Economies Of The Middle East. Essay Example for Free

Economies Of The Middle East. Essay According to the CIA world Fact Book Bahrain is located in the Middle East on the eastern side of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s climate is arid though characterized by hot and humid summers while the winters are pleasant. (CIA,2008). According to the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, Bahrain is an archipelago which is comprised of 33 islands and is sandwiched between the east coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar peninsula. Bahrain has an advantage in as far as tourism is concerned given her richness in geographical features like the sandy beaches as well as the coral reefs. It also has various museums, archeological sites and traditional markets which are all a plus to her competitiveness. Bahrain is also well known for her liberalistic tendencies in the Middle East region. (Council for International Exchange of Scholars). Being an Arab country, Islam is the most practiced religion although other religions which form less than 25% of the total population are allowed to take place. They include Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism as well as Judaism. In such a set up, where 85% of the total population is Muslim it is only natural that Arabic is the official language. However, English is used in the learning institutions as well as when conducting business. This paper will give an in depth analysis of Bahrain. The US department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs pointed out that in 2007 the population of Bahrain was 708,535 out of which a tune of 32% comprised of non nationals. Statistics of the same year also indicated that annual population growth rate was at 1. 39%. In accessing the composition of the Bahrain population by ethnic background it was established that Bahrainis recorded the largest proportion at 63%, Asians were next with 19% while the Arabs and Iranians were 10% and 8% respectively. The US department of State estimated that Islam is the religion observed by approximately 98% of the total population. It also estimated that other languages used in addition to English and Arabic included Farsi and Urdu. A unique characteristic of the education system in Bahrain is the fact that although it is not compulsory, it is offered for free at all levels. Estimates taken in the period 1991 to 2001 indicated that there was a high rate of school attendance at 84%. In the year 2003 it was established that the overall adult literacy levels for those aged 15 years and above stood at 89. 1% while the rate differed across the genders. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Males had a higher rate at 91. 9% while females registered a lower rate at 85%. Bahrain finances her citizen’s educational needs from incomes attained from her generous investment in oil reserves. The importance of the year 1920 in as far as the education of Bahrain cannot be underscored as it was at this time that the first public school which served both sexes was introduced. There are 2 universities or high learning institutions where people are able to improve their credibility levels in the job market. To cater for the health needs of her population there is a health science college which offers specified skills in the various medical fields like nursing, pharmacy. According to the 2007 statistics the infant mortality rate was at 16. 18 deaths/1000 live births while the life expectancy for males was 5 years lower than that of the females which was 77 years. Statistics from 2006 estimated that approximately 352,000 people formed the Bahrain labor or work force out of which a tune of 44% was foreigners. The US department of State also estimates that Bahrain is among the highly dense populated states and most of her population settled in the capital city Manama. A considerable percentage of Bahrain’s workforce is comprised of foreigners due to the ‘foreigner – friendly’ policies by the government. Although the naturalization process evokes contrasting views among the Bahraini’s it has seen approximately 10% of the total populations attain Bahraini nationality. Critics argue that the procedures or rather criteria applied could jeopardize the country’s security especially when foreigners previously working with sensitive departments like security are naturalized. There are 2 types of Muslims in the Bahrain state. About 2/3 of the people from the indigenous group are shi’a Muslims while prominent people in the society like the ruling family, numerous members of the government and the military as well as leaders in the state form the Sunni Muslim. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). According to the CIA world fact book, the birth rate using 2008 estimates was 17. 26/1000 population while the death rate at the same year was at 4. 29deaths/1000 population. The rate of net migration was estimated to be 0. 4 migrants/1000 population. CIA also estimated that the sex ratios for the total population stood at 1. 25 males/females in 2008. 2008 estimates also had it that the total infant mortality rate was at 15. 64 deaths/1000 live births while that of females was at 12. 93 deaths/1000 live births. In 2006, the school life expectancy of both primary levels to tertiary education was 15 years though it varied across the genders with males recording a lower expectancy at 14 years while females lagged behind at 16 years. 2001 statistics indicated that approximately 86. 5% of the total population could read and write with males recording a higher rate at 88. 6% and females at 83. 6%. In 1991 the government spent approximately 3. 9% of the GDP to finance the education sector. (CIA,2008). The government in Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with 5 administrative divisions namely Asamah, Janilyah, Muharraq, shamliyah and wasat. She attained her independence on the 15th of August 1971from the UK. In 2002, on the 14th of February she adopted a constitution that was to be followed. The laws consist of the English law but blended with the Islam laws. The universal suffrage is at 20 years meaning any one above that age has the right to vote. There are three branches of government, the executive, legislative as well as the judiciary. The executive is comprised of the King Hamad bin Isa al- Khalifa who took over in March 1999. the king is the chief of the Bahrain state. The Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa is the head of government and he has held this position since 1971. The monarchy has the responsibility of appointing the cabinet and the prime minister too but the monarchy is hereditary. (CIA,2008). King Hamad Isa al- Khalifa succeeded his father who died in 1999 after being in power for approximately 38 years. King Hamad can be commended for various reforms in Bahrain especially his zest to introduce democracy by changing the current system that was purely a ‘hereditary emirate’ to a ‘constitutional monarchy’. (CIA,2008). His efforts precipitated to a referendum in 2001 for the National Action Charter which approximately 94. 8% of the Bahrain voters endorsed. Another significant act by King Hamad was setting free of most political detainees and prisoner most of whom had been exiled, detained or imprisoned from as early as in the 1970’s for posing ‘security threats’ to Bahrain. Kind Hamad did away with the state security law and court which made it possible to detain people for up to 3 years without trial. The constitutional reforms Hamad introduced saw to it that a bicameral parliament which had a representative from the lower house was operational. Another aspect different from what was initially the trend was the creation of an independent body which was to act as ‘watchdog’ over corruption allegations such as the embezzlement of public funds. This was a way of increasing accountability and transparency in the region. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Hamad’s efforts were however not without challenges as for instance there were protests against the provisions he enacted on the constitution from members of the Shi’a community. The 2002 election made a mark in the political history of Bahrain as it was at this time when the first woman was elected in parliament. The legislature branch comprises of the 40 member consultative council and the 40 member chamber of deputies. The election of the two councils is different in the sense that the former is elected by the kind while the latter is determined through a direct election. Elections are held after 4 years with the last one in 2006. The judicial system of Bahrain is comprised of a combination of courts adhering to the English laws as well as the Islamic laws or religious and tribal laws. Hamad also made significant reforms in the judiciary when he set a separate branch to over see it. The king’s son or crown prince is the head of the commander in chief of the state’s defense force and the king’s successor. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Democracy in Bahrain, however is limited to the fact that political parties are discouraged and this had been the case for many decades but with the rise of Hamad to power political societies were allowed to operate (CIA) According to the CIA world fact book Bahrain attracts foreign direct investment a factor that has made various multinational companies settle there and carry out business. This is to the country’s advantage economically. Similar to other gulf countries the role of petroleum in stirring economic growth and development cannot be underscored. It is estimated that petroleum products attribute to over 60% of her total exports which contribute to a tune of 70% of the total government revenues. The petroleum industries directly contribute to approximately 11% of the country’s GDP. Bahrain is also rich in aluminum which is the second largest export. (CIA, 2008). The US department of state noted that other natural resources in Bahrain included textiles, natural gas, fish and pearls. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007).

BMW Prototyping :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

BMW Prototyping It is 1990 and BMW (Bavarian Motor Works), along with other European Luxury car makers, is beginning to feel significant market pressure from the new Japanese entrents into the traditionally European market of Sport/Luxury cars. With new Marques like Lexus, Infinity, and Acura, the large Japanese auto makers are attacking the lucrative market of auto companies like Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW. The new Japanese makes have been able to establish a market presence by offering a lower price for the same level of content and by raising the bar on metrics like build quality and customer complaints per vehicle. BMW must act to counter the threat that these new makes pose to their market share. Top officials of BMW are meeting to set the future of the company’s prototyping activities. The prototyping and product development process is one of many aspects that will need to change if the company is going to adapt to the new global Sport/Luxury car maket In the post-war era, the Sport/Luxury car market had been dominated by the European auto makers. Up till now these auto makers have only had to compete against each other. In this market BMW’s strategy was well defined and successful. They built automobiles that were always on the leading edge of technology and offered a level of design refinement that was matched by only a few. This formula allowed them to command a price premium and, as the demand from North America increased, BMW became very sucessfull. According to the Harvard case study, BMW production of automobiles increased from 150,000 cars in 1970 to over 500,000 cars in 1990. Technological content and level of refinement are the factors that drive the demand for BMW automobles in the marketplace. BMW’s reputation for posessing a high level of technology reaches the potential buyer through the automotive press. Articles on the technical innovation of BMW automobiles and glowing reviews of new BMW products are the best form of advertising the company could posess. BMWs are purchased by enthusiasts and these enthusiasts read the automotive press. The new Japanese makes have been able to usurp some of the space in these publications from BMW by introducing new features and technology updates on a more continuous basis. BMW buyers also make their choice based on the level of refinement in these automobiles.

Modern Management 5_ITC

Let’s look at the challenges of providing motivation, the managers at Bristol-Myers Face.   The company has several over-the-counter brands and cosmetic products and its sales throughout the World exceed $ 18 billion.   Jack Cooper is the frontline manager of the company and has adopted an effective internet strategy to market the company’s products.   He finds this strategy very difficult has it may be hard to motivate the staff members.   Internet strategy would mean implementing several projects simultaneously.   The managers have to allocate the adequate resources, set targets and control the budgets of implementation. Motivation of the staff is very difficult as the managers have to convince the staff that their internet strategy would be effective and successful.   Frequently, the staff members perceive that the internet strategy would fail.   In case of any adversity, the managers should be able to step in and create solutions so that the strategy would work.   Cooper also feels that the technical issues should be appropriately sorted out by the managers along with solving the human resources problems (especially with motivation). The behavior of the staff should be appropriately altered to enable proper development of the internet strategy.   Motivation levels of the staff members need to be high for creative and efficient outputs.   Studies have been seen that if the staff members are not properly motivated, the creative expressions and the efficiency would suffer.   Motivation should be considered as an instrument required as a resource to enable a strong digital strategy.   Five specific principles about motivation should be kept in mind.   These include:- 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If a need is felt by a person, behavior would be brought about to reduce the need. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The person’s feeling of the value of the outcome of conducting a particular behavior and the felt chances that the behavior would be successful, helps to bring a desire to perform a particular behavior. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The value of reward for generating a particular behavior depends on certain internal and external factors that create satisfaction when the behavior is demonstrated. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Only if the individual understands that the task is possible and he/she has the skills and know-how to perform a particular activity, would he/she be effective in completing the activity successfully. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When the reward is received, the fairness instituted in this process, helps to generate satisfaction. Feedback is a set of responses generated by one person to another so that the quality and effectiveness of the work (or output generated) could improve in the future.   It includes corrections, approvals, additions, positive remarks, negative remarks, etc.   It may be given by the manager, but can also be given by other individuals.   The feedback provided by the manager should be highly specific and relate to the particular situation it should be utilized in.   Feedback should enable a particular behavior and not on attacking a particular individual or his/her objectives.   Feedback should be administered sincerely and honestly, so that the staff member feels that he is being helped in difficulty. The individual receiving feedback should have trust in the person giving feedback.   The individual should give permission to the manager to give the feedback.   The individual receiving the feedback should be capable of utilizing the feedback or using it for improving his/her efficiency.   Feedback also includes giving out data and observations, and not only giving advice.   The feedback should be given out only in an appropriate situation.   The person being provided the feedback should understand each and every piece of data that is being communicated.   The manager should be able to demonstrate the manner in which the work has to be done effectively whist providing feedback.   It is preferable to communicate feedback on a regular basis, rather than irregular. References: Cresto, S. C. and Cresto, S. T. (2006). Chapter 5: Motivation, Modern Management, (10th ed), New Jersey: Upper Saddle River. Cresto, S. C. and Cresto, S. T. (2006). Chapter 17: Group, Teams and Corporate Culture, Modern Management, (10th ed), New Jersey: Upper Saddle River.

The Akron Art Museum - 912 Words

Akron Art Museum The Akron Art Museum is an institute that combined a historic building heavily adorned with Italian Renaissance revival and classicism with a modern and radical steel and glass structure. The once 1899 Akron post office section of the museum houses the local and global pieces of Impressionistic art from the 1850s. The original building is wrapped with a deep red brick and limestone with triangular pediments and pilasters. In 2007, Coop Himmelb(l)au’s architect Wolf D. Prix juxtaposed a new structure titled the Knight building with an obvious theory of contemporary modernity. The knight Building was constructed directly beside the old post office. Instead of demolishing the history, the museum’s design is to embrace the past with the future. The original art museum was first opened on February 1, 1922. It was formerly titled as the Akron Art Institute. The institute was located in the basement of the Akron Public Library. The museum was run solely on vol unteers due to limited economic funding and finances. The institute offered art classes and exhibitions of local artistry. In 1937, the institute moved into a historic mansion that was soon engulfed in fire. The fire ruined most of the collections and mansion. However, in the museum’s own words, the institute â€Å"phoenix-like, from the ashes with a professional staff and a new *Akron Art Museum.org Focus: fine art and design. Strengthening the fine art collection became a goal,Show MoreRelatedChuck Closes Linda Poem Analysis1435 Words   |  6 PagesFormal Analysis Paper The artwork I have chosen to formally analyze is Chuck Closes Linda. Closes painting was created in 1975-1976 and is made from acrylic and graphite on gessoed linen according to the Akron Art Museum where it is currently on display. The painting is immense in size coming in at 9 feet tall by 7 feet wide. The artist painted Linda in the image and likeness of his friend Linda Rosenkrantz Finch based on a photograph of her. The condition of the painting is really good with noRead MoreAdvantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling1749 Words   |  7 Pages the students have more influence over lessons. Students can be more involved in learning what interests them at a younger age. They can choose to learn from their parent, a tutor, or some type of educational program. These programs could include museum tours or field trips to places such as Imagination. There they can do many activities such as building a mini ship, or experiencing science first hand by doing activities set up througho ut the center. Whichever type of teacher best fits them, theyRead MoreEssay on Rochester Business Plan6009 Words   |  25 Pagesattitude toward Rochester winters. Although we cannot change this we think there is much opportunity in the winter season to attract more people and make Rochester a more pleasant place to live. We have also found that many college students enjoy the arts provided by Rochester, but many are unaware of the cultural gems of the greater Rochester area. Organizations like the â€Å"Rochester Area 20 Somethingsquot; (RATS) and newspapers such as The City and The Insider seem unable to attract people to eventsRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesopportunities available to them at different times and in diverse settings. She places special emphasis on the important but often overlooked roles they played in politics, particularly those associated with resistance movements, and their contributions to arts and letters worldwide. Drawing on the essay collections and series on women in world history that she has edited over the past decade, Smith’s fully global perspectives make clear that even though gender parity has rarely been attained in any societyRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagestimes, other situations. What key factors brought monumental mistakes to some firms and resounding successes for others? Through such evaluations and studies of contrasts, we may learn to improve batting averages in the intriguing, ever-challenging art of decision making. We will encounter organizational life cycles, with an organization growing and prospering, then failing (just as humans do), but occasionally resurging. Success rarely lasts forever, but even the most serious mistakes can be (but