https://research-methodology.net Necessary knowledge to conduct a business research Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:22:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://rm-15da4.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-logoBRM-32x32.jpg https://research-methodology.net 32 32 https://research-methodology.net/destructive-impacts-of-colonialism-on-chinas-slow-growth-of-output-per-person-between-the-1840s-and-the-1940s/ Tue, 13 Dec 2016 04:04:34 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=8963 This essay critically analyses the level of destructive impact of colonialism on China’s growth output between the 1840s and the 1940s. The essay contains the contrast of opposite arguments regarding the topic and supports the argument confirming destructive impact of colonialism on China’s growth output between the 1840s and the 1940s by providing relevant and valid justifications. A study of economic history can provide valuable knowledge to economic theorists and practitioners in terms of dealing with economic challenges of present and the future. An in-depth analysis of factors causing the level of economic growth to slow down in particular is necessary so that these factors can be dealt with to fuel economic prosperity in any given region. Colonialism can be defined as “the control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people” (Colonialism, online, 2016). While forming new colonies may prove to be a profitable strategy for powerful countries in many levels, economies that become victim to colonialism experience a set of substantial economic and social setbacks such as loss of sovereignty in terms of using economic resources, and negative impact upon cultural identity. The essay starts with assessing the level of China’s economic growth between the 1840s and the 1940s providing evidences why it was slow for this specific period. This is followed by discussions of colonialism and its negative impacts on the level of China’s economic growth between the 1840s and the 1940s. In order to adhere to the specified word limit for this essay political implications of colonialism are not addressed in this essay, and the main focus have been made on effects of colonialism on national economics using the case study of China. Moreover, an alterative viewpoint on the issue is also explored in this essay by assessing the impact of…]]> https://research-methodology.net/an-analysis-of-the-world-bank-approach-to-reducing-global-poverty/ Fri, 02 Dec 2016 02:31:42 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=8949 Rapid technological development during the last several decades coupled with a series of breakthroughs in information technology has immensely contributed to the development of national economies for a wide range of countries with positive implications on standards of life of people. At the same time, global poverty still remains one the most pressing issues with almost half of the world – more than 3 billion people living on less than $2.50 a day (Shah, 2016, online). The issue of global poverty is periodically addressed by a set of organisations such as World Bank, One International, WHO, CARE and others, as well as, within the framework of The Group of Twenty (G20) forum. This article represents a critical assessment of the role of World Bank in particular in dealing with global poverty. The article starts with the general discussions about the World Bank and its current contribution in eliminating global poverty. This is followed by analysis of criticism of World Bank performance in dealing with global poverty. Moreover, this article identifies potentials for World Bank to deal with global poverty more effectively. The World Bank Group is an international financial institution that pursues its mission of ‘Help Reduce Poverty’ with the participation of 188 countries. The World Bank Group consists of five organisations that are The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Each of these organisations contributes to World Bank mission in a unique way. It is important to clarify that generally the term ‘World Bank’ refers to only IBRD and IDA, and these two organisations along with IFC, MIGA, and ICSID are incorporated within the World Bank Group. Within the scope of this…]]> https://research-methodology.net/the-collapse-of-the-soviet-union-major-reasons-and-implications/ Mon, 30 May 2016 10:47:57 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7807 Introduction Described as the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century by the current president of Russia Vladimir Putin (BBC, 2005, online), the collapse of the Soviet Union has caused profound changes in global political and economic affairs, impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) has been formed in 1922 and it has enjoyed the culmination of its influence in the global scale following its victory in World War Two within the period from mid 1960s to mid 1980s being able to send the first man to the outer space in 1961 and achieving relative stability in the standard of life of member state citizens. Initially, Soviet Union comprised only six member states in 1922 – Russian, Ukrainian, Byelorussian, Azerbaijan, Georgian and Armenian Soviet Socialist Republics; however its size has been gradually increased during the following two decades until 1941 to reach the numbers of member states to 15 through expanding into Central Asia and Balkan states. Nevertheless, due to the range of reasons discussed below the existence of USSR came to its end officially in 1991. Although more than two decades have passed since the collapse of the USSR this topic is regularly explored in academic levels due to its importance and impact to the formation of present geo-political situation. This essay attempts to analyse the major reasons and implications of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Economic, cultural, social and political factors contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union are discussed in this essay and implications of this event on regional level for former USSR blog countries, as well as, on the global landscape are assessed. Economic factors contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union Assessment of economic factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union…]]> https://research-methodology.net/a-critical-analysis-of-elecdyne-international-market-expansion-opportunities-2/ Fri, 27 May 2016 00:53:54 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7752 1. Introduction Elecdyne is a Tokyo-based manufacturer of consumer electronics products that has been operating in local market in Japan for over three decades. Currently employing 100 members of workforce, Elecdyne strategic level management is keen to explore the potentials of revenue maximisation through internationalisation. This article represents a critical analysis of Elecdyne international market expansion opportunities. The article starts with a brief analysis of Elecdyne current situation and an overview of business environment for the company with the application of STEEP framework.  This is followed by analysis of country profiles of UK, Russia and Turkey as a potential new market for Elecdyne using a weighted scaling system. The article is completed by specifying strategic direction for Elecdyne and providing rationale for the choice of direction being offered.   2. Current/Future Business Environment It has been noted that “an organisation does not exist in isolation but is part of a broader business environment, making it an open system” (Amos et al., 2008, p.3). Accordingly, Elecdyne is faced with a set of challenges caused by external factors that need to be addressed in timely and effective ways. Challenges imposed to Elecdyne by external environment can be effectively illustrated through STEEP table where the abbreviation stands for social, technological, economic, ecological and political factors affecting the business. Social Ø  Intensifying level of cultural globalisation Ø  Ageing of population in developed countries (Blakemore and Warwick-Booth, 2013) Ø  Changing patterns of families (single parents, same sex parents etc.) Technological Ø  Declining duration of life cycle for consumer electronics products Ø  Increasing frequency of technological innovations Ø  Technological breakthroughs in the area of electronics products recycling Economic Ø  Declining profit margins for consumer electronics products due to intensifying competition Ø  Likelihood of economic crises such as global recession of 2007 – 2009 Ø  Rising costs of operations…]]> https://research-methodology.net/impact-of-globalisation-on-general-electric-ge-policies-2/ Thu, 26 May 2016 01:00:45 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7758 Introduction Increasing forces of globalisation have altered the terms and nature of conducting business considerably and irreversibly. As a result of globalisation businesses have been presented with a range of opportunities to contribute to the level of their revenues and these opportunities primarily include outsourcing various business processes abroad and exporting products to other countries. General Electric Company (GE) is a globally diversified technology and financial services company and its products and services include aircraft engines, power generation, water processing, and household appliances to medical imaging, business and consumer financing and industrial products (General Electric Co, Bloomberg, 2013). GE has achieved an international growth of 18% during 2011 which has contributed to company consolidated revenues of $147 billions during the same period of time. Moreover, 13,000 jobs were created by GE in US during 2011, and international sales of American-made products by GE had amounted to $18 billion during that year (GE Annual Report, 2011). This report evaluates the impact that globalisation has had on the policies of GE and specifies changes needed to be implemented taking into account the recent economic crisis in the USA and the global financial recession. The report addresses GE policy changes impacted by globalisation in an individual manner by referring to other relevant publications, and changes proposed for GE in the report have been justified in a detailed manner.   Impact of Globalisation on GE Policies GE has attempted to take full advantage of possibilities provided by globalisation by formulating relevant policies mainly during the last decade under the leadership of its CEO Jeff Immelt.  Financial Time’s Crooks (2012) recites the following words from Immelt: “When I became CEO [in 2001] we were 70 per cent inside the US industrially. Now we are 60 per cent outside the US”. The specific impacts of globalisation…]]> https://research-methodology.net/foreign-aid-and-growth-in-africa/ Wed, 25 May 2016 04:31:51 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7762 Introduction Foreign aid can be defined as “any action by a government or citizen of one country, which helps to promote economic development in another country” (Kazimbazi and Alexander, 2011, p.28). Many countries situated in Africa do receive substantial amount of foreign aids from other countries, international organisations and private philanthropists. Foreign aid is mainly provided in the forms of financial aid, technical support and food aid. According to Wall Street Journal (2009), over the past 60 years the amount of foreign aid provided to Africa has exceeded USD 1 trillion and foreign aid has been provided to deal with a wide range of serious problems such as extreme poverty, fighting with HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, internal conflicts and abuse of human rights, child labour and human trafficking etc. This essay critically analyses the topic of foreign aid and growth in Africa in general and in Uganda in particular. The essay starts with discussions of means and methods of delivery of foreign aid to Uganda. This is followed by analysing the benefits of foreign aids and level of dependency of Uganda on foreign aid. быстрые микрозаймы онлайн Moreover, the opposite viewpoint addressing the disadvantages of foreign aid to Uganda and an overview of popular arguments of sceptics of foreign aid have been included in this essay. The essay is concluded by discussing a range of alternatives to foreign aid in order to achieve economic development in Uganda. Republic of Uganda has more than 34,5 million population with the life expectancy of 54 years for men and 55 years for women (BBC Uganda Profile, 2013). Comprising 241,038 square kilometres, Uganda is bordered with Kenya in the east, Tanzania and Rwanda in the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west (Barlas and Yong, 2010). Today Uganda is faced…]]> https://research-methodology.net/acquisition-of-germanwings-by-lufthansa-german-airlines-motives-strategic-and-organisational-fit-2/ Tue, 17 May 2016 07:53:14 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7722 1. Introduction Mergers, acquisitions and formation of alliances are commonplace in global airline industry and they are fuelled by the search of competitive advantages in order to achieve long-term growth. However, the implementation of mergers, acquisitions and formation of strategic alliances in practice can be associated with a set of complex challenges that might include differences in organisational culture, clash of personalities within top level management, lack or absence of strategic fit between the two companies and others. Lufthansa Group is a global airline company that employs more than 120,000 workforces that have contributed to generate 713 million EURO through serving 100.6 million passengers during the year of 2011 alone (Annual Report, 2011). Germanwings is a budget airline company that employs 1355 members of staff and served 7.52 million customers in 2011 offering flights to more than 90 destinations with 33 Airbus A 319 airplanes (Facts and Figures, 2013, online). Germanwings is wholly owned by Lufthansa since 2009. This report investigates a range of business issues related to the acquisition of Germanwings by Lufthansa German Airlines in 2009. The report starts with analysis of motives for choosing acquisition method among other alternatives by Lufthansa. This is followed by discussions of strategic and organisational fit between Lufthansa and Germanwings. Moreover, this report addresses potential gains and risks faced by Lufthansa due to the acquisition of Germanwings. The report is concluded with assessing outcomes relative to expectations in relation to this specific airline acquisition. 2. The Motives for Choosing Acquisition Method by Lufthansa Top level management of Lufthansa have selected the method of acquisition among other alternatives such as initiating a merger or forming a strategic alliance in relation to Germanwings due to the set of reasons that include less time required to complete the acquisition, increasing the market share, overcoming entry…]]> https://research-methodology.net/what-is-the-united-nations-how-effective-is-the-united-nations-in-global-governance/ Mon, 16 May 2016 08:48:46 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7728 1. Introduction This article attempts to answer the question What is the United Nations? Moreover, the article represents a detailed analysis of the level of effectives of the UN in global governance. The article starts with discussing the role of functions of the UN, explaining the roles and functions of each UN’s six organs in an individual manner. This has been followed by identification of gaps in global governance and discussions about the role of the UN in terms of the extent of filling each gap. Furthermore, the article critically analyses the overall level of effectiveness of the UN in global governance and discusses the potentials for increasing the level of effectiveness in the UN in global governance by proposing a set of recommendations. Increasing level of integration and cooperation between counties in various levels creates a need for reputable international bodies that could assist in facilitating international relations, and more importantly, deal with disagreements and conflicts that may occur in international relations. The reality of the present nature of global governance is the outcome of conflict between the need to introduce global rules and regulations, and the willingness of retaining control over national boundaries. The is a set of reputable international organisations currently operating in the global scale such as The United Nations, The World Trade Organisation,  The World Bank, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and others, and each of these organisations engages in global governance with varying levels of effectiveness depending on their aims and objective, resources, sources of funds and other factors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation “committed to maintaining international piece and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights” (UN at a Glance, 2016, online). Founded on October 24, 1945, the UN comprises 193 member…]]> https://research-methodology.net/how-can-we-better-understand-the-ideology-of-washington-consensus-2/ Sun, 15 May 2016 10:13:17 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=7733 Introduction There always have been disparities between countries in terms of the levels of economic developments and this tendency is most likely to continue in the future. However, there have been attempts by highly developed countries to assist the level of economic development of developing countries through various programs involving financial aids and recommendations. A set of policy recommendations proposed by the US to developing countries has been known as Washington Consensus, and there are mixed opinions about the implementation and outcome of these recommendations (Bandelj and Sowers, 2010). This article critically analyses the ideology of Washington Consensus. The article starts with discussions about factors and circumstances that have caused the emergence of Washington Consensus. This is followed by discussing positive implications of Washington Consensus for certain countries by referring to relevant facts. Moreover, the article highlights major points of criticism of Washington Consensus and the attempts to assess the level of their validity of these points and discusses reasons and circumstances for introduction of Post-Washington Consensus also known as Washington Consensus II. The article is completed by attempting to the future of Washington Consensus prescriptions in modern dynamic global geo-political environment. Emergence of Washington Consensus The term of Washington Consensus has been coined by in 1989 by John Williamson to label “list of ten policies that more or less everyone in Washington would agree were needed more or less everywhere in Latin America” (Williamson, 2008, p.14). Williamson had specified these ten reforms proposed to Latin American countries as a greater level of fiscal discipline, re-ordering of public expenditure priorities, taxation reforms, liberalisations of interest rates, increasing the levels of competitiveness of interest rates, liberalisation of trade, liberalisation of inward foreign direct investment, privatisation, deregulation, and property rights. Latin American countries were facing severe economic challenges throughout the 1980s, and this…]]> https://research-methodology.net/vernons-product-life-cycle/ Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:34:39 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=6101 This article contains application of Vernon’s Product Life Cycle on the case study of Shanghai Vision Technology Co., Ltd, a medium sized manufacturer of 3D printers and other innovative products based in Shanghai, China. Products of Shanghai Vision Technology to be sold in new markets follow a specific life cycle pattern. This pattern can be effectively explained using Vernon’s product life cycle which comprises four stages: introduction, growth, maturity and decline. Introduction stage for Shanghai Vision Technology 3D printers and other products commences when the product is offered in new market for the first time. During this stage Shanghai Vision Technology products are purchased mainly by ‘innovator’ and ‘early adopter’ consumer categories and the role of effective integrated marketing strategy is paramount.     Growth stage for Shanghai Vision Technology products is associated with rapid increase of the sales volume due to the impact of marketing initiatives and word-of mouth marketing. It is important for Shanghai Vision Technology to ensure the supply of its products in the market during this stage. Maturity stage is reached when the majority of Shanghai Vision Technology target customer segment already posses 3D printers and other products offered by the company and its competitors. Maturity stage is associated with market saturation. Decline stage is inevitable for Shanghai Vision Technology products, as well as for products of any other company regardless of the industry and size of the market. Determining the timeframe of this stage in an appropriate manner and introducing new products to the market during the later stages of decline plays an important role for Shanghai Vision Technology in terms of retaining its share in new markets.                                                        …]]> https://research-methodology.net/dunning-eclectic-paradigm/ Sun, 09 Nov 2014 13:24:16 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=6096 This article contains application of Dunning Eclectic Paradigm on the case study of Shanghai Vision Technology Co., Ltd, a medium sized manufacturer of 3D printers and other innovative products based in Shanghai, China. Exporting can be specified as the most appropriate new market entry strategy for Shanghai Vision Technology during the early stages of internationalisation. Exporting new market entry strategy can be explained a greater depth using Dunning Eclectic Paradigm (DEP) that relies upon three types of advantages – ownership, location and internationalisation advantages.   Ownership advantages The choice of exporting as new market entry strategy grants Shanghai Vision Technology the complete ownership advantage of all components of marketing mix. In other words, by choosing exporting the company retains complete freedom in terms of introducing changes to pricing, product specifications, distribution channels and promotion initiatives. Location advantages Ownership and internationalisation advantages to be derived by Shanghai Vision Technology due to the selection of exporting new market entry strategy is going to be facilitated at the expense of location advantages. Specifically, by exporting its products to new markets Shanghai Vision Technology would not possess location advantages with negative implications such as being disadvantaged from tariff barriers and higher transportation costs compared to local businesses.   Internationalisation advantages Internationalisation advantages within Dunning Eclectic Paradigm relates to cost advantages that are gained through organising operations within geographical boundaries of new markets. Positive impact of internationalisation to Shanghai Vision Technology is limited during the first stage of international market expansion strategy due to the recommended choice of exporting new market entry strategy. Nevertheless, this specific type of advantage may become available to Shanghai Vision Technology during the later stages of Uppsala model described above once the company establishes sales subsidiaries and production unit abroad.]]> https://research-methodology.net/role-of-international-organisations-in-regulating-trade-between-countries/ Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:53:19 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5991 With the increasing forces of globalisation the need for trade regulation in an unbiased and objective manner increases. This role has been assumed by World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its functions include administration of trade agreements, serving as a forum for trade negotiations, dealing with trade disputes between its members, and monitoring policies of its members related to trade. Established in January 1, 1995, WTO comprises 159 members and it is based in Geneva, Switzerland (Annual Report, 2013). There are contradicting assessments of WTO performance in terms of regulating trade between counties in an effective manner. You can read more scope, contribution and criticism related to WTO here. On one hand, WTO has been praised for such positive impacts as stimulating economic growth and increasing the level of employment, encouraging good governance practices, contributing to peace and stability and settling trade disputes amongst its members (Ahern and Fergusson, 2010). On the other hand, WTO critics argue that the organisation has made a counter-productive impact on development of a range of its members, and it also has been blamed for neglecting environmental issues. Moreover, WTO has been criticised on the grounds of political bias for serving as an instrument at the hands of its few hegemonic members. Moreover, there are other international organisations which are parts of United Nations Organisations (UN) such as World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF), that have certain impacts in international trade practices. UN in general, and its Economic and Social Council in particular can be specified as another international organisation that does have impact on trade regulation between countries. Comprising 54 members for three-year terms, the Economic and Social Council aims to promote international cooperation in order to achieve economic and social development. Millennium Development Goals is one of the most noteworthy economic initiatives proposed…]]> https://research-methodology.net/objections-to-free-trade-and-their-validity/ Sun, 21 Sep 2014 04:52:28 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5986 In line with the advantages of free trade discussed here, there is a set of objections to free and these objections can be represented through the following four points. Firstly, free trade is criticised due to its perceived disadvantages to local producers. The concept of free trade promotes open competition without barriers in the global scale. Thus, companies from abroad with strong competitive edge may present serious threat to the levels of revenues of local businesses. However, this threat can be used as a positive factor as well, in terms of motivating local producers to innovate and search for additional sources of competitive edge in creative ways. From this perspective, local producers need to be assisted by government through building effective infrastructure for competition rather than being protected from foreign competitors limiting their motivation to innovate. Secondly, free trade is blamed for causing trade deficits with detrimental impacts on national economy. Specifically, trade deficit is an absence of balance between imports and exports and reducing the levels of trade deficits is one the main macroeconomic goals of the government. Trade deficit between US and China has been estimated to be as much as USD 40.6 billion (Crutsinger, 2014, online), and a range of economists point to this number as one of the main reasons for severe economic issues in the US. At the same time, counter-argument can be formulated in a way that “a growing trade deficit, despite its misleading name, is a good for the economy. It is typically a signal that global investors are confident in America’s future” (Boudreaux, 2014, online). In other words, there is a positive correlation between trade deficit and the levels of investment in the national economy from abroad, and these investments have great potential to revive national economy. Thirdly, free trade is criticised for…]]> https://research-methodology.net/free-trade-and-its-perceived-advantages/ Mon, 08 Sep 2014 11:31:10 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5978 Free trade can be defined as “a policy by which a government does not discriminate against imports or interfere with exports by applying tariffs (to imports) or subsidies (to exports)” (Britannica, 2014, online). In simple terms, free trade can be explained as an absence of government intervention to the practices of selling to and buying from another country. Promoted by famous economist Adam Smith and David Ricardo, perceived advantages of free trade include benefits to be gained from specialisation practices engaged by countries according to their competitive advantages. This benefit based on theoretical frameworks of absolute advantage and comparative advantage. Specifically, according to the theory of absolute advantage proposed by Smith (1976), countries are perceived to have absolute advantage in producing a product if the production is facilitated in the most efficient way than other countries. Comparative advantage proposed by Ricardo (1817), on the other hand, refers to “the ability to produce a specific product more efficiently than any other product” (Pride et al., 2011, p.70). According to theories of absolute advantage and comparative advantage focus on manufacturing products that can be produced more efficiently than other countries and trading these products for other products with different countries generates more economic gain and value compared to attempts to diversify production within a single country. A basic classical example of trade of two products between two countries found in the most economics textbooks illustrate the advantage of free trade in the most effective manner. Moreover, free trade encourages competition in the market, motivating local producers to find and utilise sources for competitive edge on a constant basis, and high level of competition in the market offers benefits to consumers in terms of more variety of products and services, higher quality, and competitive prices. Another advantage of free trade can be specified…]]> https://research-methodology.net/rentierism-in-iran/ Sat, 15 Mar 2014 00:08:12 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5751 Iran was the first state in the Persian Gulf to find oil in 1908, and since 1920s petroleum has served as the main industry in Iran. There is a general consensus in the literature that the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the revolution in Iran in 1977 came as a great surprise to many individual and organisational observers. This revolution has been political, as well as, cultural. Increasing levels of rentierism in Iran under the rule of Shah, at the same time when neglecting the needs and concerns of ordinary people can be specified as one of the major factors contributing to the emergence of revolution. Specifically, it has been noted that “after the mid-1960s, this state did not need to wrest taxes from its own people, and the economic basis of its revenues was an industry oriented primarily to exports, and employing only a tiny percentage of the domestic labour force” (Skocpol, 1994, p.244). However, it can be argued that the level of rentierism in Iran has changed only a little after the revolution due to a range of reasons such as high levels of corruption, leadership incompetence, and lack of motivation from the government leadership. Moreover, Gordon et al. (2008) assess the average degree of rentierism in Iran for the period between 1972 and 1999 to be 55 per cent. According to Gordon et al. (2008) rentierism has been causing deep economic structural weaknesses in Iran and this along with political uncertainty and environmental vulnerabilities represent complex challenges for Iran in short-term and long-term perspectives. Negative implications of rentierism are also noted by Duero (2009), who links rentierism in Iran to the issues of unemployment and underemployment, demographic problems and the issues associated with patterns of energy production and consumption. It has been assessed that government’s…]]> https://research-methodology.net/analysis-of-implications-of-eu-enlargement-in-2004-on-uk-economy/ Sat, 04 Jan 2014 00:35:43 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5217 On May 1, 2004 the European Union (UN) has been enlarged to comprise additional ten countries with combined population of almost 75 million people. Specifically, new countries that formally entered EU consist of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. This important geo-political event has had significant implications on national economic, social and political life of all original member countries of the EU (Europa, 2013, online).This essay analyses the impacts of EU enlargement on the state of national economy in the UK focusing on labour migration. The essay starts with discussions about the reasons for the enlargement of EU in 2004. This is followed by analysis of implications of enlargement of EU to the state of national economy in the UK as compared to expectations. Moreover, the essay is going comprises the overview of measures initiated by the UK government in order to address the potential negative implications of the EU enlargement on the state of the national economy in the UK. The essay is concluded by discussing various scenarios in the development of immigration policies in the UK with the aims of protecting national economy from negative impact of a range of internal and external factors. After the fifth EU enlargement in 2004, the majority of Western European countries (EU15) have introduced temporary restrictions on the movement of individuals from newly EU member states in order to protect their national economies from the large uncontrolled inflow of low-skilled immigrants. Such restrictions were not applied only by the UK, Ireland, and Sweden (Longhi and Rokicka, 2012), and the implications of this government decision for the UK are assessed further below. Introduction 1 Reasons for the enlargement of EU in 2004 2 Implications of enlargement of EU to the state of national economy in the UK…]]> https://research-methodology.net/doing-business-in-indonesia/ Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:06:17 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5101 The report starts with the identification of gap in the knowledge about doing business in emerging markets in general, and Indonesia in particular. This is followed by providing recommendations to managers in relation to dealing with specific issues and practices they are likely to be faced with in Indonesia. The report is concluded by providing a summary of the key points of the research and mentioning the key points of advice. International market expansion opportunities for businesses enabled by intensive economic globalisation during the last several decades have increased the numbers of international assignment for managers at top levels. Importantly, “international managers need to have a clear view of where they want their firm to be in the future; they have to organise to implement their plans; they have to motivate those who work for them; and they have to develop appropriate control mechanisms” (Griffin, 2010, p.161). However, implementation of all of these tasks in practical levels is associated with a set of significant difficulties that relate to cross-cultural differences, family adjustment issues in a new country, language adaptation challenges and others. This report advises managers seeking to work in an emerging market on management practices in an international and cross-cultural context focusing on Indonesian consumer electronics market. The main reasons for the choice of Indonesia as an emerging market to be discussed in this report relates to the importance of Indonesia Investment Guarantee Fund – the best practice guarantee facility for investors and the potential possessed by Indonesia to become the next member of BRIC (Wagner, 2012, online) with positive implications on the performance of businesses operating in this country. 1. Introduction 1 2. Identification of Gaps in Knowledge 2 3. Recommendations Regarding Issues and Practices in Indonesia 4 3.1 Cross-Cultural Differences 4 3.1.1 National culture 4 3.1.2 Organisational…]]> https://research-methodology.net/impact-of-global-forces-on-uk-business-organisations/ Wed, 11 Dec 2013 05:17:27 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5097 Global forces impacting UK businesses include, but not limited to increasing scale of international trade, increasing levels of multiculturalism in UK organisations, increasing levels of inter-dependency of national economies and others. The impact of global forces on UK Business Organisations can be effectively analysed using PESTEL analysis where the abbreviation stands for political, economical, social, technological, ecological, and legal factors impacting businesses. The following table contains the application of PESTEL analysis in relation to businesses operating in the UK. Political The level of global political stability The level of bureaucracy in international affairs The extent of freedom of media Global trade control initiatives Threat of international terrorism Tariffs between the UK and other countries Global copyright, patent and intellectual property disputes Economical Impacts of intensifying economic globalisation Global economic crisis Sock market fluctuations Cost advantages possessed by emerging superpowers such as China, India etc. Impact of The World Bank and The World Trade Organisation Increasing importance of outsourcing and offshoring initiatives   Social Changes in family values in global scale Changes in family patterns (same-sex marriages, single parents etc.) Increasing popularity of immigration and migration practices Increasing mobility between social classes Greater concern for minorities in society Technological Level of global technological infrastructure Industry-specific technological breakthroughs Regular emergence of innovative communication technologies Adoption of technology as competitive edge by increasing numbers of businesses Ecological Impacts of global warming tendencies Increasing levels of air and pollution Increasing level of sensitivity towards “green” problems among business stakeholders Activities and initiatives of global environmental organisations   Legal Laws and regulations related to data protection Global data protection rules and regulations Increasing levels of “legal globalisation” Changes in cross-country employment and health and safety laws The case studies of Martin Lishman and Aquaco mentioned above represent a few cases where UK businesses benefit from…]]> https://research-methodology.net/significance-of-international-trade-to-uk-business-organisations/ Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:44:37 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5084 International trade is the exchange of capital, products and services across borders. Advantages of international trade include greater utilisation of resources, importing products that can not be produced locally, and increasing the variety of choice to consumers. However, international trade may be associated with disadvantages as well such as loss of local jobs and high level of dependency on foreign markets. Significance of international trade to UK business organisations can be explained by referring to the concept of comparative advantage. According to the concept trade between two countries can be made in a mutually beneficial manner, if each country has comparative advantage to manufacture products to be traded. One of the leading English economists of the 19th century David Ricardo uses the cases of England and Portugal producing cloth and wine as it is presented in Table 2. According to Table 2, England possesses relative advantage in producing cloth as it less labour hours are required. Portugal, on the other hand, has relative advantage in wine production, because only 80 hours are required to produce wine as compared to 90 hours to produce cloth. Cloth Wine Ratio of price of wine to the price of cloth Ratio of price of cloth to the price of wine England 100 120 1.20 0.83 Portugal 90 80 0.88 1.12 Illustration of the concept of comparative advantage Source: Hunt and Lautzenheizer (2011) In other words, England can produce each unit of cloth for lower prices compared to wine, while for Portugal it is cheaper to produce each unit of wine than producing each unit of cloth. Accordingly, both England and Portugal can consumer maximum amounts of cloth and wine if they focus on producing products within their relative advantage, and engage in international trade. Impact of international trade to UK businesses can be illustrated…]]> https://research-methodology.net/how-can-we-better-understand-the-ideology-of-washington-consensus/ Fri, 06 Dec 2013 03:02:23 +0000 http://research-methodology.net/?p=5070 This paper critically analyses the ideology of Washington Consensus. The paper starts with discussions about factors and circumstances that have caused the emergence of Washington Consensus. This is followed by discussing positive implications of Washington Consensus for certain countries by referring to relevant facts. Moreover, the paper highlights major points of criticism of Washington Consensus and the attempts to assess the level of their validity of these points and discusses reasons and circumstances for introduction of Post-Washington Consensus also known as Washington Consensus II. The paper is completed by attempting to the future of Washington Consensus prescriptions in modern dynamic global geo-political environment. There always have been disparities between countries in terms of the levels of economic developments and this tendency is most likely to continue in the future. However, there have been attempts by highly developed countries to assist the level of economic development of developing countries through various programs involving financial aids and recommendations. A set of policy recommendations proposed by the US to developing countries has been known as Washington Consensus, and there are mixed opinions about the implementation and outcome of these recommendations (Bandelj and Sowers, 2010). Introduction 1 Emergence of Washington Consensus 1 Potential Positive Implications of Washington Consensus 4 Criticism of Washington Consensus and the Level of their Validity 6 Washington Consensus II and the Level of its Effectiveness 10 The Future of Washington Consensus 11 Conclusions 14 References 16 International Monetary Fund World Trade Organisation World Bank How do I receive the report? 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