The Italian Bond Spread Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Italian Bond Spread - Essay Example From 2008, Italian banks survived and prevented abrupt losses using the traditional business model and limited support from the government (International Monetary Fund, IMF, 2011). But the Greek and Irish crises increased the bond spread for most EU countries, causing a decline in government securities’ value and higher risks of investments on the affected countries. Aside from the European and worldwide economic crisis, Italy suffered from other internal problems such as economic and political systems, like economic fragmentation and the people’s lack of trust in national politics (Bastasin, 2012). In addition, reports of both the Left and Right government coalitions’ inability to create long-term solutions while creating counter-productive reforms and programs did not stop the economic crises’ effects, serving only a few sectors of the government and not all Italian people (Cline & Wolff, 2012). Other issues in Italy affected the people’s economic perception like over-reliance on non-permanent government work contracts, devaluation of some public services like health services and educational institutions, people’s deterrence from spending, and the increasing unemployment rates from the lack of support for small and medium-sized firms (Di Quirico, 2010). Also, the previous administration’s problems decreased the standing of the country such as the former prime minister’s non-incarceration from numerous filed cases, creation of self-serving policies and laws, and questionable ownership of majority of national television networks resulting to near-total control over mass media (Guiliano, 2012; Viroli, 2011). Internal... The Italian Bond Spread: Its Transformation from Berlusconi’s Third Regime to Monti’s Administration and Beyond Like other EU nations, Italy was also affected by the global economic crisis starting from 2008, but this was not the sole factor that caused its large fiscal deficit and high bond spread. The political instability from the former Prime Minister’s issues such as misusing public funds and inefficient policies along with the nation’s multi-party system’s lack of unity lack of policies compounded on the recession’s effects. While Prime Minister Monti initially helped increase the country’s credit standing through some reforms, these were not enough to completely change Italy’s economic standing. In addition, the 2013 elections created more problems due to a political deadlock, and the three major forces that were expected to reform the Italian politics had no hopes for cooperation at present. The existing policies should be revised to solve fiscal problems as soon as possible, otherwise the recession would continue to affect the country and even tually block Italy’s further economic development. Since most problems rooted from the leaders’ inability to create effective policies, one possible solution for Italy and other European nations is unification similar to the United States, where the government, leaders, politics along with the currencies are centralised. However, this solution would take a long time due to restructuring, developing and proper implementation.

Law of European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Law of European Union - Essay Example Article 59 of the EC Treaty will also apply in this case, since the Government is proposing to restrict the production and distribution of rockets and mandate their sale only through certainly registered outlets. The purpose of allowing free movement of goods as set out in Article 2 of the EC Treaty is to establish a common market. According to Article 14 of the EC Treaty, the â€Å"internal market shall comprise an area without frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital is ensured in accordance with the principles of this Treaty.† Under this principle, the measures that could be equivalent to measures to impede the free functioning of the common market would include customs duties or discriminatory taxation systems, any quantitative restrictions on imports and exports or measures that are equivalent to the imposing of import and export restrictions. In the light of the above, the measures that are proposed by the UK include restrictions on imports of rockets and therefore constitute trade barriers to the common market. Similarly, the restrictions on purchasing, possessing or supplying rockets could also constitute similar barriers to trade and free movement of goods within the European Union and undermine the Common Market. The meaning of quantitative restrictions on the free movement of goods was defined in the case of Riseria Luigi3 where any measure that amounts to a â€Å"total or partial restraint† on imports or exports would constitute a restriction. On this basis, therefore, the imposition of regulations for rockets as per Section 2 of the proposed statute could in itself be viewed as a partial restriction on imports. Similarly, Section 3 has specifically included restrictions on individuals in importing rockets. One example that may be cited in this context is the case of Commission v Italy4 where a complete ban was mooted on pork products.

None 1 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

None 1 - Case Study Example In this paper, I develop a plan of how to analyze the intelligence problem that has been posed on Federal Republic of Ysla by The Sovereign Autocracy of Penin. Overview of the case The case involves a threat from SAP that is currently at war with the Federal Republic of Ysla. SAP has employed air reconnaissance, special operations, and air bombings against FRY as strategizes for a military attack. FRY’s topography, however, does not favor SAP military and only two targets are vulnerable to SAP’s amphibious offensive, and its naval attacks can only extent to 250 nautical miles. Analytical plan on how SAP military invasion will occur The analysis plan to determining how SAP will launch its attack follows a strategic approach that involves the intelligence cycle. The plan involves identification of the problem statement that defines the question, ‘How will SAP launch its attack on FRY?’ A planning stage then follows the problem statement and involves identific ation of key players to the entire process of protecting the FRY from SAP’s threat and the role of such players. The players in the case are experts in communication technology and communication process, informants, analysts and decision makers. The next stage in the analysis involves collection of data that relates to SAP’s potential mode of attack and explores such information as their potential targets, vulnerability of the targets, and potentials of the enemy’s arsenals to hit the targets from their different bases. The collected information is then analyzed; using i2 Analyst’s Notebook, compiled and communicated to relevant authority (IBM, n.d). The analysis process considers information such as appointment of a marine major to command the Third SAP Corps, SAP government’s directive to ban visits to its coast, and reports that SAP attacks will be made near Eyer. Further information indicates increased shipping near Banes, military movements to wards the northwest, and deployed crafts at Haba. Analyzing these pieces of information using i2 Analyst’s Notebook, whose functional features include visualization of intelligence information, analysis, and communication of the intelligence, identifies SAP’s focus on Port Eyer region with movements closer to the port and a base at Banes. The fact that only Mia and Eyer are vulnerable to SAP, that a marine has been appointed to head the Third SAP Corps, and that SAP’s naval initiatives can reach Eyer from Haba identifies marine, sub-marine or missile offensive as the primary mode of attack. This is because the two SAP bases, especially Haba, are strategic for accessing the FRY’s vulnerable ports through the sea (Clark, 2010; Folker, 2000). Analytical plan on where SAP military will occur The intelligence cycle is similarly applicable in analyzing the situation to determine where SAP attack will occur. The analysis begins by development of the problem stat ement in the form, ‘Where will the attack occur?’ Same parties are used in the intelligence process that identifies relevant information for analysis to identifying area of attack. i2 Analyst’s Notebook is used to locate different possible areas from which attacks can be launched and

Just assignment and current event Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Just assignment and current event - Coursework Example The society is aware that sugary, salty, fatty foods in large quantities cause diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Consumers are highly sensitive to taste, color, and packaging of products and this is what attracts them to the products despite their unhealthy nature. Evolving marketing strategies focus on making sales, rather than nutrition and health needs of consumers. It is difficult to address the issue because of the different players, the public health community and industries that manufacture the product. Even so, it is clear that immediate action is necessary to address the issue of unhealthy foods and its relationship to obesity. â€Å"Food Systems and Public Health: Linkages to Achieve Healthier Diets and Healthier Communities† by Mary Story, Michael Hamm & David Wallinga discusses methods Americans can use to promote healthy and sustainable food consumption that are aligned with national nutritional and health precedence. It advices on governance practices and policies that can help create this change. Agricultural, health, and marketing leaders met at the Airlie Conference Center in Warrenton, Virginia to discuss the promotion of sustainable and healthy food production and consumption. The conference produced two broad principles. Firstly, the nation’s food system must align with the physical health and well-being of citizens, agricultural economic and environmental factors, and the need for public policy to support a health-based food system. Secondly, agricultural policies must relate to USDA/DHHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other national guidelines for healthy eating and good he alth, and sustain public health goals of averting obesity and chronic ailments. â€Å"Intestinal bacteria can be used to classify effects of different diseases† by the Asociacion RUVID discusses the effects of obesity and other ailments on the composition of gut bacteria. Current scientific advancements allow researchers to measure and categorize the effects

Cultural diversity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cultural diversity - Research Paper Example The countries/regions included in this paper are the United States, Great Britain, Middle East, India, Pakistan and Philippines. The paper further examines how Islam differs from Christianity and Judaism, and how these understanding affect the Muslim to non-Muslim relations. Finally, the paper proposes ways in which these relations can be improved. In order to have an idea about the teachings of Islam, this section briefly discusses the five Pillars of Islam. The first is the Declaration of Faith (Shahada), which is the belief in one God and Prophet Muhammad. Prayer (Salat) is the second pillar which emphasizes that observant Muslims have to pray five times in a day (Arab American National Museum (AANM), 2011). Prayers should be conducted at dawn, mid-day, mid-afternoon, at sunset and nightfall. These prayers can either be performed individually or in groups. The third tenet is Fasting (Soum). Ramadan is considered to be a holy month by Muslims. They believe that Prophet Muhammad got his first revelation during this month. Therefore, Muslims use this period to reflect and pray, and at the same time trying to correct their mistakes. Therefore, during this period, all Muslims are expected to fast and pray (AANM, 2011). Fourth, there is the pillar of Charity (Zakat) which requires that all Muslims have to give to charity every ye ar. This giving is usually done during the month of Ramadan, and the specific amount to give depends on the financial capabilities of the individual. The final pillar is Pilgrimage (Hajj). According to this pillar, all Muslims who have the financial and personal capability must perform the hajj once during their lifetime (AANM, 2011). All pilgrims wear white garments to in order to create a sense of equality before God. Currently, it is estimated that more than three millions pilgrims arrive in Mecca every year for the hajj. In a research conducted by the Pew Research Center (2011) on Muslim Americans, the results show

Studying masters in business and administration Personal Statement

Studying masters in business and administration - Personal Statement Example My parents thought that majoring in business in my undergraduate was a gamble, as I was trending on thin ice whose underside was an icy lake of frustration, stiff competition and unemployment. Like any other student of business, I often brushed it off by stating that I wanted to acquire the skills and knowledge in order to be self-employed and possibly run a successful company of my own. However, whenever I gave this answer I was saying what I felt, but, like many high school leavers, I did not really know as much as I would have wanted to have others believe in me. Later watching news in collage as a business major, I started to reflect on my life and asked myself why I had not taken a â€Å"safer† career path. This is because it was in the middle of the global recession from which many countries are still currently recovering from and businesses were collapsing all over the world. In addition, individuals in the positions I secretly hoped to be were being laid off at an alar ming rate. I hoped secretly because as much as I would never admit to it, I was as optimistic about getting a high flying job, as I was about going in business for myself, in fact the latter scared me off due to the risks associated. Consequently, here I was in business school asking myself why I had not become a doctor, dentist or engineer, as anyone can run a business anyway without even going to school, the likes of Bill Gates did not study business yet they run some of the most successful firms in the world. In short, I was in a field competing with anyone who had ever had a business idea, nothing in my mind could have been more competitive and in such a cutthroat competition. In a nutshell I was half way through college and asking myself the same questions I had brushed off earlier, but this time I was more determined and reflected and evaluated my choices deeper and this time I second guessed my answers and worked myself to a mental state bordering on paranoia. However, I real ized much later that I was not alone in my fears, talking to friends studying different course I realized that everybody had similar fears, and often ask themselves; Will we get good jobs? Will we get any jobs at all? Shall we forever be employed? or shall we at some point move out on our own and make a mark in the world? I then revisited my initial reason for studying business while majoring and it was simply because I was good at the subject naturally, I may not have been a natural sales executive or born economist, but business in any form exited me. To many of my peers Economics and accounting graphs represented content to be crammed into memory and memorized under the influence of gallons of coffee particularly the night before exams. However, to me they were as exciting as the plot of a good novel is to a book enthusiast; thus, business financials represented to me, not just figures but real and operational business. I saw in commerce more than just theories, to me these ideas were representations of people’s dreams hopes and ambitions; and I believed that the business world is where I belong. This is born out of an ambition to put to practice the knowledge garnered in business school; in addition, I have always been interested in the study of business administration from a global perspective. With time, I have come to realize that the world has become so much interconnected that a company collapsing in America can have dire consequences in another

Victims Of Society Essay Example for Free

Victims Of Society Essay Often literature is used to underline some social problems, to criticize and to some extent eliminate certain defects of social system. For example, fictional characters may be depicted as victims of society. Thus, A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen focuses upon this dilemma in society during Victorian epoch. Ibsen raises much controversy on the roles of males and females in society and tires to attract attention to hypocrisy and use of public opinion to suppress individuality. A number of literary critics treated Ibsen’s play as a means for infringing social norms and rules, for instance, Bjorn Hemmer, literary critic and researcher, in his article in The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen, observed: â€Å"The people who live in such a society know the weight of ‘public opinion’ and of all those agencies which keep watch over society’s ‘law and order’: the norms, the conventions and the traditions which in essence belong to the past but which continue into the present and there thwart individual liberty in a variety of ways† (Hemmer, 83). Almost every key personage of A Dolls’ House is presented as a victim of society. Torvald is a victim of society, because he is forced by the need to fit into society’s standards and to be treated as a representative of a high social status. Torvald knows very well about the pressures, produced by the society upon him and shows his willingness to get adjusted to them. Though Torvald is a victim of social circumstances, Ibsen makes it absolutely clear that he is quite comfortable and satisfied with the idea. Torvald has reached everything he may have wanted, and everything he may have been expected by society to have, in life. He established a family, with a beautiful wife and three children, a big comfortable house, a respectable job, which provided him with a higher status in society, he supervises other people in his business, and enough money so that he can spoil his pet, Nora. Probably, due to all these achievements Torvald does not want to do anything such as â€Å"touch any case that isn’t well nice† if it can affect his image and make him bad reputation. Torvald is ready to do whatever is required to prevent the need to â€Å"cut costs to an absolute minimum† and â€Å"save every cent† again, in other words he is not ready to lose what he has earned at any cost. The last scene makes it apparent when he wants to conceal Nora’s misdeeds, only to prevent it leaving a bad mark on his name: â€Å"I must try to buy him off somehow. This thing must be hushed up at any price. † (Ibsen, Act 3) Torvald would do everything to keep up to any expectation set by society for people. He created his own social image as someone who must maintain an important and influential role in the family. He is confident that maintaining such an image will make him become similar to everybody else, in society. Being the male and husband Torvald believes that it is his responsibility to be the family supporter the head of the household: â€Å"you will not find me lacking in strength or courage. I am a man enough to bear the burden for us both. † (Ibsen, Act 2) The implications of social impact on Torvalds moral convictions appear in Act 3. The realization that society may get to know about Nora’s actions almost kills Torvald. He cannot go through the fact that his wife tried to give support to him and save his life: â€Å"he’s so proud of being a man- it’d be so painful and humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to me (Nora). † (Ibsen, Act 1) Social tradition claims the opposite the man is to support the family and to protect them. Another critic of Ibsen’s works Gail Finney in the same book The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen says that in the notes for A Doll’s House, Ibsen comments that a mother in modern society is â€Å"like certain insects who go away and die when she has done her duty in the propagation of the race. † (Finney, 91) The evidence for this opinion one can find in Torvald’s rejection of his wife as soon as he discovers her secret; he insists that she is not good for bringing up their children if her good name is disgraced. The importance for being accepted into society for Torvald is also evident when Torvald reveals about Nora’s agreement with Krogstad. It becomes obvious that Nora and Torvald’s ideal marriage had been a falsification made for society’s sake. Torvald introduces society’s views and destroys Nora’s belief that he truly loved her: â€Å"As regards to our relationship- we must appear to be living together just as before. Only appear of course. † (Ibsen, Act 3) He appears as an absolute hypocrite and cares how her actions may harm his reputation. Torvald’s wife Nora is also a victim of society because of Torvald’s wish for being a perfect family, in order to fit in into social stereotype. As a consequence, Nora is convinced that it is her responsibility as a wife to live up to Torvald’s expectations and play the established role, in order to satisfy the society. At the beginning of A Doll’s House a reader perceives Nora as a doll controlled by her husband. She relies on him in everything. At first Nora enjoys playing the role of Torvald’s obedient wife. She finds it appropriate to be comfortable in society. The Christmas presents bought for the children prove that she follows the stereotypical views of society. She makes her children to respond to the different treatment by feeling different and behaving differently. She reinforces the stereotypical gender roles that keep her in subordination to her husband. Nora treats her daughter the same way she seems to be treated all of her life – that is, as a doll: â€Å"A trumpet for Bob. And a doll and a cradle for Emmy. ’ (Ibsen, Act 1) Nora protests against society’s morals that â€Å"a wife can’t borrow money without the husband consent. † (Ibsen, Act 1) but as she realizes it is not proper and wrong thing to do, nevertheless, she finds it â€Å"great fun, though, sitting there working and earning money. Almost like being a man. † (Ibsen, Act 1) As the play proceeds Nora becomes aware that she has been disillusioned that it is her duty to act as the ornament and prize to her husband, the role which society has given to her. The moment in A Dolls’ House where Nora takes off her fancy dress, symbolizes her refusal to remain the same person as she was: â€Å"Taking off my fancy dress†¦I’ve changed. † (Ibsen, Act3). Finally she finds courage to reject playing the role to please society. The example of a person who once being a victim of society changes as soon as the whole situation changes is Mrs. Linde. The social circumstances made her marry the man who she did not love, but could support her ill mother and two brothers. But after her husband’s death she behaves as an independent woman. She must work to support herself and become self-sufficient. Torvald in this case again reveals his biases in relation to women’s proper roles in society: â€Å"Well, it is not altogether impossible. I presume you are a widow, Mrs. Linde? †¦ Ah! well, its very likely I may be able to find something for you† (Ibsen, Act 1) The analysis of the choices the characters from the play make in society, either to follow the social convention or be a social outcast, like Dr. Rank, reveals characters readiness to be a victim of society. Dr Rank while being a respectable man with important profession of doctor and supposed to be an important and honorable member of society he is a victim of both his father’s mistake and social conviction that he deserved such fate. Through Torvald’s words it becomes evident that Dr. Rank was always an eyesore for perfect social circle: â€Å"He with his sufferings and loneliness was like a cloudy background to our sunlit happiness. Well, perhaps it is best so. † (Ibsen, Act 3) No matter, whether major or minor, most of the characters throughout the whole play are presented as victims because of their wish to be accepted into society. A Doll’s House openly declares the need for a renewed society’s understanding of males and females role. Works Cited list: Goldman, Emma, The Social Significance of the Modern Drama.The Gorham Press, Boston, 1914 Retrieved on 18 Nov. 2005 from http://sunsite3. berkeley. edu/Goldman/Writings/Drama/doll. html Hemmer, Bjorn. Ibsen and the Realistic Problem Drama. The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen. Ed. James McFarlane, Cambridge University Press, 1994, 68-88. Ibsen, Henrik. A Dolls House. 1879. Trans. James McFarlane and Jens Arup. 1981. Retrieved on 07 Nov. 2005 http://www. classicreader. com/booktoc. php/sid. 7/bookid. 2011/ Finney, Gail. Ibsen and Feminism. The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen. Ed. James McFarlane, Cambridge University Press, 1994, 89-105.