legislative issues, Finance, Politics are merely some of the names from a distressingly long list of problems. If we give a closer expression to these factors we will happen some of them are really common or general issues, while the others are less in Numberss but critical in nature, and unluckily created by homo. General Issues: General issues are considered as the most common issues. In every province or part in India, concerns will hold to confront at least one amongst the issues listed below for certain. As this sort of jobs are inevitable and of all time lifting. So different provinces in the state and besides the cardinal authorities now be aftering and besides has started turn overing out assorted ordinances, alteration in Torahs to extenuate these kinds of issues. Land PROBLEM: Most new ventures require some signifier of building, whether puting up a new store or a mill, one needs a building license. So, the land acquisition job comes in forepart. This is the most common and serious job soon for every provinces in India. Although the Government is coming up with new enterprises such as, Land Acquisition Bill’ , Land Bank’ etc. to provide healthy industrialisation and concern development, but the system still suffers from deficiency of willingness and good purpose. Not merely the industrialisation, authorities activities like enlargement of National Highways across the state seems like base still due to the land issues. The image besides becomes brumous with the latest Government proposed Land Acquisitions Bills which proposes that the consent of 80 per cent of the project-affected households will be compulsory if the authorities acquires land for usage by private companies for declared public intent or PPP undertakings other than that for national main road. The bill of exchange suggests that under no fortunes should multi-cropped, irrigated land be acquired. Most of such land prevarications in the Indo-Gangetic fields covering Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. For private sector the state of affairs is even more woebegone as authorities will non be geting land for private companies for private intent. Tax PROBLEM: Businesss everyplace pay a battalion of revenue enhancements –corporate revenue enhancement, excise responsibility, gross revenues revenue enhancement, and so on. India ranks about 150 in easiness of paying concern revenue enhancements. Indian concerns have to pay some kind of revenue enhancement no less than 33 times a twelvemonth against merely 7 times in China. In this regard excessively, India discriminates against new, little enterprisers. The corporate income revenue enhancement effectual rate for domestic companies is 35 % while the net incomes of subdivisions in India of foreign companies are taxed at 45 % . Companies incorporated in India ( any apparatus other than a subdivision ) even with 100 % foreign ownership, are considered domestic companies under the Indian Torahs. However, the New Export-Import Policy provides significant revenue enhancement inducements for investings in Export. Major exporters are allowed to run bank histories abroad to ease trade. Companies that sell in the Indian market every bit good as international markets may subtract export net incomes from their revenue enhancement liabilities. Power SHORTAGES PROBLEM: Power deficits in assorted provinces are non a new job in India. The chief grounds for a low PLF ( Plant Load Factor: A step of mean capacity use ) are unequal care, escape of boiler tubings and the usage of low calorific coal. Recently, during a conference on power coevals, it was stated that if India could look into the escapes of boiler tubings, 5000mw of extra electricity could be generated. The Centre must take the blame for the deficit in coevals of power. The peak power deficit-the spread between demand and supply during summer harmonizing to Government s ain computations is around 10 per cent. The duty for administering available power inefficiently falls on the provinces. Losingss in distribution norm over 30 per cent across India. Again the recent power grid failure has shown that India is still enduring from an exigency power backup. LACK OF ENCOURAGEMENT and AWARENESS: Like any seeds need proper attention to turn up, get downing a new venture besides requires supports from equals, foreigners, authorities which India suffers from. In western universe there are a enormous backup, support, amenability behind a good established venture. By and large a big subdivision of Indians are conservative and diffident in nature who are frequently hesitating in get downing a concern assuming the hazards associated with the venture in both fiscal and societal facets. As a consequence many prospective thoughts and programs are ruled out even before seeking. In this respect the functions of both cardinal and province authoritiess are really important. Government, large corporate houses, NGOs should take the enterprise to advance and actuate enterprisers by distributing consciousness in this respect. Critical Issues: Apart from the most basic or common issues, there are some issues which are categorized as critical frequently many provinces of India are confronting today. As this sort of jobs are fundamentally inter-governmental jobs, so province authoritiess of several provinces are by and large responsible for it. Sometimes there are issues related to the cardinal authorities besides. In that instance both province and Cardinal authorities can be reciprocally responsible. Policy Paralysis: From the last twosome of old ages we have been noticing authorities inability in latest policy preparation due to miss of coordination between Government and its confederation parties and truly this affects the Indian economic system. But with the recent move of Government concentrating on reforms leting FDI in retail and air power and the similar will decidedly hike the assurance amongst investors every bit good as the fresh enterprisers. LACK OF TRANSPERANCY: Lack of transparence, yet, another major drawbacks weaving against get downing a new venture. The latest major 2G spectrum dirt of Telecom Sector, Coalgate, DLF issues, IPL, Commonwealth games etc have tainted country’s image globally. These types of incidents frequently dent the morale of new enterprisers every bit good as the bing 1s. Feverish POLITICS: Even though person interested in get downing a concern, deficiency of support from administrative and legislative organic structures, hold in action and determination devising excessively and most significantly political battles create many more barrier to the new venture. Often province authorities holds undertakings severely and acquiring disgusted with such state of affairs, entrepreneurs displacement ventures to some other topographic point or even drop the undertaking. Recent illustrations of the instance of TATA Motor’s switching from West Bengal to Gujarat, Case of Maruti at Manesar in Gurgaon or even the instance of ABG at Haldia, West Bengal or MRF, Kottayam, Kerala ; all showing political intercession, some vested involvements and failure of authoritiess to supply an amicable solution and a congenial concern environment for concern. India as a finish for Investors: In malice of the being of the issues, challenges, booby traps discussed so far, India can neer be ignored as an exciting finish for investors, because of the built-in strength of the country’s economic system, market, doctrine and the profusion of its rational belongings. Over the past decennary the Indian Economy has witnessed a paradigm displacement and is on a robust growing flight. India is one of the few economic systems to hold weathered the recent planetary fiscal crisis and its GDP has been turning. The resiliency and deepness of the Indian economic system coupled with liberalized foreign exchange system has non merely attracted the world’s largest multinational but besides enabled Indian enterprisers to venture into and capture abroad markets. India’s economic system has strong basicss and is host to several high planetary corporate giants that are leaders in their several industries. Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Colgate-Palmolive, GSK Pharma, Abbott India, Bosch, Oracle Financial Services, Cummins India, Maruti Suzuki, Cocacola are merely few outstanding names in the list. Harmonizing to the Global Competitiveness Report 2010-11, India ranks at 51 among 139 states. It ranks higher than many states in cardinal parametric quantities such as market size ( 4Thursday) and invention ( 39Thursday) . It besides has a sound fiscal market ( 17Thursday) . UNCTAD’s World Investment Prospect Survey 2010-2012 showed, India is the second-most attractive finish for FDI ( after China ) in the universe. Indian markets have important possible and offer chances of high profitableness and a favorable regulative system for investors. India has a robust corporate sector, which posted a year-on-year net income growing of 29.3 % in FY 10. The value of industry’s end product ( organized sector ) has grown at a CAGR of 17 % during FY06 and FY10 to make at US $ 782b in FY10. To take India farther from this place authorities has rolled out assorted plans or stairss to attract/encourage new, fresh and immature enterprisers both foreign every bit good as domestic who truly wants to happen a topographic point and fit themselves in the map of Indian concern in malice of the many hardships in the system. Recently authorities has taken some conjunct attempts to pull foreign investors to India: In the Budget 2011-12, the Qualified Foreign Investor ( QFI ) strategy was introduced leting foreign investors to put in Common Fundss, capable to certain conditions. On 1st January 2012, the Government expanded this strategy to let QFIs to straight put in Indian Equity Market. As proclaimed in Budget 2012-13, QFI can now besides invest in corporate bonds. The bound for FII investing in long-run corporate bonds issued by the companies in the substructure sector was raised from USD 5 billion to USD 25 billion in March 2011. NRIs/PIOs/OCBs/ are permitted to open bank histories in India out of financess remitted from abroad, foreign exchange brought in from abroad or out of financess lawfully due to them in India, with authorized trader. Reserve Bank has granted general permission to NRIs/PIOs, for set abouting direct investings in Indian companies, under the Automatic Route purchase of portions under Portfolio Investment Scheme, investing in companies and proprietorship/partnership concerns on non-repatriation footing and for remittals of current income. NRIs/PIOs do non hold to seek specific permission for sanctioned activities under these strategies. Decision: To alter the state of affairs the function of Public ( Government ) and Private ( Business houses ) sectors are important. Assorted productive treatment ( like late Agenda for Renewal’ ) must be organized once more and once more, both people of India and Government should alter its attitude towards business. , Foreign investings should be welcomed, Banks should back up and promote new thoughts and most significantly the instruction system of India, particularly Business Schools and other direction instruction institutes across the state should come up with course of study for their pupils which will non merely teaches managing concerns, but will besides actuate, educate and authorise their pupils to go enterprisers. Mentions: Private Foreign Investment in India: Pain or Panacea? , Suma Athreye, Sandeep Kapur,The World Economy, Volume 24, Issue 3, pages 399–424, March 2001 Making concern in India2011 Ernst A ; Young hypertext transfer protocol: //economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/markets/1977021501.cms( Accessed on 25.11.12 ) hypertext transfer protocol: //powersectorindia.blogspot.in/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.business-standard.com/india/markets/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.cci.gov.in/index.php? option=com_content A ; task=view A ; id=140 ( accessed on 28.11.12 ) hypertext transfer protocol: //www.econlife.com/tag/competitive-market-structures/ accessed on 28.11.12 ) hypertext transfer protocol: //www.electricityinindia.com( accessed on 28.11.2012 ) hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thehindu.com/business/ outsource2india.com ( retrieved on Aug, 16, 2012 ) South Asiatic Voice, Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI ) Unmentioned Pitfalls Wadhwa, Vivek, Jain, Sonali, Saxenian, AnnaLee, Gereffi, Gary and Wang, Huiyao, The Grass is Indeed Greener in India and China for Returnee Entrepreneurs: America s New Immigrant Entrepreneurs – Part VI ( April 8, 2011 ) .

Postmodernist view on consensus essays

Postmodernist view on consensus essays STELLING : HOOFDSTUK 1 : Een onbeweegbare beweger : een overzicht van de wereld en wat haar structureert en drijft, waarin met een grote boog rond de sociologie en de filosofie word gegaan. Wereld : beeld van de overwinning van het liberale imperialistische kapitalisme over zijn twee laatste uitdagers : communisme en fascisme Het systeem : creatie van ongelijkheid, roept verschillen in het leven Laat geen vrede toe : maar creert ZEKERHEID door competitie De structuur staat niet bloot aan radicale omverwerping maar aan herziening Werkt volgens de regels van spel met meerdere spelers : het doel van hetspel is altijd winnen waarvoor elke strategie toepasbaar is, zij het binnen de regels. Bij de modernen : in politiek TWEE legitimatieprincipes : god en republiek, ras en universele mens, bij conlict over legitimiteit : OORLOG Bij postmodernen : in de politiek BEHEERSSYSTEMEN. Geen oorlogen maar ingrijpen van politie, niet om legitimeit te ontnemen maar om te dwingen volgens de regels te onderhandelen. Systeem is overal : geen Frasne denkers, amerikaanse droom, engelse bril meer Het systeem dat het best is afgesteld op de ontwikkeling zijn weg heeft gebaand tussen de idealen heen, die onder eigennamen zijn gedomicilieerd. Vroegere vermogen van die idealen was af te leiden aan vermogen om haar gebeid te kunnen mobiliseren en te organiseren. Nu niet meer : Burgers menen vrij te zijn en zijn daarom gemakkelijker te mobiliseren. Tegenwoordig is er superioriteit van kapitalistische democratie, (echter niet omdat ze beter is, maar omdat ze de eeuwigdurende concurrentie tussen toevallig ontstane systemen heeft overwonnen). Dit is dan ook de reden voor de legitimeit van dit systeem, hierop stoelt ze haar prestige : de consensus berust op een FEITELIJ...

Classifying Structure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Classifying Structure - Essay Example Professional bureaucratic structure is used by those organizations that depend on highly skilled professional in order to deliver goods and services at the core of the organization. Some examples are hospital, museums, engineering design firms, social services agencies and public accounts firms, universities and libraries (Reilly, Minnick & Baack, 2011). Organizations having divisional structure have set of autonomous units, each typically machine bureaucracy unto itself which is coordinated by a central headquarters. Some examples with divisional structure are General Motor, Microsoft, 3M Company, AT&T, General Electric Company, International Business Machine (IBM), Coca-Cola Company, United Technologies Corporation, and the Walt Disney Company (Reilly, Minnick & Baack, 2011). Adhocracy is suited for those organizations which are having low formalization and standardization and are organic and dynamic in nature. Within these organizations the decision making tends towards decentralization. Companies having adhocracy form of structure are flexible and adaptable. Example of adhocracy is the project for the construction of commercial building (Reilly, Minnick & Baack,

German Photomontage in 1920s and 1930s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

German Photomontage in 1920s and 1930s - Essay Example Hoch was raised in a conventional, middle-class, small-town family. She moved to Berlin during World War I to study art and work for a women's magazine. It was during these years that she became a member f Berlin Dada. She showed her works regularly with the Dada group but did not establish an international reputation as an artist until after the Dada movement had fallen apart. Cut With The Kitchen Knife includes more than 150 illustrations f works Hoch created during 1918-1933, the Weimar years. Hoch assembled her montages by selecting photographs f women from illustrated print sources and juxtaposing them with fragments f scenes from Weimar and German colonial society. Readers will be intrigued by the surprising even shocking compositions which combine the pleasure f viewing mass media images with critical, even destructive feelings about the subject matter. Maud Lavin offers both interpretation and critical analysis f these montages. (Freud 1955, 145-72) Unless you're very knowledgeable, German art in the twentieth century has been done by men, and German women in the twentieth century have been reduced to the equation Woman=Nature, to child-like whores or to old whores, or the scary, brittle, maneating New German Woman. Masks. What a delight to discover the work f Hannah Hoch (1889-1978). The Walker Art Center has mounted an exhibition f her photomontages which will travel from there to the Museum f Modern Art and to the Los Angeles County Museum f Art. The Photo-montages f Hannah Hoch is the catalogue for the exhibition. "Photomontage" (associated with the German word montieren, to assemble or to fit,) was used by the Berlin Dadaists to describe their piecing together f photographic and typographic sources, usually cut from the printed mass media. The Dadaists enjoyed the mechanica--and proletarian--connotations f the term and used it to distinguish their work from Cubist collage. Although Hannah Hoch worked in other media--useful black and white reproductions f her drawings and oil paintings accompany the text--all her work contained the elements she perfected in the photomontages she made for nearly sixty years. (Burgin 1982, 177-216) The obligatory scholarly essays describing Hoch's life and work are inoffensive and useful But the colour plates are glorious. One hundred and nine reproductions are accompanied by a brief bit f text commenting on a play f words in the tide f a work or providing an historical detail or biographical sketch f a ballerina or industrialist or describing how the original mass media sources were manipulated by the artist. This detail, small colour reproductions f the original sources, conveys the creativity f the curators f this catalogue. Showing how a reproduction f drapery from an advertisement was cut, fumed on its side, and conjoled into becoming waves on the surface f water is magic. Somehow words, the right words, said about a work f art make the work f art visible. Magic. The Photomontages, naturally, conveys the same old sad story f the boys refusing to acknowledge that a girl had played in

Kenyan Hospitality And Travel Industries

Kenyan Hospitality And Travel Industries The Republic of Kenya is located along the Equator of the eastern side of Africa, boarding the countries of Somalia, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The country covers an area of 582,264 km2 and house approximately 28.8 million people and growing at a rate at a rate 6f 1.6 annually. The climate take a tropical origin which tourist can experience sunshine all year round ,however the temperature may differ throughout the country for example warm humid at the cost ,cool humid at central high lands and hot dry in the north and east. Rain on the other hand is seasonal for which the heaviest occur during the months of April to June. Kenya is a country rich in culture which gives home to a number of different tribe, religions and approximately 45 different ethnic groups. Some of these larger populated ethnic and religious groups include: Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14% and Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Indigenous beliefs 10% and Muslim 10% respectively. (About.com) The native language of Kenya is Swahili which is also known as Kiswahili which is widely spoken among natives however English is becoming the official language of Kenya. This cosmopolitan country has a number of different amenities to bring to the tourism arena. With tourism being one of main finical drivers Kenyas economies, they engaged in the following types of tourism which are: Domestic, Culture, Business and Community and Eco Tourism. This type of tourism helps in a number of different ways. Firstly, it helps to educate the natives about their country and what it has to offer. Secondly, it gets them more involved in the tourism sector. Domestic tourism also helps in balancing off the tourism industry in low period of nation and international guest and tourist arrival. Kenyas tourism industry is closely bonded to environment, culture and the community, wildlife in relation to eco tourism in particular is one of the top tourist drivers. Safaris, national parks and forests, show the countless species of Flora and Fauna that can be found throughout the country. Tourist can also experience true tribal life through the community national parks where rich Kenyan culture is displayed together with tours and hikes through deserts, mountains rainforests, beaches etc. BUSINESS TOURISM In addition to wild life, the accommodation and conference sector play an important role in the tourism sector. Hotels range from budget, express, luxury and national parks where sleeping under the element is now possible. These establishments offer first class service together with computer, telecommunication and internet services. ANALYSIS HOSPITALITY TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KENYA Tourism in Kenya dates back to pre-independence days and as recorded in history as early as the 1930s (Tourism in Kenya). In the past, the bulk of the tourist that visited Kenya did so mainly to take part in the gaming industry in the game hunting expeditions, while the other visitors represented the typical old tourist that travelled for sun, sand and sea which is one of the tourism products offered by Kenyas tourism industry. In particular, the tourism industry in Kenya traditionally attracted first world rulers. e.g. The Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II and the President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt. INFRASTRUCTURE In the 1930s, Kenyas infrastructure was less than ideal or/and adequate to facilitate this new trend, tourism. Nevertheless, the tourism industry was steadily growing. Kenya gained independence in December 1963 (Kenya Timeline) after which the infrastructure developed a bit but still required improvements. The government with cooperation of both the public and private sector worked cohesively to fully develop the infrastructure that in turn made Kenya more attractive to tourists. Approximately 10% of the country has been reserved for the preservation of the natural attractions and wildlife in Kenya which helps to boost tourism. (Tourism in Kenya) The tourism industry has evolved with the emergence of the new tourist, which brought along new forms of tourism for the country notably sports tourism, community and culture tourism etc. Eco tourism is the prevailing form of tourism accompanied by 10% of the natural reserve dedicated by the government. Kenya Eco tourism attractions:- Game viewing expeditions (Flora) -the evolution of the new tourist brought along the new game viewing expeditions, where the tourist no longer hunt the animals but view the animals on a Safari. Kenyas popular animal attractions are commonly called the big five which includes: elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and the leopard (Tourism in Kenya) Plant watching (Fauna) The viewing of trees and flowers in Kenya is part of the Kenyan agricultural industry, which is the main contributor to the Kenyan GDP. Kenya climatic seasons are similar to those in the Caribbean with a dry and rain season annually. The rainy season in Kenya is responsible for the boom in the fauna of the country. This is the season where the trees and flowers bloom whereas the dry season is quite different. The trees drop their leaves and the flowers dry up. A tourist that visits Kenya in the dry season would have a different experience to a tourist that visit in the rainy season in regards to the country fauna. Safari this allows the tourists to observe and understand the native people and their natural lifestyle. ECONOMICAL FACTORS Multiplier Effect Kenyas tourism industry is heavily dependent on other industries to be a successful industry. The tourism industry is mainly dependent on the agriculture industry. This sector is predominantly responsible for providing the food and beverages that are served to the tourists. NEGATIVE FACTORS AFFECTING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY Lacks of awareness of the people The people of Kenya are included in the decision making process or informed about tourism development initiatives. As a result of this, nationals act negatively towards the tourist. Socio-culturally With the improvement in the tourism industry and the influx of tourist into country, the ways and attitudes of the new world, have negatively affected the culture Kenya by the increase of prostitution, lack of traditional rituals and performances. Terrorism Threat The bombing of the US Embassy in 1998 and attempted bombing in Mombasa 2002, prompted countries to issue negative travel advisories which greatly affected the tourist arrivals to Kenya as depicted in the statistical data. Kenya is a country with a diverse range of tourism products that cater to many types of tourism as mentioned previously. The country is heavily focused on maintaining its natural aspect as well as developing in a sustainable manner keeping with its eco tourism trend as it foremost tourism product. Overall the tourism industry is slowly increasing despite the negative factors that are occasionally experienced; they were able to press forward. IDENTIFICATION DISCUSSION OF TERRORISM IN KENYA WHAT IS TERRORISM? According to the U.S. Department of State terrorism is premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. Likewise, international terrorism is defined as terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than one country. ( ) TERRORISTS ATTACKS IN KENYA US EMBASSY ATTACK Around 10.30am on August 7th, 1998, Kenyas US Embassy in Nairobi, was bombed by terrorists where an estimated 12 Americans and 227 Kenyans were killed. Approximately 5000 people in the vicinity at the time of the blast were injured. The destruction spanned a two to three block radius and the Al Qaeda terrorist group were the suspects behind the incident. MOMBASSA ATTACK The Al Qaeda terrorist group again launched another attack in Kenya this time at an Israeli owned hotel. About 8.30am on November 28, 2002, 2 Israelis and 12 Kenyans were killed and over 80 people were injured in the bombing of the Paradise hotel in Mombasa. This attack was only the first part as a missile attack on an Israeli aircraft was concurrently taking place however, this mission failed. WHY DO TERRORISTS TARGET KENYA? Geographic location, poverty and unstable neighbours are some key elements that have contributed to past terrorist attacks faced by Kenya. Kenyas unique geographic location acts as a passageway from the Middle East and South Asia to East Africa and beyond. Therefore, Kenya had to cater for the many activities that would now exist because of this pathway so an extensive seaport was constructed as well as two international airports, one in Mombasa and one in Nairobi along with rail, road and communication infrastructure. With these additions, travel and entry into and around Kenya is quite easy and usually obscure due to its penetrable borders coupled with its surrounding neighbours and unmonitored coastline. In particular, the Arabs in Kenya that occupy the coastal areas are closely linked to the Arabs in the Middle East as they both share a common religion and language. This has made it quite convenient for terrorist to blend into the community. For these reasons, Kenya is a preferred choice for terrorist to strike. Due to poverty and the high rate of unemployment that exists in Kenya, the youths are targeted by terrorists for recruitment to carry out their activities. The terrorists are able to lure these young people by giving them money to join their cause. In this way, they gain new recruits who would provide them with the relevant local information needed to proceed with their activities. Again, Kenya is seen as an ideal destination for terrorists to attack. In Somalia, Kenyas neighbouring country, political instability is quite prevalent. For the past 14 years, Somalia has not been run been run by a government and this has given way to terrorists to move across the border. This has therefore hampered Kenyas security. Immigrants from Somalia reside in Kenya making it easier for terrorists to blend in and thereby bring terrorism into Kenya. Another challenge for Kenya is its ties to the US which make them susceptible to terrorists attacks. Kenya, among other countries, has been selected by the United States Agency for International Development to be provided with the necessary resources to fight HIV/AIDS. ( ) Also, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention located in Kenya is the TERRORISMS IMPACT ON THE HOSPITALITY TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KENYA Tourism, one of the foundation blocks of Kenyas economy, constitutes 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has been adversely affected by the repercussions of terrorism. Firstly, the influx of tourist to Kenya can be estimated to over 500,000 visitors each year. Europe and the United States of America (USA) represent Kenyas traveller generating region with 70% of the market being Europeans (Switzerland, Italy, Belgium France and Britain account for the bulk of tourists). In addition, visitors come from Japan, Asia, Scandinavia, and other African countries. USA, Germany, Great Britain and some other countries, upon receiving the news about the terrorist attacks on Kenyas US Embassy in Nairobi, immediately issued travel advisories to their citizens and imposed travel bans to refrain travel to Kenya as it was deemed unsafe. Moreover, the extensive media coverage of the attacks particularly focused on Kenyas vulnerability to terrorism severely tarnished its image. These responses lead to a decline in travel to Kenya and some neighboring countries as travelers feared the spillover of the terrorist attacks. For example, tourism businesses were terribly affected by the travel warnings. Tourism brought in US $500 million in annual revenue and was losing at least $1 million everyday due to the decline in tourism. ( ) Consequently, Kenyas tourism industry was paralyzed. Kenya suffered a decrease in tourist arrivals. This had a ripple effect on all sectors of the industry. The cancellation of leisure trips and business conferences were rapidly on the rise. Kenyas reputation plummeted and this lead to the loss of its competitive value. Kenya was no longer an option to be considered for vacation or investment. Tourism catered to the employment of 500, 000 Kenyans ranging from tour operators, tour guides, travel agencies, safari driver, dancers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, small business operators to airport and airline personnel. Subsequently, there was a significant increase in unemployment as many Kenyans lost their jobs. Employees that were still employed received salary cuts. For instance, at the Carnivore restaurant; all of the 330 staff had their salaries reduced, including Dunford the chairman (National Geographic 2010). The bombing of the US Embassy had a massive impact on Kenyas infrastructure. The Embassy was stationed at the crossroads of two streets in Nairobi, adjacent to the Ufundi Building and the Co op Bank Building. The explosion destroyed these three buildings and other buildings and amenities within a two to three block radius.( ) The rubble consisted of broken glass from windows, window frames, furniture and fixtures, concrete block walls, cars, buses, electric poles, street lights and the list goes on. The transportation sector within Kenya suffered major setbacks as the streets were seriously damaged and likewise vehicles. Additional problems surfaced as resources (medical) were delayed as it was difficult to get in and around Nairobi. Access was restricted to rescue and emergency personnel. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was known for its many tourist attractions but these business operations declined as a result of the bombing. With the loss of power and telecommunication, tour oper ators, travel agencies and hotels were unable to update their websites or communicate with potential visitors who would usually book their reservations, tours or tickets online. Another hindrance to Kenyas tourism industry in light of the terrorist attacks is the slump in foreign direct investment (FDI). Investors were inclined to nullify their FDI in Kenya due to some of the shocks felt by the terrorist attack such as the direct destruction of infrastructure, the rise of operating costs due to an increasing need of security measures, and the rise of recruiting costs due to missing incentives to work in terrorism prone regions. ( ). This further contributed to the loss of revenue specifically for tourism development initiatives. An important issue on the agenda of Kenyas government to combat terrorism is now the introduction of more security. The notion about safety is not confined to the citizens of Kenya alone but is extended to the tourist as well. For this purpose, government spending had to be diverted from productive investment designed to promote growth, eradicate poverty and sustain tourism development. ( ) Expenditure on high tech security equipment such as surveillance cameras, metal detectors and screening machines had to be implemented as strategies to counteract terrorism. Kenyas financial costs continued to escalate in aftermath of the terrorist attack as more funding was required for the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction of the infrastructure, buildings and other amenities destroyed in the blast including tourists facilities. As an illustration, Similarly, another expense incurred is that of extensive advertising to attract more and new tourists to Kenya. This strategy was employed to portray Kenya as a once again safe place and to neutralize the negative media attention received after the bombing. Apart from the above mentioned negative effects of terrorism on Kenyas tourism industry, some positive effects were identified. With the decrease in tourist arrivals to Kenya, domestic tourism was being promoted. Locals provided a portion of revenue needed to sustain some tourism businesses. Likewise, a new must see tourist attraction was developed. The August 7th Memorial Park was constructed on the site where the US Embassy was once situated. This memorial was built to commemorate the lives that were lost and represents a tribute to the courage of the several thousand others who have had to cope with permanent injury and/or the loss of loved ones. It is a place where people come to reflect, remember and relax. ( ) This attraction is quite similar to the September 11 attraction Ground Zero which has been included in many tour packages offered by tour companies in New York City. With regard to the Kenyas transit route region, terrorism is no exception. The negative effects of US embassy bombing trickled down to the airline industry. Flight cancellations increased as airline travel declined. There were numerous staff cuts and a major loss of revenue for the industry. For instance, the suspension of British Airways regular and charter planes flying to Nairobi, coupled with travel advisories, closed down access to 90% of Kenyas overseas markets (The Effect of Terrorism 2004). Car rental companies were also affected. KENYAS RESPONSE TO TERRORISM There is a need for the development of an anti-terrorism legislation in Kenya: following the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Kenya the government recognized that there were no adequate measures in place to deal with such acts and therefore the need to develop and implement legislation to deal with terrorism was essential. According to Kenyas Counter Terrorism committee, the Government on two occasions made attempts to implement such laws with the Suppression of Terrorism Bill in 2003 and the Anti-Terrorism Bill in 2006 respectively. However, both bills failed to be introduced to parliament. (Google 2010) Another point to be considered is the need for revamped management policies to be set in place for Kenyas border line and costal security control. Google 2010 also stated that the need for heightened security is vital in these areas, for example: the border between Kenya and Somalia poses a great threat to Kenyan nationals and tourist due to fact that Somalia has been without a government of over fourteen years and is known to be politically unstable. This can be done by putting measures in place such as; heightened security checks for persons entering Kenya through Somalia, denial of entry for suspicious entrants and denial to unnecessary travellers especially during the peak tourist seasons. Proper execution of security in these areas may allow tourists to feel safer and therefore increase overall visits to Kenya. The tourism board of Kenya could try to mitigate some of the negative impacts of the past terrorism attacks on the country by creating a new image for the destination. In order to effectively do this, Kenyas perspective about tourism has to be more holistic. For instance with respect to community tourism, the Maasai Mara tribe not only protects the environment but they engage in certain practices to reduce harm to the environment. Though terrorism would ultimately have a devastating impact on any country being affected, repositioning Kenya in the minds of tourists by focusing on the positives of the destination rather than the negative aspects of terrorism can aid in the process of moving forward. In addition, the tourism board can also shift some of their attention to local tourist by creating special packages in such a way that would be attractive to the local population. Another option to combat this issue of terrorism in Kenya should be the development of crisis management portfolio. This would first of all distinguish terrorism from other forms of crisis. It should then outline in detail the measures that should be implemented before and after such a crisis. Next the portfolio should assist in painting a clear and clutter free process that should be followed after an act of terrorism to facilitate a timely recovery for Kenyas image. Since terrorism severely tarnished the image of Kenya, it is very crucial that only specific and highly qualified individuals should address the public and media issues. Hence the reason, the portfolio should also outline all individuals that should be involved in this process with clearly defined roles and objectives. CASE STUDY SEPTEMBER 11 AND KENYA BOMBINGS Both the September 11 attacks on the United States and the US Embassy and Mombasa bombings in 1998 and 2002 respectively were carried out by the Al Qaeda terrorist organization. NEGATIVE EFFECTS Both the US and Kenya bombings resulted in a decline in outbound and inbound travel. The airline industry in both countries experienced significant revenue losses following the decline in travel. Businesses that were dependent on tourism as their main source of revenue suffered and were unable to continue operations. Staff cuts were also experienced again due to the decrease in travel because of the acts of terrorism faced by both countries. POSITIVE EFFECTS Both countries introduced new high tech security equipment and measures to combat the threat of terrorism. Both countries were able to develop a new tourist attraction, Ground Zero and August 7th Memorial

Candide :: essays research papers

Candide Voltaire's Candide is a novel which contains enlightmenet and at the same time is also exaggerated. Voltaire offers disguised by jokes and sarcisam, and the story itself presents a distinctive outlook on life in the 1700’s. The crucial contrast in the story deals with irrational ideas as taught to Candide about being optimistic, versus reality as viewed by the rest of the world. The main theme that I got out of reading Candide is optimism. Out of every unfortunate situation in the story, Candide, the main character, has been advised by his philosopher-teacher that everything in the world happens for the better, because "Private misfortunes contribute to the general good, so that the more private misfortunes there are, the more we find that all is well". As Candide grows up whenever something unfortunate happens Pangloss would turn the situation around, bringing out the good in it. Candide learns that optimism is "The passion for maintaining that all is right when all goes wrong ". Candide also believes that he could make the world a better place by spreading his theories on optimism. One could say that Pangloss is an irrational figure, and Voltaire tries to expose how incomprehensible his beliefs are which do not measure up to reality. It is possible, however, that all along, deep down inside, Candide doubted the philosophies of his teacher because of his exposure to immorality in the real world. For example, Candide witnessed the public hanging of two Portuguese Jews simply because they refused to eat bacon for dinner.It was occurrences like these which demonstrated the inhumanity that one person can do to another, leading Candide to disbelieve Pangloss' philosophies. Cunegonde, the object of Candide's affections, wa s thought dead by Candide but she had really been raped and sold into slavery.

Mexican Culture Essay

Food if one of the aesthetic identification of culture and tradition as it marks its progress from generation to generation, and history to history. Mexican cooking began with the arrival of humans in Mexico and as various cultures influence their cuisine, the tradition and cultural background of their menu have began to evolve. Mexican food, as we know it today, has had its primary origin in the 16th century from the introduction of European plants and food products by Spanish conquerors. This traditional mix-up has provided modification in their cuisine, which is currently evident in the Mexican food tradition. Aside from its exquisite delicacy and characteristics, Mexican food provides therapeutic function and use commonly in homemade treatment proceedings. The herbs and ingredients in the Mexican food are the key points for the provision of therapeutic action. Mexican herbs are unique in their own way. The characteristic of these herbs are the essential contributing factor for this therapy to be possible. In the course of our discussion, the Mexican culture, evidently in terms of food- wine and restaurants, shall be the primary focus of the study. The involvements of wine and food, in the sense of therapeutic action, as the primary traditional influence shall be elaborated and defined in the study. The influence of food and herbs in Mexican traditional therapy shall be also tackled in the course of discussion. Lastly, we shall explore the San Francisco California Bay and the Mexican celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican culture possesses a heritage in every unique aspect that greatly denounces its aesthetic value. Home or Traditional Therapies – Food and Herbs The Mexican traditions are composed of exquisite herbs and ingredients that provide therapeutic effects. The traditional home of Mexicans possesses no or less frequently refrigerating facility, supplies designed for classical lifestyle, and tradition rich in practical home-therapies; hence, they are more accustomed in their traditional therapeutic intervention utilizing their natural sources. In fact, Mexican possesses evident indulgence in their traditions that they prefer to have their food, and other home condiments in natural estate or made from nature-oriented proceeding. This greatly improves their health conditions, and provides them with practical source of therapeutic interventions. The basic feature of Mexican foods is its unique way of expressing its spiciness and traditional aroma. One of the spices that provide therapeutic effects in the body is the Capsaicin, which is a primary constituent of peppers such as the jalapeno and the habanero. Capsaicin has several uses, including use in personal defense sprays and as to relieve arthritis pain. When first applied to skin, capsaicin causes local heating and irritation. However, after repeated use, the area becomes desensitized to pain without loss of the sense of touch (Fox & Whitesell, 1997 p. 550). Capsaicin pepper has been found to work as an anticoagulant, thus possibly helping to prevent heart attacks or strokes caused by the formation of clots in blood vessels. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which is the body’s natural painkillers, and kills the stomach bacterium known to cause ulcers. Another pepper is the Cayene, which is an important constituent of Mexican hot sauce. Cayene adds the spicy zip to many ethnic foods, such as Thai and Mexican food, and can be used in marinades and barbecue sauces. This pepper is rich in vitamin C, A, B-complex, E and other minerals (Balch, p. 147 2003). Another food ingredient of Mexican foods that possesses therapeutic aid is the pumpkin seeds. The seeds from the pumpkin, also known as pepitas, are popular ingredient in Mexican dishes, and are available with or without their shells. This pepitas provide essential means of treating constipation due to its fiber content. Moreover, it is blended with Mexican traditional recipes such as burittos or Nachos, not only to provide exquisite taste but also to institute unique flavoring. These pepitas are high in calories and insoluble fibers, which help primarily in inducing in digestive tract thereby facilitating decrease of occurrence of constipation (Gilbert, 2000 p. 178). In terms of Mexican wine, it provides unique blends of tradition served in stemmed glasses. Wine is the usual pair of Mexican foods in order to suit the spiciness of the dishes. Mexican wine classifications possess the usual red and white wine, which are primarily obtained from fruits mixed with spices. The northern end of Baja California is one of the places in Mexico that is known to brew wine at its best (Dumois, n. d). Citizens of Mazahua and Otoml living in Central Mexico drink pulque from childhood, because of both its nutritional properties and scarcity of water. Pulque is an alcoholic beverage obtained from maguey, which composes primarily of complex fruit sugars (Peele & Grant, 1999 p. 93). Wine quickens the pulse, raises the spirits, and prophylactic against disease and as a dietetic aid. It is also used as medicine in acute and chronic diseases. Wine is proven good for cardiovascular system, especially in reducing risks of arteriosclerosis or other cardiovascular-degenerative disorders. Food & Herbs Mexican Traditions Mexican diet of today is rich in a variety of foods and dishes that represent a blend of pre-Columbian, Spanish, French, and more recently, American culture. The typical Mexican diet is rich in complex carbohydrates, provided mainly by corn and corn products, beans, rice, and breads, The typical Mexican diet contains an adequate amount of protein in the forms of beans, eggs, fish and shellfish, and a variety of meats, including beef, pork, poultry, and goat. Because of the extensive use of frying as a cooking method, the Mexican diet is also high in fat. The nutrients most likely to be inadequately provided are calcium, iron, vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin C (Spark, 2007 p. 258). In many cultures, food has symbolic meanings related to family traditions, social status, and even health. Indeed, many folk remedies rely on food. Some of these have gained wide acceptance, such as the use of spices and herbal teas for purposes ranging from allaying anxiety to preventing cancer and heart disease. Mexicans use these herbal teas as dietary or reducing drinks to induce further or hasten metabolism as well as digestive functions. In fact, herbal teas are healthy enough that the old Mexican traditions practice its drinking almost everyday. This tea is composed of basic Mexican herbs, such as cinnamon, parsely, etc. , and blended with intrinsic Mexican spices; hence, some of their teas are blended with mild spiciness (Insel etal, 2004 p. 9). The traditional Mexican diet is rich in fresh vegetables, which are generally used only when in season. The spices used in Mexican cooking are common to many cuisines, and yet, there are a number of seasonings that are unique to Mexican food. Chile peppers are used as a dry spice as well as a fresh ingredient. There are many types, with the most common being ancho, habenero, jalapeno, New Mexican green, New Mexican Red, poblano and Serrano. These peppers range from mild, like poblano, to the extremely hot habanero. Other herbs and spices that flavor Mexican cuisine are anise, cilantro, cinnamon, clove, cumin, garlic, marjoram, Mexican oregano and thyme. The herbs and spices, particularly the Mexican oregano and chilli peppers, are used in various ceremonies and traditional celebrations. The chilli peppers are given to tests the spice tolerance of participants during fiestas. Oregano, on the other hand, is believed by locals to alleviate various diseases and administered via its boiled leaves. Oregano is another traditional Mexican her that cures fever, cough and colds, sore throat problems and sometimes used to treat bruises, insect bites and mild pruritic or fungal infection when used in topical preparation (Koeller & La France, 2005 p. 222). Another Mexican herb that provides utmost therapeutic effects is Ginger, which is technically a rhizome or underground stem. This is used in variety of meals ranging from simple porridge to complex traditional meal. Mexican ginger is good at alleviating gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as motion sickness, gastric musculature or tachygastria and gastric immobility. It is usually prescribed by the locals for treating hyperacidity, and abdominal pains related to acidic conditions. Moreover, ginger is also used to treat conditions involving throat spasms by functioning as a throat relaxant and relieving throat irritation (Koeller & La France, 2005 p. 222). Mexican culture and tradition involves variety of herbs that are, basically, the ingredients of most of their traditional meal such as the ever-famous burritos and nachos, and the wines and teas provide therapeutic benefits as well. San Francisco California Bay The Mexican American population is evidently present in the San Francisco California Bay area. From the San Francisco’s Mission District to San Jose, Chicanos possesses the highest population index, ranging from 65% to 80% of the residents, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mexican immigrants feel at home in these areas already even if they are living with American citizens. However, population project is one major problem occurring at this point. Demographic studies predict that the greatest population growth rates of Mexican immigrants will be from the influx of undocumented individuals. Mexican immigrants are also expected to have high fertility rates, creating a younger generation of American-born children whose immigrant parents make an â€Å"at risk† population (Gilbert, 2000 p. 178). Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Restaurants Talking now about the famous Mexican restaurants found in the area, Cinco de Mayo Taqueria is the starting point of discussion. The name of Cinco de Mayo meand 5th day of May in Spanish, and denotes a regional celebration or holiday. Although this is not an obligatory holiday, there are lots of individual going and participating in this one time per year celebration. Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually Sept. 16. During this Cinco de Mayo, many people are turning to tequila and cerveza, Spanish for beer, to celebrate another holiday that for some means nothing more than another excuse to drink exorbitant amounts of alcohol. Commonly misinterpreted as Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo’s meaning has been clouded by partying. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout the country, especially in the state of Puebla and in Mexico City. Military parades complete with marching bands and traditional music, pay tribute to all the soldiers, civilians and heroes who gave their lives for their country. The celebration lasts all day, with food, dancing, mariachi bands, laughter and fellowship (McClenahan, 2005). Ironically, celebrations of Cinco de Mayo are more widespread and elaborate in the United States. Mexican American communities in states such as Texas, California, and Arizona celebrate this occasion with parades, fairs, marchias, folkloric dance, and the best of all is the Mexican cuisines (McClenahan, 2005). Moreover, Cinco de Mayo of 1989 illustrates how women worked to bridge ethnic and racial groups in a public way while expressing their own identities. Cinco de Mayo is an ethnic festival, which is the same as St. Patrick’s Day, that has transcended ethnic barriers. The Mexican community and even other ethnic diversion from different places and culture gather in this party. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a major cultural festival, wherever significant numbers of people boast Mexican descent. Throughout the Southwest, people of all ethnicities gather to eat Mexican food and drink Mexican beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages (McClenahan, 2005). People from other ethnic origins join this huge festivity every year and celebrate the Mexican culture. The basic interest of other ethnic groups in joining this celebration is rarely due to historical reasons, but most of the time, to celebrate the exquisite characteristics and features of Mexican culture. Reference Balch, P. A. (2003). Prescription for Dietary Wellness. Avery. Dumois, L. (n.d. ). INSIDE MEXICO – THE SERIES: THE SPIRIT OF WINE.Retrieved November 11, 2007, from http://www. mexconnect. com/mex_/travel/ldumois/ldcwine1. html Fox, M. , & Whitesell, J. K. (1997). Organic Chemistry. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Gilbert, M. N. (2000). Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. Upublish. com. Insel et. al, P. M. (2004). Nutrition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Koeller, K. , & La France, R. (2005). Let’s Eat Out! : Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free. R & R Publishing. McClenahan, B. (2005, May 5). Oregon students celebrate Cinco de Mayo. University Wire, (n. d. ). Central Mexican Culture. Retrieved November 11, 2007, from Colibri: http://www. colibrimexicanbistro. com/ (n. d. ). Mamacita. Retrieved November 11, 2007, from Mamacita: http://www. mamacitasf. com/ (n. d. ). Tres Agaves. Retrieved November 11, 2007, from Tres Agaves: http://www. tresagaves. com/about. html Peele, S. , & Grant, M. (1999). Alcohol and Pleasure: A Health Perspective. Psychology Press. Spark, A. (2007). Nutrition in Public Health: Principles, Policies, and Practice. CRC Press.