Far Electronic Signature Needs

In addition to traditional ink, Federal Acquisition Regulations permit the use of proper electronic signatures.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the document that regulates purchases and acquisitions by the federal government. At nearly 2,000 pages, the FAR sets out rules and procedures that federal agencies must follow in making purchases, and also establishes certain standards that must be followed by businesses seeking to qualify as federal suppliers.

The FAR permits the use of electronic signatures, and encourages electronic commerce whenever it is "practicable" or reduces costs.

FAR Signature Requirements

The FAR states that only a designated contract officer can sign and thereby execute a purchasing contract on behalf of the U.S. federal government.

Similarly, the contract requires the signature of the individual contractor, or an authorized officer of the counterparty. The FAR (Subpart 4.1) outlines the types of signatures required from different types of counterparties.

According to the FAR definition (Subpart 2.1): " 'Signature' or 'signed' means the discrete, verifiable symbol of an individual that, when affixed to a writing with the knowledge and consent of the individual, indicates a present intention to authenticate the writing. This includes electronic symbols."

Electronic signatures in the FAR

The FAR explicitly permits the use of electronic signatures, and more broadly encourages the use of e-commerce "whenever practicable or cost-effective." FAR Subpart 4.502 states that: "Agencies may accept electronic signatures and records in connection with Government contracts."

The FAR does not specify the technical characteristics that electronic signatures or digital signing certificates must bear. However, it does require that agencies using e-commerce processes must ensure that their systems maintain data confidentiality, and properly authenticate users and documents. Subpart 4.5 also makes reference to standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Other relevant regulations

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) was enacted in 2000, and helped standardize U.S. government policy regarding electronic signatures. The regulations can be read in their entirety in Title 15, Chapter 96 of the U.S. Code (15 USC Chapter 96).

ESIGN defines an electronic signature to mean: "an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record."

This is the meaning borne by the term 'electronic signature' throughout the FAR and in other U.S. federal laws.

NIST technical requirements

NIST's Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 186-3 (FIPS 186-3) of 2009 is the latest revision and elaboration of the specifications for the Digital Signature Standard (DSS), originally adopted in 1994 by the Department of Commerce and imposed government-wide.

The document is extremely detailed, and contains in-depth description and discussion of the mathematics and algorithms that underlie digital signature creation and security.

It is important to remember that while every "digital signature" is a form of electronic signature, there are valid electronic signatures that do not qualify as bona fide "digital signatures."

Secure An Invention

Great inventions start with a bright idea.

Securing your invention provides a foundation for your success. Protecting an idea must be done before anything else in order to ensure that you will get the credit that you deserve for your invention. A creation can be fully protected if done properly. Because the process can be long and costly, you should prepare proprietary secrecy agreements before proceeding to secure your invention or idea.

Instructions

1. Check the existing and pending patents. Even if your idea was formed completely in your own head, there is a chance that someone else formed the same idea too. The first step is to do a search to make sure that you are the first. There may be an existing or pending patent that is too similar to your own idea. If not, you can move forward.

2. Prepare proprietary secrecy agreements. Chances are that you're not going to keep your invention from absolutely everyone before the patent is secured. Because the patent will take some time, start with proprietary secrecy agreements. These are contracts that should be signed by those to whom you reveal your invention or idea. The contract is simple and straightforward, saying that the party cannot talk about your invention until it is made public. Have a specific time frame in mind when drawing up the contract.

3. Move forward with the patent process.

- Determine the kind of patent you need: utility, which protects the function of devices and processes; design, which has to do with the appearance; or plant, which covers plant varieties.

- Contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to obtain the paperwork you will need to fill out.

- Turn in the paperwork and pay the fee.

At this point patience is key. The patent process is not immediate--nowhere near it, in fact. It will most likely take more than three years to get your patent. But with your proprietary secrecy agreements, you can pitch your invention to businesses. So although you must wait for the patent, you can move forward with your invention.

Fair Trade Pros & Cons

Coffee is a popular fair trade product.

Fair trade started with a vision in the 1940 to equalize the rights of poverty-stricken communities abroad. Some U.S. and European organizations started selling their handicrafts and produce for a fair price in developed countries. In 1990, a fair trade labeling system was started, and charities worked closely with Fair Trade USA and Fair Trade of other countries. Modern fair trade protects growers and farm laborers of crops such as coffee, tea and cocoa from exploitation by multinationals and middlemen.

Better Living Conditions for Growers

One of the pros of the fair trade movement is the improvement in living standards and conditions of workers of small farms in coffee and tea growing regions. According to Fair Trade USA, influence from the Fair Trade involvement has improved communities with schools, rights for women, sound business knowledge, work safety procedures and much more. The communities are encouraged to be self sufficient.

Room for Improvement

Charles Cain from the Tea Retailer website explains that wealthy tea barons have taken advantage of the Fair Trade movement. According to BSR's article Child Labor Eradication in Nicaragua's Coffee Zones, there is a need for global intervention to protect children from exploitation. The Fair Trade movement has encouraged education for children. Fair Trade USA believes compulsory education for children to be vital for the progression of these countries; the literacy rate is increasing.

For The End User The Price Is Higher

Fair Trade coffee costs a little more than some other coffees that are non Fair Trade. This is due to the cost of labeling and administration costs. According to Fair Trade USA, which admits that consumers pay a little more for a cup of coffee, far more is going back to the grower and the community at large. Overall the extra cost of the coffee is still positive for Fair Trade, although some see the higher price as a negative.

Fair Trade Raises Cocoa Prices

According to Fair Trade Australia, the increase in cocoa prices and sponsored initiatives gives the producers a sweet deal; the extra money will finance farm improvement projects to help create a more sustainable future for many communities. While cocoa prices are high, the communities prosper. When the prices drop, the communities are protected by the minimum price floor.

Size of Fair Trade Farms

One of the disadvantages of Fair Trade for big business is the small scale largely organic farming which it promotes. While this is a positive for the environment, the small scale farming does not allow for larger-scale farming methods which attract business from bulk buyers. Larger buyers generally stay away from Fair Trade produce as they have less control over production methods and prices. This can be a disadvantage for the developing nation as a whole but does protect the small farmer from exploitation.

Worldwide Copyright Law

Copyright symbol as utilized by the Universal Copyright Convention.

International copyright law has been created through several treaties, allowing creators to have copyright protection in any of the countries that have signed the treaties. The treaties were created through several organizations, including the Berne Convention, the World Intellectual Property Organizations and the Universal Copyright Convention.

International Copyright Law

An international copyright that protects a work worldwide does not exist, says copyright.gov. However, if a person copyrights his work in a country that is a member to any of the international copyright conventions, then his copyright extends to any member country.

Berne Convention

The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works was modeled after the United States Copyright Act. The convention provides the categories of protected works and the rights granted to the creator, as well as translation rights because of the many languages used by member countries.

World Intellectual Property Organization

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) promotes cooperation among member countries in protecting copyrighted works. The WIPO Copyright Treaty provides digital copyright protection for computer software and digital databases.

Universal Copyright Convention

The Universal Copyright Convention or U.C.C. had 100 member countries in 2010. Member parties agreed that a universal copyright system would assure the further development of literature and the arts.

Increased Protections

International copyright law provides additional protections not yet included in United States copyright law, including granting a creator "moral rights" to his work, says WIPO. This means that a creator can control how others use his work.

Is Really A Quick Code Just Like A Routing Number

Routing numbers and SWIFT codes are different but serve similar purposes.

In today's world, moving money from one financial institution to another can be completed quickly and efficiently without even leaving the comfort of your home. However, since the plethora of banks throughout the world contains many with dangerously similar names, a uniform system of identification was developed. When individuals and organizations send money, it is imperative that the intended destination be unmistakably identified, hence the use of codes and other specialized identifying numbers.

What is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit numerical code used to identify a particular bank within the U.S. This number appears on the bottom of checks issued by that institution. The segments of the routing number can be used to identify Federal Reserve Banks and branch locations and act as a security component to verifying the legitimacy of paper checks and other negotiable instruments.

What is the Purpose of the Routing Number?

Routing numbers allow banks to properly identify other institutions whose account holders have written checks that ultimately were deposited at their own branch. This allows for accurate invoicing and the initiation of fund transfers. Additionally, routing numbers are used by the Automated Clearing House to facilitate direct deposit of payroll checks and the payment of bills when account holders utilize online services.

What is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT code is extremely similar in nature and purpose to a routing number, except its use is limited to international funds transfers. SWIFT codes consist of letters and numbers, the segments of which identify the bank name, country of origin and branch location.

What is the Purpose of the SWIFT Code?

SWIFT codes allow financial institutions to unmistakably identify one another when involved in international communications and fund transfers. Bank customers who wish to send money via international wire transfers must first obtain the SWIFT code of the foreign bank. The use of these codes prevents errors that could otherwise stem from institutions with extremely similar names.

Details On Diet Delivery Services

Facts on Diet Delivery Services

Diet delivery services cater to people who want to lose a few pounds, but don't want to shop for low-calorie foods. They package up healthy foods and deliver them directly to the doorstep of their customers. Most diet delivery services run on a weekly basis, and even deliver on the weekends. They work with a specific company (like Jenny Craig) and offer their customers the option of getting food only from that brand.

Features

Most diet delivery services have three distinct features: they deliver low-calorie, healthy food; they have counselors and dietitians who work with customers to reduce weight ; and they have a specific food plan, such as the Atkins diet or Raw Food diet.

Geography

It might surprise you to know that delivery services cater to a variety of geographic areas, and even overseas. From California to London, these services offer the delivery of custom dishes designed to help people lose weight.

Types

Diet delivery services differ in brand and food plans. They either focus on offering their customers low-calorie foods, specific diet plans or cooking styles. For example, Susan's Healthy Gourmet sells vegetarian dishes, while My New Form sells plans with calorie formats between 1,000 and 1,600 per day.

Benefits

The basic benefit of a diet delivery service is that it helps a dieter control what he puts into his mouth. Since the food is prepackaged, it takes away the guesswork and bad choices that many people make with food.

Famous Ties

Several celebrities have been associated with food delivery services for years. Besides showing how a certain brand of diet food works, they also draw in buyers. For example, Queen Latifah and Kirstie Alley are plus-size celebrities who have convinced thousands of people to lose weight and buy Jenny Craig products.

Fun Fact

Have you ever heard of Licious Living? They are an international diet delivery service that works with companies to bring lo-cal, delicious food to their employees.

Details Against Polluting Of The Environment Control

Burning of fossil fuel is a major cause of air pollution.

The 20th century is synonymous with industrialization as well as pollution. With the increase in industries, pollution jumped by leaps and bounds. So much so that today, humankind is faced with the biggest challenge ever, to undo the damage it has done to the environment. Early studies showed that pollution was increasing at a rate directly proportional to the industrialization rate. However, governments all over the world neglected such studies until they could no longer ignore the issue. Today, the issue of air pollution has reached great heights.

Basic Measures against Pollution

Many governments today, having understood the relationship between pollution and public health, have initiated different kinds of pollution control measures. Prime among these are reducing emissions from automobiles and harmful gas emissions from industries. Making pollution laws even more stringent is also on the agenda of most countries. However, all these measures do not seem enough to successfully combat this issue.

Reducing Air Pollution

No country can exist today in this materialistic world without industries. Unfortunately, every industry adds some pollutant to the environment. Instead of enforcing laws to make industries pollution-free, it simply lays down laws to regulate the level of harmful pollutants released into the environment. This is because governments are more concerned with the economic benefits of industries than implementing costlier mechanisms of pollution control.

Automobiles as a Source of Pollution

Automobile numbers are on the rise all over the world. India and China constitute the two largest populations on Earth. The number of automobiles plying the roads here are enormous to the point that any pollution control law is negated. Cleaner engines and low-emission kits can reduce the pollution produced by each automobile unit, but considering the large number of cars running worldwide, they do not do much good in cleaning up the environment.

Failure of Pollution Control Measures

A case study done on Mexico City, which is tagged "the most polluted city on Earth," shows that the strict pollution control strategies employed here have not removed the tag. Mexico City employs some of the most stringent control measures such as mandatory six-month car emission checks, a weekly one-day ban on personal vehicles, and it closes many manufacturing facilities on the most polluted of days. Regardless of all this, it is not able to remove air pollution. Hence pollution control can reduce but cannot remove pollution altogether.

Need of Removing Air Pollution

The call of the hour is a smart strategy or some kind of mechanism that can remove pollution altogether and not just control it to a limited extent. This is the only way that the environment can return to an equilibrium. Keeping in mind the importance of manufacturing units and other industries in this modern world, there needs to be strategies that can remove air pollution to ensure a healthy life for all human beings.

Details About Protein Bars

Protein bars are a dietary supplement used by bodybuilders and athletes to ensure adequate daily intake of protein. Supermarkets and health stores offer many protein bar options with different ingredients and flavors.

Definition

Protein bars are a nutritional supplement providing a high-protein, low-carbohydrate nutritional boost; athletes consume protein bars post-workout to boost the body's ability to build muscle. Protein bars also help meet the USDA daily recommended allowance for protein intake of 50 grams.

Ingredients

Commercial protein bars contain whey or soy protein. Natural ingredients include peanuts, oats, milk, eggs and sugar. Many are also coated in chocolate or yogurt to improve taste.

Nutrition

Nutritional values depend on ingredients, but most offer protein levels between 20 to 30 grams per bar, and are low in carbohydrates and calories.

Benefits

A protein bar offers an easy alternative to traditional, high-protein meals. For bodybuilders and athletes seeking to increase muscle size and definition, protein bars provide muscle-building proteins without added calories. Bars are more convenient than protein powders and shakes, which are often messy and time-consuming to prepare.

Popular Brands

Popular brands include Supreme Protein Bars, Detour Bars, Promax Bars and Optimum Protein Diet Bars.

Considerations

Protein bars often contain high levels of refined sugars and saturated fats and should be avoided as a meal substitute. According to the FDA, certain brands containing peanut products have been recalled due to Salmonella worries.

Details About Nike Sweatshops

Facts About Nike Sweatshops

Nike is one of the largest athletic shoe brands in the world. While the company sells millions of shoes and pieces of clothing each year, Nike does not produce any of these products. Instead, the company contracts with manufacturing facilities located throughout the world. Nearly 800,000 people work in these factories, located primarily in Asia. Since the 1990s, the company has been criticized for the working conditions and low wages at these factories, with many critics accusing the company of profiting from sweatshop labor. While Nike has made efforts to improve conditions, many rights groups still push for higher wages and greater change.

History

When Nike was founded in 1972, the company contracted with factories in Taiwan and South Korea to manufacturer shoes and related goods. Over the next two decades, workers in these countries successfully lobbied their governments to win improved wages and the right to form labor unions. Faced with these new challenges, Nike moved much of their production to countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where it is illegal for workers to organize, and where wage rates are some of the lowest in the world.

The Nike Campaign

By the 1990s, disturbing stories were coming from many of the Nike factories throughout the world. Some described child labor, wages well below the poverty level and forced overtime. Others told of physical abuse from factory overseers, exposure to dangerous chemicals and poor air quality. These stories drew the attention of human rights groups, which began to bring media attention to these stories, hoping that pressure from the public could bring about change. Groups such as Education for Justice, Global Exchange and Students Against Sweatshop Labor led the effort against Nike. It is important to understand that the use of sweatshops was not then, and is still not, something that only Nike engages in. While many shoe and apparel manufacturer's are accused of using sweatshops, human rights groups have focused their efforts on Nike, because of Nike's role as the sales leader in the industry. Groups like Global Exchange hope that by pressuring Nike to change, other companies will be motivated to change their own practices.

Worker Protests

Along with the campaigns of human right's groups, Nike began to see protests from the factory workers themselves. While Indonesia, China, and Vietnam all have minimum wage laws on the books, Nike had successfully appealed these wages with the governments of these countries year after year, allowing them to pay wages well below the minimum rate. Nike further circumvented wage laws by paying new employees an apprentice rate for several months into an employee's tenure. In April 1997, more than 10,000 workers from Nike's Indonesian factories went on strike to protest low and unpaid wages, while 1,300 workers in Vietnam went on strike hoping for a raise of one cent per hour. The next year, 3,000 Nike workers in China protested dangerous working conditions and low wages. All of these protests took place in spite of the fact that these sorts of worker strikes are illegal in these countries.

Nike Makes Improvements

As pressure from the public and human rights groups began to mount, Nike made efforts to improve working conditions for its contracted workers. In 1998, dangerous petroleum-based chemicals used in most factories were replaced by less harmful alternatives. In 1999, wages in the Indonesian factories were increased to rates higher than minimum wage. The company also agreed to allow random factory inspections from the Fair Labor Association, and to set up independent monitoring with both US and international organizations. Finally, Nike added its own on-staff team of nearly one hundred workers who are responsible for performing inspections of the company's partner factories. Inspectors must score the factory on factors ranging from employee safety to humane working conditions. They then meet with factory managers to address problems that were found.

New Standards

In 2002, Nike issued a company Code of Conduct to all its factories, regulating the conditions and safety requirements that work should be conducted by. The company's 2004 Responsibility Report established further health and labor standards, and described increased monitoring plans. This 2004 report was considered a major victory for workers and many human right's groups, because Nike included a full list of its factories and their addresses throughout the world. This has allowed for independent monitoring and investigations. While these were perceived as positive efforts on Nike's part, the human rights campaign against the company have not ended. According to the Educating for Justice group, between 50 and 100 percent of Nike factories require more working hours than those permitted by the Code of Conduct. In 25 to 50 percent of factories, workers are required to work 7 days a week, and in the same percentage of factories, workers are still paid less than the local minimum wage.

Details About Internet Ripoffs

Both businesses and individuals must be aware of online scams.

New Internet scams are always cropping up online. Many people have heard of online scams from foreign countries offering promises of monies or lottery winnings, yet some people unfortunately fall victim to less obvious online scams. There are new Internet scams and advanced criminal activity in regard to old scams as well. Here are some of the most recent facts about Internet scams, as reported by the Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3) Scam Alerts. The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).

Social Network Misspelling Scam

The IC3 discovered misspellings in 2010 of a social networking site used as a social engineering ploy. The misspelling occurred in the domain name of the site, redirecting users to coded websites that looked similar to the genuine website. Survey questions were put on the fraudulent site, prompting users to answer the questions, in exchange for free gifts.

How the Scam Worked

There were brand name items offered and retail store gift cards. The unaware users on the fake site would click on the free gift icon, and were then redirected to other websites supposedly offering these free gifts as compensation for completing the surveys. Users were asked to provide their name, address, phone numbers and email address.

Fake Online Receipt Generator

A new scam is targeting unsuspecting online marketplace sellers. The scam involves generating fake receipts, using an executable file called "Receipt Generator." This file has circulated on hacking forums, and primarily targets sellers at online marketplace websites.

Hard to Detect

The program was hard for sellers to detect as fraudulent, because it appeared to generate genuine marketplace receipts, with a copy of a printable order summary similar to documents that result from legitimate marketplace purchases. Sellers would print out the receipts without checking details, and provide their business information.

Malicious Code In Government Email

A malware compaign targeted government employees, because the malware was disguised as a holiday greeting from the White House. The recipient of the malware received an email with links to what appeared to be a holiday greeting card, but was in fact an information-stealing Trojan virus with a file labeled "card.exe."

How the Trojan Spread

The Trojan would disable the recipient's computer security notifications, firewall settings and future software updates for these settings. The malware installed into the computer's registry, which enabled the code to be executed during every computer reboot. This Trojan had a low detection rate of about 20%. Only nine antivirus companies out of 43 reported detection of the Trojan.

Details About Bananas Released From Mexico

Cavendish bananas represent most of the export market banana market in Mexico.

Familiar bananas grow in the tropical portions of Mexico. Bananas exported from Mexico can be described by their trade levels, trends, and importers.

Export Portion

The bulk of bananas grown in Mexico are consumed fresh locally. As discussed in the International Symposium on Bananas and Food Security, only 5 percent of the banana crop is exported from Mexico (118,000 tons in 1997).

Trends

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, bananas exported from Mexico declined by 75 percent over the 10-year period from 1994 to 2004.

Trade Issues

Bananas exported from Mexico and other Latin American countries were the subject of intense trade disputes where bananas were argued to be unfavorably taxed in Europe. In 2009, the World Trade Organization helped resolve the 18-year dispute.

Importers

Bananas exported from Mexico are imported mostly by the United States, but the share going to other nations has increased.

Type

According to "The New York Times," almost all exported bananas are one type, the Cavendish banana. The Cavendish banana represents the largest portion of bananas grown in Mexico.

Factors That Influence Ford Motors Operational Planning

Ford Motors manufactures millions of cars worldwide.

Ford, founded in 1903, offers automotive finance services, vehicle leasing and vehicle services. Known for manufacturing brands such as Aston Martin and Volvo, the company has worldwide clients. Ford steadily increases its product variety and develops new product features to meet customer standards and expectations. The factors affecting Ford's operational planning are mostly long term --- thus the need to assess its production and operations to survive in the industry.

Competition

Ford faces both domestic and international competition, which greatly influences its motor operational planning. Domestically, Ford faces competition mainly from General Motors and Toyota while internationally its main competitors are from China and Japan. Competitors' lowering their cost and raising their quality forces Ford to do the same to stay competitive in the market.

Politics

Political factors also influence the strategic planning of Ford motor since government laws and regulations are concerned with the production of more eco-friendly automobiles. Due to the environmental concerns, the industry has to abide with the regulations aimed at reducing the pollution levels. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy took effect in 1975, and Ford must abide with the existing regulations. Non-compliance attracts heavy fines, which prove costly to the company. These regulations also drive Ford to manufacture environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient cars. Governments in a bid to lower the unemployment rate discourage Ford Motors from fully automating its operation, which would otherwise take up local jobs.

Consumer Preferences

Consumer needs and tastes largely affect the operational planning of Ford Motors. Customers continually demand safer, better-quality vehicles at lower prices, which forces Ford Company to search for cheaper ways and means of production including outsourcing parts of its productions. The company constantly needs to adopt new methods and approaches to create unique, attractive automobiles that appeal to consumers.

Technology

Technological changes occurring worldwide call for technological changes within the Ford Motor Company. These changes apply to the assembly of automobiles to the modes of marketing. The company must adjust positively for production to counter the stiff worldwide competition in the automobile industry. The effect of automation increases the production rate and lowers the cost of production.

Fuel Prices

Increased fuel prices in the United States have largely affected all automotive manufacturers, including Ford. Ford's SUV customers seem to struggle with these prices, which encourages Ford to manufacture smaller cars that use less fuel. To gain more customers, Ford has manufactured hybrid vehicles such as the Mercury Milan and the Ford Escape.

Factors Affecting Currency Value

Currency values change daily, sometimes hourly.

When pennies were first minted using copper, the value of the penny was much higher than the value of the metal it was made from. By 1983, the United States began minting pennies made from zinc instead of copper, because the copper used to make a penny was worth more than the coin itself. In 2010, a single copper penny is worth approximately two-and-a-half cents. Certainly, this is because copper has become more valuable over time, but it is also an effect of money becoming less valuable. There are a number of reasons why currency changes in value.

Trade and Investment Balance

Economic analysts cite trade and investment balance as the largest influence on a currency's value. Trade balance is the difference between how much a country imports and exports; investment balance is the difference between how much a country invests in other countries and how much it is invested in by them.

Economy and Economic Theory

Whether or not an economy is in a growth or recession period is another large factor that affects the value of a currency. During periods of growth a currency raises in value, and in recessions the opposite is true. How much demand there is for a particular currency is also important, with a higher demand raising the value. And increase in money supply can bring the value down, as there is more supply than there is demand.

Government Policy

Politics plays an important part in a currency's worth, including budget deficits, geopolitical events, consumer tax cuts and entitlement programs. Countries, like corporations, keep a close watch on each other and how business is done. If a government has policies that weaken its economy or its control over the market, other governments will take notice. A government's national debt, budget deficit and debt default rate affects the nation's worldwide credit rating, and its currency is valued accordingly.

War

War brings about many changes, and affecting a nation's currency is one of them. War can stifle or stimulate an economy, affect policy and alter a government's perception of another nation.

Industy

A nation's manufacturing and service industries are important aspects of how a nation's currency is valued. Strong growth in manufacturing sectors will strengthen investors' resolve, while a manufacturing slowdown will make them wary. Also, manufacturing growth and shrinkage is a major employment indicator, and high employment rates equal strong currency because a government is guaranteed more taxes to run efficiently.

The Weather

Weather, too, can cause a currency's value to rise and fall. Weather that is too hot or cold can play havoc on crops, and unseasonal weather causes energy consumption to skyrocket. A nation's food and energy reserves are a major part of its economy, and large changes in those reserves alter the balance of trade. Finally, natural disasters create a strain on local economies, causing their currency to struggle as they spend furiously on rebuilding and relief programs.

Factors Affecting The Nigerian Forex Market

Nigerian foreign exchange market is influenced by a number of factors

Nigerian foreign exchange market refers to the interbank market for exchanging Nigerian national currency, the Nigerian naira. The market is closely monitored by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has a mandate "to preserve the value of the domestic currency." A number of factors cause the Nigerian naira to change its value.

Oil Prices

Oil prices constitute a major factor that affects the Nigerian foreign exchange market. Nigeria is a big oil exporter and oil revenues are the primary source of foreign exchange for the country. No wonder, that the exchange rate of the Nigerian naira is closely linked to world oil prices.

Political and Social Stability in Nigeria

Nigeria is a volatile country. It is about equally divided among Christians and Muslims, which makes it prone to religious strife. In addition, there are a number of rebel groups operating in Nigeria, especially in the delta of the river Niger. Political and social unrest in Nigeria is always likely and could have a huge impact on the country's exchange rate.

Central Bank Policy

Central Bank of Nigeria intervenes in the foreign exchange market from time to time to preserve the value of the domestic currency and keep markets orderly. However, the Nigerian Central Bank does not interfere in the foreign exchange market to the degree that some Asian central banks, notably China's, do.

Five Important Problems With Ethics & Social Responsibility Within The Proper Planning Process

Meetings improve the planning process at the strategic level.

Ethics refer to the fundamental principles of an individual or a group. Social responsibility is how a business performs its activities to meet its wider obligations toward the society and environment, such as by avoiding activities which may be harmful. Strategic planning is an essential preliminary step in the corporate world in which senior management defines the organization's strategy, direction and decision-making. Ethical values and social responsibility serve an important role in the strategic planning process.

Social Responsibility To the Stakeholders

Management must ensure that strategic decisions are reached after taking into account the possible impact on the stakeholders. Stakeholders are suppliers, customers, societies and anybody who is affected by the activities of the business. A socially responsible company treats stakeholders equally. Wider perspectives also have to be considered in terms of environmental and social impact of planned activities.

Transparency

Members of management should provide information transparently and honestly to help all involved discuss, debate and reach better decision-making. This enables the team to identify and monitor any potential risks which may arise and find an alternative solution. In terms of social responsibility, transparency also enhances the company's credibility toward its external stakeholders.

Independence

A management meeting provides an opportunity for management team members to raise concerns and come up with new ideas. It should be conducted in a professional and coherent manner and everyone should be independent in providing ideas without fear or hesitance as this helps improve the quality of the discussion and the decisions reached.

Respect

Members should respect others' opinions by giving them the opportunity to speak and by listening to their ideas with interest. Constructive comments develop more intellectual discussion but should be dealt with in a way which does not hurt the other members' feelings. Discussion in a friendly environment improves the relationship among the members, strengthens the strategic planning process and results in better decision-making.

Fairness and Truthfulness

During the planning process, the team should take a fair and truthful look at the possible risks and impact of decisions reached. These need to be thoroughly considered to maintain the welfare of the stakeholders such as employees and the society at large. Members should be truthful and frank in providing ideas and comments.

Exterior Audit Functions

External Audit Functions

External audits provide a third-party review of an organization's financial or business operations. These audits may be conducted by a public accounting firm, individual certified public accountant (CPA), compliance agency or a government entity. External audits may be used to ensure outside business stakeholders that the company is meeting its obligations to financial shareholders in the economic marketplace. Managers also use external audits to meet specific requirements from outside organizations or government agencies.

Financial

The external financial audit function is the most common type of external audit found in the business environment. This function covers a review of a company's internal controls, financial information work flow and information presented on the company's financial statements. External audits are usually conducted by public accounting firms or individual CPAs. Companies use this audit function to ensure their financial information is recorded according to national accounting standards and that no improprieties or material weaknesses exist in the company's accounting department.

Operational

Operational audits are used by companies to verify that each business department operates according to the company's standard operating procedures. External audits perform this function to ensure an honest and objective opinion is given regarding the company's operations. This objective opinion gives managers an idea how well the company is operating according to its standards if any changes need to be made to improve production output of the company.

Compliance

An external compliance audit may be conducted by a public accounting firm or third-party organization to ensure that the company is abiding by specific contractual agreements. A compliance audit may be needed so a company can maintain specific certification or professional licensure. Companies often face compliance audits from government agencies or professional organizations that certify a company's operations using a specific designation.

Investigative

Investigative external audits may be conducted if a company has engaged in unusual or suspicious activity. External investigative audits may be requested by shareholders, a watchdog group or government agency. Companies may also face an investigative audit if an employee "blows the whistle" on questionable company activities. While investigative audits may include specific financial or accounting operations, operation or compliance investigative audits may occur if the company has engaged in unethical or illegal behavior that may hurt consumers.

Follow-up

Companies that fail an initial external audit may be required to go through a remedial audit. A remedial external audit is used to ensure that a company has made corrections or altered its business operations to remain in compliance with specific business standards. Remedial audits are usually conducted after a certain time period has gone by in which the company is expected to make changes regarding the initial external audit requests.

Expository Writing Activities For K3

Teach young students to write about information through expository writing activities.

While it is important for kindergartners and early elementary students to learn creative writing techniques, it is equally as important for them to learn write about facts. Expository writing is a nonfiction writing style taught to young students to help them develop a technique for relaying information. Expository writing serves as a foundation for more comprehensive writing assignments, such as research papers, which will come much later in students' academic careers.

Description Activity

Teach kindergarteners and elementary students up to third grade about expository writing through a description activity. Have students select one object in the classroom to write about, such as the class hamster, the chalkboard, a lamp or a desk. Tell students that they must write down whole sentences that describe the object (or dictate them to you if they can't yet write). For instance, a student may write, "The chalkboard is green." Expect more detailed descriptions from second and third graders in this exercise. If a student gets stuck with only one or two sentences, help her discover more information about the object. Besides color, students should describe the size, shape, materials or smell of the object.

Tell About a Memory

For this expository writing exercise, have students describe a memory of something that they experienced. Memories can be, for example, of a place they traveled to with their parents on vacation, or of a time they went to the zoo and touched an animal. Provide students with writing prompts to help them include as many details as possible. Some helpful cues may be, "What did the location look like?" or "Who was there with you?" Kindergarteners and first graders may be able to write about or dictate the main ideas of the event. However, they may not remember details. Second and third graders should be able to recall details of the event, so hold them accountable for doing so in this expository writing activity.

Comparison Activity

Comparing and contrasting is a common expository writing theme that young students can have fun with. For kindergarteners up to third graders, prepare the activity by putting two dolls or stuffed animals at the front of the class. Have students come up and study the dolls or animals and try to remember the details. Then, direct the students to sit back down and write or dictate a comparison of the dolls or animals. Direct students to describe similarities as well as differences, in as much detail as possible. Students should provide thorough responses.

Little Travel Experts

Give students the task of writing an expository piece for tourists who are traveling to their city for the first time. Have students identify some of the activities that tourists should do, the places they should eat, the sights they should see, and the places where they should stay. This writing assignment should be rich with information, even if the information is basic.

Export Trade Associations

Export trade associations provide their member companies the latest industry information. In addition, these organizations act as advocates for their members and inform government agencies and politicians about what members need. Workers who join these organizations also have the opportunity to network with other professionals and keep their knowledge base current through educational events and conferences.

NEXCO

NEXCO is an international trade association that services the needs of professionals in the global trade industry such as importers, exporters, lawyers, accountants, bankers and freight forwarders. Members of the association benefit from a monthly seminar, which covers topics such as customs law, export compliance, trade statistics and international trade research. In addition, members of the organization receive a free listing in its directory.

NEXCO

P.O. Box 3949

Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163

877-291-4901

nexco.org/home.php

Small Business Exporters Association

The Small Business Exporters Association, also known as the SBEA, represents the needs of small and midsize exporters in the United States and promotes the growth of these companies. Members of the organization benefit from a number of networking opportunities, including monthly conferences and regular receptions. In addition, the SBEA Sponsors business support programs, and educational tutorials that are designed to give members information on industry trends and the laws that affect their businesses.

The SBEA also provides public policy services to its members. The organization advocates on behalf of exporters by informing government officials and members of regulatory agencies about member concerns and the issues that affect their businesses. In addition, the association also acts as the voice of its members in the courtroom and in the media.

Small Business Exporters Association

1156 15th St. N.W. Ste. 1100

Washington, DC 20005

sbea.org

American Association of Exporters and Importers

The American Association of Exporters and Importers, also known as the AAEI, was founded in 1921 and represents companies that are involved in, or impacted by, the trade industry. Members of the organization include businesses such as retailers, manufacturers and distributors. The association regularly engages the federal government on behalf of its members, by letting lawmakers know what issues are important to workers in the industry.

In addition, members of the association also benefit from conferences, seminars and online education events.

American Association of Exporters and Importers

1050 17th St. N.W. Ste. 810

Washington, DC 20036

202-857-8009

aaei.org

Explain Foreign exchange

The foreign exchange market facilitates international commerce in an increasingly globalized society.

FOREX is a contraction of the phrase "foreign exchange" and refers specifically to the international market for the sale and purchase of the world's currencies. The currency of a particular country has a specific value with respect to that of another country. The disparity in value between any two currencies is expressed by the exchange rate: the amount of one currency needed to buy one unit of another. Exchange rates have fluctuated on a daily basis since the 1970s and are a major trade concern for exporting countries. The FOREX market is also a source of speculation for investors seeking short-term trading opportunities with the potential for high profits.

History

The market for the exchange of the world's currencies and its effect on global economic relations came to the fore in 1944. The Bretton Woods Conference, which was convened to formulate a plan for international economic stability in the wake of World War II, instituted a system of specifically-fixed exchange rates. By 1971, the U.S. dollar moved away from the gold standard -- upon which this system was based -- and entered a fluid market in which its value was determined by international supply and demand. This "floating" model was adopted worldwide shortly thereafter, and remains the system by which currency is traded and exchange rates determined.

Exchange Rates

An exchange rate is the price of one unit of one currency in terms of another. For instance, if one U.K. pound sterling (GBP) is valued in the foreign exchange market at 1.5 U.S. dollars (USD), then the exchange rate would be written as 1.5 USD/GBP. This means that an individual who holds U.S. dollars and wishes to purchase f10 will have to pay $15.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Currency prices in the foreign exchange market are determined by supply and demand. As a truly global market, the foreign exchange market is open almost constantly. As a result, currency prices, or exchange rates, change from moment to moment according to the volume of currencies bought and sold at any given time. Exchange rates decline when large volumes of a currency are sold and vice versa. Similar to movements in stock prices, exchange rate movements are affected by natural disasters, international conflict, sociopolitical instability, as well as breaking news related to economic well-being.

FOREX and Global Trade

The foreign exchange market plays a pivotal role in the international economy where exports are concerned. The success of cross-border transactions are determined by the relative stability of the exchange rate between the currency of the exporter and that of the importing country. Even a slight unfavorable change in such an exchange rate can result in serious losses for an exporting country. This is because export prices are translated based on a market exchange rate which is prior to the actual exchange of the foreign payment.

Risks

As illustrated above, participants in the foreign exchange market assume a high level of risk whether their intentions are functional or purely speculative (i.e. day trading). Participants assume higher levels of risk the higher the amount of money they buy and sell. Speaking from a U. S. dollar point of view, this is because even the slightest change in an exchange rate can either cost or make thousands of dollars. Symptomatic of such risk, however, is the speculative opportunity to make astronomical profits in the foreign exchange market in a very short space of time.

Exclusions In Gdp Calculation

The extent of economic transactions and labor activity exceeds nominal GDP figures.

GDP, or gross domestic product, is a measure of a country's economic performance. You can calculate the GDP in three ways: summing up consumption, private investments, government purchases and net exports; summing up the income of all producers of the country; or calculating the value of all goods and services produced. All three approaches give the same result, disregarding, however, a number of significant sectors in the economy.

Voluntary Labor and Housework

Voluntary labor, such as fixing a friend's bike or helping your neighbor with the lawnmower, constitutes unpaid service provision and as such, it is not result in a worker earning a wage or a consumer buying a service -- it remains out of the GDP's scope. In a similar fashion, housework performed by members of the household is not included in the GDP, even though the same work, when performed by paid house cleaners, is.

Underground Economy

The underground economy is the sector that includes profitable illegal activities, such as human trafficking, illegal immigration, gambling, extortion and drug trade. Since offenders don't declare profits from such activities, they are excluded from the GDP calculation. Unreported earnings for the purpose of tax evasion are also included in this category. For example, a dentist who charges $400 for teeth whitening might agree on a lower cash payment with the client to avoid issuing a receipt and reporting the money as income.

Stocks and Bonds

The expenditure approach to calculating the gross domestic product includes purchasing products or services, as well as public and private investments: industrial purchases in new productive facilities and tools such as factories and trucks. Stocks and bonds, however, don't qualify as either consumer or capital goods, as they are purely financial transactions. Buying stocks is purchasing partial or full ownership of a company, but none of its products or services, while bonds are actually loans repayable at a later date.

Public and Private Transfer Payments

Transfer payments are transactions made not for the purpose of buying a product or service or making an investment, but to remain loyal to a formal or moral obligation. Hence, they are not included in the GDP. For example, the state does not grant benefits to the unemployed, low-income families and people with disabilities for the sake of production, but because of regulations regarding citizens' welfare. In addition, parents give children a sum of money because they achieved high grades as a token of appreciation and not because they received any services.

Illustration Of Customer Safety Policy

Signs posted help ensure customer safety.

Customer safety is important for all businesses. Customers must have a safe experience while making a purchase or while waiting for a service to be completed. Many types of safety policies can be put in place to ensure that customers are kept safe during a business transaction.

Place Signs

An adequate amount of signs around the store or work zone will show the potential risks while shopping or waiting for a service. The signs should be placed in areas that are easily seen by people, such as next to doorways. For example, retail stores that have sliding glass entry and exit doors should have signs mentioning to customers that the doors are automatic and may close on them if the sensor doesn't detect movement. Service repair shops should have signs placed in the waiting room stating that customers are not permitted to enter the service garage due to heavy machinery that is always in motion. These are just two examples of how signs can prevent simple accidents from occurring.

Fix Damages Quickly

A policy that should always be in effect for all businesses is to fix damages as quickly as possible so that customers are not injured while shopping or waiting for a service. Damages including water leaks, faulty electrical outlets, broken shelves and loose flooring are just some examples. Employees must write down the workplace damage and notify a manager as quickly as possible. The manager must try to fix the damage or call a certified handyman who is qualified to fix whatever damage may need repair. If the damage is not fixed, a customer can get injured and cost the company money though injuries and lawsuits.

Notify and Assist Customers During an Emergency

Customers should be the first ones out of the store or service area during an emergency, such as a fire. During an emergency, all employees should notify and assist customers out of the store in a safe, timely fashion. The store or service area should be checked throughout to ensure that no customers were left behind. Signs around doorways should identify emergency exits.

Use Tools to Prevent Accidents

Customers naturally shop around in many retail stores or wait patiently in service departments. Employees should use safety tools provided by the company to indirectly protect the customer from an accident or acknowledge that a spill has occurred in an aisle or foyer. Ladders should never be left open unattended. Leaving a ladder open may tempt a shopper or child to climb the ladder. The ladders should be closed when not in use and placed securely to the shelf with rubber straps specifically designed to hold ladders vertically upright. Yellow or orange caution cones should inform customers of a spill on the floor, with the cones placed in the center of the spill until it can be mopped up. These two policies will keep customers safe while shopping or waiting.

Assist Customers With Large and Heavy Items

Customers can be injured simply by lifting an object that is large and/or heavy. Retailers that sell heavy and large items, such as furniture or cookware, must have employees offer assistance with these items. At times, at least two employees are needed to lift bulkier items, such as a five-piece outdoor furniture set. Have employees walk around the store offering assistance to customers before customers make the attempt to lift heavier items themselves. With good employee teamwork, customers can be assisted without having to strain themselves by lifting heavy items. Customers should also be given shopping carts and hand trucks. For example, if a customer is seen walking around with a cookware set, an employee should offer a shopping cart to prevent the customer from having to carry such a heavy item.

Illustration Of An Individual Mission Statement

Personal mission statements provide daily guidance and focus on those values that are most important.

A personal mission statement is a written culmination of values, roles, objectives, and self-reflection and self-evaluation. It has the flexibility to change as you change and the ability to keep you focused when you travel down a path that is not acceptable to your own morals and values. Creating a personal mission statement is the first step to a life of success and satisfaction, and anybody with a little time can create one.

Values

Begin with values. Values are those characteristics most important to you. Example values include commitment, loyalty, duty, respect. To begin writing your personal mission statement, make a list of your top ten values and defines these as they apply to you. Here is a good example for a personal clarification statement for commitment:

Commitment:

I am committed to accomplishing my goals.

I am committed to my relationship with my wife and family.

I will always accomplish my personal tasks.

Roles

Next consider the roles that you play throughout your day-to-day life. Answer the question of "Who am I?" by first defining both your personal and professional occupations. Examples might include: I am a student, I am a husband, I am a teacher. As with values, write a statement for each occupation. It is important to identify who in your life may be related to this role. For instance, the role of son may be written as follows:

Role: Son

Key people related to this role: Parents.

Clarify: I will show my parents the respect they deserve. I will do my best to make them proud and remain involved in their lives.

Starting Point

Answering the question of "What one thing could I accomplish in my professional life to have the most positive impact?" and the same question for your personal life will provide a good starting point toward writing your final mission statement. For a teacher, one example of a professional starting point answer may read something like this:

Contribute to the development of childhood studies by writing a book that reflects on my own research and experience to provides parents with coping methods for developing slower readers.

Be, Do, Have

"What do I want to be when I grow up?" As important as this question was in the past, when writing a personal mission statement, it is still just as important. Make a list of traits that reflect the kind of person you would like to be, the things you would like to do in your life and the material objects that would reflect your accomplishments. Examples of "Be, Do, Have" include:

I would like to be driven, compassionate, hardworking.

I would like to travel to every continent, obtain my Ph.D., learn Spanish.

I would like to have five acres of land, a sailboat, a new house.

Evaluation

The difficult part of any personal mission statement is the honest self-evaluation that must take place prior to writing. In order to begin writing, take some time to reflect on your past and your accomplishments. These events will identify strengths and weaknesses. Use these for developing your final mission statement. For self-evaluation ask the following questions:

What have been some of my greatest moments of happiness and fulfillment?

What activities do I most enjoy and find most fulfilling in my professional life?

Ware are the activities of most worth in my personal life?

Example

Writing your personal mission statement takes time and a great deal of reflection. By following the steps above you will have a strong foundation from which to begin. Below is an example personal mission statement for you to consider:

I will live each day as if it were my last, building relationships that last a lifetime, focusing first on my marriage, second on my family and third on my friendships.

I live to create, build, nourish and grow. I will live life within the constraints that are acceptable to me. I will never live life under the control of values that are not acceptable to anyone but myself.

I will never fail in my mission to succeed.

I will never quit in my desire to achieve.

Ethics In The Industry Research Process

Ethical business research is honest and recorded transparently.

People conduct business research for a number of reasons dependent on the intentioned recipient of the research. For example, if the audience is the business' marketers, the research might include customer surveys or focus groups. Research for product development might have a scientific basis, and research for shareholders may include financial projections. No matter why it's conducted, ethical research must refrain from harming anyone during the process and it must be presented honestly.

Ethical Research Benchmarks

Ethical research benchmarks are the standards that business researchers check their work against as they progress through a research project. "Do no harm" is the most basic standard for everyone, not just business researchers, although researchers should be sure that both the process and the ramifications of their research do no harm. Building trust in business is a specific goal of ethical business researchers, the honesty of their work and integrity of their method help contribute to this ideal. Other research ethics benchmarks include business moral norms applied to research to create common research values.

Common Research Values

Responsibility is a core value of ethical business researchers; their primary responsibilities focus on adherence to other common research ethics. Aside from refraining from harm, ethical business researchers' top responsibility is honesty. A number of people rely on the research as a market guide or even for product safety reasons. Researchers can boost honesty with another research value, transparency. Transparency in research comes from documenting, and possibly publishing, every step of the research process.

Deviations from Acceptable Research Methods

Research deviations are considered unacceptable ethically but are within the law. Breaching the confidence of a business or individual involved in the research is a deviation. Failing to cite another's work when used for the research is a lapse in honesty. Other deviations may include poor record-keeping, failing to conduct research for an accepted amount of time and making unauthorized copies of company data. Failing to disclose financial interest in the company contracting the research is business specific research deviation; generally, it's considered unfair if the researcher owns more that $10,000 in stock in the company that contracts their research.

Research Misconduct

Research misconduct is both illegal and unethical. The government defines research miscount as "fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism." Unlike deviations from research methods, misconduct is always deliberate. A researcher doesn't accidentally commit research misconduct. Researchers also are obligated to report any witnessed acts of research misconduct.

Ethical Resolution Of Conflicts In Companies

Mediation should create an equitable but fair outcome.

In the workplace it is an unfortunate possibility that two employees will eventually have a serious disagreement, or an event will come to pass that creates a serious conflict between two or more workers. Because of this likelihood, it is important for employers to have mechanisms in place to ethically resolve these conflicts.

Necessity

Conflicts in the workplace can hurt productivity and a company's bottom line. If there is friction between employees, they will probably not work together as effectively as they did before the conflict arose. Additionally, conflict between employees can trigger office politics to create a tense office situation which hurts everyone's productivity. If the members of a workplace were chosen by recruiters and management because of their abilities and potential to contribute to the company, then resolving the issue is necessary to avoid losing one, or both of the employees.

Mediator Independence

While managers can try their hand at mediating small scale conflicts in a business, more serious disagreements are generally handled by professional mediators. These are individuals who are trained in ways to explore a problem in a non-judgmental way to find avenues for bringing the conflict to an amicable close. While their training is useful in and of itself, their independence from the office and any supervisory chain creates a mediation environment in which participants can trust that the mediator is truly free of bias from having any vested interests, be they personal or professional, in the conflict.

Respect

For a business conflict mediation to be ethical, and effective, it has to be conducted in a situation of mutual respect for both parties. Many times a sense of not having sufficient respect in the workplace is the core cause of the conflict in the first place. Not considering the concerns of one, or both, of the parties involved violates the ethical basis of mediation by seeking to help one side "win" the conflict, rather than resolving the core issues that are feeding the conflict.

Integrity of Process

Observing the ethical foundations of mediation is necessary to preserve the integrity of a company's conflict resolution process. If mediations are not conducted with respect for both parties, or by impartial mediators, then not only will they not resolve the conflicts they seek to tackle but employees will learn that the company doesn't have a viable system for managing conflict resolutions. This can lead to conflicts that continue to fester, hurt business productivity, and could lead to a company losing valuable employees that an ethical mediation program could have preserved.

Ethical Practices Of Economic Continuity Plans

When disaster strikes, a business continuity plan can help a business survive.

A Business Continuity Plan is a structured response plan that is to be activated in the event of an emergency that disrupts the basic functioning of an organization. These emergencies can be related to virus infestation of the computer system, terror attacks, outbreaks of disease or natural disasters of all kinds. The purpose of a BCP is to have a plan of action in place to maintain at least some aspects of business life under these conditions, and, more important, to get the organization back on track once the emergency has passed.

Ethical Approaches

There are several ways of conceptualizing ethical approaches in terms of BCPs. There are questions of natural rights, solidarity, openness and the inviolability of the individual. However, the interests of the institution as a whole and its recovery cannot be ignored. The idea of an ethical approach to a BCP is to balance the rights of the individual with the needs of the institution and those who depend upon it.

Privacy Rights

Depending on the nature of the institution, likely the main area of ethical concern is privacy. In the central field of protecting computers from virus infestation and then helping to eliminate such infestation once it has occurred, opens up private files to the eyes of those teams that are prepared to react to such an emergency. This would be particularly important at such places as hospitals, banks and detention centers. Therefore, it is clear that the emergency response teams must be trained and cleared as ethical agents when coming across private data.

Property Rights

In emergency scenarios, the property rights of the people involved are an extension of their rights to privacy. But in both cases, there is more than the mere response to a disaster, but the nature of the oversight to which such BCPs are to engage. In other words, the existence of a BCP, admitted by all as a necessity, can never be used as an excuse for job loss, privacy violation or cuts in pay or benefits. Implementing a BCP cannot be used as an excuse to increase surveillance or to deprive workers of certain civil liberties in non-essential areas that affect the privacy or property of others

Openness and Accountability

BCPs should maintain strong communications with those affected. This is especially the case in terms of health issues or political instability that affect the life of workers. At the same time, the accountability of response teams and those that they affect must also be made explicit and understood by all involved. The basic issue here is trust, something that experts in the field such as Ross E.G. Upshur, director of the Joint Center for Bioethics at the University of Toronto, take as central to any ethical approach to BCPs.

Solidarity

Texas A&M University researchers hold that solidarity among emergency teams and those that they are to help is central, and in fact, synthesize all the concerns above. The response teams are to take no authority above and beyond what is necessary to restore essential functioning of all relevant organizations. Such emergencies should bring workers and victims together, not splitting them apart due to issues of power. Solidarity assists in the recovery of an organization far more than functional dominance.

Ethical Issues In Marketing Ppt

Pro Poor Tourism money helps the needy.

In a civilized society, the needs of the poor are taken into account. The overall goal is to alleviate suffering. Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) is one of the ways to do this. Tourist money is spent in resorts and other facilities that hire the indigent and money is dispersed to a poor society. As with any business, PPT has its ethical concerns. Since the overriding goal is to help the poor, tourist money must not be squandered on unethical activities while pretending to help.

Truth in Advertising

As with any business, truth in advertising is always an ethical concern. While laws vary from country to country, the common theme is truth in advertising. A tourism company cannot tout that it is helping the poor when it actually is not. If word gets out that a company is unethical, the company is branded by the community and its business will fail.

Exploitation

According to the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), exploitation is a concern (see Reference 1). A big difference exists between helping a poor area, such as the shanty towns of Mumbai, and touring poor areas as a voyeur. The APPE states that a tourist may become a voyeur if his money is not spent on the poor, but rather on high-priced entertainment while looking at the poor. A marketing company must spend tourism money on the poor themselves and not market high-priced entertainment while pretending to help the poor.

Disparity of Medical Treatment

A type of tour gaining popularity is elective surgery tours. Elective surgeries such as breast enhancement are sometimes done in Third World nations due to the lesser costs there (see Reference 1). Many of the hospitals are privately-owned, with first class treatment and facilities. The ethical concern is that the local population does not have access to medical treatment, in effect being "locked out" of a private hospital. This creates a disparity of treatment, with the local poor being told that the hospital is only for those that can afford medical care.

Allocation of Funds

Allocation of funds is an ethical concern while marketing a tour. A marketing company cannot say tourism money is helping the poor when, in effect, it's helping itself to the funds. According to the Pro Poor Tourism Partnership, the goal is to maximize benefits to the indigent (see Reference 2).

Ethical Conflicts In Nursing

Nurses work closely with patients, patient's families and doctors.

Nurses are trained to focus on the health and sustained welfare of patients. A nurse may face an ethical conflict when limitations are placed on care by patient's family, a hospital or the patient himself. Ethical dilemmas are often particularly troublesome in a health care setting where decisions may mean the difference between life and death.

Different Values

Most nurses share certain common values, such as their respect for patient's needs, belief in high quality care and a sense of empathy with patients conditions. They can find these values challenged when patients, or patients' families, do not share these values. This can occur when poor families have to consider the cost of care over the health of a patient or abroad when they are working in areas that do not hold the same value of health they have. The distress nurses feel when confronted with this problem can damage their perception of their patients and lead to poor feelings about their work environment.

Different Standards

Nurses learn to uphold certain standards of care in their work. These standards include keeping their medical facility clean, well organized and free of outside contagions. Poor working conditions can challenge these standards and leave a nurse feeling undervalued or distressed. This can occur in poorer hospitals, if the facility cannot afford to uphold the nurse's standard of care, or abroad when forced to work in conditions that are suboptimal for patient health. This distress can leave nurses feeling like they are working against their own facility as much as they are working for their patient's health.

Different Conditions

Nurses, who work abroad, find themselves working under a system of health conditions very different from their native country. This may include restrictions on allowable care and countries or economic realities that impose limitations for some patients. While nurses at home have an established medical tradition they are familiar with and taught under, nurses working abroad face the differences between the medical traditions of their native country and the traditions of the region wherein they are working. This distress can leave them feeling helpless and unable to treat their patients in the manner they feel is right.

Resolution

A nurse must be able to address and resolve these ethical conflicts in order to perform their job and maintain their own values. The nurse must understand those decisions made beyond their control are not their responsibility and to take control of those decisions that are theirs to make. This involves accepting those differences and separating themselves from the responsibility of other people's decisions, while maintaining her own respect for her values and the responsibility that those individual values place on her.

What Goes On To Stock Whenever A Clients Are Acquired

What Happens to Stock When a Company Is Acquired?

With mergers and acquisitions always a preferred way for companies to increase in size, investors need to know what happens to their shares if the company they own stock in is acquired. Let's have a look at the various scenarios.

Getting Paid in Cash

One method of acquiring a company is for the company that's doing the buying to use cash. For example, ABC Inc. may offer $40 a share in cash to acquire XYZ Corp. The shareholders of XYZ get $40 for each of their shares, regardless of what they paid for the stock. The XYZ shareholders take their cash and their stock goes away when the acquisition is complete.

Taking Stock

Another way to execute acquisitions is to use stock. If ABC Inc. and XYZ Corp. are of comparable size, ABC would probably compensate XYZ shareholders by giving them one ABC share for each XYZ share they own. When the deal is completed, XYZ shareholders become ABC shareholders.

A Combination

It is also common to see acquisitions done with a combination of stock and cash. Using the previous example, ABC Inc. buying XYZ Corp. for $40 a share, ABC could offer $20 a share in cash and then a fraction of an ABC share for each XYZ share. The result is still the same. Once the deal is done, the XYZ shares go away and XYZ investors become ABC shareholders.

Ethical Behavior & Social Responsibility

Business ethics is really about social responsibility. There is no clear demarcation between the two concepts. The idea of a firm acting ethically within the market can be boiled down to the firm taking itself to be more than a profit-making machine. The firm should, basically, become a promoter of community enterprises, charitable giving and good labor relationships.

The Problem

In the context of the free market, business ethics and its social component seem extraneous. The very fact that the firm is providing a needed service at a cost the consumer is willing to pay is already an ethical relationship. The utilitarian ethics of Adam Smith and the entire free market tradition hold the market itself as a web of relationships of supply and demand. The ethical content of the market is found in the price, that is, the marker of equilibrium between the consumer and the firm. In essence, market ethics is based on the negotiation of buyer and seller in an environment of competition. The ethical behavior is something generated by this environment and, therefore, becomes a creator of social happiness and contentment.

The Issue

The existence of a free market and contractually negotiated prices does not guarantee a better life for all stakeholders. A firm is a part of a broader community, whether it likes it or not. The existence of competition can permit firms to offer shoddy products at below-market prices to take advantage of bad economic times and consumer insecurity. This is a market-permitted function --- because the consumer is voluntarily buying the stuff, after all --- but it is not an ethical function, because it takes advantages of consumers, who, in this case, are tightly constricted in their choices.

The Myth

Smith's famous model of supply and demand forcing a firm's ethical behavior exists only in a thought experiment called "perfect competition." It is a theoretical model and does not reflect the day-to-day relations of a firm and the surrounding community, including its own workers. One element of "perfect competition" is total information: All consumers have all the information they need to make informed choices. In the real world, consumers have --- at best --- partial and possibly distorted information. Consumption choices can be based on impulse, commercial manipulation, fads, social class or just to feel good for awhile. Firms can take advantage of these well-known noneconomic factors in consumption by holding that fashionable people "must" have a certain gadget. Firms, especially retail firms, are partially responsible for this noneconomic function in consumption that can prey on the weak, insecure and bored.

The Potential

Social responsibility in the free market revolves around treating consumers as subjects, not objects of manipulation. Advertising and retail manipulation are examples of treating consumers as objects who can be herded to a certain movie, buy the "right" pair of jeans or buy the "right" CD. The very structure of retail advertising revolves around just this sort of manipulation. To hide behind a purely theoretical idea of the "sovereign, rational consumer" making decisions solely based on economic rationality is a classic example of unethical behavior and the even worse justification.

Household Current Advantages & Disadvantages

Electricity

Electricity as a power source has been around since the end of the 19th century and has been generally accepted as a boon to society. Electricity as a power source in cars offers several advantages over standard petroleum-based fuels and electricity produced by household power sources (wind, solar, water) offers homeowners a greener solution as well as possible added income. However, half of electricity produced in the United States comes from coal-based plants that release many toxic byproducts into the environment.

Advantages of Electricity in Automobiles

Electric Car

Electricity as a power source has been around since the invention of the automobile, but only in the last years of the 20th century has electricity started to make headway against standard petroleum-based fuels. The benefit of electricity as a power source is the absence of toxic chemicals released into the air, as opposed to standard gasoline and diesel engines which release high amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Advantages of Home-Produced Electricity

Electric Meter

As alternative energy buzz continues to spread across the country, more and more individuals are investing in "green" energy producers, such as solar, wind and water energy to produce electricity for their cars and homes. And one benefit of these individual systems is a program known as net metering where individual home power sources are tied into local electric power plants. If, after the home owner has produced enough energy (through solar or wind, etc.) to power his or her home, there is excess electricity produced, the power company will buy the excess energy to be absorbed and used by other houses elsewhere. According to a recent study by the Edison Electric Institute in 2006, 40 states had already adopted some kind of net metering program and the number of households utilizing this program is growing day by day.

The Disadvantages of Mass Electricity Production

Coal Plants

People who use electricity as a power source are not necessarily helping the environment because half of the electricity produced in the United States comes from power plants fueled by coal. According to author Paul Tullis in the January/February 2010 issue of "Sierra," the Navajo Generating Station in Arizona, which is a coal-fired electric plant, "spew[s] mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and other substances that poison rivers and crops [...] throughout the Four Corners region," and release 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the air every year. Toxic pollution created by the Navajo station in one year is equivalent to the total annual emissions of 3 million cars.

Estate Auction Rules

Learn the rules of estate auctions.

Foreclosures and estate auctions can be enticing investment opportunities for both everyday buyers and serious real estate investors. Stories of great deals travel quickly. However, many consumers are also suspicious of estate auctions because of the "as is, where is" nature of most sales and unfamiliarity with the process.

Real Estate Auction Bids

Common real estate auction rules maintain that when a county sheriff or designee initiates an auction on a foreclosed property, the note holder may set the starting bid as the remaining balance on the mortgage loan. In a weak real estate market, auction rules permit the foreclosing party to set the starting bid lower if the property securing the loan is worth less than the remaining principal of the loan. If a foreclosed house fails to attract acceptable bids at a real estate auction, it may remain the property of the owner of the mortgage.

"As Is, Where Is"

There are typically three main conditions in any real estate sale at an estate auction. The first is the "as is, where is" nature of the sale. The buyer bids for the property in its current condition, regardless of various damages or hazards. This is both a risk and an opportunity for buyers. Damages can reduce the price of a property and the appeal to other bidders, but may be able to be repaired by the winning bidder at a later time for a relatively low cost.

No Contingencies

Most real estate sales at estate auctions have no financing contingencies. This means that bidders must have all the funding lined up for their purchase and cannot rely on mortgage contingencies to close the deal. This requirement makes it essential that bidders are able to pay for their purchase in full. If buyers initiate the payment process and later discover that their funding is not sufficient, they are typically unable to obtain refunds for payments already made.

No-nonsense Closings

Another third condition is the no-nonsense, 30-day close. Most auction sales must be closed within 30 days. If buyers cannot provide the funds by the end of the deadline, they typically lose their deposits. Many contracts also stipulate that bidders are eligible for additional damages. Typically, only the seller has the right to extend the deadline. This is not all bad, however. Quick closings are often a big attraction for investors, as they can avoid the lengthy negotiation and inspection stage.

Erp Tutorial

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an automated information system that integrates all departments within an enterprise. First developed by manufacturing companies, ERP systems generally use pre-packaged configurable software rather than proprietary software written by or for one enterprise. The goal of a team of ERP integration consultants will be to configure business processes using the ERP software that enable the enterprise client to adopt the best business practices embedded in the ERP system.

Marketing, Sales, Orders Modules

A typical sequence for this module would be to receive orders from customers, approve them and send the orders to material management for direct filling or to production for manufacture.

Production Control and Scheduling Modules

A typical sequence for the production module would receive the order from the order module, order production-related material from the inventory module and use the scheduler to assign human and machine assets to manufacture the product needed to fill the order. If the company makes products for stock as well, production will receive manufacture instructions from the inventory module as well.

Material Management and Inventory Modules

The inventory module will receive orders from the production module for material required for the production process. After it ships the required material to production, it will adjust the on-hand balance. When the on-hand falls below the order point, it will reorder from the company's suppliers. The inventory module will also carry any finished goods made for stock, as opposed to those made to order. When finished goods inventories fall below minimum, the module will send a production order to the production control module.

Financial and Accounting Modules

Accounts receivables tracks customer sales from the sales module and posts them automatically to the general ledger. Accounts receivables also analyzes customer behavior with regards to aging receivables. Accounts payable records account postings generated from vendor purchasing recorded by the material management module. The asset accounting module manages fixed assets for the purpose of depreciation.

Funds management enables company staff to set budgets for expenses and revenues as well as track them by cost center. The general ledger posts all accounting transactions. There may also be special purpose ledgers established for reporting purposes using data gathered from the other accounting and finance modules.

Cost Control Module

The cost control module extracts information pertinent to the costs and revenue for the enterprise from the financial and accounting modules and the general ledger. The cost control module has the ability to assign any and all departments as cost centers, as well as those individuals responsible for critical business and functional areas, such as Purchasing, Marketing, Human Resources, Facilities, Finance, Information Systems, Legal, Administrative Support, Shipping and Receiving and Quality Control. This module assists senior management identify costs associated with manufacturing various products and weed out unprofitable parts of the enterprise.

The cost control module has other ways to look at both profitability and costs. It can assign profit centers to analyze their profitability (or lack of it). It can also assign costs to activities using activity-based costing to provide a cross-functional view of profitability for those activities that span more than one work unit. This ability to enable an organization to identify its most profitable activities--and thereby help it determine its core business--is the real value of ERP. It explains why these systems have become so widely used in the last few decades.

Air Patent Process

Before Applying

The idea for the European Patent Convention was created in 1949, but was not perfected and spread throughout Europe until the late 1970's. Every year since then, new countries are adapting to the policies of the EPC. The European Patent Convention is an organized legal system to grant European patents. While there is no single European-wide Patent organization, approximately 40 countries throughout Europe follow the European Patent Convention. Make sure that the company you live in is under the European Patent Convention. If they're not, you'll need to go through your countries specific Patent program.

Application and Filing

To apply for a patent, several forms must be filled out. These forms may be filled out in any language, but if they are not filled out in English, French or German, a translated copy will need to be included. The forms filled out will depend on the specific patent you are trying to obtain and it is important to contact the patent office directly to learn everything that you will need. Applications may be submitted at the European Patent headquarters in Munich or sub-offices in Berlin or Rijswijk, Netherlands. Most people apply for their patents through the easy to follow online process. The online process will ensure that you have all required documentation, which is preferred to filing in person, where you will be required to leave and come back if you do not have all necessary paperwork. The European Patent Office website provides a patent filing program that people may download right onto their home computer. Once the application is filled out, the EPO will go through the process of filing it. This is done to ensure that all required paperwork has been submitted and is filled out completely. The EPO has 2 months to contact the inventor and make them aware of any missing documents.

Thorough Examination

After all paperwork is filled and processed, a thorough examination is done to see if the claimed invention meets the requirements of the European Patent. The EPO checks to make sure that there are no other inventions already in the patent system that match up directly with the claimed invention. Once the search report is completed, the application is published and the inventor will need to pay all fees. These fees vary from each country, so it is important to check with your home residence to see what fee you will be required to pay.

Grant of a Patent

As a final step, the European Patent Convention reviews the application and the invention one more time to make sure it meets all of the requirements of the EPO. If the group decides that the claimed invention can be patented, it is published on the European Patent Bulletin. The patent is in effect on the date of publication, as long as all fees have been processed. After the invention is published, other states and countries have a specific time frame to review the patented invention and make sure there are no problems with the granted patent. If there is, the country is allowed to contact the European Patent Convention for an appeals process.

Design Training Evaluation Forms

As a trainer, you must have your students evaluate each training session to ensure it is providing what the students need and to ensure continuous improvement for them. When designing the training evaluation forms, include a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions have multiple-choice answers, usually on a scale of good to bad or satisfactory to unsatisfactory. Open-ended questions allow the student to fill in the blanks and provide a more detailed answer. The trainer should supply the name of the course and the instructor at the top of each form before providing the evaluations to students.

Instructions

1. List questions regarding the instructor's methods in the first section. Ask about the instructor's preparedness, method of delivery, willingness to answer students' questions and clarity in relaying the information. The answers in this section are multiple choice.

2. List questions regarding the content of the course in the next section. Ask whether the material was relevant, up to date and appropriate for the participants and the goals of the training session. The answers in this section are multiple choice.

3. List questions regarding the learning environment next. Ask about the room, including the tables or desks and the seating, the temperature and any distractions students may have encountered in the training area. The answers in this section are multiple choice.

4. Determine how students will use the information provided in the training session in the next session. Ask what they learned from the training and how they plan to apply it to their jobs. This question is open-ended, encouraging students to provide details.

5. Ask for suggestions in the last section. Encourage students to note areas that need improvement as well as ideas or requests for future courses. Provide sufficient space in this open-ended question for students to provide their feedback.