Money Market Mutual Funds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Money Market Mutual Funds - Essay Example Money market funds are viewed widely as investments that are as safe as deposits in the bank that provide returns that are higher than those of bank deposits are. Money market funds often store money that at the time is not in current investment due to the funds high liquidity. In the United States, the first money market fund was the brainchild Henry B. R. Brown and Bruce R. Bent in 1971 in the form of The Reserve Fund. It offered investors an opportunity of earning small rates on their cash, preserved in the fund (Scott-Quin). The rates were paid out in form of dividends to the investors. Many more money market funds sprung up in the United States thereafter. The Investment Company Act of 1940 of the Securities and Exchange Commission deals with regulating the money market funds within the United States. The act contains guidelines that restrict the maturity, diversity, and quality of money market funds’ investments. A money fund buys the debt that is the highest rated with a maturity of less than thirteen months. A weighted average maturity of at most 60 days and a maximum of 5% investing for every issuer excluding repurchase agreements and securities of the government constitute the portfolio (U.S Congress 21). A FIDC insured account is an account in a bank involved in the FIDC program that has met the required standards needed for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC). There are a number of account types that can qualify for this program, ranging from money market deposit and certificate of deposit to savings, NOW, and checking accounts. Deposits made in these accounts are FIDC-insured deposits and a maximum of $250,000 for every account is insurable by the FIDC. These deposits have some similarities as well as differences to the money market mutual funds. Both money market mutual funds and FIDC-insured deposits have high liquidity and flexibility levels (Garman and Forgue 154). Access of the money in the accounts in both typ es of investments is possible through making ATM withdrawals and writing checks whenever the money has needs. Money market mutual fund shares are redeemable at any time on a daily basis, though the fund may require a minimum account balance. The funds also often allow shareholders to write checks reflected on their individual account balances availing the use of shares for transactions. The FDIC insured investments, also known as money market deposit accounts give access to money in the accounts to the investors without charging penalties for early withdrawals. The two investments are both considered investment options with low risks. The accounts pay an interest rate that is higher than that of a passbook savings account (Thomas 208). In case the investment goes wrong, the FDIC, in the case of FDIC insured bank deposits, steps in and compensates for the loss in terms of insurance payments. Though it is not an investor’s right, if the money market mutual fund investment fails , there is a rare occurrence called â€Å"Breaking the buck† where the dividend per share paid to shareholders is the standard $1 per share with the losses covered . The key difference between these two types of market accounts is the insurance of the accounts. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a government agency that insures banks and bank accounts. Money market deposits in banks that

Critical Appraisal of Business Plan Process Towards the creation of a Essay

Critical Appraisal of Business Plan Process Towards the creation of a successful entrepreneurial venture - Essay Example Because it is contained in a tangible document, it is open to critical examination by important third parties such as possible co-investors, creditors, venture capitalists, or banks which may be considering extending a loan towards the business (BC Ministry of Small Business, 2011, p.2). Elements The business plan is comprised of several elements, which may be described as follows: Idea generation, while not a tangible part of the business plan proper, is a vital phase of the planning process. It is the germination of the business intention, the idea that combines a perceived need in the environment with a recognized capability in the business proponent. Idea generation is the most difficult stage of developing a new product or service, whether it be for a new or existing business (Crane, 2010, p. 104). This is because it involves the creative process and is not defined according to any established procedure, but often occurs as a flash of inspiration or unique insight as to how a pa rticular need may be fulfilled. When an idea is first generated, there is usually no indication as to whether it will be successful or even feasible, thus embarking on a course of action on the bases of new ideas always involves a great deal of conviction and a leap of faith. Strategic objectives are set subsequent to the generation of the idea. Strategic objectives provide the overall mission or purpose of the business (i.e., a â€Å"philosophical† purpose, according to Piotrowski, 2011, p. 174), as against the operational objectives. Strategic objectives relate to the definition of four elements of the business profile, namely products, customer groups, market segments, and geographic markets (Robert, 1998, p. 234). As with all statements of intention, however, the statement of strategic objectives is always couched in general terms that may admit of many varied interpretations. As a guide, therefore, the strategic objectives are at best advisory, but cannot be held as defi nitive as promises or commitments for which the business may be held answerable. Therefore, the effectiveness of strategic objectives will only be as meaningful as the best intentions of the business proponents may hold them to be. Market analysis and research is the process of gathering information about the prospective market of the business and drawing important insights and observations about future prospects. Information about the market’s size, its location, its history, the competitive profile, and likely profitability, as well as its general strength and health, are described and assessed. The information gathered during this stage provides the foundation for forecasting sales volumes and revenues, for determining the capacity of the business, and consequently the amount of financing required (Ehmke & Akridge, 2005, p.3). Market research analysis has its limitations. Ideally, accurate knowledge of markets is very important, but such knowledge does not serve to reduce knowledge of the business into a single solution that solves all possible problems. It is a myth that a business cannot fail if it completely knows its market; this is because the market is just one aspect of the business, the others being the financial, technical operations, accounting control, and human resources aspects (Brown, 2008, p. 464). Furthermore, the market has too many factors that could not be forecast with certainty, that any feeling of possessing complete knowledge of the market is a certain

Against the Machiavellian Principles of Politics Essay Example for Free

Against the Machiavellian Principles of Politics Essay According to Machiavelli, the affairs of the state reside in the power of the prince. It is the prince which determines, directs, and unifies the components of the state. The prince therefore should act to preserve, strengthen, and protect his position from danger, whether external or internal, without due moral consideration. In short, with the preservation of the state in mind, the prince should act with political diligence to promote it, regardless of the means. According to Machiavelli, â€Å"he who considers what ought to be done rather what is done will rather find himself in a state of ruin than preservation† (Machiavelli, 29). Political action free from any moral consideration is based from three assumptions: 1) Human nature is corrupt and selfish. It is impossible for the prince to satisfy all the needs of the people without injuring the welfare of others. The people is always eager to overthrow their government, to mock the instruments of the state, and to criticize the actions of the prince, whenever their interests (whether political or economic) are affected. According to Machiavelli, â€Å"Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you† (Machiavelli, 29); 2) Morality and religion only limit the actions of the prince. In fact, when fortune fades away, the prince may become unable to defend himself from disconcerting threats. It is therefore important, according to Machiavelli, for the prince to â€Å"guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him† (Machiavelli, 32). The prince should endeavour to show himself as the bearer of righteousness, fidelity, and religion, without endangering his own power. This impression is only used to preserve the power of the state. Only in this way can religion and morality be twisted for the benefit of the prince; 3) The success of a prince is never solely dependent on law, morality, or religion. Sometimes, political success is achieved by political deception, alteration of political favors, and in general by arms. It is therefore necessary for the prince to use these instruments to preserve the instruments of the state. It is this condition that the position of a prince who took the state by arms is much more endangered than that of a prince appointed by the people or the Church. To preserve his power, the prince must take moral considerations and religion as only instruments of that purpose. General Critique In order to provide a more comprehensive criticism against Machiavellian politics, there is a need to draw important propositions from different thinkers and theories. Some of the selected philosophers and social theorists are as follows: St. Thomas Aquinas, Immanuel Kant, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. According to Aquinas, morality and religion are necessary instruments for the governance of the state. In his book â€Å"De Regnum† (On Kinship), Aquinas argued that it is always necessary for the ruler to take the precedents of moral and religious obligations as a means to please Divine justice (Curtis, 431). For Aquinas, the foundation of the state is divine in orientation. It is founded by the grace of the Divine Being (who willed the creation of the state after man’s fall). A prince who disregards the religion and morality disregards the Creator. Aquinas here does not disregard the necessity of preserving the power of the state. What Aquinas emphasized is the excesses of unscrupulous rule – a condition which would be punished by God. For Aquinas, a good prince ‘will always be favored by God’ (and preserve his base of power). Rousseau argued that morality is borne out of the so-called ‘social contract. ’ The people gathered to appoint a ruler who would promote their interests. The ruler has the following obligations: 1) to protect the people from threats, 2) to maintain peace and order, 3) to promote solidarity and good governance, and 4) to relinquish power whenever the people chooses a new ruler. A ruler who fails to accomplish these tasks would lose his position. The state, however, would remain intact because the instrument of power resides not in the prince but in the people. According to Rousseau, a prince who put all the instruments of power in his hands is more likely to fall than a prince who measure his authority based on public will. Montesquieu offered a more critical and comprehensive understanding of the position of the prince. According to him, an unruly rebellion of the people is tantamount to political disobedience – a violation of the law of the land. This instance applies only if two conditions are met. First, the ruler does not show any violation of the law. And second, the people unlawfully breaks the social contract and sought to depose a good government. In short, according to Montesquieu, there is no need for a ruler to follow the Machiavellian principles because the law is the manifestation of social and moral obligation, the codec of ethics (Curtis, 613). Here, one may infer that the actions of the ruler should be based solely on this criterion. A ruler who follows the law would never fall in disgrace. Using Kant’s universal moral standards (in his book â€Å"Prolegomena†), one can create a set of moral standards which would be used in judging the actions of a ruler. First, one should determine whether the consequence and intensity of political actions. If a political decision disfranchises a significant portion of the population, such decision is illegitimate (not morally neutral). Second, one may determine the means by which decisions are carried out. Here, legality is an important factor. Third, one may determine whether the actions of the state are in congruent with accepted international standards of morality. Here, an external standard is added in order to ensure the moral efficacy of the state in all levels. The proper enforcement of these external standards is either left to the disposition of international agencies or to the efficacy of treaties. In short, internal political standards of morality are enforced by the state (the people serve as the watch guard of the state). Machiavellian concepts of political deception and moral neutrality have no standing in this type of political set-up. Works Cited Curtis, Michael. The Great Political Theories. New York: Avon Books, 1981. Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Trans. by W. K. Marriott. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1995.

Bitcoin and the Silk Road Scandal

Bitcoin and the Silk Road Scandal BITCOIN 1 Introduction Bitcoin is the stage that can really change the way we store cash, the way we utilize cash and our segment plans. For the monetary zone, we can delineate the improvement behind Bitcoin new to us as the PC was the time when it at initially showed up in 1975 and the Web sway upon in 1993. The offer of exchanges with relative riddle is basic cash related impact and goes on changes to the future part structures. Much the same as individuals left the music and highlight recording industry and swung to the free music utilizing YouTube or Napsters interminable on-energy gushing, equivalent individuals again would leave the saving money structure and make utilize free managing a record utilizing Bitcoin or any free-managing a record elective that will rise. Everybody can purchase associations; stock likewise wrongdoers have an approach to manage exchange their pay from unlawful exercises completely quietly. 2 What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a sort of bleeding edge exchange for cash which encryption techniques are utilized to manage the time of units of money and insist the exchange. Virtual pooch rency through a P2P system, which is exchanged online and traded into coinage. Precisely when composed with pariah associations, licenses clients to mine, purchase, offer, or perceive bitcoins from wherever on the planet (Eyal Ittay and Weapon Sirer Emin, 2014). The business worth is overseen by the supply of bitcoins available for use and individuals yearning to hold or exchange bitcoins. Bitcoins are not issued by any association, bank, or alliance. Exchanges are made with no banks meddling, so there are no exchange charges. While Bitcoin originators bolster Districts to give direction to the Bitcoin com-munity, they dont have a united database or power. Most other non-greenbacks related exchanges experience a go between, for occurrence, a bank or wire exchange association, which screens colossal budgetary exchange s for IRS shirking danger. 3 How dark is Bitcoin Michael Bedford Taylor exhibits in his study that in dark bitcoin exchanges, just the wallet address id is recorded in an open log, with keeping anonymity of the client exchanges private (Bedford, 2013). Since it never uncovered weak record identifiers, unlawful action is strengthened, similar to government evasion, terrorist financing or other conceivable sick utilization for detestable purposes. Governments are drafting regulations with law essential that will for the most part can track trade information left by the coin and develop the regulation with charges. The framework is at danger to gigantic and developing focal control for the Associations yet virtual coinage believed is in reverse. Bitcoins decentralized security model is indeed secure and the calling money related associations are not unprotected against key issues of bafflement which would oblige oversight and regulation. 4 Bitcoin and overall wrongdoing U.S. law endorsement forces have closed down unlawful business centres’ that coordinate by utilizing bitcoins (UNODC, 2011). The virtual bitcoin coin is not sup-ported by banks or government and can be spread between any two individuals wherever. Everybody can purchase associations and stock besides scallywags have an approach to manage exchange their pay from unlawful exercises completely unobtrusively. Unlawful advancement is bolstered, as IRS shirking, terrorist financing or other conceivable abuse for perniciousness purposes. They direct exchanges without the uneasiness of got from washing controls. There is history of assaults at bitcoins security. In February a tremendous bit-coin trade called Mt Gox, after a trap by engineers; an assignment of 500 million $ made the inspectors and the Bitcoin social affair feel anxious. Additionally, one of the bitcoin banks in Canada close down in spring after programming engineers defalcation of 670,000$ (Millan, 2014). 4.1 FBI: Silk Streets medication market U.S. law approbation forces have closed down Silk Street, the online medication market where cocaine and heroin were trafficked, and got Ross William Ulbricht, the websites proprietor. Correspondingly the Organization Branch of Examination seized about $3.6 million in Bitcoin, made it one of the best confiscatory in the moved coins history (FBI New York Press Office, 2013). Government prosecutors charges against Ulbricht breaker plan to narcotics trafficking connivance, PC hacking premium and IRS evasion plan (United States Lawyer, 2014). 4.2 Bitcoin and the Law IRS will treat bitcoin like property, for occasion, stocks and securities, and not as coin (IRS, 2014). Governments intercession through Branches of Trust, which are drafting regulations, doesnt have all the reserves of being skilled to control all the exchanges expansive. Parliament of Canada grasped the worlds first national law on computerized money related measures recalling the last goal to check all exchanges under national adversarial to obligation shirking law. Generally every single overseeing bodie will take after regulations, for occasion, Canada national law on forefront cash related measures yet dependably some spot on the planet, guilty parties will discover money related things free of any mediation in the e-cash, government-reinforced or all around. 4.3 Bitcoin and Evaluations Bitcoin can be considered cash as it satisfies the segments of cash yet it is suspicious that Bitcoin would go as cash in different nations under the National Money Law. Bitcoin is perfect for some individual who purposefully tries not to pay charge (Friedman Jillian and Neudorfer Joseph, 2014). In any case, for a great various people who report charge re-turns and report their remuneration whether it appears on a Structure, it likely isnt the expense haven some are recommending it is. The IRS will most likely make moves to regularize charge re-porting. Government Commitment Office report says the IRS data to the general open for Bitcoin is inadequate. Individuals must be told that they need to pay charge on Bitcoin exchanges (IRS, 2014). 5 Future of Cash related standards Most cash today are quickly electronic structure (Jung-Wen Lo, Min-Shiang Hwang, Yen-Ping Chu, 2008). The banks arent holding a critical measure of exchange for cash there. The exchange for chilly hard money various records is information, consolidated framework numbers 01. Bank stores are in threat in light of the way that stores wont be considered as cash however paper tries is looked over G20 and will be announced soon (G20, 2014). I cant help envisioning that Bitcoins and whats more all cash will be seen as the same and will be depending from the budgetary status of each Nation. In a steadily impelled world, it profits related and societal sense to permit electronic coinage. A report by Goldman Sachs expected that Bitcoin would oblige banks to fight by chopping down their expenses and streamlining their frameworks (Goldman Sachs Pack, 2014). 6 Conclusion As opposed to developing regulation and attempting to anticipate the best in class time of troublesome progressions, it would over the long haul be impeccable to admire the types of progress and police the reasons of open contact with existing genuine courses of action. Later on any-one will be proficient to control all the exchanges and get hooligans found for cost shirking law encroachment. Virtual coinage will rise and accomplice with budgetary things at long last on a general scale. Unmistakably, monetary establishments cant offer security any more. Generally virtual financial structures philosophy directed into being more secure and everybody will believe them. References Barber Simon, Boyen Xavier, Shi Elaine and Uzun Ersin. (2012). Bitter to Better How to Make Bitcoin a Better Currency. Sixteenth International Conference Financial Cryptography and Data Security 2012. Bonaire: International Financial Cryptography Association. Bedford, M. (2013). Bitcoin and the Age of Bespoke Silicon. CASES 13: Proceedings of the 2013 International Conference on Compilers, Architectures and Synthesis for Embedded Systems. Montreal, QC, Canada: IEEE Press. Bohr Jeremiah and Bashir Masooda . (2014). Who Uses Bitcoin? PST2014 International Conference on Privacy, Security and Trust (PST). Toronto, Canada: IEEE Computer Society. Dorit Ron and Shamir Adi. (2013). Quantitative Analysis of the Full Bitcoin Transaction Graph. Financial Cryptography and Data Security 2013 Seventeenth International Conference. Okinawa, Japan: Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, The Weizmann Institute of Science. Eyal Ittay and Gun Sirer Emin . (2014). Majority is not enough: Bitcoin Mining is Vulnerable. 18th International Conference on Financial Cryptography and Data Security (FC). Barbados: Cornell University Computer science researchers. FBI New York Press Office, S. D. (2013). Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Seizure of Additional $28 Million Worth of Bitcoins Belonging to Ross William Ulbricht, Alleged Owner and Operator of â€Å"Silk Road† Website. New York: FBI New York Press Office. Friedman Jillian and Neudorfer Joseph. (2014). Bitcoin and the law. Montrà ©al, Canada: Bitcoin Foundation Canada’s testimonials at the Senate Banking Committee hearings in October 2014. G20, G. F. (2014). G20 Leaders’ Communiquà © Brisbane Summit 15-16 November 2014. G20 Leaders’ Communiquà © Brisbane Summit. Brisbane, Australia: G20. Goldman Sachs Group, I. (2014, 3 11). Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research : All About BitCoin. (I. The Goldman Sachs Group, Ed.) Top of Mind(21). IRS, K. A. (2014). How existing general tax principles apply to transactions using virtual currency. Internal Revenue Service, Income Tax Accounting. Cincinnati, Ohaio: Internal Revenue Bulletin. Jung-Wen Lo, Min-Shiang Hwang, Yen-Ping Chu. (2008). An Exchangeable E-Cash Scheme by E-Mint. Eighth International Conference on Intelligent Systems Design and Applications, ISDA 2008. Kaohsiung, Taiwan: IEEE Computer Society. Kroll A. Joshua, Davey C. Ian, and Felten W. Edward. (2013). The Economics of Bitcoin Mining or, Bitcoin in the Presence of Adversaries. In P. University (Ed.), The Twelfth Workshop on the Economics of Information Security (WEIS 2013). Washington, DC. Millan, L. (2014, June 6). Cryptocurrency! Canadian Lawyer Magazine, 26. Retrieved 11 1, 2014, from http://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/318717# Reid F. Harrigan, M. (2011). An Analysis of Anonymity in the Bitcoin System. 2011 IEEE International Conference on Privacy, Security, Risk and Trust and IEEE International Conference on Social Computing. Boston, Massachusetts, USA: IEEE. United States Attorney, P. B. (2014). The Indictment Of Ross Ulbricht, The Creator And Owner Of The â€Å"Silk Road† Website. Retrieved 10 25, 2014, from http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/February14/RossUlbrichtIndictmentPR.php UNODC, U. N. (2011). Estimating illicit financial flows resulting from drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes. Vienna, Austria: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Analysis of the World Wine Market Essay -- Business Marketing Case Stu

Analysis of the World Wine Market TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1 2. World wine producers†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..†¦ 1 3. World wine exports†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..†¦.2 4. France productions, exports and international image†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†¦..3 5. Success of New World over the Old World : key factors†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦..4 6. Evaluation of different strategies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦....5-8 6.1 Premium & Standard wine market 6.2 Creation of an accessible French brand 6.3 The Global wine company (acquisitions and mergers) 6.4 Appellation d’origine controlee and competitive disadvantage 6.5 Protectionism versus being marketing oriented 7. World wine market: long term predictions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..8 8. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 1. Introduction International competition on the wine market is characterized by a considerable disparity of strategies used by the different producers and wine-producing regions around the world. The objective of this report is to provide an understanding of the competition mechanisms between countries which are traditionally exporters - the â€Å"Old World† producers, represented by European countries - and the so called â€Å"New World† countries which today compete for the supremacy of the traditional model of wine growing and production. 2. World wine producers The distribution of the world wine producers is clearly detailed in the map below. The Old World producers are located in Europe. France, Italy and Spain are the main producers , followed by Portugal, Balkan states, UK and Germany. The European countries are still detaining a dominant position and they accounted for 70% of world production and consumption in 1999 (by data acquired by Euromonitor). The New World producers are scattered around the world and are represented mainly by: Australia, Chile, United States, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Canada. 3. World wine exports The world wine export are still dominated by the Old World producers (see diagram below), with only three countries (France, Italy and Spain) which account for 60% of the world volumes exports in 2003. Among the New World producers, the largest exports are coming from Australia, Chile and United States. Another interesting characteristic is showed by the diagram below: the value of wine in exports market are increasing at greater rate than volume. 4. France productions, exports and international image ... ...duct quality and reliable supplies. The Old World future ability to counter the ongoing threat from New World producers will depend on adopting an extensive marketing approach: size, branding, distribution channels and new mergers in order to benefit from the new global economy will all play a fundamental role in determining its success. 9.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  References http://www.bbr.com/GB/db/news-item/623?ID=HKKKBXLQ56900VN&first_news_F=1 http://www.calwinexport.com/pages/MarketInfo.htm http://www.euromonitor.com/Wine http://www.export.gov/exportamerica/NewsFromCommerce/nc_New_Wine.html Global Trade Atlas-Global Trade Information Source 2004 http://www.greekwinemakers.com/members/news/2003/030426.shtml http://iblnews.es/noticias/09/116440.html http://www.jancisrobinson.com/winenews/jr779 http://www.just-drinks.com/features_detail.asp?art=1026 Kotler P., Armstrong G., Saunders J., Wong V. (2002) Principles of Marketing, Pearson Ed.Ltd, pp.185-188 http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/wfi/drinks/wine/0203046.asp http://www.wine.co.za/News/News.aspx?NEWSID=5995&Source=News http://www.wineloverspage.com http://www.wineoftheweek.com/winervw.html

Distance Education Essay -- essays papers

Distance Education The American Education System over the years is developing a new way of schooling. Many colleges are resorting to this type of learning which is called Distance Education. Distance Education is possible through the new advancements and technologies of computers. This new ideal learning has beneficial and negatives attributes, raises the differences between teaching in a classroom verses distance education, key players that are involved and schools who are offering this online education. This can be a valuable aspect to our society. The computer is one of the most important technologies in this world. Due to the invention of the computer, our society as a whole has changed immensely. We can just get on the internet, which is a new technology and send a person a letter through e-mail, instead of going to the post office, where your letter might not be delivered for a few days. These technologies have made life easier for everyone; especially for the college students. If they need to get in touch with their professor, all they have to do is jump on the computer, go to their e-mail account and write up a message to their instructor. The computer has specified programs make particularly for a subject in a class. For example, in ISTC class, it provides a program called Blackboard. With this program, assignments can be given online, without meeting face to face. Because computers are so high-tech these days, you are able to take college classes online and receives legible credit for it. Since the computer is becoming more progressively advanced everyday, students are able to go into a virtual classroom to talk to their professor and fellow classmates. This virtual classroom is just like a real cla... ...E-Learning: Strategies for Media Online Teaching and Engaged Learning. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies, Vol 2, pg 17. Retrieved October 13, 2004, from Academic Search. 5. Meyer, K. (2002). Quality in Distance Education. New York: Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 6. Palloff, R. (2003). The Virtual Student. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 7. Saygin, C. (2004). A Web-based Programmable Logic Controller Laboratory for Manufacturing Engineering Education. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 24, 590. Retrieved October 11, 2004, Academic Search. 8. Twigg, Carol A. (1996, March). Is Technology a Silver Bullet?. Educom Review, Vol 31, pg 28. Retrieved October 16, 2004, from ERIC/EBSCO database. 9. Willis, Barry. (1993). Distance Education: A Practical Guide. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.

Psychological learnings of movie “Reign Over me” Essay

Abstracted The types of psychological illnesses that the characters have in the movie â€Å" Reign O’er Me†. Summary of the movie. Over view of Charlie Fineman and his symptoms that he displays. The symptoms that Alan Johnson shows, and the symptoms and characteristics that Donna Remar shows during this movie. What is PTSD, depression, bipolar, co-dependency, narcissistic disorders? What are the symptoms and treatments for these disorders? How does the actual song â€Å"Love, Reign O’er Me† link into this movie? Information about the song. My conclusion of the characters disorders and my thoughts of the movie. Keywords: PTSD, Post traumatic stress disorder, Depression, Co-dependency, Narcissistic disorder. Reign O’er Me is a movie that shows Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler) going through the challenges of what seems to be PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), due to him losing his family in September 11, 2001 attack. Charlie is re-united with his former college roommate Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) who tries to help Charlie with his problems all the while having marital problems himself. Which at first he fails, but in the end helps himself and Charlie. Alan is not the only one helping Charlie. The psychologist Angela (Liv Tyler) has sessions with Charlie to try to get him to open up, but does not have much success. She does however convince Charlie to tell his story to someone. Angela also helps Charlie when he gets committed to a hospital for a 3 day evaluation and then again in court. Donna who is seen struggling with her own problems is also helped by Angela through sessions. It also seems that she helps Charlie by supporting him in court and then again when she comes by his ne w apartment. During the first night of Alan being reunited with his former college  roommate Charlie, he notices that Charlie does not act normal. Charlie doesn’t remember Alan at first, but does take a liking to him soon. It’s mentioned that Charlie likes Alan because he did not know Charlie’s family. Charlie takes Alan to a bar where he plays drums, after his drum playing scene Alan asks Charlie about his family; which infuriates Charlie. He becomes aggressive and throws root beer on Alan all the while accusing Alan that someone sent him there to talk to him. Alan feels that he and his wife are on top of each other, that he has no man hobbies. So when Charlie comes to his home the next night wanting him to go out, he jumps at the idea. Charlie repeadely tells Alan he has to take his shoes off when Alan comes to his house and he is repeatedly remodeling the kitchen. Charlie is always listening to music and especially on particular song called â€Å"Reign O’er Meâ⠂¬ . While watching the movie I concluded that Charlie did have PTSD and possibly depression. Alan would have what I think is a Co-dependency disorder. Donna Remar was in a 10 year marriage and 5 out of the 10 year marriage her husband cheated on her. She is now trying to pursue Alan for sexual relations at his dentist office. She is denied by Alan and turn she writes a letter stating that Alan tried to make sexual intentions to her and that she was going to file a law suit against the practice and him. She later apologizes for her behavior and tells Alan why she must have been acting the way she was due to her past relationship. Later she runs into Alan and Charlie at Angela’s office. This is where I am guessing she takes an interest in Charlie. I would think that Donna is suffering from a Narcissistic disorder. What does the song Reign O’ver Me mean and who is it by? The song sounds like the writer wrote it after losing a loved one, sad and depressing. The song lyrics â€Å"Love, Reign o’er Me† concerns the main character of Quadrophenia, Jimmy, having a personal crisis. With nothing left to live for, he finds a spiritual redemption in pouring rain. As Townshend described the song: [It] refers to Meher Baba’s one time comment that rain was a blessing from God; that thunder was God’s Voice. It’s another plea to drown, only this time in the rain. Jimmy goes through a suicide crisis. He  surrenders to the inevitable, and you know, you know, when it’s over and he goes back to town he’ll be going through the same shit, being in the same terrible family situation and so on, but he’s moved up a level. He’s weak still, but there’s a strength in that weakness. He’s in danger of maturing (Townshend, 1972). I can see why Charlie sings this song over and over again in the court room. I can also see why the producer picked this particular song for the movie. This song has pain like the pain Charlie is feeling from losing his family. It also has the back history of the going hand in hand with the mental disorders in the movie. You can also see that Charlie singing and replaying the song over and over again, somewhere subconsciously he does remember his family. PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) to my knowledge is something that can happen to someone after a traumatic event such as war for soldiers and then again with mothers who have just given birth and I would say that would be due to the chemical changes in the body. The â€Å"fight-or-flight† response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this reaction is changed or damaged. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger. PTSD develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm. The person who develops PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers. PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped or held captive, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. (NIH, n.d.) Is there treatment for PTSD? The answer is yes there is. There are two types of ways for treatment psychotherapy and/or medication. Various forms of psychotherapy are helpful in PTSD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps a person learn behavioral techniques for relaxation and restructure patterns of thinking that foster anxiety. Exposure therapy involves systematically exposing someone to the memories and events associated with a trauma and reducing the fear response to these events, under the guidance of a trained therapist. EMDR (Eye Movement  Desensitization and Reprocessing) involves presenting the patient with various visual and tactile stimuli meant to release emotional experiences and free the mind of blockages. In addition, support groups help people with PTSD work through their feelings with others who have had similar experiences. The goal of therapy is to encourage the patient to recall all details of the event, express grief, complete the mourning process, and get on with life. For children, this may involve play therapy. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan, are often useful for short-term, immediate relief of anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD. Long-term use of these medications is strongly discouraged. A class of antidepressants known as selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft, help modify levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) that foster appropriate communication between nerve cells, and can improve PTSD. Research also suggests that other medications, such as beta-blockers and corticosteroids, may help diminish the likelihood for forming strong negative emotional memories when given soon after experiencing a highly traumatic event. The blood pressure medicine prazosin has also been shown in preliminary research studies to help alleviate nightmares associated with PTSD Anti-epileptic drugs with mood stabilizing properties, such as Depakote or Tegretol, may lessen mood swings and explosive anger. Anti-psychotic drugs may help people with PTSD who have persistent paranoia. (Goldberg, 2014) This disorder is to be said what Charlie is suffering from. Clinical Depression seems to be a common diagnoses in today’s society. It seems like anytime you talk with someone about medical history or problems it always comes up that they have depression. Now there are many types of depression and it all depends on which one you have been diagnosed with to determine on how your behavior works with this diagnoses. I am classified as having depression and I am classified as to have bipolar. To me I feel that these are the same exact thing. My understanding behind bipolar is you have very wide mood swings from sad, happy, deeply depressed, angry, and aggravated. The depressive phase of bipolar disorder shares many similarities to regular depression, including prolonged sadness, inability to concentrate, loss of energy, difficulty sleeping, and thoughts of  suicide. People with bipolar depression, however, tend to have more unpredictable mood swings, more irritability and guilt, and more feelings of restlessness. They also tend to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot and gain weight. According to HelpGuide.org, your depression might be bipolar disorder if: You’ve experienced repeated episodes of major depression. You had your first episode of major depression before age 25. You have a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder. When you’re not depressed, your mood and energy levels are higher than most people’s. When you’re depressed, you oversleep and overeat. Your episodes of major depression are short (less than 3 months). You’ve lost contact with reality while depressed. You’ve had postpartum depression before. You’ve developed mania or hypomania while taking an antidepressant. Your antidepressant stopped working after several months. You’ve tried 3 or more antidepressants without success. (Staff, 2012) To my knowledge there are at least 2 ways of treatment for depression or bipolar and that is psychotherapy and medication. With myself being classified as both I have done both types of treatments. I have done both treatments with no involvement from the other and with both hand in hand; and I feel that doing both treatments together at the same time is the way to go. You have less episodes of both conditions. I would feel that Charlie is also clinically depressed as well is Alan possibly. What is a Co-dependency disorder? The term codependency has been around for almost four decades. Although it originally applied to spouses of alcoholics, first called co-alcoholics, researchers revealed that the characteristics of codependents were much more prevalent in the general population than had been imagined. In fact, they found that if you were raised in a dysfunctional family or had an ill parent, you’re likely codependent. Don’t feel bad if that includes you. Most American families are dysfunctional. You’re in the majority! Researchers also found that codependent symptoms got worse if left untreated. The good news is that they’re reversible. Following is a list of symptoms of codependents. You needn’t have them all to qualify as codependent (Lancer, 2012). Symptoms of codependency are low self-esteem, people pleasing, poor boundaries, reactivity, caretaking, control, dysfunctional communication, obsessions, dependency, denial, problems wi th intimacy, and painful emotions (Lancer,  2012). Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they’re superior to others and have little regard for other people’s feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism. Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and in other areas of their life, such as work or school. Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered on psychotherapy. Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by dramatic, emotional behavior, which is in the same category as antisocial and borderline personality disorders. Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence or strong self-esteem, it’s not the same. Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence and self-esteem into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, 2011). After researching these disorders I see that Charlie does indeed suffer from PTSD and in my opinion is clinically depressed as well. I am doubting my earlier statement that Alan is co-dependent due to the research on the topic there. Still there is a part of me that wants to say he is co-dependent. His father and mother are seen in the beginning of the movie in separate rooms and seem to not get along with each other. Is this classified as a dysfunctional family? Alan can’t tell his wife that he wants space for himself and feels suffocated by their relationship, he uses Charlie’s freedom and condition to get him out of the house and away from his wife. To me he does have a Co-dependency disorder. My research on narcissistic personality disorder has really made me think that this is what is wrong with Donna. She has a high confidence when asking Alan if he wants a sexual favor from her. When she is denied and is told that she will not be seen by him or any other dentist there you can then see the fragile self-esteem  rising in her. Although I looks like Angela helped Donna out by talking to her in there sessions as well as helping Alan on the sidewalk and Charlie in their brief short sessions. In my opinion Alan did not just help Charlie with his problems and by being a friend but he helped Donna out by rejecting her then allowing her to come back which gave her the opportunity to admit she had a problem and to apologize. In retrospect I think Donna helped Charlie by supporting him and not trying to judging him. Yes I think it also has to do that she would remind him of his wife as well. Charlie helped her in the same fashion as just letting her be there and not asking for nothing. Charlie also helped Alan without even knowing he did. He got Alan out of his house and gave him some freedom, time away from his wife. In the end Alan admits to his wife he hasn’ t been open with her and apologizes and Charlie admits to his in-laws that he does remember his family but it’s hard for him. There is hope at the end of this movie for all. I enjoyed getting to watch this movie in class. I think it is a great insight on how people’s behaviors are they have suffered a great loss and when they have a psychological disorder. I would absolutely recommend this movie to a friend/ family member to not just watch due to it being a great movie but for a little knowledge when dealing with a loved one in these situations. References Townshend, P. (1973, October 23). Love, Reign o’er Me. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love,_Reign_o’er_Me#Lyrics Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). (n.d.). NIMH RSS. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml Understanding Posttraumatic Stress Disorder — Diagnosis and Treatment. (n.d.).WebMD. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/understanding-posttraumatic-stress-disorde r-treatment Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference. (n.d.). Casa Palmera. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://casapalmera.com/bipolar-disorder-vs-depression-how-to-tell-the-difference/  » Symptoms of Codependency – Psych Central. (n.d.). Psych Central.com. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-codependency/00011992 Narcissistic personality disorder. (n.d.). Definition. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/basics/definition/con-20025568