Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society Essay

Role of Women in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beowulf, the hero of Anglo-Saxon epic, had many adventures, and many companions and fellow-warriors are mentioned throughout his story. Some of them seem noble and courageous, truly living up to the standards of their culture; some seem cowardly. But all have gained immortality in the words, many times transcribed and translated, of the famous epic. However, the women of the time are rarely mentioned in Beowulf. Still, even from those few women who are mentioned and from other documents of the era, it is possible to see the position of women in of Anglo-Saxon society. In many cases, they enjoyed more rights than women in later Medieval cultures. Both Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen, and Hygd, Hygelac's queen, apparently held power in their courts. Wealhtheow's actions in rewarding Beowulf after his battles show the queen's role and position as hostess. She awards him "two arm ornament... ... impact on today's life, goes far toward dispelling notions that the Anglo-Saxons restricted the freedom of women in favor of a purely male-oriented, hero-worshiping society. Works Cited Beowulf and Other Old English Poems. Trans. Constance B. Hieatt. New York; Odyssey Press, 1967. Gies, Frances and Joseph. Marriage and Family in the Middle Ages. New York; Harper and Row, 1987. Page, R.I. Life in Anglo-Saxon England. New York; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1970.

Leadership And Management Skills Portfolio

Introduction This reflective work focuses on assessing my personal weaknesses in different areas. It starts by a self –assessment of my personal development needs.The next section looks at the difficulties I experienced on various issues. Finally, the action plans for self-development in the various areas are suggested. Portfolio Section 1Planning and personal management skills Using a paper exercise, I assessed my planning and personal management skills to determine areas of development. Concerning planning, I scored 13, which is a relatively low score. This indicates an area for development because my score was less than 24, which was the score I had to attain to show that I did not further development. I knew this was a weakness and a concern for me prior to starting my postgraduate studies while working full time. On the time management dimension, I scored 15 and this demonstrated a need for further development. I should have a score of above 24 to demonstrate that this area did not require further development. The issue of time management was a concern for me because of starting my postgraduate studies and working full time. I have had challenges in the past characterized by attempting to do too much at work and not managing my time effectively. The low scores on both planning and time manageme nt reveal that I have challenges with task prioritization. An action plan for self-development in these areas is presented later under task prioritization.Learning style Honey and Mumford designed a Learning Styles Questionnaire that is used in assessing the learning styles of individuals, and these are categorised into activists, theorists, pragmatists, and reflectors (Jarvis, 2005). When I completed this questionnaire, the results showed that I have a strong preference for the activist learning style and a moderate preference for the pragmatist learning style. As an activist, I enjoy novel experiences, I am active and depend on intuitive decision making and I have an aversion to structure (Jarvis, 2005). I learn best from learning activities that provide new problems and experiences, role playing and working together with others in group tasks and opportunities for dealing with challenging tasks. In addition, I prefer tasks with high visibility including presentations, leading discussions, and chairing meetings.However, I learn less when I have to listen to lectures, think, write or read on my own, or absorb and understand a lot of data. Furthermore, my learning is impaired when I have to follow precise instructions without any form of flexibility. As a pragmatist, I prefer risk-taking, group work and application and testing of concepts (Jarvis, 2005). I learn best when there is a clear association between the learning topic and actual issues in life. Learning activities should be structured around demonstrating techniques for accomplishing tasks with clear, realistic advantages. Furthermore, I prefer to be provided with opportunities for trying out and practicing techniques with feedback or coaching from a reliable expert. Similarly, I need examples or models that I can emulate, and I should be taught techniques that are presently applicable to my work context. I also prefer being offered with opportunities for immediately applying any new knowledge that I have learnt. As a pragmatist, l learn less when the learning activities are not associated with an immediate need, lack clear guidelines, and when there are obstacles to implementation of acquired knowledge. Such obstacles can be personal, managerial, organisational or poli tical in nature. These learning styles have an important influence on the learning activities undertaken in the action plan for developing different skills as demonstrated later. Assessment of how I work In a paper exercise, I assessed the way I work and the results revealed that I procrastinate when faced with tasks that I do not really like, I spend a lot of time attempting to perfect things, and I am unable to find things and notes whenever I require them. This is an indication that I have poor prioritization skills, and this will be addressed through an action plan on task prioritization that is explained later.Personality indexI assessed my personality index using an online exercise, and the results demonstrated that I possess various traits. First, I demonstrate low assertiveness as I do not need to be in constant control, and I have a higher orientation toward teamwork than tasks. Second, I am an extreme extrovert because I need to discuss issues in detail with other people. Third, I am extremely impatient as I find it challenging to concentrate on repetitive tasks, and I have a high sense of urgency. Finally, I am highly detailed because I want to acquire knowledge and become an expert. These traits of my personality affect how learning activities will be structured in the action plan to improve learning. Portfolio Section 2Group leadershipIn the first week of my course work, I was leader of my group. I did not know my fellow colleagues very well as we had just started on the course. Therefore, stepping up and being a leader of people I did not know was tough considering that I am not a manager or leader at work. I had to lead the group in the preparation of a group presentation on a case study of someone else’s leadership skills and present with them. I needed to take control and set the direction for the team more rapidly, and a lot of time was wasted as I did not know what was expected of me as a leader. For instance, a group or team leader is required to set the goal of the group and establish performance expectations (Morgeson, DeRue & Karam, 2010). This was a challenging undertaking as I decided to choose an informal approach to this activity where the group members actively facilitated the process of setting goals and determining how the members would be held responsible in relation to the performance expectations. This approach resulted in wastage of time because it was difficult for consensus to be achieved among the group members on the goals and performance expectations. Similarly, I had challenges in structuring and planning the group in terms of developing a shared understanding among the group members on the best approach for coordinating action and working together to achieve the established goals (Morgeson et al., 2010). I faced difficulties in determining how the activities would be performed, the individual’s responsible for specific tasks, and when the group activities would be done. On the issue of when the group activities would be performed, it was challenging to achieve consensus because the group members had conflicting schedules that interfered with choosing an appropriate time for the group meeting to determine the progress of the tasks. Although I faced various challenges during the initial process of forming group, I eventually embodied the role of the group leader. However, I did not always allow everyone to have input. It is suggested that soliciting and using continuing feedback from the group members is vital for achievin g the group objectives (Morgeson et al., 2010). By failing to allow the group members to offer their input into the group presentation, I ended up not including their diverse and useful perspectives on the group activity.Coaching sessionI acted as a coach on how to reactively write. There are specific skills required of coaches including social competence, emotional competence, listening, questioning, framing and contributing (Maltbia, Marsick & Ghosh, 2014). Social competence is associated with establishing relationships with individuals being coached by increasing a supportive and a safe environment that is characterized by freedom in expression thoughts, mutual respect, and trusted partnership (Goleman, 2006). However, I lacked in this competency as I did not allow the individuals I was coaching to freely express their opinions on reactive writing. Rather than encouraging engagement with my peers, I monopolized the coaching process. Emotional competence is associated with having self-awareness of one’s emotions and those of other people to ensure that the coaching relationship is experienced as productive, flexible, and open (Maltbia et al., 2014). I had a difficult time managing my own emotions when coaching others as I got angry whenever any person I was coaching did not understand what I was communicating to him or her. Furthermore, I did not recognize the effects of my actions on the emotions of the people I was coaching. For instance, some of the people I was coaching were visibly frustrated during the coaching process but I did not take time to address these issues. Listening involves understanding the meaning of what the person under coaching is saying with regard to achieving desired outcomes (Maltbia et al., 2014). When I started the coaching session, I did not ask the person I was coaching the specific outcomes they desired from this activity. It is suggested that a hierarchy should not exist in the relationship between the coach and the p eople being coached (O’Broin & Palmer, 2009). By failing to include the objectives of the people being coached into this relationship, their agenda failed to take precedence in the coaching process. As a coaching skill, questioning entails inquiry for revealing the information necessary with the highest benefit to the client (Maltbia et al., 2014). I was lacking in this competence as I rarely asked the person I was coaching questions related to the coaching process. I took on the role of an active coach and required the people I was coaching to assume a passive role in this process.Framing is characterized by expanding the world views of the people being coached through an examination of whether learning is rooted in experience (Maltbia et al., 2014). This skill requires the coach to establish whether the coaching process has had a positive effect on learning in terms of addressing the initial challenge or problem that influenced this activity to be undertaken. During the coaching sessions, I did not frame the coaching process to establish if the people I was coaching had benefited from this activity. Finally, contributing entails effective communication during the coaching sess ion as a mechanism for achieving balance between the support and challenge required for facilitating growth and learning (Maltbia et al., 2014). As initially mentioned, I monopolized conversations, and this prevented the people I was coaching from effectively contributing to the coaching process. Moreover, I failed to offer adequate challenges to promote learning in relation to reactive writing.Role playing as a manager in an appraisalPerformance appraisal is an important process as it is utilised in assessing recent performance and addressing future opportunities and objectives (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2014).). When conducting a performance appraisal, employees have to be provided with sufficient notice of the expected performance standards and timely and regular feedback about their performance (Heslin & VandeWalle, 2011). During my role play as a manager in an appraisal, I did not offer timely and regular feedback on individual performance toward the ach ievement of expected performance standards. It is also suggested that employees should have an input in the appraisal process and be provided with opportunities for challenging it if they view it as being unfair (Heslin & VandeWalle, 2011). Conversely, during the appraisal, I did not allow the individuals with opportunities for presenting their views and opinions in relation to assessment of their performance. In this regard, I failed to consider the voice of these individuals that would have provided a deeper understanding of the performance achieved.Acting as a consultantI took up the role of as a consultant in a team of two individuals to pitch to a client our ideas for their people strategy of their new business. According to the Institute of Management Consultants (2014), consultants need competencies to deliver consulting services. Some of these competencies are balanced judgment, awareness of the organisational context and external environment, and listening (de Caluwe & Re itsma, 2010). Balanced judgment entails a comparison of potential courses of action and evaluating available information and using relevant criteria, which leads to realistic decisions (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). In the role of consultants, my colleague and I only focused on a single course of action for the organisation in relation to the people strategy for the new business. Consequently, when the clients asked us any alternative courses of actions that might be undertaken, we were unable to provide satisfactory responses because we were unprepared. Furthermore, external environment awareness is related to being adequately informed about issues in the business environment that have influences on strategies and utilising such knowledge for the benefit of the organisation (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). In our case, we considered legal, economic and technological factors that affect an organisation’s people strategy. However, we failed to consider trends influencing human reso urces in the organisation and political issues. Thus, the clients were dissatisfied as the people strategy we developed did not take into consideration all the factors in the business environment that have impacts on the organisation’s human resources management strategy. Listening skills are important in management consultancy as they provide the client with the space for expressing their opinions, focusing on their reactions, responding suitably and posing further questions (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). Regarding this, my colleague and I did not focus on the clients’ reactions. We were focused on pitching our strategy and thus we were unable to capture nonverbal signals that would have communicated to us whether the clients were in agreement with the arguments we had made in the people strategy that the organisation had to adopt. Regarding organisational context, management consultants are expected to understand how an organisation operates and considering these issues when developing an action (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). We strived to develop a people strategy that reflected the organisation’s current practices related to management of human resources. However, the information related to this issue was not easily available. Therefore, we ended up pitching a people strategy that we considered as non-existing in the organisation. We later discovered that some aspects of the people strategy were already present in the organisation, which means that we had not provided a more effective solution to the clients.Task prioritisation I had two finance classes but missed the first one but then I attended the second class. It was only after attending the second class that I realised that I should have attended the first one. The content covered in the second class was only a continuation of the issues addressed in the first class. Therefore, by failing to attend the first class, I missed out on the necessary context for understanding the topics covered in the second class. This negatively interfered with my learning. Upon reflection, I learned that I did not attend the first class because I did not prioritise the things that I had to do. I have to deal with conflicting demands of working full time and pursuing my postgradu ate education (Armstrong, 2012). In this regard, I missed the first finance class because I was attending a meeting at work where I was presenting an important report to senior management.Negotiating as a ClientMy colleague and I assumed the role of a client negotiating with a software vendor on delivery times and price. As clients, we argued and debated with the software vendor on the relevant issues. For instance, there was prolonged argument and debate on the delivery times because we were considering small insignificant factors on this issue. The outcome was that the arguments related to the main issue of delivery times were largely neglected. Indeed, it is suggested that it is important to have awareness of any insignificant arguments that might derail the negotiation process (Pinet & Sander, 2013). In our case, we concentrated on being right rather than winning the arguments associated with the price and delivery times. The negotiation process deviated from the agenda establi shed prior to the meeting with the software vendor. Consequently, a lot of time was wasted on these arguments and compromises were achieved after a protracted process.Portfolio Section 3This section presents an action plan for developing my postgraduate, management and leadership skills further. The action plan covers skills required for group leadership, management consultant, appraisal manager, coaching, negotiation, and task prioritization as presented below.Action plan for group leadership skillsObjective To improve my skills in leading and managing groups in completion, of course, related tasks Tasks Read and brainstorm with my peers on available literature including books, reputable online articles and journal articles about team leadership. I will focus on literature that looks at leadership functions on the different phases of teams namely the transition and action stages. The transition stage is a time when a group or team focuses on activities associated with the team’s structures, planning tasks, and assessing the performance of the team in terms of the whether the team has the ability of achieving its objectives (Marks, Mathieu & Zaccaro, 2001). The specific leadership skills that I will learn about for this phase include defining the mission of the team, goals, and performance standards, structuring responsibilities and roles in the team, and promoting feedback processes (Morgeson et al., 2010). The action stage is where the team or group members are focused on tasks that directly contribute to goal achievement (Marks et al., 2001). In this phase, I will learn rele vant leadership skills including creating a positive climate in the group, encouraging autonomous actions by members, resource acquisition for the group, problem solving, involvement in the group’s work, and monitoring the group(Morgeson et al., 2010). Discuss with managers and leaders in my workplace about effective approaches for leading and managing groups or teams Evaluation After acquisition of the necessary leadership skills, I will apply to future group assignments in my course work. I will evaluate the acquired group leadership skills by asking my peers to rate my performance as a leader. I will design a checklist where the group members will provide their responses about my overall leadership skills and areas that require improvement. Review date The reading of literature, applying the relevant knowledge to actual practice, and evaluating leadership skills will be reviewed on a regular basis whenever there is a group assignment.Action plan for coaching skillsObjective To become a very effective coach Tasks Read books, journal articles, and online publications on the coaching process and the required skills and competencies for this activity followed by a brainstorming exercise with my colleagues. Participate in training in coaching provided by my organisations to equip with necessary skills. Ask a senior manager in my workplace to act as my coach to enable me to understand this process from a practical perspective and model it. Evaluation The knowledge acquired from literature, training, and on-the-practice will be utilised in coaching my peers in coursework on different topics. The performance data that will be collected to establish the level of my effectiveness as a coach will be obtained from interviewing the individual that I will be coaching. Review date Ongoing throughout my course work.Action plan for management consultant skillsObjective To enhance my skills as a management consultant Tasks Read available literature on management consultancy and look at case studies on the process of management consultation. After reading alone, I will brainstorm these issues with my study group. Discuss with management consultants within and outside my organisation to learn the criteria for success. Evaluation Evaluation will be based on establishing the extent to which the client is able to achieve desired outcomes in relation to the consultation services I will offer them. This will be achieved by using a questionnaire to ask the clients whether I demonstrate the skills of a management consultant. Review date Ongoing based on management consultancy projects.Action plan for managerial skills in appraisalsObjective To improve my skills in conducting performance appraisals Tasks Read widely and brainstorm on skills for performance appraisals. Role playing with my peers on posing the right questions to the individual under appraisal. Discuss with senior managers in my workplace about successfully performing performance appraisals. Evaluation The assessment of my skills in this area will be based on determining to which I successfully complete a performance appraisal. This will involve asking individuals involved in the appraisal process to rate my performance using a checklist. Review date This activity will be completed on a monthly basis.Action plan for negotiation skillsObjective To improve my negotiation skills as a client Tasks Reading widely and brainstorming with colleagues on negotiation skills for clients to understand negotiation skills, negotiation phases, and sources of conflict in negotiation process. Engage in role play to assist in clarification of responsibilities and roles in working in a negotiating team. Evaluation Evaluation will involve collecting evidence indicating whether I applied competencies and skills required in negotiating as a client. This will be achieved by interviewing the other parties to the negotiation process to determine the level of my skills in negotiating as a client. Review date This will be completed by February 2015.Action plan for task prioritizationObjective To enhance my skills in prioritizing both work and education tasks. Tasks Listing all the tasks that I have to perform on a daily basis in my work and college and categorising them based on their impacts on my work and educational pursuits. Using a personal calendar to plan my tasks. Using a checklist to determine completion of tasks on daily basis. Evaluation Performance in task prioritisation will be evaluated by assessing the extent to which I complete all the tasks required in my workplace and at college. Review date This activity will be completed on a daily basis. Conclusion This reflective work has identified areas that require further development in improving my managerial and leadership skills. Based on this reflective work, it is evident that I lack skills in different areas including leadership, task prioritization, effective coaching, managerial skills in performance appraisal and management consultancy. Therefore, these skills have to be improved to ensure that I am effective as manager and leader. Therefore, action plans for improving the different skills have been presented. It is expected that implementation of the action plans will equip with skills that are applicable to my workplace and educational setting. References Armstrong, M. (2012) Armstrong’s handbook of management and leadership: developing effective people skills for better leadership and management. PA: Kogan Page. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (2014). Performance appraisal. [Online]Available from: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/performance-appraisal.aspx (Accessed: 15 Dec. 14). De Caluwe, L., & Reitsma, E. (2010) `Competencies of management consultants: a research study of senior management consultants’, In Buono, A., & Jamieson, D (Eds), Consultation for organisational change, pp. 15-40. NC: Information age publishing. Goleman, D. (2006) Social Intelligence: the new science of human relationship. NY: Banam books. Heslin, P., & Vandewalle, D. (2011) `Performance appraisal procedural justice: the role of a manager’s implicit person theory’. Journal of Management, vol.37, no.6, pp.1694-1718. Institute of Management Consultants (2014) The management consultancy competency framework. [Online] Available from: http://www.imcusa.org/?page=CONSULTINGCOMPETENCY (Accessed: 15 Dec. 14). Jarvis, M. (2005) The psychology of effective learning and teaching. UK: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Maltbia, T., Marsick, V., & Ghosh, R. (2014) `Executive and organisational coaching: a review of insights drawn from literature for inform HRD practices’. Advances in Developing Human Resources, vol.16, no.2, pp.161-83. Marks, C., Mathieu, J., & Zaccaro, S. (2001) `A temporally based framework and taxonomy of team processes’, Academy of Management Review, vol.26, pp. 356-76. Morgeson, F., DeRue, S., & Karam, E. (2010) `Leadership in teams: a functional approach to understanding leadership structures and processes’. Journal of Management, vol.36, no.1, pp.5-39. O’Broin, A., & Palmer, S. (2009) `Co-creating an optimal coaching alliance: a cognitive behavioural coaching perspective’. International Coaching Psychology Review, vol.4, no.2, pp.184-94. Pinet, A., & Sander, P. (2013) The only negotiation book you’ll ever need. Littlefield Street, MA: Adams Media.

Similarities Between Cinderella Man And The Great Depression

Life in the 1920’s was drastically different from life in the Great Depression. In the 20’s life was amazing. Wealth was being spread and the parties never stopped. It was all over when the stock market crashed in 1929. Banks closed and everyone lost their money. The movie Cinderella Man showed how life changed for boxer James Braddock. He was a famous boxer during the twenties. The movie showed the struggles he went through when the Depression hit. He lost his job and barely made it by. Cinderella Man shows James Braddock being on top to being at rock bottom. He was forced to go on public assistance to provide for his family. Cinderella Man showed how life changed from the 20s to the Great Depression and how the New Deal helped people†¦show more content†¦James promises him that will never happen. The New Deal allowed people to get some relief in their lives. The New Deal aimed to provide reform, recovery, and relief. FDR made organization that provided relief and reform. He made the banks close. The organizations were known as Alphabet Agencies and Acts. Some examples of the Alphabet Agencies are the FERA, SSA, and WPA. FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration) provided relief for the people in need and provided state assistance for the unemployed and their families. SSA(Social Security Act) provided pensions, unemployment insurance, aid to the blind, deaf, disabled, and dependent children. WPA (Works Progress Administration) provided jobs to those who needed them. James Braddock had to go on public relief to help his family. If FDR had not made the Alphabet Agencies James would not be able to provide for his family. During this time it was hard to get a job. In Cinderella Man, James goes to the docks to try and get a job. Some days he was picked and others he was not. At another point of the movie James goes back to the boxing ring to beg the managers for some money to pay for his house. The time before the Great Depression was e xtremely different. In the 1920s life was going good. During the twenties James Braddock had a great life. When the Great Depression hit, life instantly became harder. People struggled to make what they needed. JamesShow MoreRelatedThe Great Depression in Cinderella Man Essay1592 Words   |  7 PagesThe Great Depression is seen as one of the most sorrowful and desolate times in the history of the United States. This time was the longest period of recession ever seen by this nation so far. It lasted from 1929 to 1939, over ten years of complete confusion and despondency within the people. Many Americans were affected greatly by this tragic time and sacrificed much of their lives so that they and their families may have the chance to live. 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Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing - 801 Words

My personal interest in this controversial topic Since Middle School, I was not opposed to standardized testing. I thought of it as a way of testing us of what we have learned. Although, after reading some articles about standardized testing I am re-thinking the pros and cons. From personal experience, I thought of it as a challenge to pass them. But now that reminisce about it, I noticed some of the cons of standardized testing. I remember having a week or two dedicated for testing, and in case of students failing they had to take time to redo it. It would take a while for all the students to finish their tests. And after remembering how it was back in those times I was more on the opposed side. The act signed in 2002, NCLB, caused for a†¦show more content†¦Parents oppose the standardized tests because they can cause stress and anxiety to their children. Students disagree with many tests because it can cost them admission to a university, or passing to the next grade. Teachers oppose the tests because it takes too much time. They have to teach their students what is going to be on the test. Also, the schools and teachers lose funding depending on the results. What warrants (assumptions) will you imply or state? Why? First, I will state that standardized testing is not helping education in the United States. This will be stated first because it will clarify my topic. Secondly, I will imply that there are other ways education in the United States could improve without the use of standardized testing. Can you maintain an open mind and reverse your views if you come across information you hadn’t anticipated? If I find, research about why standardized testing has helped improve the education in the United States; and, if there is information on how it has helped students progress over time. I would be open to information that could counter my claims. What qualifiers will you include in your claim to make it more reasonable and manageable? One qualifier I will use is standardized testing improving the US education? This will qualify the US education. Also using qualifiers like there are many students that are opposed to standardized testing. I will also be using some teachers and parents also opposeShow MoreRelatedPros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1400 Words   |  6 PagesEven though there are many downsides to standardized testing there are still viable reasons why they are still being used today. One of the main reasons includes the easy and quick access of testing students. Standardized testing allows schools to quickly access a large amount of students at one time. This is also one of the cheapest ways to tests such a large crowd due to machinery that grades which results in low tests costs for students. These tests also help by setting a national curriculum forRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing1050 Words   |  5 Pageseducational world is standardized tests. All fifty states have their own s tandards following the common core curriculum. There are many positives and negatives that go with the standardized tests. A standardized test is any type of â€Å"examination thats administered and scored in a predetermined, standard manner† (Popham, 1999). These standardized tests are either aptitude tests or achievement tests. Schools use achievement tests to compare students. There are pros to standardized examinations as toolsRead MorePros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1025 Words   |  5 PagesWhat are standardized tests? Standardized tests are exams that are administered, scored, and interpreted in the same way for all students. Now there are many pros and cons of standardized testing however, I believe that public and private schools should just abolish standardized testing all together. These tests determine a student’s academic performance and each student is given the same test with the same questions and answers. These tests are designed to measure the students learning capabilitiesRead MorePros and Cons of Standardized Testing583 Words   |  2 PagesStandardized testing has its pros and cons I do not believe in it but I will give you proof for and against the testing. We will cover some the history and where the testing came from and why we do it. I will talk a little bit of how I feel about testing and how much we should focus on ho w the students do on the test. I have interviewed a few teachers that I had when I went to school and some personal friends that are teachers now and how it effects how they teach. Most historians trace the beginningRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing Essay674 Words   |  3 PagesStandardized testing is a down fall to many students but also an opportunity for many others. Standardized testing has its pros and its cons. It can be the make it or break it factor into getting into colleges you are hoping to attend or the scholarships you want to earn. Some people may have their opinions about the test, whether they hate it or not but the fact is that it’s here to stay. What exactly is standardized testing you may ask, it is a test which measures the knowledge among differentRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1491 Words   |  6 PagesStandardized testing was introduced by French psychologist Alfred Binet in 1905. The test originated because Binet was commissioned by the French government to create a tool to identify which students needed remedial studies. Over time, the standardized tests evolved into multiple different tests in multiple subjects for varying age groups of students. The tests were initially seen as a way to test a large sum of people with the same general questions to see an individual’s knowledge. Some peopleRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1511 Words   |  7 PagesOver the years the educational system has faced various controversial issues, but the most recent one making a negative impact on students, is standardized testing. Standardized testing is a type of testing used to evaluate stud ents academic abilities . It is a way to measure if standards are being met but does not provide a variation in the type of administration based on the students needs (Sacks, 2000). In other words, all children are provided these test to track their learning progress basedRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1100 Words   |  5 Pagesscience, history, and science. Then, every year, students typically take one big standardized test, or even more. These tests are claimed to give educators an objective that’s unbiased. Standardized testing supposedly helps identify the natural tendency of individual students, identifying skill development and progress. However, are these things what standardized testing really do for students? Standardized testing only measures a small portion of what makes education substantial. This means thatRead MorePros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1201 Words   |  5 Pages Standardized testing is all based on your performance as a student on a specific day, time and place. What it doesn’t show is how you perform on a day to day basis. These types of test can be given in any type of form that requires test takers to answer the same questions, and is then scored in a â€Å"standard† or consistent manner. Students should not have to take standardized test because of many reasons. As a human I have days where I’m tired and didn’t get enough sleep the night before or it isRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing704 Words   |  3 Pagesschool. But the majority can attest to saying that they all hate standardized testing and the week that it brings. Every student knows this week all too well. From having one to two tests a day and then shortly after not being able to function properly on the rest of the school day. Many students will say that they all hate the idea of standardized testing and wish it to be gone. The real question stands though: is standardized testing increasing the performance of students? The main argument against

John Steinbeck Experiencing the Dust Bowl Essay - 1364 Words

The 1930s were a decade of great change politically, economically, and socially. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl wore raw the nerves of the people, and our true strength was shown. From it arose John Steinbeck, a storyteller of the Okies and their hardships. His books, especially The Grapes of Wrath, are reflections of what really went on in the 1930s. John Steinbeck did not write about what he had previously read, he instead wrote what he experienced through his travels with the migrant workers. His method was not to present himself notebook in hand and interview people. Instead he worked and traveled with the migrants as one of them, living as they did and arousing no suspicion from employers militantly alert against†¦show more content†¦Steinbeck had been aware of the labor problems in his state of California, but for these articles he wanted to experience it firsthand. For inspiration for his articles, and also what would turn out to be the inspiration for Gra pes of Wrath, he visited the farms outside his native Salinas and also visited the squatter camps near Bakersfield (Lisca 12-14). These visits to the squatter camps led to his creation of the Weedpatch camp in Grapes of Wrath. A few years later, Steinbeck returned to California to write Grapes of Wrath and to further research the flawed California labor. He was not, however, merely researching materials for his next book, but passionately involved in the suffering and injustice (Lisca 16). His fervor for the migrant cause almost lead him to abandon his recent writing and revise Of Mice and Men and sell it so he could donate to money to the migrant workers. In early September 1936, Steinbeck went back to Salinas to find that there was a violent clash between growers and workers over a strike that resulted in riots and killings. This turned Steinbeck upside down, because now it was not only something happening in California, but was happening in the town where he grew up. While visiting migrant camps that were being flooded by the torrential rain in Visalia, he was filled with anger at the conditions in which these people were living (DeMott 3). The people were living inShow MoreRelated John Steinbeck: Experiencing the Dust Bowl Essay1346 Words   |  6 Pages The 1930’s were a decade of great change politically, economically, and socially. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl wore raw the nerves of the people, and our true strength was shown. From it arose John Steinbeck, a storyteller of the Okies and their hardships. His books, especially The Grapes of Wrath, are reflections of what really went on in the 1930’s. John Steinbeck did not write about what he had previously read, he instead wrote what he experienced through his travels with the migrantRead MoreGrapes Of Wrath Literary Analysis997 Words   |  4 PagesThe Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck uses numerous literary techniques to advocate for change in the social and politi cal attitudes of the Dust Bowl era. Simile, personification, and imagery are among the many devices that add to the novel’s ability to influence the audience’s views. Moreover, through his use of detail, Steinbeck is able to develop a strong bond between the reader and the Joad clan. This bond that is created evokes empathy from the audience towards the Joads as they face numerousRead MoreWhen Creating His Short Stories/Novels, John Steinbeck1665 Words   |  7 PagesWhen creating his short stories/novels, John Steinbeck focused on what it meant to be human. He included life experiences and really fed off of that in many of his writings. 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The usage of imagery and symbolism help to support his many different themes running through the course of the novel. His use of language assisted in personifying the many trials and tribulations which the Joad family, and the rest of the United States, was feeling at the time. This wasRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1579 Words   |  7 Pages In the two texts A Fine Balance (1995) by Rohinton Minstry and The Grapes of Wrath (1939) by John Steinbeck, the idea that adverse experiences impact an individual’s beliefs is explored through the different ways that the composers of both texts convey how living in a hostile environment and loss can change an individual’s personal philosophy. 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Globalization and Its Impact on Bangladesh Economy Free Essays

Assignment On â€Å"Globalization and its Impact on Bangladesh Economy† (ECO 360, Section: 1) Assignment on â€Å"Globalization and its impact on Bangladesh Economy†. Subject: ECO 360 (Socio-Economics Profile of Bangladesh) Section: 1 Submitted To: Muhammad Mahboob Ali Adjunct Faculty, Department of Economics, East West University. Submitted By: Name| ID| | | | | | | Acknowledgement In the preparation and finish this assignment, we acknowledge the encouragement and assistance given by a number of people and institution. We will write a custom essay sample on Globalization and Its Impact on Bangladesh Economy or any similar topic only for you Order Now We would like to express our gratitude to our faculty at East West University; Mahboob Ali for providing us detailed feedback and advice on this assignment. He always gave us his suggestions in making this study as flawless as possible. We also like to thank our group members for co-operating me in many troublesome tasks. And never the less above all our heartiest thanks goes to all mighty Allah without his help. We would not be here. Letter of Transmittal Date: 23th November, 2012 Muhammad Mahboob Ali Department of Economics, East West University Subject: Submission of Assignment. Sir, It’s our great pleasure to submit the assignment. A study was making on a economics sector that you have asked us to prepare and we select â€Å"globalization impact on Bangladesh economy† to study. We have tried our best to follow the instruction that was given by you. Throughout this study we tried to identify whether globalization play positive or negative impact on our country’s economy. As well as, we also discuss the overall condition of our country’s economy also. We sincerely hope that you will enjoy this report as we enjoyed while writing it. If you need any further clarification or quarry in interpreting this analysis, we will be glad to oblige you. Thank you. Abstract: Over the past decades, globalization has now become a new world order, new world order, which virtually influences everything that comes in our mind. Developing countries like Bangladesh with vulnerable geopolitical locations and weak economies are now looking at globalization to strengthen their economy to fight any perceived threats. But the increasing role played by the western dominated institutions such as, the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in setting the rules under which globalization is played, has placed developing ountries in a much disadvantageous position vis-a-vis the developed countries. However, a closer look at the globalization will show that it has both positive and negative impacts on the economy of Bangladesh. A thorough understanding of the effect of globalization is needed to use its advantages to improve her economy. This may also help Bangladesh maintain a sustained growth in the face of likely economic peril. This paper studies both negative and positive impacts of globalization on some selected economic sectors of Bangladesh. It also studies some ameliorative measures to overcome the negative impacts and also the ways to exploit the opportunities created. Finally the paper recommends some measures for Bangladesh to meet the challenges of economic globalization. Table of Contents No. | Topic| Page| 1. | Introductiona) Generalb) Motivation and Significance of the Researchc) Research Questions| 7 – 8| 2. | Literature Reviewa) Globalization as a phenomenon. b) The positive impact of globalization. c) The negative impact of globalization. | 9 – 12| 3. | Objective of the Study| 13| 4. | Methodology| 14| . | Limitation of the Research| 14 | 6. | Analysisa) Overall Economic Condition of Bangladesh. b) Opportunities of Globalizationc) Challenges of Globalization| 15 – 25| 7. | Recommendations| 26| 8. | Conclusion| 27| 1. Introduction Globalization in the broadest sense implies integration of economies and societies across the globe through the flow of technology, trade and capital. It basicall y refers to a process that enables people, goods, information, norms, practices and institutions to transcend national jurisdictions through markets, technologies, interests and information flows. Four types of changes characterize globalization. First, it involves a stretching of social, political and economic activities across frontiers, regions and continents. Second, it is marked by the growing magnitude of interconnectedness and flows of trade, investment, finance, migration, culture, etc. Third, it can be linked to a speeding up of global interactions and processes. And fourth, the effects of distant events can be highly significant elsewhere and specific local developments can have considerable global consequences. Thus the boundaries between domestic matters and global affairs become increasingly fluid. Globalization, in short, can be thought of as the widening, intensifying and growing impact of worldwide interconnectedness. It causes an expansion in the volume and variety of cross border transactions in goods and services. Globalization is a much used term and there are diverse views as to how and why globalization is occurring this time around. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a globalization in economic markets, but we can see its pervasive and widespread impacts at the present time. Every country in this world enters into global economy and trying to cope with the pace of global economy. Bangladesh is one of the developing countries in the world and its economy has already being impacted by global economy. It is not possible for a third world country like Bangladesh to keep pace with global economy, because it is conceivable that the origins of globalization lie in the political decision by merely the developed countries of the world. Bangladesh’ economy experiences a recession of industrial growth. The study is focused that there is strong opportunity for Bangladesh to boost its economy, but the socio-political situation should be favorable one to enhance savings and investment in this country. The study articulates some strong recommendations that could make Bangladesh even stronger to boost to compete globally to a greater magnitude. It is conceivable that Bangladesh needs to privatize its State- owned enterprise (SOEs) and should maintain an unassailable relation with World Bank, IMF and other donor agencies. It is a big challenge for Bangladesh to contend in global economy through considerable internal and external obstructions. The entire paper is arranged by giving a brief current economic condition of Bangladesh followed by an introduction initially; after then the next section is discussed how Bangladesh economy impacted through regional trade agreement and later the paper portrays the role of privatization in Bangladesh economy. And this paper also discusses how Globalization affects the whole economy of our country Bangladesh. Later the paper discusses some constraints of Bangladesh economy and then it illustrates some basic recommendations that could make this economy stronger to compete with global economy. And at last a conclusion is illustrated that reflects the overall theme of this paper. It would be very difficult to keep pace with modern globalization. Therefore, one of the greatest challenges faced by Bangladesh in this century is how to strengthen its participation in the global economy in a manner that will bring widespread and sustainable benefits to its people. Motivation and Significance of the Research The motivation that we have for this research is based on the fact that we are Bangladeshi who have seen and experienced the impact of globalization phenomenon on economic development. Developed countries use globalization for improving their economy in many ways. We have marked how these countries use globalization to their advantage. Having compared the socio-political and economic environment of Bangladesh and the countries we have researched, we are now in a position to understand the likely effects of globalization on Bangladesh economy. We would like to take this opportunity to do the research based on our experience and understanding of the subject from our reading. Research Questions The primary question of this term-paper is: What is the overall impact of Globalization in Bangladesh economy? What should Bangladesh do to use the advantages of globalization in improving her situation? 2. Literature Review Many books and articles have discussed the various effects of globalization exhaustively. These studies include globalization as a phenomenon in general and the positive and the negative impacts of globalization in particular. Even though many books and articles have addressed globalization from the developing countries point of view, few even mention its impact specifically on Bangladesh. Globalization is a growing concern and it is perceived as a vast subject that can impact all aspects of the world, or a nation. People blame globalization for affecting everything from culture, to political systems, to religious institutions, and the economy; all of these perceived impacts of globalization would impact Bangladesh differently. It is important to determine how exactly it can impact Bangladesh. This paper will concentrate on finding viable options for Bangladesh to sustain the world of global economy. The paper will also focus on the measures that Bangladesh might consider in using the effects of globalization in its economic growth. The literature generally looks at globalization from three different angles. These are: a) Globalization as a phenomenon. b) The positive impact of globalization. c) The negative impact of globalization. a) Globalization as a Phenomenon Historical Foundation: The origin of the concept of globalization stretches far back to the activities of the early Mediterranean civilizations before the fifth century A. D. 1 The ancient explorers, motivated primarily by the prospects of material gain, traversed the â€Å"silk route† between China and Europe, the â€Å"amber route† from the Baltic to the Mediterranean and the â€Å"spice route† by sea between Egypt, the Yemen and India. During this period, up to the end of the fifteenth century, the volume of long distance trade, travel, and communications was inevitably irregular. 2 Increased trading expeditions by British, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants in the seventeenth century raised the demand for colonial goods such as coffee, tea, sugar, tobacco, and chocolate. The requirement for more production of these goods as the demand increased prompted the beginning of slave trade from Africa to the Americas and Europe. Following these expeditions, European languages were easily transplanted to other continents and the three monotheistic religions namely Islam, Christianity and Judaism took root. In the nineteenth century, the technology revolution in transport and communications including the emergence of the railway, the telegraph and the steam ship all lowered freight rates and raised incomes therefore further boosting globalization. Core Elements of Globalization: Basically, globalization rests on a tripod namel y, the expansion of markets economic), challenges to the state and institutions (political), and the rise of new social and political movements (cultural). 8 economically, technological changes and government deregulation have permitted the establishment of transnational network in production, trade, and finance creating what is referred to as a â€Å"borderless world†. The second element affects States. Political power and activities extend across the boundaries of nation- states while policy making on issues such as human rights, environmental degradation and nuclear safety have required global consensus. The third element of globalization affects more than markets and states. It is altering the lives of people across the globe. Fast dissemination of media, books, music, international ideas and values has produced a somewhat global culture. b) Positive impacts of globalization: A thorough understanding of the effect of globalization is needed to use its advantages to improve the economy of Bangladesh. This may also help Bangladesh maintain a sustained growth in the face of likely economic peril. Though some view NGO (Non-Government Organization) as a tool of economic exploitation, it brings changes on the living condition and status of the poor and rural people. Excludes are now becoming Includes. While most low-income countries depend largely on the export of primary commodities, Bangladesh has made the transition from being primarily a jute-exporting country to a garment-exporting one. This transition has been dictated by the country’s resource endowment, characterized by extreme land scarcity and a very high population density, making economic growth dependent on the export of labor-intensive manufactures. A greater integration with the global economy seems to fit well with Bangladesh’s development efforts. The garment sector opens the door of sufficiency to the people who previously live in a hurdle living. The export-oriented garment industry presently employs around 2. 5 million workers – mostly women from low-income, rural backgrounds. The second dominant export-oriented activity, shrimp farming, is also very labor intensive, presently employing nearly half a million rural poor. This economic revaluation is not only creates skilled sectors but also gradually decreased unemployment problem. More generally, import liberalization is likely to have contributed to the creation of productive employment for the poor through the strengthening of many small-scale and informal sector activities that have benefited from improved access to imported inputs. Another issue of great importance to Bangladesh is that the free movement of migrant workers across borders be expanded, for workers’ remittances play an important role in its economy. Moreover, as a result of increasing global connection and technological improvements diversification of export is possible as many new export items are added as the global demands are increasing. We can talk about ship building industry and IT based call center service are now coming as a new dimension in our economic arena. Globalization also creates impact on our culture and social structure as we are now considering ourselves as a global citizen. The interaction with other cultures and knowledge and information about other societies create a great impact on our lifestyle and thinking. c) Negative impacts of globalization: The removal of the Multi-Fiber Arrangements (MFA) quotas now threatens to increase competition in the global garment industry and thus limit Bangladesh’s growth. The strength of the industry depends on the export quotas dictated by the MFA and preferential access in the major Western markets. Moreover, other export industries are unlikely to take its place if the garment industry shrinks. It is not easy for a Least Developed Country (LDC) like Bangladesh to specialize in manufactured exports. Having low wage costs can hardly compensate for its lack of marketing skills and infrastructure and poor overall investment climate. Moreover, the high degree of dependence of domestic industries on imported raw materials and industrial inputs makes it difficult for Bangladesh. In this connection, it is likely to mention that, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) rules were devised decades ago to help developing countries promote export-oriented industrialization. But, in effect, the rules proved discriminatory against LDCs like Bangladesh that count on low value-addition processing activities. On top of these rules, Bangladesh also has to worry about non-tariff barriers such as those relating to environmental or labor standards. Anti-dumping actions are already under way against exports from Bangladesh, Also, the role of globalization played by the western dominated institutions such as, the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agenda of the Bangladesh’s economical sector and upcoming debt formulated by these kinds of organizations are running on the process of economic exploitation of a country. For this, they are willing to give money for construct a road rather than a factory. Beside this for every debt they are selling their products in our country without any tax. Globalization is a well excepted term all over the world, but developed countries are the real beneficiaries of the concept; whereas the developing countries are in a confused situation to relate the term on their economic, social, political and personal life and it cannot helps to reduce the gap between haves and have not. 3. Objective of the Study: The overall objective of the project is to expand the theoretical discussion on the relationship between globalization, environmental change, resource use social suffering and human security in the context of a least developed country-Bangladesh. And the primary objective is to analysis how globalization effect on country’s economy. This study will: †¢ investigate the role environmental change play in social conflicts and resultant social suffering; †¢ assess the role of population movement as a factor of environmental degradation; †¢ Critically assess the gender dimension of social change resulting from the interacting forces of globalization and environmental change. The principal objective of this study was to identify all major dimensions and issues of †¢ Globalization and attempt to explain those, to the extent possible, from industrial perspective. The specific objectives set were as follows: †¢ To assess the effect and impact of the process of globalization on the life and livelihood of industry especially in Bangladesh. †¢ To analyze the overall economic condition of Bangladesh. †¢ To find the opportunities and challenges of Globalization in the context of Bangladesh economy. 4. Methodology: We used descriptive and expletory design to prepare our assignment. By design, this study was an exploratory type of study. For our primary research, we mostly used the resources of the web and the library. And some standard reference sources like – †¢Daily Newspaper †¢Weekly Newspaper †¢Magazine †¢ Economic Reports based on Bangladesh Economy For finding materials in the web, we used the standard search engines such as †¢Google †¢Yahoo †¢AltaVista As well as reference sites and news sites, we also used some Bangladeshi search engines. 5. Limitation of the Problem : All data are not available in internet. It was very short time to collect all relevant data and to prepare this assignment. Also we faced load shedding problem and our lab was over crowded that distract our mind sometimes. . Analysis a) Overall Economic Condition of Bangladesh: Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is plausible that the overall growth rate of Bangladesh is not stagnant; the overall growth rate of Bangladesh is actually moving forward. The growth average of Bangladesh is 5. 4%per year over the FY01-05 period, which has been the highest since the country’s independence (The World Bank). Bangladesh has global merchandize trade relationship ships with many countries around the world. Bangladesh has a good market in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. Bangladesh also exports goods and services from around the globe. The economy of Bangladesh is a rapidly developing market-based economy. Its per capita income in 2010 was est. US$1,700 (adjusted by purchasing power parity). According to the International Monetary Fund, Bangladesh ranked as the 43rd largest economy in the world in 2010 in PPP terms and 57th largest in nominal terms, among the Next Eleven or N-11 of Goldman Sachs and D-8 economies, with a gross domestic product of US$269. billion in PPP terms and US$104. 9 billion in nominal terms. The economy has grown at the rate of 6-7% per annum over the past few years. More than half of the GDP is generated by the service sector; while nearly half of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector. Other goods produced are textiles, jute, fish, vegetables, fruit, leather and leather goods, ceramics, ready-made goods. Garments sector is t he largest exporting sector for Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, openness to trade would be a vital basis of future growth. Growth from trade directness will depend upon simultaneous investment climate reforms that would boost competitiveness to domestic firms. In Bangladesh the government should undertake policies to attract overseas remittance into productive investment activities. Remittances from Bangladeshis working overseas, mainly in the Middle East, are the major source of foreign exchange earnings; exports of garments and textiles are the other main sources of foreign exchange earnings. Ship building and cane cultivation have become a major force of growth. GDP’s rapid growth due to sound financial control and regulations has also contributed to its growth; however, foreign direct investment is yet to rise significantly. Bangladesh has made major strides in its human development. The land is devoted mainly to rice and jute cultivation as well as fruits and other produce, although wheat production has increased in recent years; the country is largely self-sufficient in rice production. Bangladesh’s growth of its agricultural industries is due to its fertile deltaic land that depends on its six seasons and multiple harvests. Transportation, communication, water distribution, and energy infrastructure are rapidly developing. Bangladesh is limited in its reserves of oil, but recently there has been huge development in gas and coal mining. Bangladesh’s economy has been remarkably resilient, with GDP growth averaging 5? % a year for the past 15 years. But the growth has been off a low base, so the country remains one of the poorest in Asia. Its economic base is narrow (based around garments and agriculture) and vulnerable to natural disasters. Moreover, despite a recent period of relative calm, political stability is far from assured. Bangladesh is below the regional average for per capita income, growth and creditworthiness. The business climate can be difficult – but according to the World Bank’s Doing Business Survey no worse than the regional average. Like most developing economies, Bangladesh can be a risky place to do business. But it does have attractions: a large and growing population; steady GDP growth; and strong demand for foreign capital to meet the country’s large infrastructure and energy needs. Chart 2 shows the different criteria of risks to exporters and investors of Bangladesh. Over the past 15 years, growth has been rapid and has slowly accelerated. Over 2012-14, the IMF expects growth to be over 6% pa, an impressive performance in the current economic climate. However, this partly reflects strong population growth, with per-capita income growth continuing to lag the regional average. Moreover, inflation remains a problem, with prices recently being boosted by reductions to fuel subsidies and a weakening in the currency. Inflation is also very exposed to swings in food prices, which account for 60% of consumption. ) Opportunities of Globalization: Bangladesh has a low human capital stock and is relatively closed to the global economy even by standard of the other low-income countries. Therefore, Bangladesh has not yet fully become part of the global economy. This is as truer in trade as in technology achievements. Globalize offers the potential to free Bangladesh and other developing countries from the restrictions imposed by a relatively small domestic ma rket, low saving and limited access to world technology and credit. 1. Opportunity to break the vicious circle: It offers an opportunity to break the vicious circle of savings and investments, a long-standing important challenge for all developing countries. Better education, training, technology, equipment and infrastructure in general raise living standard. Due to globalization, foreign investment in our country will increase. If we can properly utilize it then employment will increased which will raise the income of people of Bangladesh. So, if there is a high rate of income then savings of people will increased which will enable us to break the vicious circle. 2. Alternative source of domestic investment finance: Globalization offers an alternative source of domestic investment finance. Such financing is channeled through direct investment and frequently come with attached benefits, such as technology transfer, training, marketing networks and managerial and technical expertise. Foreign investment is especially attractive when it brings its own physical capital and the means to enhance human capital of domestic citizens. 3. Increasing the living standards of poor people and employment opportunities: Globalization is increasing the living standards of poor people in Bangladesh. Industries from foreign investments create employment opportunities for a large number of people including young women who, for the first time, can visibly enter the male dominated public space. Foreign and export oriented industries are changing the economic and social scenario of Bangladesh which, results in an increase of living standards. 4. Motivating the people and increasing the modernity of our society: Increasing globalization is motivating the Bangladeshi people and increasing the modernity in our society. A person can forces by inspiration refers what effect his direction, intensity, and persistence of voluntary behavior. Foreign investments create high paying jobs, which require more knowledge and skill, therefore motivating people to work for a higher education. Bangladeshi students are performing better than before. Advertisements for foreign products also motivate people. Globalization allows foreign companies to advertise their products in our country. When people watch advertisements for expensive foreign products, they want to buy them even if they don’t have the ability. 5. The transfer of technology: Bangladesh has largely benefited from the transfer of technology. One nation cannot produce everything, because it has limited resources. Globalization gave us the opportunity to use modern technology. We got world-class telecommunication technology, which was not possible without foreign investment. 6. Modern telecommunication technology: Modern telecommunication technology connected us to the rest of the world. Bangladesh are getting technological advantages like computers and the Internet, transportation and online banking with evaluation in the modern world. We are earning foreign currency and creating many new jobs by exporting computer software. Globalization has made a big social and economic change in Bangladesh. 7. Increased competitiveness and raise export potentials: Product market competition induced by government policy of economic liberalization can bring about increased competitiveness and raise export potentials. The competition can be enhanced by reductions in transport and communication costs of conducting international trade, by removal of external tariff barriers, and by more vigorous application of pro-competitive policies in those domestic industries not exposed to international competition. Competition is healthy for the economy in the long run. It not only influences the relative bargaining power of firms and workers but it is also a force for renewal and change. 8. Actions of Employers to reap the opportunities of Globalization: Volatility in the labor market has prompted employers in Bangladesh to become more organized and to move towards greater unity. There is a tendency among the employers to shift certain risks and responsibilities away from the enterprise or society to the workers. Employers have tended to introduce new labor-saving technologies to reduce cost of production and to avoid the risk of labor unrest. Unlike in the public sector, employers in the private sector have resorted to growing casualization of workers resulting in the deprivation of workers of provident fund, gratuity, normal working days and hours, group insurance, leave encashment, leave with pay and pension benefits and, above all, job security 9. Actions of Trade Unions to reap the opportunities of Globalization: Economic integration and increasing competition erode the bargaining power of trade unions. However, the increasing mobility of goods and capital allows such obstacles to be readily circumvented, thereby prompting the trade union movement to adopt a global approach. Globalization has also created opportunities for trade unions by offering organized labour the alternative of collaborating with employers to enhance productivity, adaptability and product or service quality, in exchange for job security and higher wages. 10. Benefit from return migrants: Because of globalization also Bangladesh can benefit from return migrants. Migrants make-up a pool of potential investors and managers who have benefited from foreign training, not merely from academic or vocational training but in the wider sense of learning on the job and assimilating more of the global business culture . Migrants are likely to return for changing lifestyle for example they wish to return home to set up a business (however small) or to take advantage of early retirement. Due to globalization these migrants are interested to invest in Bangladesh 11. Foreign Direct Investment: FDI in RMG industry should be welcomed and pursued to ensure higher investment in this sector. FDI would also help in transferring technology and ensure bigger market access by providing direct linkages with the retailers. 12. Some other Opportunities of Globalization: Globalization has also created some new scope and opportunity for the development. Following may be considered as opportunities: a) Bangladesh is being integrated with global economy and business. b) Expanded private sector employment opportunity with poor labor rights.. c) Increasing competitiveness and efficiency. d) Emergence of new sectors of production and employment according to the global need, such as ternary, footwear, pharmaceuticals, RMG, etc. e) Labor export to external market increased. f) As more countries are participating in trade, finance and production, Bangladesh is being integrated globally to a greater extent than before. g) Increased economic interdependence compared to other developing nations. ) Bangladesh is being linked to both developed and developing countries more closely through economic institutions, international agreements or treaties. i) Increase in foreign capital, information and technology flows. j) Bangladesh is facing competition from increased internationalization of foreign enterprises, mergers and alliances. k) Bangladesh i s experiencing customer-driven (rather than product-driven) global and local markets, though at the same time segmented markets. l) Competitiveness of Bangladesh is increasingly being based not on low wages or natural resources but on knowledge/innovation, skills and productivity. ) Potential to boost productivity and living standards across the globe, because a globally integrated economy can lead to a better division of labor between countries, allowing low-wage countries like Bangladesh to specialize in labor-intensive tasks while high-wage countries use workers in more productive ways thus allowing global firms to exploit bigger economies of scale. So we think Globalization will help Bangladesh a lot to increase its overall economic condition and others sectors that need to be strong to build up a decent economy. c) Challenges of Globalization: Within a country, there is the challenge of forgoing liberalization policies that promote greater integration of the domestic economy into the global economy. There are pressures from trade unions, lobby groups and local businesses over the effect of these policies on jobs and the closure of local industries. These can make it politically and socially difficult to implement reforms that could benefit a country in the medium to long term. The responsibility for achieving the right balance and pace of adjustment lie with individual Governments, but in practice this is not simple as it appears. Bangladesh pursued a number a number of stabilization and structural reform programs between 1987 and 1993, and made considerable progress in achieving macroeconomic stability. The various challenges of globalization that Bangladesh faces are as follows:- 1. Challenges for national economy: During the period of rapid integration with the global economy, the incidence of poverty appeared to have increased and so have inequalities in the country. Economic reforms in the country produced disappointing results in the absence of a system to induce entrepreneurs to invest in industries. Lack of institutions to make the economy efficient and reduce transaction costs was also a reason behind the country’s poor performance. Inequalities increased in the country during the period of rapid globalization. Inequality in income distribution increased quite substantially both in rural and urban Bangladesh. 2. Challenges for our culture and social life: Globalization makes worldwide boundaries fade away and enlarging contest in the market place. For globalization we are facing a huge impact on our culture and social life in the modern world. For example, McDonalds introduced American fast food to other parts of the world. The American fast food of McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc. are introducing to our country, which is a challenge for our Bengali fast food. Also the Indian culture becomes a major challenge for our own Bengali culture now-a-days. 3. Challenges for business: As in the case of industries, globalization impinges heavily on the business in Bangladesh with destabilizing forces debilitating balance of trade and balance of payments. Bangladeshi products are increasingly losing competitiveness in the global market due to growing cost of business exacting high prices. The cost of business is increasing primarily due to port problems, bureaucratic tangles in customs department and no improvement in lead-time. In contrast, an increasing number of countries are offering low-cost products. 4. Challenges of Globalization on Industry: In Bangladesh many industrial units in jute, cotton, RMG, and paper and several other sectors are closed down by a number of reasons of which globalization is one crucial factor. These industrial units have difficulties to compete both domestically and internationally. Even in the domestic market, it is difficult for them to keep up the competitive advantages compared to imported goods. Notably, in all these sectors there is considerable inflow of FDI and presence of MNCs (multinational companies) and there is no SOE. 5. Challenges faced by ICT and Bio-technology: Such challenges faced by Bangladesh for the ICT and Bio-technology and their Impact on Employment and Intellectual Property Rights are: a) Makes some of the traditional farming role of people redundant leading to unemployment particularly among older and rural people. ) It’s not a desires and traditions of our communities to imported bio-technologies always. c) Needs to make easy to codify and move some of the un-codified knowledge of local citizens to the worldwide market. However if uncompensated, the move deprives people the economic gains and royalty they should be entitled to. 6. Challenges for Power Sector: Government has opened up foreign investment in power generation as in dependent power producer (IPP), and has also privatized transmission and distribution to the private sector (DESA, DESCO). Significant private foreign capital invested in the sector. As a result Bangladesh Power Development Board gradually has been losing its control over the power sector. Companies appointed employees under new terms and conditions. Job security of the employees also was ensured by the agreement 7. Challenges for Telecommunication: Telecommunication service was exclusively under Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB). This sector has been opened up for private investment. Different private telephone companies, TV channels, marine and rural telecommunication, radio trucking service and revering telecommunication have already been opened up for private sector. These private phone companies or TV channels are capturing a large number of customers. As a result govt. owned companies losing their customers. Government has been making different efforts to privatize this sector like PDB under company management. There is strong opposition from employees against privatization of BTTB. 8. Challenges for Labor Market: In Bangladesh many industrial units jute, cotton, paper and RMG, and several other sectors were closed down by a number of reasons of which globalization is one of crucial factor. It is estimated that near about 7 thousand big and medium size industries closed down as an impact of globalization. In Bangladesh near about 2 million people lost their employment due to closure of industries. Most of the privatization and closure of industries resulted in huge retrenchment. Fall in the aggregate demand for labor has accelerated declination of wage. Real wage declined due inflation and currency market deregulation. Also there is a decreased in number of working people under permanent contracts of employment. Non-traditional forms of employment including part time, casual and contract labor, home-work and migratory work increased. Casualization of workers in the private sector resulted in deprivation of provident fund, gratuity, normal working days and hours, group insurance, leave, pension and above all job security. Numerical functional flexibility in labor market increased, increased of out sourcing of work, and increased irregular payment. In the name of competition workers are forced to work overtime. Minimum wages of the workers in the private sector are not protected. 9. Challenges for Employment: Challenges for employment are as follows:- a) Trade liberalization and privatization created social insecurity and aggravating, unemployment, underemployment. b) Social security of the workers decreased. c) Reduced job security, workers are terminated without benefits. d) Working environment degraded, especially in the private and informal sector. e) Labor laws are not implemented in most of the privately owned industries. 10. Mutual dependence: Globalization has increased mutual dependence between macroeconomic stability and good institutions and organizations, and made stability vulnerable to volatility in financial markets. Financial and currency crises around the world have occurred with an acceleration pace and with relatively more devastating impacts since the globalization process accelerated from 1989. 11. Some other Challenges: Bangladesh has to face some challenges to fight as well as cope with globalization. Challenges are as follows: a) Build up strong resistance against privation. b) Reopening of closed industries. c) Unite trade union movement to achieve greater collective bargaining power. d) Capacitate trade union with new bargaining approach. ) To fight against the fast changing rules of the game of rapid transformation workers need to develop knowledge based skill in manufacturing through continuous updating of skill to face the challenges of globalization. f) Build up global shared goal and action. Enhance global unionism to face the global challenges. g) Initiatives to influence International Financial Institution to ensure workers’ rights. h) Build up pact between trade union an d global consumers. Make global consumers responsible to ensure labor rights at national level. i) Organize informal sector as well non-unionized workers to strengthen trade union movement. ) Globalization not only affected workers but also affected different sections of the people, so it is important to organize voice from all sections. k) Workers alone would not be able to fight globalization. Influence political parties to incorporate the agenda. Globalization has both positive as well as negative impacts on its players. In an increasingly open, integrated and borderless world there have been remarkable growths in trade and exchanges. It was basically possible because of the democratization of technology, finance and communications. On the other hand globalization also generates number of problems. 7. Recommendations: The impact of globalization on the economy of Bangladesh is mixed with marginal positive outcome overshadowed by vast negative results. Globalization provides many opportunities for development for Bangladesh and its people, including the potential to improve wages and living standards. It has challenged many economic strategies of the past as the way towards development. It provides an impetus and incentive to develop human resources and to improve productivity as key factors of competitiveness and improved living standards. Globalization has made Bangladesh conscious of the need to improve productivity. Even unions in Bangladesh have come to acknowledge the importance of productivity enhancement to the standards of living of their own members. Trade liberalization and privatization has created social insecurity in terms of loss of jobs and aggravating unemployment and underemployment in the country pointing to the need for social protection to contain insecurity of the workers. Voice of the common workers, collective awareness and participatory management of trade unions at various levels are the three main processes for the improvement of trade union governance. The existing practice of centralized governance of trade unions has largely contributed to the major failures in the labor processes in Bangladesh. Competitive labor market is expected to link wages with productivity. In the case of SOEs, real wage growth outpacing productivity growth is a factor raising unit labor costs and reducing international competitiveness calling for adjustment of real wages in line with productivity growth. The state thus has a critical role to play; both in handling such shocks and in helping people and firms seize the opportunities of the global market place. Globalization also sharpens the need for international co-operation in at least five areas, such as: a) Managing Regional Crisis, b) Promoting global economic stability, c) Protecting the Environment, d) Fostering Basic Research and the dissemination of know-how and e) Making International Development Assistance more effective. Some Recommendations are given below: Government level reforms: Bangladesh Government has taken initiatives or resources for telecommunications and transports which are not along to meet the nation’s growing requirements. Bangladesh government should continuously improve system capabilities to enhance the private sector participation. Monetary Policy: The central bank must maintain a close look on the growth of the monetary base or domestic credit creation. Attract free flow of FDI : Foreign Direct Investment is inevitable for any developing economy. Bangladesh should create proper field to attract more FDI in industrial sector. Productive investment: Bangladesh needs substantial quality investment in the industrial sector and investment in those activities where we can produce more efficiently. The economic growth rate in Bangladesh is not necessarily constrained by insufficient savings; rather it is due to poor level of investment and lack of efficient use of capita Integration into World Markets: In Bangladesh, firms can be internationally integrated by means of ownership or by selling their products in foreign markets. In the readymade garments and leather/footwear industries, most of the firms are majority exporters, i. e. , they sell more than 50% of their output in export markets. In contrast, in the pharmaceuticals industries there are no majority exporters (Fernandes2006). Limited foreign capital assimilation: Every year Bangladesh seeks foreign capital for undertaking various projects. But foreign capital can be a substitute for domestic savings only to limited extent. Foreign aid, commercial borrowing and portfolio investment can limit the expansion of savings by expanding consumption. The government should immediately constitute a national committee on aid for trade to work on getting a better share of the aid-cake as well as adopt a foreign aid policy statement in consistent with the new PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper) to make donors clear about the priority areas of aid. . Conclusion: Globalization has a very far-reaching effect on almost every sphere of life. In the question of economic development and growth it is even more being in this era of globalization. Developing country like Bangladesh must take the advantages of globalization and attempt to improve her economy. However, we found from each piece was that the impact of globalizati on was more negative on Bangladesh than it was positive. Globalization has not only kept Bangladesh from advancing ahead in economic development, but it has changed the traditions and ways of life for the indigenous people for the worse. As a poor country, Bangladesh needs to be more concerned about the appropriate implementation of Globalization. As we find thru our research, Bangladesh’s potentials to economic globalization is highly promising. We believe that the recommendation made in this paper if implemented well will take Bangladesh to a point of sustained economic growth and development. How to cite Globalization and Its Impact on Bangladesh Economy, Papers

I Am Writing A Report About Fidel Castro. He Is Famous For Taking Essay Example For Students

I Am Writing A Report About Fidel Castro. He Is Famous For Taking Essay Control of Cuba in 1959 and established a communist dictatorship. He was Born in Mayari on August 13,1927. As a boy he worked in his family sugar Plantation. Castro went to the University of Havana in 1945 and got his Degree in law in 1950. Castro married Mirta Diaz Balart. They only had one Son and soon after they had their son his wife divorced him in 1955. As a Lawyer he defended the poor and he was a candidate for the Cuban Congress. He did not get in congress because Batista canceled the elections. Castro and His brother Raul bought guns out of their pockets for 150 people. They Assaulted an army barracks in Santiago de Cuba. They went to jail for it and Castro went in to exile. They reorganized and about 80 people were killed in Another fight. Castro and other survivors escaped in to mountains. For two Years they escaped guerrila firing. The dictator that was in Cuba fled in January 1,1959 because his army collapse, and unable to count on the Support of the United States. This made they way for Castros rise to power. Castro declared that Cuba would not be ruled by dictator, but his Government was a communist dictatorship. He had his enemies excuted and filled the jails for being disloyal to him. Castro took over property that was Owned by United States. On April 1961 Cubans exiled to the United States. United States invaded Cuba in attempt to overthrow Castro. Castro and his Forces defeated them at the Bay of Pigs. Castro was able to consolidate his Power. Cuba aligned itself with the Soviet Union, which granted Cuba Massive economic, technical, and military assistance. In 1979 he was elected Chairman of the nonaligned nations movement, a position that gained him Some international prestige. Castro believes that he has a revolution duty to Fight imperialism in the developing world. He remains a critic of the U.S Foreign policy. The contribution that he made to the Spanish speaking world Is helping to defend the poor and becoming a chairman of the Nonalign ed Nations Movement