...Singapore is a country with a very large population, but with similar views on many items throughout their culture and society. In order to understand the culture of the country better, a few aspects need to be discussed further. The first, and most important aspect, is their attitudes and beliefs. The next would be their religion and material culture. The last ones to review would be their language, organization of society, and their level of economic development. By investigating these aspects of Singapore further, one can understand the culture of the country better. The most important aspect of a culture can arguably be their attitudes and beliefs. These can be found by using Hofstede’s dimensions of culture. The first dimension would be power distance. Power distance means how a country accepts that power in institutions is distributed unequally among individuals. Singapore ranked 13th out of 53 countries studies, whereas the USA ranked 38th. Part of the reason Singapore rates power distance so high is because of Confucian teaching. This type of teaching reinforces that people are unequal in rank, and interactions among them strengthens this inequality. To question authority is almost unthinkable in this society. The next dimension to review would be collectivism-individualism. This is the extent that a society operates as individuals or with their families, or a network where people work as in-groups or out-groups. In Hofstede’s survey, Singapore ranked...
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...I. Demographics of Morocco Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is situated on the northwestern corner of Africa. It is the 39th largest country in the world with a population of 34,377,611, as estimated on December 31st, 2015. In 2015, the natural growth was positive, and we could forecast that Morocco’s population growth will continue at around 1.05% annual rate, reaching about 36.4 million by 2020 (Worldometers, 2015). Morocco is a demographically young country with 27% of its population under the age of 15, 18% between the ages of 15 and 24, 42% between 25 and 54 years old, 7% between the ages of 55 and 64, and just 6% of its population over 65 years. This large share of young population provides great opportunities for Morocco to develop its emerging industries by using advanced technology and skills (World Population Review, 2015). While the rise of a new business has been happening in Morocco, the population living below the poverty line remains high at 12%. It means that four million out of Morocco's 33 million people live below the poverty line, and almost three million of them in rural areas. As Figure 1 shows, Morocco has the highest Gini Index, 40.9, among the North African countries. The household income of the poor people accounts for only 2.7% of the country’s wealth, while the rich people have 33.2% of the country’s wealth (Central Intelligence Agency, 2007). The distribution of wealth in Morocco is manifested through the obvious gap between the upper...
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...Walmart bribery case Walmart is one of the world leading company in retail business. Walmart recently tried to expand their business in India. They have a 50-50 joint venture with Bharti Enterprises. One of todays headline is about Walmarts bribery investigation. Along with Mexico, India is also a part of this case. Walmart has suspended many executives and also delayed in opening many stores because of this case. This retail giant came to this country at a sensitive time because Indian policy makers recently allowed foreign companies to open their stores in the country. Indian policy makers said that companies like Walmart could directly enter the retail business with a local partner as long as they did not own more than 51% of business. In a separate inquiry, Indian authorities are looking into whether Wal-Mart violated foreign investment rules by giving Bharti Retail an interest-free loan of $100 million that would later convert into a controlling stake in that company. Both companies have maintained that they did not violate Indian investment regulations. On Thursday and Friday opposition party lawmakers disrupted the first days of the winter session in parliament. They demaded that the government should have a debate and vote on the change in retail policy which was turned down. The latest developments in Wal-Mart’s internal investigation can strongly say that the opposition has their hand in this because Indian policy makers are already struggling to recover from...
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...(713) 555-9781 September 18, 2012 M-Global, Inc. 12 Post Street Houston TX 79224 ATTENTION: Mr. Wilkinson, CEO INDIA STUDY HCC 200 COLLEGE DRIVE WELDON, NC 27890 Introductory Summary You recently asked me to investigate India for the possibility of opening a branch overseas. I have researched India and came to the conclusion that it would be a great location to open a branch of the M-Global Corporation. There are many reasons why outsourcing to India is good for our business. This report presents the reasoning behind my decision. Economy Since the early 90’s India has opened its economy, and allows foreign investment in most industries. Over the last 25 years the Indian economy has had an annual 6% GDP growth. This is only second behind China. Starting as one of the least developed countries, India has emerged as a global player in many industries. India has no barriers to the entry of foreigners, and it is easy to get a visa to enter the country. However, due to historical enmity, entry from Pakistan is monitored, and can create hassles for a western traveler. Beliefs Most Indians enjoy good conversation. They sometimes ask questions which can be seen as too personal and intrusive. However, most of the time they are just trying to be friendly. Indians seldom express their disagreement in a direct manner. Open disagreement can be seen as hostile or aggressive. Indians are open to just about any topics of conversation. Although Indians...
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...Competition Scenario in Bangladesh (Draft) Prepared for CUTS-International Prepared By Bangladesh Enterprise Institute July 2005 B A N G L A D E S H E N T E R P R I S E I N S T I T U T E [ Table of Contents CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ………………………. 1 I.1. Geographical Location ………………………. 2 I.2. Structure of GDP ………………………. 3 I.3. Economic policies ………………………. 4 A. Trade policy ………………………. 5 B. Industrial Policy ………………………. 6 C. Foreign Direct Investment Regime ………………………. 7 D. Privatization Policy ………………………. 8 E. Government Procurement Policy ………………………. 9 F. Labour Policy ………………………. 10 G. Competition Policy ………………………. 11 CHAPTER II NATURE OF MARKET/COMPETITION ………………………. 12 II.1 Agriculture ………………………. 13 II.2. Manufacturing ………………………. 14 II.2.1 Pharmaceutical Sector ………………………. 15 II.2.2 Toiletries Sector ………………………. 16 II.2.3 Tobacco Sector ………………………. 17 II.3 Financial Services ………………………. 18 II.4 Power ………………………. 19 II.5 Telecommunications ………………………. 20 II.6 Transportation ………………………. 21 II.7 Health Services ………………………. 22 CHAPTER III SECTORAL POLICIES ………………………. 23 III.1 Financial Services ………………………. 24 III.2 Power ………………………. 25 III.3 Telecommunications ………………………. 26 III.4 Transportation...
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...Brazil – Country Report Introduction The country has been expanding its presence in international financial and commodities markets, and is one of a group of four emerging economies called the BRIC countries. Although struggling with social inequality and infrastructural deficits we think that Brazil is already a great world power. Also what attracted us to Brazil as a case study for this report is it’s exotic character. Not many people really know the extent of Brazil’s recent growth and improvements in social security and in overcoming poverty. We expect the labor force and operational costs to be low, like in the other emerging countries like China. However we take in to consideration higher costs involving security and bureaucracy. Chapter 1 – Short presentation of the country The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in both South America and the Latin America Region. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population, with over 193 million people. It is the largest Lusophone country in the world, and the only one in the Americas. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 km. It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French overseas region of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos form part of Brazilian territory, such as Fernando...
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...Spain Country Report Feb. 14, 2013 Doing business in a foreign Country can be a very difficult thing to do if you are not familiar with proper business etiquette in the Country in which you are doing business. It also helps to have a good understanding of family life and the culture, ad well as social customs in the new country. This report will tell you, our valued employee’s, how to be successful in Spain, the home of our newest expansion branch. The figure to the left shows the current trends in the unemployment rates in Spain compared to the US, Portugal, and the UK. It is very important with the constant rise in unemployment in Spain that you go to the new branch prepared and therefore everything in this report should be considered important. Business Etiquette The first thing that you need to know when doing business in Spain is how to properly introduce yourself in a business setting. The most common and accepted way to professionally introduce yourself in a business setting in Spain is with a firm handshake with direct eye contact being kept throughout the gesture. Men should wait for women to extend an offer to shake hands if she wishes. When verbally addressing people in the business setting “Try to address people by their title and last name until invited to do otherwise.” (Coleman, 2011) For people in Spain, calling them by their title and last name is a sign of respect and this will go along way with them. These are two small things that will gain you the...
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...Country Report Worksheet Using the CIA World Factbook, discover the following information about the country you drew. Each of these countries is a “hot spot” in today’s current events. Next, create a PowerPoint presentation with your findings. Pending time, you will present your PowerPoint to the class (we’ll draw names each class to see who will present that day). Name of Country I. Demographics - Compare your selected country with the United States Country United States Population: Infant Mortality Rate: Life Expectancy: Literacy Rate: HIV/AIDS Rate: II. Geography and Climate Area: Area Comparative (about the size of what American state?): Neighboring Countries: Climate: Terrain: III. Government Head of State: Head of Government: Legislative Body: IV. Economics Per capita GDP (This means the average amount that the country produces per citizen) $ _____ % Of Workforce involved in Agriculture: Industry: Services: Development Status (Do you think this country is developed, undeveloped, or in-between. Say why.) ____________ ________ _____________ V. Culture List the major language or languages (and percentages if available): 1. 3. 2. 4. List the major religions (and percentages if available): 1. 3. 2. 4. VI. History - List at least four important dates for this country, and why they are important. Date Why It Is Important 1. _____________ ...
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...COUNTRY REPORT SPAIN Submitted to: Dr. Fritz Rieger. Submitted by: Sai Krishna Gumparla. Student No: 103943448. Section: 03 Date of Submission: 10 July 2013. Spain, Span. España āspäˈnyä, officially Kingdom of Spain , the 13th-largest economy in the world, the fifth-largest in the European Union, and the fourth-largest in the Euro zone, based on nominal GDP comparison is a constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 40,341,000), 194,884 sq mi (504,750 sq km), including the Balearic and Canary islands, SW Europe. It consists of the Spanish mainland (190,190 sq mi/492,592 sq km), which occupies the major part of the Iberian Peninsula; of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea; and of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Ruler: King Juan Carlos I (1975) Prime Minister: Mariano Rajoy (2011) Land area: 192,819 sq mi (499,401 sq km) Total area: 194,896 sq mi (504,782 sq km) Population (2012 est.): 47,042,984 (growth rate: 0.654%) Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Madrid, 7,254,321 (metro. area) Other large cities: Barcelona, 1,621,537; Valencia, 814,208; Seville, 703,206 Monetary unit: Euro (formerly peseta) GDP: 1.477 trillion USD Unemployment: 25.1% Inflation (CPI): 3.1% CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT: Overview Situated in south-western Europe, Spain's geographical diversity encompasses landscapes that range from deserts and coastal beaches to snow-covered mountains. Present-day Spanish culture, deeply rooted in tradition, has been carved by the many outside influences the...
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...London Country Report Table of Contents I. London Country Profile……………………………………..pgs 3 to 10 II. Economic Profile of Rome Q2- 2008………………………pgs 10 to 12 A. Commercial Lease Standards…………………………..pg 12 B. Real Estate Taxation………………………………….....pg 12 and 13 III. Real estate Ownership Laws and Contract Agreements…pgs 13 to 16 IV. Tax Obligations Arising from Real Estate Ownership…...pgs 16 to 18 V. The Real Estate Sales Process……………………………...pgs 19 to 22 VI. Due Diligence Process and Documentation………………..pgs 22 to 24 VII. London Capital Markets Q1 - 2008………………………...pgs 25 to 31 C. Residential Lending and Funding……………………....pg 31 D. Mortgage Regulations……………………………………pg 32 VIII. London Real Estate Investment Funds (REIFs)……………pgs 32 to 35 IX. Conclusion: Invest or Not?.....................................................pg 36 Works Cited …………………………………………………pg 37 London Country Profile Area: 607 Sq. miles (1,572 km²) Population: 8.308 million People: Most population in London is younger than the United Kingdom. There are almost 2/3 of Londoners that are in the age 44 and younger, which would, equivalent to 63%; more than half. Life expectancy: men (79.3), women (83.5) Language(s): London has the most number of community languages that are spoken in Europe. There are 300 languages spoken in London. The most common are as follow: Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin most common...
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...Country Report; Mexico Eric D. Crivello 09/11/2011 City University of Seattle Abstract This paper is examining the decision of Guitar Center to begin opening franchises in the country of Mexico. The following pages examine the cultural, legal and economic issues that are associated with such a decision, detailing the current situation in Mexico and considerations that an organization such a Guitar Center must be aware of. Overall, the purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with some insight into the specific details that a firm like Guitar Center must take into consideration when deciding whether to move into Mexico or some other emerging market nation when planning on internationalizing their business operations. Country Report; Mexico The country of Mexico seems like a convenient choice for any firm considering nationalization. The United States shares a border with Mexico, so they are a lot closer than most other countries that could be considered. They are bound to the North American free trade agreement (NAFTA), which allows U.S. firms to export to Mexico or set up operations within their borders without penalty of high tariffs or other forms of import taxes when bringing products back to the U.S. They are also a democratic country and they have a stable government with a fairly strong economy. Yes, there are a lot of positives when considering expanding operations to Mexico, however there are also some negatives that firms must take into consideration...
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...Trade Advantage 3.2 Trade Deficit 4. Long Run Factors affecting Economy 4.1 Politics 4.2 Education 4.3 Corruption 4.4 Population 4.5 Health 5. Monetary Policy and Inflation 5.1 Exchange Rates 5.2 Inflation 6. Labour Market and Unemployment 7. Conclusion 8. Bibliography 1. Background Portugal joined European Union in 1986 and the euro zone in 2002. It is a developed country and has a very high human development index with the current world ranking of 41. Human Development Index is a composite statistic used to rank countries by level of “human development” measured in terms life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living in a country. However, in 2011, the country was hit by a sovereign debt crisis and is now under the bailout programme via the European Union – International Monetary Bailout Fund. As the country is under euro debt, the market pressure will continue to keep the state volatile. 2. Measuring Economic Activity 2.1 GDP Exhibit 2.0 Portugal using euro as of 1 January 2002, accompanied by another 11 other European Union nations. Since it started using euro, Portugal’s economy has grown at an annual average rate of 1%, compared with 1.4% in the euro area (exhibit 2.1). In 2011, as a result of market detoriation...
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...Country Project 1: Mali Table of Contents……………………………………...……………… pg. 2 Introduction…………………………………………………………………pg.3 Country Specific Drivers Gold export // Mali - Mining ………………………………………....pg. 3-4 Mali – Computers and Electronics ………………………………… pg. 5 Mali – Banking System ……………………………………………...pg. 6 The Energy Sector (oil, coal, etc.)..........................................................pg. 6-7 Manufacturing….................................................................................. pg. 8 Mali - Transportation ………………………..…………….…………. pg. 9 Mali – Best Prospect Overview …………………….……………… pg. 10-11 Bibliography …………………………………………...……………….. pg. 12 Introduction The Republic of Mali is a landlocked country, and is located in Western Africa. It shares its borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and the Cote d'Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. Mali covers an area of 478,839 square miles and is the 24th-largest country in the world. It has an estimated population of 14,517,176 (2014) Bamako is the capital of Mali. It is considered the fastest-growing city in Africa and the sixth-fastest growing city in the world. It gets its name from the Bambara language, meaning "crocodile river". With a course that stretches more than 2,600 miles, the Niger River is the principal river in western Africa,...
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...Westminster International University in Tashkent Level 4: Economics Empirical - Brief Country Report 2012 - 2013 COURSEWORK 2 (Word count 1761) To be completed by the student Student’s ID number | 00001992 | Module name | Economics | Module code | BUZE400 | Tutor | Azim Raimbaev | Individual assignment | | Group assignment | | Submission deadline | 25.03.13 | I certify that all material in this coursework which is not my own work has been acknowledged and I am fully aware of the consequences of plagiarism. Signed | For Academic Registrar use only | Outline Introduction 3 I. Analyses of Key Macroeconomic Indicators 3 1. Growth Rate 4 2. Productivity growth 5 3. Output Gap 6 4. Unemployment Rate 6 5. Inflation Rate 8 6. Trade 8 II. Interrelationships between key macroeconomic indicators 9 1. Growth and Unemployment, Okun's Law 9 2. Inflation-Unemployment Tradeoffs, the Philip curve 10 Conclusion 11 Bibliography 11 Introduction Over the years a great deal of works have been devoted to improve the economic performance of one of the sub-Saharan African country, located in the territory of Northern Rhodesia, Zambia. The country gained independence from the British in 1964, and started to operate and be counted as a separate economy. This empirical study analyses the available annual data on key macroeconomic indicators of Zambia for the period from 2000 to 2012 years, and explains the interrelation between these indicators...
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...December 2011 Mini Country Report/Romania under Specific Contract for the Integration of INNO Policy TrendChart with ERAWATCH (2011-2012) Mini Country Report Thematic Report 2011 under Specific Contract for the Integration of INNO Policy TrendChart with ERAWATCH (2011-2012) December 2011 Author: Marina Ranga, Stanford University Table of Contents Preface ii Executive Summary iii 1. Innovation policy trends 1 1.1 Trends and key challenges for innovation policy 1 1.2 Innovation governance 7 1.3 Recent changes in the innovation policy mix 12 1.4 Internationalisation of innovation policies 15 1.5 Evidence on effectiveness of innovation policy 16 2. Innovation policy budgets – an overview 19 2.1 Trends in funding of innovation measures 19 2.2 Departmental and implementing agency budgets for innovation policies 2 1 2.3 Future challenges for funding of innovation policy 22 3. Thematic report: Demand-side innovation policies 23 3.1 Trends in the use of demand-side innovation policies 24 3.2 Governance challenges 30 3.3 Recent demand-side innovation policy measures 3 1 3.3.1 Sectoral specificities 3 1 3.3.2 Good practice case 3 1 Appendix A : Plan to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of RDI expenditure (Summary of provisions) 32 Appendix B : Recommendations of World Bank’s Functional Review for the reform of the Romanian RDI...
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