Dissociative Identity Disorder Multiple Personality...

Introduction Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder has intrigued a wide variety of individuals from psychiatrists, Hollywood directors and even teenagers dreaming of treating the disorder such as myself. DID, as abbreviated, is sometimes thought of as fake, this disorder has been proven an actual disorder and is described in the DSM-5. This paper will include a description of Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID, an exploration into the typical course of the disorder, the prevalence rates, and differential diagnoses. In addition, the correct treatment of the disorder including psychotherapy treatments and psychotropic medication will be discussed. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder? Dissociation is defined by The Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus as a, â€Å"disconnect or separate.† (Waite, Lindberg, Braham, Jewell, 2010, p. 230) We know from the DSM-5 that a person who has DID has at least two different and distinct personalities. These personalities, often known as â€Å"alters† control the person and different times, some have described it as possession like. The disorder must also cause problems to the individual in the form of personal stress about the symptoms and cause disruptions in the occupational, social or other important areas of one’s life. Dissociative Identity Disorder is usually associated with traumatic childhood events. According to the article, Survivors with Dissociative Identity Disorder: PerspectivesShow MoreRelatedDissociative Identity Disorder And Multiple Personality Disorder1384 Words   |  6 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder (DID for short and popularly known as multiple personality disorder) is one of the more fascinating and simultaneously terrifying of the formal mental disorders. Probably due in part to DID’s fantastic, almost unbelievable nature, it is also one of the more controversial disorders that has been formally included in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). In the most recent DSM, DSM-5, the signature criteria for DID is the â€Å"disruption of identityRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder : A Multiple Personality Disorder2577 Words   |  11 PagesAbstract Dissociative identity disorder also known as DID is a multiple personality disorder. Patients who have DID have multiple personalities that sometime they cannot control. There are known cases of people with this disorder completely change and see their selves differently from who they actually are, such as having a different name. There are many more symptoms to this disorder also. A lot of researchers usually test and compare DID with PTSD in most studies and also usually use all femalesRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder And Multiple Personality Disorder1399 Words   |  6 Pages Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is defined as â€Å"a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual†. In 1994, the name of the disorder was changed to reflect a better understanding of the condition. DID is characterized by fr agmentation, not by the growth of separate identities. DID is not a new disorder. However, it has been misunderstood forRead More Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder)735 Words   |  3 Pages Dissociative Identity Disorder, commonly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, exists as a bizarre mental disorder in which a person acquires two or more distinct identities or personality states. The disorder received much attention through such accounts as Sybil and The Three Faces of Eve. Multiple Personality Disorder, caused from severe and inhuman sexual, physical, and mental abuse, affects the individuals consciousness and in turn creates altar selves. CategorizedRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder ( Multiple Personality )1397 Words   |  6 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder can be difficult to diagnosis as mentioned before. However, a scale has been developed to help a professional with their diagnosis of individuals that may suffer from this mental illness. There have been many studies conducted to test the reliability and validity of this scale. The scale is referred to as The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and was developed to help measure dissociation in individuals. The Dissociative Experiences Scale is a twenty-eight item self-reportRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder : Dissociative Identification Disorder1485 Words   |  6 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder is a mental disorder where an individual experiences two or more distinct personalities. When an individual is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, one personality has dominant control of an individual. This personality controls how a person may act and how they live everyday life. A person diagnosed with this disease may or may not be aware of their alternate personalities. Each personality is contrasting of each other withRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder ( Dissociative Disorder )1040 Words   |  5 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental illness that is greatly misunderstood, much like many other mental illnesses. Nicholas Spanos, Professor of Psychology, hypothesized Multiple Personality Disorder as a defense against childhood trauma that creates â€Å"dissociation† or a split mental state. The trauma sustained during childhood is so substantial, that the individual creates different identities to cope with itRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder ( Dissociative Disorder )1194 Words   |  5 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder is a disorder distinguished by the existence of two or more distinct personality states. It is also known as DID or Multiple Personality Disorder. It is very rare, with only 20,000 to 200,000 known US cases per year. Currently, there is no known cure, but treatment can sometimes help. Many believe that DID can be caused by a significant trauma and is used as a coping mechanism to help avoid bad memories. The disorders most often form in kids victim to long-term physicalRead MoreThe Secret Window And Dissociative Identity Disorder1096 Words   |  5 PagesThe Secret Window and Dissociative Identity Disorder The Secret Window is a film released in 2004 directed by David Koepp and written by Stephen King. The main issue in this film is one of a psychological basis which keeps the audience on their toes and maybe even slightly confused until all of the pieces fit together at the end of the film. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the psychological issue that plagues the main character, Mort Rainey (portrayed by Johnny Depp), and identify anyRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder ( Mpd )1170 Words   |  5 PagesDissociative Identity Disorder, commonly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, has been one of the more controversial diagnoses in psychology and psychiatry. On one side of the debate, many psychologists and psychiatrists believe the disorder to be an actual phenomenon that occurs in individuals that have suffered through some traumatic experience. On the other side of the debate, however, are the many psychologists and psychiatrists that believe the disorder is si mply the result of a therapist’s

Analysis of Singapore airlines on various factors

Question: Write a report about the Singapore Airlines. Answer: Company Background Singapore Airlines is the most awarded 5 star standard carrier in Singapore and a subsidiary of the Singapore Government. The airline company is primarily based at Changi International Airport and is among the members of the IATA bearing the designation SQ 3 digit code numbered 618 as well as ICAO with (ICAO title SIA). The Singapore Airline carries out its operations worldwide and offers flight services to more than 45 nations and across 94 destinations across the globe. Singapore Airlines is publicly listed on the SGX and is considered one of the largest carriers in the world in terms of market capitalization that amounts to SGD 11.6 billion. The company operates more than 102 aircrafts having an average fleet age of approximately 7 years ("Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website", 2016). Geographic Segments: The geographic segments of the company include the East Asia, South West pacific, Europe, Non-scheduled services as well as incidental, West Asia and Africa and the America. Figure 1: Geographic Segments Source: ("Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website", 2016) Nature of business: Singapore Airlines established itself as the flag carrier of Singapores and thereafter inherited MSAs intercontinental route system that connected more than 20 airports located in 18 different destinations. These destinations include the Europe, Australia, various parts of the Middle East as well as other parts South in addition to different destinations of Southeast as well as North Asia. Different facets of the services of the SIAs comprises of offering for diverse range of preference of meals especially for the economy-class passengers , complimentary drinks as well as headphone sets that were essentially business-class privileges that many others airlines also tender to the passengers. Therefore, the management of SIA has focussed its strategy of differentiating itself by means of implementation of enhanced services and for that the company has invested profusely for service innovations as well as in-flight assistances. In addition to this, SIA has also introduced seven new schoo ls in order to educate and staff in the serviceable areas of the cabin crew, flight functions, business-related schooling, information technology, safety measures, airport services as well as engineering for the purpose of development of service culture ("Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website", 2016). PESTEL analysis of Singapore Airlines As rightly put forward by Chernev (2012), PESTEL analysis provides a framework or else a tool that the marketers can utilize for the purpose of analysis as well as evaluation of the macro factors of the environment particularly the external marketing environment in which the company operates. This particular analysis also helps in the detection of the threats as well as the weaknesses of the business operation that in turn can be used in carrying out a SWOT analysis (Clow Baack, 2012). PoliticalThe political factors exert immense influence on the overall, external business environment of the corporation Singapore Airlines. This primarily refers to different government policies that include the extent of intervention into the specific economy (Dahlstrom, 2011). For example, the Singapore Airlines has withdrawn the bid for acquiring a stake in the Air India by handling a severe blow to the privatisation blow of the Indian Government. This also has become a political barrier for the operations of the company ("Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website", 2016). Economic The economic factors of the business environment generally refer to the rate of interest, taxation policies as well as foreign exchange rates (Kotabe Helsen, 2010). The primary economic factors that affect the business environment of Singapore Airlines include the emerging markets of Asia as well as the strengthening SGD (Singapore Dollar) in comparison to different foreign currencies. gain, the company offered to acquire a stake in the China Eastern Airlines against 7.3 billion Hong Kong Dollars that posed several challenge as a chief shareholder criticized the entire business deal On the other hand, the global demand is still slow-moving that exerts immense on the economic environment of the business concern (Kotabe Helsen, 2010). Apart from this, the stabilization of the fuel costs primarily in the short is also supposed to affect the business environment of the Singapore Airlines. Furthermore, the volatility of prices of fuel in the long run also influences the economic scenari o of the aviation industry and consequently influences the operations of Singapore Airlines. Social The social factors that influence the social environment of the Singapore Airlines include the altering preferences of the consumers (Kotabe Helsen, 2011). The company therefore needs to keep a close eye on the changing trends of the tastes and the preferences of the consumers in order to make the products and the services of the company more customer centric (Kotler Keller, 2012). Apart from this, there is increase in the disposable income of the consumers that in turn implies greater purchasing power of the consumers. Technological The technological factors include the attainment of the fuel efficiency for achieving the overall effectual way of carrying out the operations of the corporation (Marshall Johnston, 2014). Again, the engineering department of the Singapore Airlines focuses on the repairs as well as maintenance that is considered to be largely out of the hands of the company. The Singapore Airlines is also considered the first carrier that installed the productivity suite to serve the interests of the passengers who can work on board without the need of providing power to the laptops. The company also deploys Sun a particular micro system that essentially powers the productivity suite in the flight ("Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website", 2016). Environmental The analysis of the environmental factors reveals the fact that the general public of Australia expects Singapore Airlines to be very much socially responsible and take steps towards reduction of the carbon footprints. Again, the weather as well as the seasons also affects the operation of the carrier (Clow Baack, 2012). The company therefore makes use of cleaners as well as greener aircrafts in order to carry out sustainable operations. Legal The regulatory changes also affect the business operations of Singapore Airlines especially the chinas aviation regulator boosts the private airlines operating in the airline industry. In addition to this, there are several investment limitations as a government body. In addition to this, the company abides by the Fair Trading Law, Consumer Law, Natural Environmental law and the Five Freedoms of Air (special license to travel to various destinations) (Paliwoda, Andrews, Chen, 2012). Figure 2: PESTEL Analysis Source: (Paliwoda, Andrews, Chen, 2012) Porters Five Forces Analysis of Singapore Airlines The Porters Five Forces Analysis is essentially a significant framework or structure that attempts to critically evaluate the degree of competition in a particular industry and thereby helps in the strategy development of the business (Paliwoda, Andrews, Chen, 2012). Therefore, the model of Porters Five Force Analysis helps to recognize the effect of different factors on the operations of the corporation and the way the company can tender its service to the customers and earn profits (Ramachandra, Chandrashekara, Shivakumar, 2010). The current section examines the five different factors of the Porters Five Forces with special reference to the operations of Singapore Airlines. Industry Rivalry The critical assessment of the intensity of rivalry reveals the fact that Singapore Airline might face in the aviation sector discloses the fact that there are full service airlines in the market that operate in niche markets. Again, there also exist price wars among different competing airlines (Ramachandra, Chandrashekara, Shivakumar, 2010). As per the detailed analysis of this factor, it can be hereby inferred that the intensity of rivalry in the market of Singapore Airlines is moderate. Potential New Entrants The analysis of the potential entrants in the market of Singapore Airlines operating discloses the fact that the threat of probable new entrants in the aviation sector is relatively weak. This is primarily because the industry requires huge amount of capital outlay and the market is fairly saturated. Apart from this, there is high congestion in the significant airports and more importantly the government carriers enjoy greater advantages of business operations. Furthermore, it is also difficult for other carriers to enter the market owing to different economic factors (Reid Bojanic, 2014). There are also increasingly challenges in acquiring airport slots as Singapore has only one airport. Nevertheless, the huge cost of operation as well as different political factors also creates barriers for entry to the new players. Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes is one of the most important factors of the Porters Five Forces Analysis. The critical evaluation of the factor reflects the fact that the threat of substitute in case of Singapore Airlines is moderate. The threat of substitution in case of SIA is moderate as there are many low cost carriers operating in the aviation industry and there is provision of very high speed railway services (Shaw, 2011). Besides this, there are advanced communication technologies that can pose the threat of substitution to the carrier services of Singapore Airlines. Bargaining Power of the Purchasers The bargaining power of the purchasers of Singapore Airlines is also moderate as the cost of switching to different airline is quite low. The management of the company Singapore Airlines has also introduced different loyalty reward programs that has increased the customer loyalty and helped the company to retain more consumers (Shaw, 2011). Besides this, the internet also enables consumers to compare the prices of the services offered by different companies and choose the airlines of their choice (Sheehan, 2011). Bargaining Power of the Suppliers The critical evaluation of the level of competition also analyses the bargaining power of the suppliers of Singapore Airlines. The analysis reveals the fact that the bargaining power of the suppliers of the company is quite strong owing to the fact that there is effectual duopoly of different Boeing as well as Airbus for various planes. Again, there s uncontrollable cost of fuel that raises the power of the suppliers (Sherlekar Gordon, 2010). Figure 3: PORTERS" FIVE FORCE ANALYSIS OF SINGAPORE AIRLINES Source: (Sheehan, 2011) Strategic Recommendations A detailed analysis of the business operations of the Singapore Airlines helps in gathering adequate information that in turn can help in framing different strategic options of the company (Venugopal, 2010). The strategic management of the company can employ both the Ansoffs Matrix as well as Porters generic strategies to implement different alternative procedures of developing the growth strategy. Diversification Strategy: The management of Singapore Airlines can consider introducing a brand transit hotel managed by the airline. This can be considered as a very good chance for the carrier to endorse an all-inclusive package to the travellers. Therefore, this strategy can help the airline to differentiate its offerings in a market that poses stiff competition in the saturated market of Airline industry. Market Penetration: The management of Singapore Airline can consider penetrating new markets. This particular airline carries out its operations in Africa and can target mostly the leisure passengers. The company can also consider introduction of a family package that is all inclusive in its offerings. The management of the company might also consider entering into a partnership with another company that can offer different safaris, facilities of camping as well as other facilities that include accommodation and food (Winer Dhar, 2011). Niche Market: The management of the Singapore Airlines can take into consideration the use of airbuses that can serve as the banquet halls. This space can have the capacity of holding around 160 to 250 passengers. This can help the company to target a niche market that is essentially people who can conduct conferences and other events in flights. This in flight events as well as conferences can be regarded as an innovative idea that can save both the time and the money of the passengers. Product development: The management of the Singapore Airlines can consider segmentation of the market properly in order to develop the services of the company according to the needs of the target segment of the consumers (Kotler Keller, 2012). The market essentially consists of different types of consumers, products as well as needs. Therefore, the marketer can determine the target segments appropriately to offer the suitable opportunities. The customers of the airline can be categorised into different sections and thereafter served in different ways depending on the demographic, geographic as well as behavioural facets of the segments. Conclusion The above study presents a detailed analysis of the external business environment of the Singapore Airlines in order to understand the effects of the different factors on the business operations of the firm. This critical of the external business environment of Singapore Airlines helps in acquiring a deep insight into the different political, economic, social, technological, environmental as well as legal factors that influences the effective functioning of the corporation. Thereafter, the present study also elucidates in detail the Porters Five Forces analysis in order to gain to gain comprehensive understanding regarding the level of competition in the market of the airline industry and assesses all the five factors that helps in understanding the competitive position of the company. In the end, the current study also presents strategic recommendations with reference to the Ansoffs Matrix based on the challenges identified using the PESTEL analysis and the Porters Five Forces Model . References Chernev, A. (2012).Strategic marketing management. [Chicago, Ill.]: Cerebellum Press. Clow, K. Baack, D. (2012).Cases in marketing management. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE. Dahlstrom, R. (2011).Green marketing management. Mason, Ohio: South-Western / Cengage Learning. Kotabe, M. Helsen, K. (2010).Global marketing management. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Kotabe, M. Helsen, K. (2011).Global marketing management. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Kotler, P. Keller, K. (2012).Marketing management. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Marshall, G. Johnston, M.Marketing management.(2014) Paliwoda, S., Andrews, T., Chen, J. (2012).Marketing management in Asia. New York: Routledge. Ramachandra, K., Chandrashekara, B., Shivakumar, S. (2010).Marketing management. Mumbai [India]: Himalaya Pub. House. Reid, R. Bojanic, D.(2014)Hospitality marketing management. Shaw, S. (2011).Airline marketing and management. Burlington, Vt.: Ashgate. Sheehan, B. (2011).Marketing management. Lausanne, Switzerland: AVA Pub. Sherlekar, S. Gordon, E. (2010).Marketing management. Mumbai [India]: Himalaya Pub. House. Venugopal, P. (2010).Marketing management. New Delhi, India: Response Books. Welcome to Singapore Airlines | Official Website. (2016).Singaporeair.com. Retrieved 10 June 2016, Winer, R. Dhar, R. (2011).Marketing management. Boston: Prentice Hall.

Moral values free essay sample

It would be gross injustice to categorize all children and youths as lacking in manners and morals, but the general trend would certainly suggest there has been a major decline among many of them. Family values have changed dramatically in the past few decades, producing a crop of undisciplined teenagers and children who lack morals and manners as a result of poor training. Good manners were once the norm with young people very much aware the older generation. Saying please and thank you, giving up a seat on the bus and holding open doors were all considered normal mannerly behavior. Times have changed and we now live in a predominantly me-first society which is reflected in many young people. If good manners are taught at an early age, they will generally continue to be part of the personality of the young child all the way into adulthood. The lack of good manners observed in society in general is no doubt a reflection of the situation found within the home. We will write a custom essay sample on Moral values or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Without parental example and training the area of manners, it is likely the children will sadly lack in displaying them. The same can be said of the lack of morals we find in many of todays youth. A large proportion of children have grown up with little or no respect for authority, for property, for family or even themselves. Living a life of immorality is considered normal behavior today and has produced a bumper crop of young people with venereal disease, unwanted pregnancies and a feeling of emptiness in their lives. Lacking in moral stability, we find young people involved in crime, violence and drug abuse. The so-called freedom they have has actually brought them into slavery to an amoral lifestyle. There is a contrast though in many children and teenagers who are moral and do have good manners, proving that it is still possible to develop these delightful characteristics. It is a real pleasure to come across young people who are mannerly and who have the courage to lead a moral life, not. Moral values free essay sample By moral values, we mean those values principles and beliefs on which a person’s personal and social development depends. These are the rules by which we make decisions about right and wrong, should and shouldn’t, good and bad. To develop character is a basic pillar of moral values. Moral values develop character of a person. It is very truly said that â€Å"If Wealth is gone, nothing is gone. If health is gone, something is gone. But if character is gone, everything is gone.† Teaching moral values is very necessary for the all-round development of a person. It includes discipline, manners and etiquette, behavior, control over oneself, politeness, strength, patriotism, love and care for each other. It also includes speaking truth, no stealing, becoming a good citizen. Moral values are also necessary for developing healthy and friendly relations with everyone. Loss of moral values is a direct loss of the country. We will write a custom essay sample on Moral values or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A child must be given moral education at an early stage. He must be taught the importance of moral, ethical and family values. By Family Values, we mean to have good thoughts, good intentions and good deeds, to love and to care for those whom we are close to and are part of our groups or communities, like parents and other family members and friends too. They must learn to treat others with the same set of values with which they wish to be treated. Ethical values define a set of principles of right conduct. A child must learn moral values in school, many of the schools teach the students to develop their character through books, moral stories, essays, plays .An easy and one of the best ways to impart moral set of values and principles in a child. The child must be taught so as they must be filled with moral virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice. These days, we see some students misbehaving with teachers, people go on strike burning buses, including in bad politics or doing other kinds of harms, thus deteriorating moral values. They are having just opposite qualities of these moral virtues such as they start believing in injustice, tyranny, or may be cowardness. A child gets to know and can easily decide what is right and what is wrong for him, learns to behave mannerly in a society, he understands his responsibilities through moral values. Moral principles held the world  together. So, there is a need of set of moral principles and values to be imparted in the children to make them a better and a responsible citizen.

Vegetation, Weather and Climate, and Political and Economic essays

Vegetation, Weather and Climate, and Political and Economic essays What is Vegetation? Vegetation is the Earths plants, and vegetable structures. If you live on land you see some type of vegetation every single day, even if you are going to work or school, even playing football. What is Weather and Climate? First, Weather is the condition of the atmosphere with regard to temperature, moisture, etc... As most of us know rain is a part of weather as well as snow, hail, and wind. If you feel it outside thats weather. Second, Climate is the prevailing weather conditions of a place or region. Such as, Central Texas climate is hot and dry with not very much rain. There are all sorts of climates, like, tropical climates, cold climates and etc... Most people dont have any clue what Political and Economic Resources are. Well if you dont you are about to find out. P.E.R. is everything that has to do with business, or human interaction with each other. It even can show the population of a town. P.E.R. is how people make a living, and also what their salary is. But what do these have in common? Or how would they be affected by each other? If we have less vegetation in an area there tends to be less people and resources in that area. Also if you are in the lumber business your sales may go down due to supply and demand. Also if there were fewer trees there would be less houses being built and a lot more people that are homeless. If it did not rain enough than people may be out of water eventually and there would also be less vegetation in some parts of the world. Weather can also effect if people get to work on time, or if they make it to work. Weather can even destroy where you work. With our economic system and our automobiles, at the rate we are going we are causing the ozone to get thinner and thinner. This will eventually cause global warming. Making the temperatures drastically higher. If we keep cutting down the rainforests we will have less o...

What was the impact of Soviets and American policies on the Middle Essay

What was the impact of Soviets and American policies on the Middle East - Essay Example The impact is usually characterised as the Israeli-Arab conflict which is not only attributed to super and world power intervention during the Second World War, but perpetuated and exacerbated by US and Soviet intervention during the Cold War Era (Azar, Jureidini & McLaurin, 1978). During the period from the Second World War to the end of the Cold War, the Middle East has been a cauldron of tensions and conflicts with major conflicts primarily concentrated around the Israeli-Arab conflict (Shlaim, 1996). Using the balance of power theory, this paper will analyse how and to what extent US and Soviet policies in the Middle East produced and/or contributed to these conflicts. These conflicts are arguably the main impact of US and Soviet policies in the Middle East. The classical balance of power theory argues that states align their allies and interests in the creation of an international system that ensures that no state is possessed of â€Å"overwhelming power† or dominancy over other states (Chatterjee, 1972, p. 51). The modified version of the balance of power theory is more appropriate to studies of Soviet and US relations and their policies in the Middle East. In this modified version of the balance of power theory, each of the super powers aligned their allies and interest in the Middle East as a means of preventing the spread and influence of the other super power in the region and globally (Walt, 1985). Under the modified version of the balance of power theory, competing states respond to one another in that when one state pursues hegemony aggressively through alignment with other states, the competing state will attempt to match that aggressive alignment (Walt, 1985). The US and the Soviet Union persistently attempted to â€Å"balance against aggregate power† (Walt, 1985, p. 35). As Walt (1985) explained, the US and the USSR saw each other as the â€Å"other’s greatest potential threat† and devoted their

Descartes and the Existence of Evil Demon Essay

Descartes and the Existence of Evil Demon - Essay Example Central to his argument is the fact that his knowledge of God is anchored on a distinct idea on the existence of a supreme being (Marion, 2008). As such, there must be the existence of an idea first before a given claim of body of knowledge is verified. For Descartes, this distinct idea resided in his mind. It is this idea that gave him the essence of God as a supreme being. It is an idea that could not be verified through empirical methods. The existence of an Evil Demon, in line with the thinking of Descartes, can only obtain if it is backed by a distinct idea.   There must first exist the essence of the Evil Demon that is developed into Descartes mind in order for him to make a claim about the existence of such a being. One of the central arguments upheld by Descartes is that essence relates to existence. It would follow logically that the absence of essence effectively eliminates all possibilities of existence. Without the essence of the Evil Demon in distinct form it would be vacuous to assert any claim of such an existence. Therefore, this would mean that Descartes could claim the existence of God but not make any assertions on whether or not some Evil Demon actually exists (Marion, 2008). Proof of such existence could be derived from other serious arguments, or by employing some logical claims outside the boundaries established by Descartes methods.   Descartes knowledge of God was based on the theory of ideas which people can relate with. He believed that it is possible for things to exist without their very nature of existence being confirmed by any evidence. He did not consider it necessary to seek out for measure of quantifiable evidence that would offer evidence for the existence of God. According to him, the mind can generate knowledge of its own through the power of intuition. The practice of intuition basically demands changing the mind to the essence of ideas without establishing the evidence of experience or

Multinational Corporations Essay Example for Free

Multinational Corporations Essay Multinational corporations have existed since the beginning of overseas trade. They have remained a part of the business scene throughout history, entering their modern form in the 17th and 18th centuries with the creation of large, European-based monopolistic concerns such as the British East India Company during the age of colonization. Multinational concerns were viewed at that time as agents of civilization and played a pivotal role in the commercial and industrial development of Asia, South America, and Africa. By the end of the 19th century, advances in communications had more closely linked world markets, and multinational corporations retained their favorable image as instruments of improved global relations through commercial ties. The existence of close international trading relations did not prevent the outbreak of two world wars in the first half of the twentieth century, but an even more closely bound world economy emerged in the aftermath of the period of conflict. In more recent times, multinational corporations have grown in power and visibility, but have come to be viewed more ambivalently by both governments and consumers worldwide. Indeed, multinationals today are viewed with increased suspicion given their perceived lack of concern for the economic well-being of particular geographic regions and the public impression that multinationals are gaining power in relation to national government agencies, international trade federations and organizations, and local, national, and international labor organizations. Despite such concerns, multinational corporations appear poised to expand their power and influence as barriers to international trade continue to be removed. Furthermore, the actual nature and methods of multinationals are in large measure misunderstood by the public, and their long-term influence is likely to be less sinister than imagined. Multinational corporations share many common traits, including the methods they use to penetrate new markets, the manner in which their overseas subsidiaries are tied to their headquarters operations, and their interaction with national governmental agencies and national and international labor organizations. WHAT IS A MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION? As the name implies, a multinational corporation is a business concern with operations in more than one country. These operations outside the companys home country may be linked to the parent by merger, operated as subsidiaries, or have considerable autonomy. Multinational corporations are sometimes perceived as large, utilitarian enterprises with little or no regard for the social and economic well-being of the countries in which they operate, but the reality of their situation is more complicated. There are over 40,000 multinational corporations currently operating in the global economy, in addition to approximately 250,000 overseas affiliates running cross-continental businesses. In 1995, the top 200 multinational corporations had combined sales of $7. 1 trillion, which is equivalent to 28. 3 percent of the worlds gross domestic product. The top multinational corporations are headquartered in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan; they have the capacity to shape global trade, production, and financial transactions. Multinational corporations are viewed by many as favoring their home operations when making difficult economic decisions, but this tendency is declining as companies are forced to respond to increasing global competition. The World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank are the three institutions that underwrite the basic rules and regulations of economic, monetary, and trade relations between countries. Many developing nations have loosened trade rules under pressure from the IMF and the World Bank. The domestic financial markets in these countries have not been developed and do not have appropriate laws in place to enable domestic financial institutions to stand up to foreign competition. The administrative setup, judicial systems, and law-enforcing agencies generally cannot guarantee the social discipline and political stability that are necessary in order to support a growth-friendly atmosphere. As a result, most multinational corporations are investing in certain geographic locations only. In the 1990s, most foreign investment was in high-income countries and a few geographic locations in the South like East Asia and Latin America. According to the World Banks 2002 World Development Indicators, there are 63 countries considered to be low-income countries. The share of these low-income countries in which foreign countries are making direct investments is very small; it rose from 0. 5 percent 1990 to only 1. 6 percent in 2000. Although foreign direct investment in developing countries rose considerably in the 1990s, not all developing countries benefited from these investments. Most of the foreign direct investment went to a very small number of lower and upper middle income developing countries in East Asia and Latin America. In these countries, the rate of economic growth is increasing and the number of people living at poverty level is falling. However, there are still nearly 140 developing countries that are showing very slow growth rates while the 24 richest, developed countries (plus another 10 to 12 newly industrialized countries) are benefiting from most of the economic growth and prosperity. Therefore, many people in the developing countries are still living in poverty. Similarly, multinational corporations are viewed as being exploitative of both their workers and the local environment, given their relative lack of association with any given locality. This criticism of multinationals is valid to a point, but it must be remembered that no corporation can successfully operate without regard to local social, labor, and environmental standards, and that multinationals in large measure do conform to local standards in these regards. Multinational corporations are also seen as acquiring too much political and economic power in the modern business environment. Indeed, corporations are able to influence public policy to some degree by threatening to move jobs overseas, but companies are often prevented from employing this tactic given the need for highly trained workers to produce many products. Such workers can seldom be found in low-wage countries. Furthermore, once they enter a market, multinationals are bound by the same constraints as domestically owned concerns, and find it difficult to abandon the infrastructure they produced to enter the market in the first place. The modern multinational corporation is not necessarily headquartered in a wealthy nation. Many countries that were recently classified as part of the developing world, including Brazil, Taiwan, Kuwait, and Venezuela, are now home to large multinational concerns. The days of corporate colonization seem to be nearing an end. Multinational corporations follow three general procedures when seeking to access new markets: merger with or direct acquisition of existing concerns; sequential market entry; and joint ventures. Merger or direct acquisition of existing companies in a new market is the most straightforward method of new market penetration employed by multinational corporations. Such an entry, known as foreign direct investment, allows multinationals, especially the larger ones, to take full advantage of their size and the economies of scale that this provides. The rash of mergers within the global automotive industries during the late 1990s are illustrative of this method of gaining access to new markets and, significantly, were made in response to increased global competition. Multinational corporations also make use of a procedure known as sequential market entry when seeking to penetrate a new market. Sequential market entry often also includes foreign direct investment, and involves the establishment or acquisition of concerns operating in niche markets related to the parent companys product lines in the new country of operation. Japans Sony Corporation made use of sequential market entry in the United States, beginning with the establishment of a small television assembly plant in San Diego, California, in 1972. For the next two years, Sonys U. S. operations remained confined to the manufacture of televisions, the parent companys leading product line. Sony branched out in 1974 with the creation of a magnetic tape plant in Dothan, Alabama, and expanded further by opening an audio equipment plant in Delano, Pennsylvania, in 1977. After a period of consolidation brought on by an unfavorable exchange rate between the yen and dollar, Sony continued to expand and diversify its U. S. operations, adding facilities for the production of computer displays and data storage systems during the 1980s. In the 1990s, Sony further diversified it U. S. facilities and now also produces semiconductors and personal telecommunications products in the United States. Sonys example is a classic case of a multinational using its core product line to defeat indigenous competition and lay the foundation for the sequential expansion of corporate activities into related areas. Finally, multinational corporations often access new markets by creating joint ventures with firms already operating in these markets. This has particularly been the case in countries formerly or presently under communist rule, including those of the former Soviet Union, eastern Europe, and the Peoples Republic of China. In such joint ventures, the venture partner in the market to be entered retains considerable or even complete autonomy, while realizing the advantages of technology transfer and management and production expertise from the parent concern. The establishment of joint ventures has often proved awkward in the long run for multinational corporations, which are likely to find their venture partners are formidable competitors when a more direct penetration of the new market is attempted. Multinational corporations are thus able to penetrate new markets in a variety of ways, which allow existing concerns in the market to be accessed a varying degree of autonomy and control over operations. While no one doubts the economic success and pervasiveness of multinational corporations, their motives and actions have been called into question by social welfare, environmental protection, and labor organizations and government agencies worldwide. National and international labor unions have expressed concern that multinational corporations in economically developed countries can avoid labor negotiations by simply moving their jobs to developing countries where labor costs are markedly less. Labor organizations in developing countries face the converse of the same problem, as they are usually obliged to negotiate with the national subsidiary of the multinational corporation in their country, which is usually willing to negotiate contract terms only on the basis of domestic wage standards, which may be well below those in the parent companys country. Offshore outsourcing, or offshoring, is a term used to describe the practice of using cheap foreign labor to manufacture goods or provide services only to sell them back into the domestic marketplace. Today, many Americans are concerned about the issue of whether American multinational companies will continue to export jobs to cheap overseas labor markets. In the fall of 2003, the University of California-Berkeley showed that as many as 14 million American jobs were potentially at risk over the next decade. In 2004, the United States faced a half-trillion-dollar trade deficit, with a surplus in services. Opponents of offshoring claim that it takes jobs away from Americans, while also increasing the imbalance of trade. When foreign companies set up operations in America, they usually sell the products manufactured in the U. S. to American consumers. However, when U. S. companies outsource jobs to cheap overseas labor markets, they usually sell the goods they produce to Americans, rather than to the consumers in the country in which they are made. In 2004, the states of Illinois and Tennessee passed legislation aimed at limiting offshoring; in 2005, another 16 states considered bills that would limit state aid and tax breaks to firms that outsource abroad. Insourcing, on the other hand, is a term used to describe the practice of foreign companies employing U. S. workers. Foreign automakers are among the largest insourcers. Many non-U. S. auto manufacturers have built plants in the United States, thus ensuring access to American consumers. Auto manufacturers such as Toyota now make approximately one third of its profits from U. S. car sales. Social welfare organizations are similarly concerned about the actions of multinationals, which are presumably less interested in social matters in countries in which they maintain subsidiary operations. Environmental protection agencies are equally concerned about the activities of multinationals, which often maintain environmentally hazardous operations in countries with minimal environmental protection statutes. Finally, government agencies fear the growing power of multinationals, which once again can use the threat of removing their operations from a country to secure favorable regulation and legislation. All of these concerns are valid, and abuses have undoubtedly occurred, but many forces are also at work to keep multinational corporations from wielding unlimited power over even their own operations. Increased consumer awareness of environmental and social issues and the impact of commercial activity on social welfare and environmental quality have greatly influenced the actions of all corporations in recent years, and this trend shows every sign of continuing. Multinational corporations are constrained from moving their operations into areas with excessively low labor costs given the relative lack of skilled laborers available for work in such areas. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the modern consumer to the plight of individuals in countries with repressive governments mitigates the removal of multinational business operations to areas where legal protection of workers is minimal. Examples of consumer reaction to unpopular action by multinationals are plentiful, and include the outcry against the use of sweatshop labor by Nike and activism against operations by the Shell Oil Company in Nigeria and PepsiCo in Myanmar (formerly Burma) due to the repressive nature of the governments in those countries. Multinational corporations are also constrained by consumer attitudes in environmental matters. Environmental disasters such as those which occurred in Bhopal, India (the explosion of an unsafe chemical plant operated by Union Carbide, resulting in great loss of life in surrounding areas) and Prince William Sound, Alaska (the rupture of a single-hulled tanker, the Exxon Valdez, causing an environmental catastrophe) led to ceaseless bad publicity for the corporations involved and continue to serve as a reminder of the long-term cost in consumer approval of ignoring environmental, labor, and safety concerns. Similarly, consumer awareness of global issues lessens the power of multinational corporations in their dealings with government agencies. International conventions of governments are also able to regulate the activities of multinational corporations without fear of economic reprisal, with examples including the 1987 Montreal Protocol limiting global production and use of chlorofluorocarbons and the 1989 Basel Convention regulating the treatment of and trade in chemical wastes. In fact, despite worries over the impact of multinational corporations in environmentally sensitive and economically developing areas, the corporate social performance of multinationals has been surprisingly favorable to date. The activities of multinational corporations encourage technology transfer from the developed to the developing world, and the wages paid to multinational employees in developing countries are generally above the national average. When the actions of multinationals do cause a loss of jobs in a given country, it is often the case that another multinational will move into the resulting vacuum, with little net loss of jobs in the long run. Subsidiaries of multinationals are also likely to adhere to the corporate standard of environmental protection even if this is more stringent than the regulations in place in their country of operation, and so in most cases create less pollution than similar indigenous industries.