Agriculture in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a primarily agrarian economy. Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of the economy since it comprises about 18. 6% (data released on November, 2010) of the country's GDP and employs around 45% of the total labor force. [1] The performance of this sector has an overwhelming impact on major macroeconomic objectives like employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development and food security. A plurality of Bangladeshis earn their living from agriculture. Although rice and jute are the primary crops, wheat is assuming greater importance.Tea is grown in the northeast. Because of Bangladesh's fertile soil and normally ample water supply, rice can be grown and harvested three times a year in many areas. Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh's labor-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions. These include better flood control and irrigation, a generally more eff icient use of fertilizers, and the establishment of better distribution and rural credit networks.With 35. 8 million metric tons produced in 2000, rice is Bangladesh's principal crop. National sales of the classes of insecticide used on rice, including granular carbofuran, synthetic pyrethroids, and malathion exceeded 13,000 tons of formulated product in 2003. [2][3] The insecticides not only represent an environmental threat, but are a significant expenditure to poor rice farmers. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is working with various NGOs and international organizations to reduce insecticide use in rice. [4] In comparison to rice, wheat output in 1999 was 1. 9 million metric tons.Population pressure continues to place a severe burden on productive capacity, creating a food deficit, especially of wheat. Foreign assistance and commercial imports fill the gap. Underemployment remains a serious problem, and a growing concern for Bangladesh's agricultural sector will be its abi lity to absorb additional manpower. Finding alternative sources of employment will continue to be a daunting problem for future governments, particularly with the increasing numbers of landless peasants who already account for about half the rural labor force. Food cropsAlthough rice and jute are the primary crops, maize and vegetables are assuming greater importance. [5] Due to the expansion of irrigation networks, some wheat producers have switched to cultivation of maize which is used mostly as poultry feed. [5] Tea is grown in the northeast. [5] Because of Bangladesh's fertile soil and normally ample water supply, rice can be grown and harvested three times a year in many areas. [5] Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh's labor-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions.These include better flood control and irrigation, a generally more efficient use of fertilizers, and the establishment of bette r distribution and rural credit networks. [5] With 28. 8 million metric tons produced in 2005-2006 (July–June), rice is Bangladesh's principal crop. [5] By comparison, wheat output in 2005-2006 was 9 million metric tons. [5] Population pressure continues to place a severe burden on productive capacity, creating a food deficit, especially of wheat. [5] Foreign assistance and commercial imports fill the gap.Underemployment remains a serious problem, and a growing concern for Bangladesh's agricultural sector will be its ability to absorb additional manpower. [5] Bangladesh is the fourth largest rice [6] producing country in the world. National sales of the classes of insecticide used on rice, including granular carbofuran, synthetic pyrethroids, and malathion exceeded 13,000 tons of formulated product in 2003 [1] [2]. The insecticides not only represent an environmental threat, but are a significant expenditure to poor rice farmers.The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is worki ng with various NGOs and international organizations to reduce insecticide use in rice [3]. Wheat is not a traditional crop in Bangladesh, and in the late 1980s little was consumed in rural areas. During the 1960s and early 1970s, however, it was the only commodity for which local consumption increased because external food aid was most often provided in the form of wheat. In the first half of the 1980s, domestic wheat production rose to more than 1 million tons per year but was still only 7 to 9 percent of total food grain production. Record production of nearly 1.5 million tons was achieved in FY 1985, but the following year saw a decrease to just over 1 million tons. About half the wheat is grown on irrigated land. The proportion of land devoted to wheat remained essentially unchanged between 1980 and 1986, at a little less than 6 percent of total planted area. Wheat also accounts for the great bulk of imported food grains, exceeding 1 million tons annually and going higher than 1. 8 million tons in FY 1984, FY 1985, and FY 1987. The great bulk of the imported wheat is financed under aid programs of the United States, the European Economic Community, and the World Food Programme.Food grains are cultivated primarily for subsistence. Only a small percentage of total production makes its way into commercial channels. Other Bangladeshi food crops, however, are grown chiefly for the domestic market. They include potatoes and sweet potatoes, with a combined record production of 1. 9 million tons in FY 1984; oilseeds, with an annual average production of 250,000 tons; and fruits such as bananas, jackfruit, mangoes, and pineapples. Estimates of sugarcane production put annual production at more than 7 million tons per year, most of it processed into a coarse, unrefined sugar known as gur, and sold domestically.

Effects of Globalization in China Essay

When it comes to globalization people will ask some questions. What is globalization? It seems that people who know little about globalization are out of date and lag far behind modern trends. Simon Jeffery (2002) asserts that globalization is the mixing of cultural and economic influences from around the world that has been going on for the last five hundred years. With the development of the global market in China, globalization plays an important role that is undeniably because China has the fastest growing economy in the world. Globalization provides good conditions for expanding international exchanges and strengthening mutual communication between different countries. Although there are many facets to globalization, the increasing acceptance of this concept has resulted in a certain homogenization of views, both economic and political as well as in cultural systems, but most noticeably in economics. (Diane Perrons 2004) The most obvious impact of globalization is as an economic phenomenon, the promotion of free trade in goods, both exports and imports, accompanied by the exchange of labour and services. China has a long history of trade, from the Han Dynasty onwards the Silk Road was the artery of communication which extended across continents as far as Rome itself, then the capital of a world empire. However, throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties China pursued a policy of economic protectionism, leading to a long period of isolation that was brought to an abrupt end with the Opium Wars. The resulting economic degradation enforced by the victorious British had such disastrous consequences for modern China that it was not until the advent of Deng Xiaoping and his reform and opening up policy that China’s development was accepted as inseparable from the outside world. (George T Crane 1999) In recent years the extent to which globalization has been gaining in popularity has increased at an amazing rate in China. The benefits of modern economic globalization since opening up are indisputably reflected in the nation’s booming economy so that China can only be considered undeveloped in comparison to the most developed nations. However, globalization does not always pose equal benefits and risks to all nations. With the developing of the economy in China, the inequality between developing countries and developed countries has been increasing and the gaps between the very poor and the very rich are becoming wider. China has an overwhelming advantage compared with most of the developing countries in terms of finance and the level of technology, culture and science but it is still the superpower countries and other developed capitalist countries which control the main situation of economic globalization in the world. Many people believe that opportunists, both individually and nationally, use globalization purely as a means to increase their profits at China’s expense. The advent of globalization in its present form would not have been possible without adaptations in national politics. Some view globalization as the means to create a form of world government or a union of governments, for example within the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which helps to regulate the relationships between different countries and provide guarantees for the rights of peoples affected by the increase of economic and social globalization. (Francesco Stipo 2007) Recently, it has become more noticeable how the Chinese political authorities regularly cite the advances in ‘socialist construction’ and the vitality of new economic growth as an indication of national success. The association with other powers has encouraged the Chinese government to open up in all directions, by lowering tariffs, opening services to foreign competition, promoting exports and welcoming foreign trade the government has allowed a free exchange of ideas in all directions and helped China to become a more prosperous, strong, democratic and culturally advanced socialist country. Unfortunately, these benefits may carry a hidden danger. Since the end of the Second World War the United States has held an overall position of supremacy amongst the other nations of the world, a position which is enhanced by the power and wealth of the American economy. Due to the influence of globalization and to some extent the assistance of the United States’ itself, the People’s Republic of China has enjoyed a period of incredible growth within the last ten years. Should this rate of growth continue at the predicted levels over the next twenty years, there is a strong possibility of a major redistribution of influence among the leading nations. China could become the main rival of the United States and challenge America’s position as the world’s leading superpower. (Charles E Hurst 2007) It will take great political skill from fundamentally opposed ideologies to avoid serious resentment and possible conflict as a consequence of such a drastic shift in the balance of power. Alongside the other developments in globalization, there has been an increasing change to the original culture of China. According to David Held & Anthony McGrew (2002), national societies developed during a long period in which people were mainly content to live within their own native cultures. Although the spread of the world’s major religions can be seen as an early form of globalization, which brought new ideas and made many social impacts, this was a relatively slow process taking decades and centuries in China. People migrating from other countries and holding different beliefs naturally find it difficult to adapt to local customs but China has a long history of absorbing whole populations with diverse ethnic backgrounds. As a result of the economic and political benefits brought by globalization, people have increased their standard of living and enjoy foreign products and ideas. Modern developments in communication are widely available even in the remotest regions and many people want to acquire the equivalent of a westernized urban lifestyle. On the other hand, those who are against this trend suggest that modern globalization creates an atmosphere where there is a possible danger of the original national culture disappearing and that it exerts a negative impact on the preservation of national characteristics. While globalization advocates an open face policy, many people see this as a threat leading to erroneous concepts and a lowering of ethical standards, a kind of selfish and individualistic lifestyle which is harmful. For example, the preference for Hollywood films, shoppers buying from international malls, more people eating western food and staying in luxury hotels. Increasingly, people want the chance to live in foreign countries where they can have this lifestyle but the resulting ‘brain drain’ is considered a problem since it is mainly the educated and skilled workers who are leaving China. Gregory Chow 2006) Globalization is changing an increasing number of people’s daily life in China and it is difficult to predict the eventual cost in cultural damage to such a traditional people. To sum up, from what has been discussed about globalization, how does this affect China and her position in the world? Globalization could be identified as the means to end any con flict between different interests because different groups of people hold different views, ideologies, perspectives and methodologies. Globalization might have the impetuous to resolve the complicated competition between China and other countries. However, China should take some measures to protect both the national and local culture and consider adjusting the economic pace in the rush to catch up with other countries. As to the result, it might be very difficult to safeguard against the worst aspects of globalization and to preserve China and maintain that unique heritage which is such a feature in the world.

“The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson

The book â€Å"The Devil in the White City† by Erik Larson describes peculiarities of Chicago life in the Gilded Age. It was the time of industrial growth and development of materialism and political corruption. The government wasn’t bothering of checking corruption in financial and political institutions. I think that â€Å"The Devil in the White City† is one of the most interesting and exciting books which has excellently captured the image of the Gilded Age.Nevertheless, the book is not simple as it may seem at the first glance, because the author has managed to combine positive shifts in architectural design and industry with horrible murders committed by serial killer. The book is shocking and thought-provoking. The author challenges traditional ideas and viewpoints offering real picture of what the Gilded Age was in the history. The work is non-fiction and from the very first pages the author introduces two men who are considered to have affected the legend ary World’s Fair in 1893 – Daniel Burnham and Herman Webster Mudgett.Larson describes Burnham as successful architect with credible reputation and experience in building the fair. The author follows him from the very first steps in his career when he was unsuccessful apprentice who had failed to enter Yale and Harvard. In the image of Daniel the author tries to show the audience the way Daniel has created his famous architectural exposition. Larson introduces Herman Webster Mudgett as opposition to Daniel Burnham to shows that there is good and evil. Neither good nor evil can exist without counter-side. Herman Mudgett uses the alias Dr. H. H. Holmes to lure innocent victims with his wit and charm.Actually, Dr. Holms is series killer who sees an excellent opportunity to kill people by attracting them into his ‘castle’ – mysterious hotel. Dr. Holms manages to hypnotize women and to gain their trust and admiration by promising them financial support an d chance to see the whole world. As a result, women are simply vanishing. The most shocking thing is that Dr. Holmes sells their skeletons to universities. Dr. Holmes is a brilliant psychologist. For example, when he sees that people are suspicious he tries to use his charisma and to persuade that he doesn’t know where women are. Firstly it may seem that it is Dr.Holms who is to be labeled ‘Devil in the City’. In the images of Burnham and Dr. Holmes the author shows skillfully that beauty co-exists with ugliness and good co-exists with evil. No period in the history can be marked as good or bad as there are always positive and negative moments. Interestingly, Larson defines these two characters as ‘artists’ providing two different viewpoints towards the World’s Fair. Larson believes that these different perspectives are equally important as they â€Å"embodied an element of the great dynamic that characterized the rush of America towards the twentieth century†.(p. xi) Burnham and Dr. Holms are representatives of Chicago in the end of the 1800s. Through their images the author shows how the city looks like from negative and positive sides. Actually, the author is willing to show that his book is about eternal battle between good and evil. However, there are no winners and losers. There is only one devil in the city. Larson takes readers into the minds of cunning killer and skillful architect, though he doesn’t explain who the devil in the city is. This question remains uncertain.The Gilded Age is a matter of particular interest for Erik Larson. In the book he supports his theory in several ways. Actually, book’s chapters provide different perspectives and viewpoints as life in Chicago was dubious in those times. Larson describes perspectives of Burnham and Dr. Holmes stressing that they are equally important to the city’s representation. Burnham is representation of pride and glory, whereas Dr. Holmes represents the dark side of Chicago’s life. Larson argues that World’s Fair plays important role for Chicago and other US cities.For example, he writes that Paris organized an exposition which â€Å"showed off France’s self-proclaimed superiority in art, manufacturing, science, and engineering†. (pxxi) Similar role World’s Fair has played in America. Eiffel Tower was something people had never seen before. And Burnham becomes obsessive with idea to create his own Eiffel Tower. In those times Chicago was extremely dirty town and Daniel decided to change it by changing his way of thinking. The author views in Daniel the chance for improvement and development. Consequently, Dr. Holmes is representative of corrupt side of the city.He is the embodiment of scandal affairs and shady politicians. Dr. Holms is viewed as darkness in the city of lights and joyful hopes. Dr. Holms seems to represent the Gilded Age as, on the one hand, he is smart, char ming and wealthy, and, on the other hand, he is bloodthirsty and wicked. At the end of the novel Larson compares perspectives of Dr. Holms and Daniel Burnham uniting different aspects of Chicago. Burnham and Dr. Holms are different people, but they share similar goals. They are both viewed as architects. Burnham is willing to create something new and to challenge traditional viewpoints, whereas Dr.Holms sets the background for killing. The author â€Å"found it so marvellously strange that both these men should be operating at the same time in history, within blocks of each other, both creating powerful legacies, one of brilliance and energy, the other of sorrow and darkness†. (p. xi) Larson believes that there is no other way to portray the Gilded Age and to show main driving forces in 1893. He shows that technical advances are combined with unimaginable evil. I think that the author is very convincing in his portraying the realities of Chicago life as he doesn’t repr esent only one side.Instead, he encompasses both perspectives. To understand Chicago better one has to look at the city through the eyes of dark devil and white angel. Despite the fact that all events are not real, it seems that the whole book is a true event. Erik Larson has done brilliant job representing all events of the fair in such a way that it is hardly possible to dispute them. However, the book is shocking when the author deepens in details concerning Dr. Holmes and his victims. Nevertheless, every white city has its dark evil.

Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Speech - Essay Example The beneficial part of it is its usefulness in enabling a community to adopt good central practices and values. On the other hand, social change prevents communities from retaining and preserving important cultural values. Otherwise, social change is a significant to every society. Social change has been in the forefront of major economic, social, and religious development in the world. It diverts the perception of a people to new values that are consistent with time. People have to acknowledge that social values are dynamic. What applies to a society or generation at a particular time might not apply to a different one at a different time. Social change is significant in reinforcing new ideas into the minds of the society. The major challenge in imparting new social values is convincing individuals to believe them and divert their attention from the old values. Opportunistic countries found it difficult to start respecting human rights to abolish slave trade (Reynolds and Paul, 59). A wave of change for recognition swept the world and consequently, people were under compulsion to abolish slave trade. Today, the world enjoys human freedom and rights. Is there a need for a society to change its values? Necessity for social change is dependent on its objective and affects the society. For example, industrial revolution expanded the economic base of many communities. It availed a variety of products to the society apart from creating jobs. The illustration justifies the need for social change in the economic perspective. The same example can also illustrate the negative perspective of industrial revolution (Reynolds and Paul, 74). After economic prosperity of the world, a number of economic crimes such as corruption cropped up. Social media has spread across the world at a first rate. It is important for communication and making advertisements. However, it leads to the spread of immoral behavior. The world should learn to

American History - Final Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American History - Final - Essay Example This paper will focus on the importance of the stated events and how these events changed the shape of the American society. Body The attack on Pearl Harbor On the day of 7th December 1941, the Pearl Harbor which happened to be an American port was heavily bombarded by Japanese forces (Kennedy 65). The attack on the American port of Pearl Harbor was a huge set back for the American population but it let to significant changes to the society of America. Firstly, Pearl Harbor did not guarantee Japanese a success during the future war. The war even had long term impacts on the society of America, these attacks assisted America in joining hands with the Pacific area of the world and the European nations and these two portions of the world ended up being allies of America. The main positive impact of the attack of Pearl Harbor was the expansion of the military forces of US and mobilization of American individuals within the military ranks even increased. Before the attack, US and the citi zens of US were not in favor of war and believed that peace can be maintained and achieved without war. After the attack, anti war sentiments were diminished and the population of US stood behind the government during the war. Another issue that occurred due to this attack was anti-Japanese sentiments among the people of US. They started viewing Japanese population of America as terrorists and attackers. Incident of 9/11 On the day of September 11, 2001, a two American plane was hijacked by terrorists of the group of Al-Qaeda and this hijacked plane was crashed in the World Trade Center which was located in the city of New York. Another plane was hijacked by the same terrorist group which crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth hijacked plane was crashed into the grounds located in the region of Shanksville. These attacks led to heavy losses of human lives in US, people from different ethnic background and different cultures experienced death. These individuals even included those who are regarded as American Arabs. But the responsibility of the attacks was only levied on the American Arabs. This day even marked the starting point and the underlining reason of war on terror due to which US decided to launch an attack over Afghanistan. These attacks made the American citizens realize that if they want to enjoy freedom to live, and pursue happiness then they will have to fight for it. These attacks have altered and impacted United States of America and the rest of the world. These attacks had major economic impacts on United States, right after the day of attacks, the stock exchange market in New York remained closed for public trading for six days and the day it opened, the stock exchange experienced a loss. The main impact was experienced by the hospitality industry of New York. The industry experienced heavy job losses as New York no longer seemed to be a secure place to visit for tourists. Even people living in New York shifted to other areas for security. The crash of Twin towers polluted the area of lower Manhattan and people who were located quite near to the Twin Towers experienced health issues. Due to the attacks, the American government as well as governments throughout the world accepted that the world is going to experience a great deal of threat at the hands of the terrorists and decided to counter terrorism. These attacks even

International business environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International business environment - Essay Example As companies expand into greener pastures around the world depending on the specialisation, expertise or even business opportunities available to them, local cultures, local politics and the economies of host countries can become problems which have to be dealt with. This means that there are new issues which must be addressed by managers who can now be called on to create company wide policies as well as region based policies which affect the people working in London as much as they affect employees working in other parts of the globe. This problem is actually at the heart of the globalisation of business and the solution demands the creation new world order for business where we move towards a combination of cultures that represent us as humans. A company wide policy manual can be used as a document which sets up the culture of the company even as an isolated bubble in a place where the outside culture is totally different. However, this must be done carefully because this could also be dangerous as going with policies which are against local cultures can create bitterness and even a loss of the company’s human capital. GE was one such company which experienced these issues when they setup their operations across Eastern Europe and tried to revamp their business in Ukraine, Hungary and Albania. As reported by Welch (2005) GE faced several difficulties in political, cultural and economic terms which made it difficult to export their American brand of competitiveness to Eastern Europe (Welch, 2005). GE is the parent company of eleven technology, services and finance businesses with more than 300,000 employees spread across 160 countries. Even though the company is large, their values and actions, recruitment process and even the methods of rewarding employees remain more or less the same across the board. GE deals with computers, jet engines, power plants, capital services, plastics, illumination equipment,

Portfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Portfolio - Essay Example There were attempts by the government to inform and educate the people of the US in a totally different manner and the government wanted to introduce new measures and policies when it came to the economic and financial bases. There were changes all over, not only in economics but also in terms of politics and infrastructural developments. All these things accounted for the modifications which actually took place during the period of Renaissance after the year 1989. The reason why Americans experienced such a period is due to the fact that the leaders of the country wanted it to happen and they wanted the people to know that a lot of different measures and steps which were taken by that time were for their own betterment and good. People started to experience life in a different way altogether and thus changes were experienced left, right and center. All said and done, this Renaissance experience was for the positive side of the Americans and there was nothing to worry about as far as the people of the United States are concerned. Realism can make the humanity realize the importance of having a grasp of the global regimes which are working day and night to make a difference, no matter in whichever capacity they are functional. This suggests the fact that realism has a say or two in the global contexts and hence has a direct bearing on the subject of globalization so to speak. Realism brings to light the salient aspects related with world politics which directly or for that matter indirectly comes under the globalization module and thus a strong linkage is made apparent between the very two. Without a doubt, the world economy has grown in recent decades. So much so, that the pundits have said something good about it. International trade is something that is attributed to this upheaval. It has formed the motivating factor behind the very same. Developing countries have also stepped on to the bandwagon and are thus bringing in

My Hero Candide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Hero Candide - Essay Example But to put a characterization on Candide for purposes of describing a true and authentic hero would require setting Candide up to the standards of what a true and authentic hero is. My concept of a hero is one who is morally upright, is resolute and steadfast in his convictions, stands up for others who are aggrieved or for whom he is fallen, and pursues a life direction that is worth emulating. It is against these character ideals that I shall pit the personification on Candide to see how far or how close he is to my hero model. Does Candide fit? At the beginning of the novel (SparkNotes Editors), Candide is depicted as an unassuming, innocent-looking boy in the household of a rich German baron who had a beautiful daughter named Cunegonde. Candide fell deeply in love with her, something the baron did not like and which caused his banishment from the baron’s house. Candide’s youthful innocence reflects his uprightness as an individual, even believing his tutor’s line that the world is the best that it is. It may have been an unrealistic posture but it explained the depth of his love for Cunegonde. In fact, that naivete provided the drama and the reason for him to fight to win over the struggles, the obstacles, and the misfortunes that stood his way. Against my second hero trait of resoluteness and steadfastness, Candide handily wins with flying colors.

How far can it be argued that German Nazism was just one example of a Essay

How far can it be argued that German Nazism was just one example of a more general European fascism Discuss with particular r - Essay Example Fascism was a common in the early European community, which thrived on the use of hostility against liberal democracy, communism and sociology. While the different forms of fascism in the early European nations differed, they share a number of ideologies some of which validated the German Nazism as one of such. Nazism is an acronym referring to the National Socialism. It was an early political ideology largely practiced in Germany among other regions in the early European community. Despite its widespread practice, the German Nazism was more prominent owing to its radical form of governance and its conspicuous portrayal as a form of fascism movement2. Nazism in Germany evolved progressively from the Pan Germanism a radical political movement that sought to unify Germans under a common identity and shared a common dislike for communism. The movement therefore fought against the spread of communism in the post First World War Germany. It was a radical movement that openly used racism a s a means of unify the people of common interests compelling them to share a common goal and therefore strive for its attainment3. For such reasons and for the strategic management of the German Nazism, the movement therefore portrayed itself not just as a major political movement that resulted in the creation of the modern day Germany but a fascist movement that would use any amount of force for the attainment of its common interest4. The movement used far right racisms against people it did not consider legitimate Germans. The level of racism in Germany was far right implying the highest level of racism in any society5. It allowed for the domination of the society by a race commonly considered superior. The movement sought to defend the national interest through the effective protection of the interests of those it thought legitimate citizens. Those considered inferior therefore faced intense discrimination, which culminated in the mass murder of more than six million Jews in the society, the holocaust. The Nazi Germany led by its radical leader, Adolf Hitler authorized the development of more than four thousand facilities, which it used to hold concentrate, hold and kill the more than six million Jews. Id doing this, the state sponsored murder began by killing children and women an effective mechanism through which it could systematically eliminate an entire race. By eliminating the women and children first, the government ensured that it contained the population increase of the race since it is only through the women and the children that the race could safeguard its future. For the time being, the government permitted the use of the Jews men as slaves in the plantations and other facilities that belonged to the legitimate Germans, the Nazis. The Nazi government used the genocide as a means of consolidating the country’s resources to the Nazis. It was a perfect method of eliminating competition and conflict of interest thereby resulting in a country with common interest. The government termed the mass killings as a solution to the Jews problem6. Apparently, the Jews a religious grouping and therefore an ethnic community, which often opposed the authoritarian Nazi government. It therefore presented a substantial opposition to the effective governance of the country. With a population of more than seven million people, it was a minority group but occupied a sizable piece of land in the country that the government thought best befitted the Nazis7. Additionally, their

The History of Soft Drinks Essay Example for Free

The History of Soft Drinks Essay Interesting Information on Origin Background Of Soft Drinks Talking about the history of soft drinks, it can be traced back to the time when mineral water was found in natural springs. As per the general belief during that time, natural spring was considered healthy for life. In fact, people believed that just by bathing in the springs, one could be cured of many diseases. The reasoning also instigated them to drink the water. The earliest form of soft drinks was sherbets, which was developed by Arabic chemists and served in the medieval Near East. These were basically juice or fruit punch, as we call it today, soft drinks made from crushing fruits, herbs and flowers. In the mid 13th century, a drink named Dandelion Burdock made a rage in England. It was prepared by fermenting dandelion and burdock roots and then naturally carbonating them. Though the drink is still available today, the flavor has changed. It was in the 17th century that the first marketed non-carbonated drink appeared in the West. The juice mainly consisted of water, lemon juice and honey as its major ingredients. In the year 1676, the Compagnie des Limonadiers of Paris was granted a monopoly for the sale of lemonade soft drinks. Local dealers would carry tanks of lemonade drink and sell it to thirsty Parisians in dispensable cups. It was only in the next century that the actual carbonated mineral water was manufactured, thanks to Joseph Priestley and his discovery. Priestley discovered a method of infusing water with carbon dioxide, to make carbonated water. He found out that the infused water had a pleasant taste and served as a refreshing drink. The water is still available today and is better known as soda water. With time, the concept of carbonated water caught up and other scientists started improvising the method. Torbern Bergman, a Swedish chemist, invented a generating apparatus that made carbonated water from chalk, by the use of sulfuric acid. The most advantageous feature about Bergmans apparatus was that it allowed production of mineral water in large amounts. By this time, another Swedish chemist, Jons Jacob Berzelius started adding flavors to the drink. The concept of artificial mineral water intensified in United States. It was in the year 1806 that Yale chemistry professor Benjamin Silliman sold soda waters in New Haven, Connecticut. Soon, people started the business of selling mineral water. John Matthews of New York City and John Lippincott of Philadelphia began manufacturing soda fountains. Artificial mineral water was considered healthy for life. With time, the water was further urbanized, as flavors started to play a major role. Herbs, such as birch bark (see birch beer), dandelion, sarsaparilla, fruit extracts and other substances were added to the mineral water to improve the taste. Since the U. S. glass industry was facing problems, bottled drinks did not play a major role. Instead, soft drinks were dispensed and consumed at a soda fountain, usually in a drugstore or ice cream parlor. In 1885-86, Charles Aderton invented ‘Dr Pepper’ flavored beverage in Waco, Texas, while Dr. John S. Pemberton formulated ‘Coca-Cola’ in Atlanta, Georgia. Four years later, Caleb Bradham had invented the ‘Pepsi-Cola’. The last year of 19th century saw first patent issued for a glass blowing machine, used to produce glass bottles. However, it was only in the 20th century that bottled soda increased exponentially. Year 1919 saw the formation of the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages. Four years later, the first Hom Paks or soft drink cartons were created. The later half of the century saw the emergence of canned soft drinks, which formed an important share of the market. Facing a lot of tiffs and squabbles, be it economic downturns or health movements, soft drinks manage to be one of the most profound beverages available in the food and beverage industry, by constantly adapting themselves to the changing taste of consumers.

The Use Of Performance Management In Hr Business Essay

The Use Of Performance Management In Hr Business Essay Performance management is a topic that cuts across traditional HRM boundaries, as it also has implications for employee development. Performance Management is seen as a dimension of employee resourcing and performance monitoring and review as part of the appraisal process. In many organisations, formal, systematic procedures are introduced to regularly assess employee performance, usually involving, at a minimum, an interview between a manager and an employee, with documentation of recorded performance. One major reform being undertaken in the public service is the development of a performance management system. Its primary aim is to improve performance by focusing on key areas of activity of the Ministry/department, teams and individuals through on agreed framework of planned goals, objectives and standards. 7.3 DEFINITIONS Noe et al. (2008) define performance management as the process trough which managers ensure that employees activities and outputs are congruent with the organisations goals. (This definition emphasises the need for performance management to be aligned to the strategy of the organisation). Performance management can be defined as a strategic and integrated approach to delivering sustained success to organisations by improving the performance of the people who work in them and by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors (Armstrong and Baron, 1998). 7.4 MEANING OF PERFORMANCE Bates Holton (1995) pointed that performance is a multi-dimensional construct, the measurement of which varies depending on a variety of factors. They also state that it is important to determine whether the measurement objective is to assess performance outcomes or behaviour. Kane (1996) argues that performance is something that the person leaves behind and that exists apart from the purpose. Bernadin et al. (1995) are concerned that performance should be defined as the outcomes of work because they provide the strongest linkage to the strategic goals of the organisation, customer satisfaction and economic contributions. The Oxford dictionary defines performance as the accomplishment, execution, carrying out, working out of anything ordered or undertaken. Performance is about doing the work as well as about the results achieved. Performance can therefore be regarded as behaviour the way in which organisations, teams and individuals, get the work done. Campbell (1990) believes that: Performance is behaviour and should be distinguished from the outcomes because they can be contaminated by system factors. For Brumbach (1988), performance means both behaviours and results. Behaviours emanate from the performer and transform performance from abstraction to action. Not just the instruments for results, behaviours are also outcomes in their own right the product of mental and physical effort applied to tasks and can be judged apart from results. From this definition, we can conclude that when managing the performance of teams, and individuals, both inputs (behaviour) and outputs (results) need to be considered. This is the so-called mixed model (Martle, 1995) of performance management which covers competency levels and achievements as well as objective setting and review. 7.5 PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT What, in your opinion, is the difference between Performance Appraisal and Performance Management? Noe et al (2008) emphasises that Performance Appraisal is only a component of Performance Management as it involves the administrative and relatively isolated duty of measuring aspects of an employees performance. Performance Management is a broader concept than Performance Appraisal in that it provides not only for the measurement of performance, but the defining of performance according to organisational goals as well as the provision of performance feedback. Performance Appraisal (Performance Measurement Specification of Performance Criteria Performance Feedback Performance Management (Noe et al, 2008) 7.6 FEEDBACK Feedback is a method of communication, usually face-to-face with another person where the desired outcome is normally: Improved work performance. A maintenance of performance. A change of behaviour. To make another person aware of ones behaviour upon others. Performance Management is strategic in the sense that it is concerned with the broader issues facing the business if it is to function effectively in its environment, and with the general direction in which it intends to go to achieve longer terms goals. It is integrated in four senses: Vertical integration linking or aligning business, team and individual objectives. Functional integration linking functional strategies in different parts of the business. HR integration linking different aspects of HRM, specially organisational development HR development and reward. The integration of individual needs with those of the organisation, as far as this is possible. Activity 1 (i) Differentiate between Performance Appraisal and Performance Management as you see it in the local context. (ii) Discuss the importance of feedback in the management of performance. 7.7 PURPOSE OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Performance Management is a means of getting better results from the organisation, teams and individuals by understanding and managing performance within an agreed framework of planned goals, standards and competence requirements. It is a process for establishing shared understanding about what is to be achieved, and an approach to managing and developing people in a way that increases the probability that it will be achieved in the short and long term. It is owned and driven by line management (Armstrong, 2001). Activity 2 (i) Based on your experience of performance management within the organisation in which you work, what do you think is the purpose of Performance Management? Performance Management has three essential purposes: Strategic purpose. Administrative purpose. Developmental purpose. Strategic purpose A Performance Management system serves to link employee performance to the overall organisational strategy and organisational objectives. However, research has shown that very few organisations utilise Performance Management in a manner which supports the strategy of the organisation. The strategic purpose may be achieved through designing evaluation mechanism which define employee performance in terms of organisations strategy and goals. Achievement of the organisations objectives. Increased productivity. Increased profit. Motivation of employees. Administrative purpose Performance Management systems provide information which assists organisations with administrative decisions relating to issues such as salary administration (pay rises), lay-offs and promotion (Noe et al, 2008: 348). Pay related pay (increment, bonus). Developmental purpose Performance Management systems provide information about employee strengths and weaknesses and in so doing, identify employee development needs (Noe et al, 2008: 348). Identify Training Needs Activity 3 (i) Discuss the purposes of performance management in your organisation. 7.8 APPROACHES TO PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Hereunder are the approaches to Performance Management: The comparative approach. The attribute approach. The behavioural approach. The results approach. The quality approach. The multi-rated approach. Note: The different approaches to Performance Management have their own strengths and weaknesses. 7.8.1 The Comparative Approach The comparative approach measures an individuals performance by comparing his/her performance to the performance of others. Three techniques adopt the comparative approach: Ranking : Supervisor ranking his subordinates from best performer to worst performer. Forced Distribution : Where employees are ranked in groups. 3) Paired Comparison : Where the supervisor compares every employee with every other employee in the work group, giving an employee a score of 1 every time he/she is considered to be the higher performer. Activity 4 (i) Discuss the comparative approach to Performance Management in your organisational context. 7.8.2 The Attribute Approach This approach focuses on the identification of employee attributes (knowledge, skills, attitude and experience) necessary for the organisations success. The employee is measured against these attributes. This approach includes techniques such as: Graphic Rating Scales : Where the supervisor rates the subordinate on particular traits and characteristics. Mixed Standard Scales : Where the supervisor rates the subordinate against relevant performance dimensions. Activity 5 (i) Describe the attribute approach to the Management of performance in your organisation. 7.8.3 The Behavioural Approach The behavioural approach defines behaviours necessary for effective performance in a particular job. In assessing performance, managers identify the extent to which a subordinate has exhibited the required behaviours. Example: (i) Behavioural Observation Scale. (ii) Assessment Centres. 7.8.4 The Results Approach This approach is based on the belief that results are the one best indicator of how a subordinates performance has contributed to organisational success. Results-based techniques include: Management by Objective (MBO) where goal setting is cascaded down throughout the organisation and the goals become the standard against which an employees performance is measured. Productivity Measurement and Evaluation System (PROMES) which involves a process of motivating employees to higher productivity. Balanced Score cards which may be used to manage the performance of individual employees, teams, business units as well as the organisation itself. The appraisal considers four related categories: Financial. Processes. Customer. Learning. The balanced score card enables managers to translate organisational goals into business unit, team and individual employee goals for each of the above categories. 7.8.5 The Quality Approach The focus of the quality approach is on improving customer satisfaction through a customer orientation and the prevention of errors. The design of a quality-based performance management system should focus on: The assessment of employee and system factors. The relationship between managers and employees in solving performance problems. Internal and external customers in setting standards and measuring performance. Using a number of sources to evaluate employee and system factors. Activity 6 (i) Enumerate the essential issues of quality based performance management system in relation to an organisation of your choice. 7.8.6 The Multi-Rated Approach Many organisations adopt a 360-degree feedback approach to performance measurement where information on an employees performance is not only provided by the employees immediate supervisor, but by those people whom he/she deals with on a day-to-day basis (eg. customers, co-workers, subordinates, suppliers, contractors, consultants). (Snell Bohlander, 2007: 343). This approach allows employees to receive an accurate view of their performance as different people see different things. (Snell Bohlander, 2007: 343). This approach usually involves the administration of a questionnaire to a number of people with whom the employee interacts, in which they indicate how well the employee performs in a number of behavioural areas. (Noe et al, 2008: 497). 7.8.6.1 Strengths of the 360-degree Feedback Approach As the employee is appraised from multiple perspectives, the approach is more comprehensive than other approaches. The information produced is of good quality. There is an emphasis on internal and external customers as well as the team. Bias and prejudice is lessened as the appraisal is not dependent on one persons view alone. Feedback from people other than the manager contributes considerably to an employees development. 7.8.6.2 Weaknesses of the 360-degree Feedback Approach It is a complex system in that numerous appraisals need to be combined. It can be intimidating, resulting in resentment on the part of the employee being appraised. Appraisals from different individuals may be different and confusing. Considerable training is required to ensure that the system works as it should. Employees could undermine the reliability of the approach through colluding in terms of the appraisal which they are to give each other. 7.9 SUMMARY [ In this Unit, the definition and meaning of Performance Management has been explained. The purpose of performance management has been enumerated. The approaches to performance management have been discussed in details.