America s Present School System Essay - 1936 Words

What can be defined as school in America or who created and contributed to the modern school system? My fundamental question was what are the significant contributions (and who contributed) to America’s present school system? Schools in America have gone back years since 1635 starting in Boston, Massachusetts which lead to the first school being named the Boston Latin school. With the opening of the first school many teachers and leaders focused on religious values instead of specific subject areas as we would today. However, there have been changes in the way we teach the future generations that are different from the 1600s. In order to see these changes we have to take a time machine back to the 1800s, 1990s, and 2000s. The 1800s brought Americans the common school movement, Horace Mann, the Committee of Ten, and the Prussian system in America. In addition great advancements have been made in the school system, but not as much advancement has been made since the 1800s. This can be a problem as the internet and technology blossomed in the late 1990s and today many teachers have questioned if we should really teach the same way we did almost 180 years ago. From the past we have gotten common core, standardized testing or teaching children as if they are on an assembly line which all come into question in today’s school system. Programs such as KIPP or Khan academy are showing how children can be in classrooms that are more student led. Also first year teachers can find a wayShow MoreRelatedPast And Present Education : What Is The Effectiveness?854 Words   |  4 PagesPast and Present Education: What is the effectiveness? Did you know that America used to be the leader in education? Well, now America is ranked 36th in the world. American education has many flaws, but it also has some good parts. Education in the past was very good, partly because the students were more focused, and also because school was a privilege. Present education has more distractions, and some students just hate school because they think it won’t help them. They just want to quit. LookingRead MorePast And Present Education : What Is The Effectiveness?854 Words   |  4 PagesPast and Present Education: What is the effectiveness? Did you know that America used to be the leader in education? Well, now America is ranked 36th in the world. American education has many flaws, but it also has some good parts. Education in the past was very good, partly because the students were more focused, and also because school was a privilege. Present education has more distractions, and some students just hate school because they think it won’t help them. They just want to quit. LookingRead MoreAge of Reform in America1218 Words   |  5 Pages1800#8217;s strived at improving our developing society. America was growing larger, and with the expanding population, many new ideas sprang up. Conflicting opinions between the people of the United States caused the emergence of an Age of Reform, where people tried to change things such as the educational system and women#8217;s rights. These movements were the result of our nation#8217;s self-determination and interest in improving the society we live in. Between the 1820#8217;s and 1860#8217;sRead MoreEducation Is The Backbone For A Nation s Prosperity1168 Words   |  5 PagesEducation is the backbone for a nation s prosperity; it s what allows a country to hold a competitive edge in the ever-advancing technological world. Education can be seen as the great enabler, the force that allows individuals to reach their full potential and to find strengths that they may not have known otherwise. It instills motivation into one s character at a young age, which will continue to be their driving force into adulthood. Education makes the world a safer and more accepting placeRead More Keep Church and State Separated Essay1667 Words   |  7 PagesKeep Church and State Separated missing works cited America is constantly evolving and redefining itself. Those who oppose a separation between church and state claim that because this country was founded on religious principles, our government should continue to base its laws on a Judeo-Christian God. An article entitled, â€Å"Standing up for Church-State Separation in Difficult Times,† states that, â€Å"Religious Right groups are crowing and insisting that they have some sortRead MoreUse Of Literary Devices Used By Gregory1311 Words   |  6 Pagesillustrate his thesis to the intended audience within his essay â€Å"Class In America†. He effectively uses compare and contrast methods through juxtaposition to further his arguments. In addition, Mantsios also uses symbolism that allows readers to utilize imagery that helps sustain the author’s thesis. Furthermore, the author uses repetition to reiterate his claims regarding his thesis periodically throughout â€Å"Class In America†. Through the pract ical use of literary devices, the author is able to createRead More Age Of Reform In America Essay1142 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican reform movements in the early to mid 1800amp;#8217;s strived at improving our developing society. America was growing larger, and with the expanding population, many new ideas sprang up. Conflicting opinions between the people of the United States caused the emergence of an Age of Reform, where people tried to change things such as the educational system and womenamp;#8217;s rights. These movements were the result of our nationamp;#8217;s self-determination and interest in improving the societyRead MoreAvah Sherman. Professor Highfill. Engl 1304. 1 May 2017.1532 Words   |  7 PagesAvah Sherman Professor Highfill ENGL 1304 1 May 2017 The declining value of education in America Since the end of the Cold War, there have been a number of changes that have occurred globally. The mobile communication and internet technology has exposed this world to the new avenues of possibilities. With the advent of globalization, a borderless world has started to emerge, and the significance and demand of the education in this new world education has grown even more. The United States andRead MoreEducation : The Past, The Present And Future1184 Words   |  5 Pages‘Education: The Past, the Present the Future’ â€Å"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.† - Nelson Mandela. Without education, there is simply no telling of what this world would be like. There wouldn’t be doctors, lawyers, businesses etc. Life and everything around us would be fatuous. Schools and education give us a plan in life and help guide us. Throughout the years education has changed tremendously. It had its improvements throughout the decades, and itRead More Separation of Church and State Essay examples988 Words   |  4 PagesSeparation of Church and State America is constantly evolving and redefining itself. We have come to the point where we are less inclined to criticize individuals that are different from us and more inclined to embrace eachother’s eccentricities. Those who oppose a separation between church and state claim that because this country was founded on religious principles, our government should continue to base its laws on Christianity. An article entitled, â€Å"Standing up for Church-State

Impact Of Atticus Finch In To Kill A Mockingbird - 731 Words

The Impact of Atticus Finch In the 1900s, all over America, discrimination and cruelty was commonplace. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is an outcast of sorts in the society of Maycomb, Alabama. He is fair, level-headed, and just overall a man of true character. His personality is important in the development of Scout and Jem. In the story, a mockingbird is described as innocent, peaceful, and harmless. Through his words and actions, Atticus Finch’s symbolic representation of a mockingbird is illustrated throughout the novel. Atticus risks his stature in his community to help save a mans life. He is what you would call a protector. He says, â€Å"So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra†¦show more content†¦Lee writes, â€Å" all they do is sing their hearts out for us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (...). Atticus’s speech relates to this line. He shares what truly is paining their community and may convince the jury to do the right thing during his speech. He sang his heart out and made himself vulnerable to society. In this way, Atticus shows a sense peacefulness by saying, â€Å"This is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men† (273). By this, Atticus means there is no race that is more capable of an act than another. Lee portrays Atticus as not only honorable but also truthful and mindful of others. In this scene, he tries to apply logic to this situation to bring peace between colored and white people. By setting all people equa l to one another, society begins to change. Atticus uses this line to represent the problem at hand and an underlying problem in his community. This problem, also known as â€Å"Maycomb’s usual disease† (117), is an issue of prejudice and cruelty. Citizens of the small town and those from the surrounding area catch this â€Å"disease† from a desire to fit in. Scout and Jem never caught this disease due to their father’s morality. In these ways, Atticus is like a mockingbird because he does the right thing and is able to be just. Atticus’s ability to treat all equally is the most important quality he possesses. Atticus Finch’s representation of a mockingbird is illustratedShow MoreRelatedKill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1290 Words   |  6 PagesHarper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird during a rough period in American history, also known as the Civil Rights Movement. This plot dives into the social issues faced by African-Americans in the south, like Tom Robinson. Lee felt that the unfair treatment towards blacks were persistent, not coming to an end any time in the foreseeable future. This dark movement drove her to publish this novel hopeful that it would encourage the society to realize that the harsh racism must stop. Lee effectivelyRead MoreAtticus Finch as a Role Model895 Words   |  4 Pages Atticus Finch as a Role Model Does your role model have a negative or positive impact on your life? Major of people has a role model they look up to and make every effort to be alike. Each person has a different perspective on a leader but in the book  To Kill a Mockingbird  by Harper Lee, Atticus displays himself as a hero being able to resolve situations with fairness for everyone and prevent the town from falling apart. Atticus’ actions impact his children, his peers involved with the court caseRead MoreKill A Mockingbird By Lee Pulitzer1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe prize winning novel, To Kill A MockingBird by lee Pulitzer, has remained amazingly famous since it was distributed in 1960. As a six year old, her encounters were from a grown-up point of view. Jean Louise Finch, who is nicknamed Scout, portrays the circumstances which incorporate her widowed father, Atticus, and his lawful barrier of Tom Robinson, a nearby dark man who was erroneously blamed for assaulting a white lady. In the three ye ars encompassing the trial, Scout and her more seasonedRead MoreTo Kill a Mockingbird Justice1545 Words   |  7 PagesAtticus Finch Quote 1 Atticus, you must be wrong.... Hows that? Well, most folks seem to think theyre right and youre wrong.... (11.54-56) If theres one thing that we learned from jeggings, Uggs, and chain wallets, its that the majority isnt always right. But Atticus doesnt need anyone to teach him those lessons. He already knows that individual conscience is a better guide to justice than majority opinion. The theme of justice plays a major role in To Kill a Mockingbird. IdeallyRead MoreExamples Of Bluejays In To Kill A Mockingbird865 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird is used as a symbol of perfection and innocence by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch the father of the protagonist, Scout states â€Å"I’d rather you shoot at tin cans†¦ but I know that you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the Bluejays you want†¦ but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird†(Lee, 119). The bluejays and mockingbirds are a direct allusion to both the paltry and good of Maycomb. The bluejays are a symbol of the racists, bigots, and criminals of MaycombRead MoreHarper Lee862 Words   |  4 PagesAshley Ewing Dr. Cohoon Literary Heritage 18 February 2013 Essay One Southern Parallels: An Exploration of the Life of Harper Lee and the Lasting Impact of To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee is considered one of America’s most enigmatic and influential writers of the twentieth century. Lee’s popular novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, offers readers deep insight into the dynamics of an unconventional family and Southern lifestyle in the1930s. Harper Lee was born Nelle Harper Lee on April 28, 1926, inRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Is an Inspiration for Students777 Words   |  4 PagesTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has become a mainstay in American high-schools. This is a classic novel that has inspired many people of all ages. It had a big impact on how people viewed and treated each other. This is a story that teaches everyone about the value of honesty, love, friendship and trust. Every word written in this book has a truly deep meaning to it. The time period that the book was written in was during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. This setting was in a small town inRead MoreKill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1294 Words   |  6 Pagestransition is usually known well as the change from a child to an adult. Harper Lee’s historical fiction novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ illustrates this movement proficiently. The plotline of the small, quiet town of Maycomb suddenly growing intense and controversial shows readers how surrounding events shape the people who participate in them, especially the young. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ follows multiple children who watch their town grow steadily coldhearted and gives imagery to these children shapingRead MoreKill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1335 Words   |  6 Pages To Kill A Mockingbird follows Scout and Jem impacted by their father’s radical views in the 1930s. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is an iconic story with a great deal of dialogue. The dialogue and dialect in this story helps to reveal who the characters are. Dialect and dialogue in life help to create an image of a person as it does in fiction. Harper Lee us es dialogue and dialect to help bring her characters to life. Miss Maudie is depicted as selfless and educated. The same method also bringsRead MoreKill A Mockingbird : Overcoming Stereotypes Reveals Truth About Characters1745 Words   |  7 Pages To Kill A Mockingbird: Overcoming Stereotypes Reveals Truth About Characters During the heart of the Great Depression in Maycomb County, Alabama, an individual s appearance, values, and reputation often are sources of limitation to the categorical minds of society. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, confinement of even the most complex characters expresses the limiting scope of view of the prejudice society. Atticus Finch, a prosperous small-town lawyer and single father of Scout and Jem

photochemical smog Essay Example For Students

photochemical smog Essay Historically, the term smog referred to a mixture of smoke and fog, hence the name smog. The industrial revolution has been the central cause for the increase in pollutants in the atmosphere over the last three centuries. Before 1950, themajority of this pollution was created from the burning of coal for energy generation, space heating, cooking, and transportation. Under the right conditions, the smoke and sulfur dioxide produced from the burning of coal cancombine with fog to create industrial smog. In high concentrations, industrial smog can be extremely toxic to humans and other living organisms. London is world famous for its episodes of industrial smog. The most famous London smog event occurred in December, 1952 when five days of calm foggy weather created a toxic atmosphere that claimed about 4000 human lives. Today, the use of other fossil fuels, nuclear power, and hydroelectricity instead of coal has greatly reduced the occurrence of industrial smog. However, the burning of fossil fuels like gasoline can create another atmospheric pollution problem known as photochemical smog. Photochemical smog is a condition that develops when primary pollutants (oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds created from fossil fuel combustion) interact under the influence of sunlight to produce a mixture of hundreds of different and hazardous chemicals known as secondary pollutants. Development of photochemical smog is typically associated withSpecific climatic conditions and centers of high population density. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, and Vancouver frequently suffer episodes of photochemical smog. One way in which the production of photochemical smog is initiated is through the photochemical reaction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to form ozone. There are many sources of photochemical smog, including vehicle engines (the number one cause of photochemical smog), industrial emissions, and area sources (the loss of vapors from small areas such as a local service station, surface coatings and thinners, and natural gas leakage). Vehicle engines, which are extremely numerous in all parts of the world, do not completely burn the petroleum they use as fuel. This produces nitrogen dioxide which is released through the vehicle exhaust along with a high concentration ofhydrocarbons. The absorption of solar radiation by the nitrogen dioxide results in the formation of ozone (O3). Ozone reacts with many different hydrocarbons to produce a brownish-yellow gaseous cloud which may contain numerous chemicalcompounds, the combination of which, we call photochemical smog. Both types of smog can greatly reduce visibility. Even more importantly, they pose a serious threat to our health. They form as a result of extremely high concentrations of pollutants that are trapped near the surface by a temperature inversion. Many of the components which make up these smogs are not only respiratory irritants, but are also known carcinogens. There are many conditions for the development of photochemical smog:1. A source of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. 2. The time of day is a very important factor in the amount of photochemical smog present. Early morning traffic increases the emissions of both nitrogen oxides (NOx)and Peroxyacetyl Nitrates (PAN) as people drive to work. Later in the morning, traffic dies down and the nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds begin to react forming nitrogen dioxide, increasingits concentration. As the sunlight becomes more intense later in the day, nitrogen dioxide is broken down and its by-products form increasing concentrations of ozone. At the same time, some of the nitrogen dioxide can react with the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce toxic chemicals. As the sun goes down, the production of ozone is halted. The ozone thatremains in the atmosphere is then consumed by several different reactions. Effectiveness of Communication Arts EssayAbstract 2The Photochemical Problem in PerthThe Perth Photochemical Smog Study, a joint effort of Western Power Corporation and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), was undertaken todetermine, for the first time, the extent to which photochemical smog had become a problem in Perth. Measurements of photochemical smog in Perths air began in 1989, at a single site in the suburb of Caversham, 15 kilometers north-east of the city center. Despite the common perception that Perth is a windy city and therefore not prone to air pollution, the first summer of measurements revealed that the city was sometimes subjected to smog levels which approached or exceeded the guidelinesrecommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia(NHMRC). In 1991 the State Energy Commission of Western Australia (SECWA, now Western Power Corporation) sought to extend the capacity of the gas turbine power station it operated at Pinjar, some 40 kilometers north of the Perth centralbusiness district. In view of the Caversham data, the Environmental Protection Authority expressed concern that increasing the NOx emissions at Pinjar could contribute to Perths emerging photochemical smog problem which, at that stage,was poorly defined. A consequent condition on the development at Pinjar was that SECWA undertake a study of the formation and distribution of photochemical smog in Perth, a particular outcome of which would be to determine the effect of the Pinjar powerstations emissions on smog in the region. Given the DEPs concerns and responsibility in relation to urban air quality, the Perth Photochemical Smog Study (PPSS) was developed as a jointly operatedand managed project, funded by SECWA and with DEP contributing facilities andscientific expertise. The primary objective of the Perth Photochemical Smog Study was to measure, for the first time, the magnitude and distribution of photochemical smogconcentrations experienced in the Perth region and to assess these against Australian and international standards, with consideration given to health and other environmental effects. The studys monitoring and data analysis program was very successful in defining the distribution of Perths smog. The Perth region experience photochemical. smog during the warmer months of each year. On average, during the three year period July 1992 to June 1995, there have been 10 days per year on which the peak hourly ozone concentration exceeded 80 parts per billion (ppb) somewhere over the Perth region.

Market Entry Mode Essay Example

Market Entry Mode Essay The classical economic theory states that globalization relies on competition to drive down prices and increase product and service quality† (Lamb, Hair McDaniel 2008). The country that operates more efficiently and has the technology to produce what is needed is likely to attract more investment than a country that does not (Lamb, Hair McDaniel 2008). Most firms prefer to invest in countries where they can access cheap labor, advanced technology, stable economic climate, and good infrastructure among other factors facilitating effective performance of a business (Lamb, Hair McDaniel 2008). Globalization consequently expands economic freedom, spurs competition and raises competition for international companies and offers access to foreign capital, global export markets and advanced technology while breaking the monopoly of often inefficient and protected domestic producers (Lamb, Hair McDaniel 2009). A Consequent move by Catexhaust to establish a new plant in the Asian region requires the firm to evaluate the effectiveness with reference to its resources as well as the advantages and costs that it would incur on undertaking to open a plant in this region. ___________________________________________________________ SWOT ANALYSIS ____________________________________________________________ Catexhaust Company benefits from Germany’s impressive economic performance evident from its total GDP in 2008 of $ 3649 billion making it the fourth highest country in the world (The Economist 2010). The company stands to gain access to a larger market base resulting from its in vestment in foreign regions (Standard Bank n d). We will write a custom essay sample on Market Entry Mode specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Market Entry Mode specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Market Entry Mode specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer However, the company is likely to face the challenges prevalent in the automotive industry such as the industry’s expensive fixed costs as well as huge volumes of investment and the high cost required to train and retain skilled labor in the company. In addition, the company faces threat of competition from other more efficient companies as well as the fluctuating prices of raw materials. ____________________________________________________________ __________ WHY CATEXHAUST SHOULD OPEN A PLANT IN THAILAND ____________________________________________________________ Geographically, Thailand is well endowed with natural beauty, favorable tropical climate and consists of a friendly and hospitable population which makes the region generally accommodative and favorable for doing business (Communicaid 2009). The country holds a population over sixty million people has its capital city at Bangkok which is the key economic and political city (Communicaid 2009). In terms of economic compatibility, Thailand’s economy is in the process of growth and heavily relies on exports trade with the major markets situated in the North America Japan and Europe (Communicaid 2009). Thailand enjoyed economic boom in late 80s and early 90s but in 1997, the country was highly influenced by economic crisis that hit various countries of Southern Asia nation substantially discouraging FDI in the country (Communicaid 2009). However, the current Thailand market is vibrant with economic activities of both large and small nature which has played a major role in ensuring that the economy is dominated by increased competition which prompts international and local corporations to exploit the benefits provided by the market (Standard Bank n d). Catexhaust Company can borrow from Thailand’s technology and skills consequently reaching higher levels of output (Standard Bank n d). Further, establishment of a new plant in the region would significantly reduce transportation cost for inputs allowing the firm to produce at efficient levels. Based on the performance of the automotive industry in Germany, Catexhaust should consider the overall performance of the Thailand’s automotive industry. Thailand’s automotive industry is among the largest automotive market and assembler in the Asian region (Runckel 2005). The country’s automotive industry generates considerably large export revenue and the domestic demand for automobiles is relatively high due to widespread credit availability as well as excise tax reduction in certain automobiles which reduces overall prices (Runckel 2005). Further, double digit export growth achieved over the recent past is a clear indication of Thailand’s impressive performance as the regional automotive manufacturer and supplier (Runckel 2005). This serves to promote efficient performance of the new industry in the region. This would be highly facilitated by free trade agreements that Thailand has signed with such countries as Australia, China, and India among others as well as the marketing opportunities emerging in the Southern Eastern Asia facilitated by Asia free trade agreement (Runckel 2005). Thailand is friendly to its investors and has developed well outlined investment policies which aim at market liberalization and promotion of free trade (Thailand Board of Investment 2004). The government of Thailand promotes foreign investment through provision of a business environment that eases the process of doing business in the country as well as offering attractive investment locations in the region (Thailand Board of Investment 2004). Through the country’s board of investment, the government offers tax incentives support systems, duty exemptions and reductions especially to foreign companies that contribute to development of skills, technology and innovations to Thailand economy (Thailand Board of Investment 2004). The country’s attitude and treatment of foreign investment provides a condusive environment for Catexhaust to establish its plant in the region and exploit the incentives provided by the government to promote its performance in the industry. Catexhaust’s plant is therefore likely to receive considerable incentives from the government of Thailand if it decides to establish its plant in the region which improves overall business performance. In erms of infrastructure, Thailand has modernized and highly advanced transportation facilities as well as upgraded communication and information technology networks which promote efficiency in business and improve overall living conditions in the region (Thailand Board of Investment 2004). This would facilitate effective transportation of the plant’s raw materials and finished products which would promote efficiency and lead to increased profitability. In 1997, when the Asian currency crisis occurred, the government embarked on implementing measures geared towards attracting foreign investment which had drastically fallen at the time (Jetro 1999) Net FDI inflow in Thailand on balance of payment basis [pic] Prepared by JETRO from Bank of Thailand statistics. Source: http://training. itcilo. it/actrav_cdrom1/english/global/jetro2/inv1-2. html The graph above shows the amount of FDI in Thailand in the period between 1995 and1998. There is a sharp decrease in FDI evident between 1997 and 1998. The yellow portion represents the total fraction of Japan’s investment in Thailand which is one of the major foreign investor in the country. ____________________________________________________________ REASONS FOR FDI MARKET ENTRY MODE ____________________________________________________________ In direct foreign investment, the company stands to gain the highest rewards or incur the highest potential risk (McDaniel 2008). Catexhaust may choose this market entry mode due to lack of suitable investors to engage in joint venture or primarily to avoid communication problems and conflicts of interest prevalent in joint ventures (McDaniel 2008). Further through establishment of a plant in Thailand, the company is able to directly control the activities of the plant in line with its policy which may not be possible under other market entry modes such as joint venture (McDaniel 2008). In addition, through establishment of its own plant in Thailand, Catexhaust is able to reduce the risks of merger failures common in joint ventures and it is therefore the preferred mode of entry into the Thailand market. On the other hand, Catexhaust may choose to engage in a joint venture where the company seeks to buy a part of Thailand’s company consequently merging into one entity (McDaniel 2008). Although this market entry mode consumes relatively less time and resources to access the global market, it is a very risky endeavor and if it is not approached carefully it can lead to devastating effects to the new entity such as bankruptcy or business failure. ____________________________________________________________ __________SHOULD CATEXHAUST ESTABLISH A PLANT IN INDONESIA ____________________________________________________________ ____ The country of Indonesia is located at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific oceans and it is among the highly populated countries of the world with the largest number of Muslims (Communicaid 2009). The country has an authoritarian system of governance and is constantly dominated by widespread political instability emanating from corruption, terrorism as well as wide spread civil unrests (Communicaid 2009). These factors have negatively impacted on the country’s development consequently slowing down economic progress efforts as well as discouraging foreign investors from venturing in the region (Communicaid 2009). Although major political reforms have taken place in the recent parts, the country still has untapped potential which hinders growth in the economic sector (Communicaid 2009). Indonesia was among the top 20 recipients of inward direct investment in the 1990s (Pecotich 2006) The country further lags behind other major Asian countries in manufacturing production which would negatively impact on establishment of the new plant in the region (OECD 1999). The export platform in the country is growing but at a slow rate and foreign investors still perceives the region as an export location further limiting the overall market potential (OECD 1999). Further, the government of Indonesia still retains a considerable discretion to reject foreign investment despite the liberalization of investment regime in the region and foreign investment approvals involve numerous procedures which are blurred with irregularities and discriminatory behavior against foreign candidates (OECD 1999). This cumbersome process discourages the company from establishing a plant in the region. Moreover, the government tightened restrictions on market access in the automotive sector leading to lack of consistency in the industry which sends confusing signals to potential foreign investors consequently discouraging the German company from establishing its plants in the region (OECD 1999). The automotive industry in the region has also faced great difficulties through out its development and Indonesian automotive manufacturers are constantly facing difficulties brought about by the effects of globalization of manufacturing production and liberalization (Setiono n d). The financial crisis as well as the ensuing IMF- led manufacturing programme impacted great pressure on domestic market rapidly leading to flooding of the domestic market with imported goods and this further limit the market for investors (Setiono n d). Indonesia was also adversely affected by the Asian crisis of 1997 and also implemented measures such as easing the restrictions in mergers and acquisitions by foreign firms and foreign equity ownership since the investment levels had fallen by 29. during the period (Jetro 1999). The graph below represents the trend of foreign direct investment in Indonesia in 1996 and 1997. It indicates the fall in the amount of FDI from the first quarter of 1997 with the third and the fourth quarter recording negative balance of payment. Net FDI Inflow to Indonesia on balance of payment basis |[pic] | Prepared by JETRO from Bank of Indonesia statistics Source: http://training. tcilo. it/actrav_cdrom1/english/global/jetro2/inv1-2. html It is clear that Indonesia’s investment climate and competitiveness is poor relative to the emerging regional economies though the country has achieved remarkable improvement since 2000 (Brondolo et al 2008) In fact, in 2007, Indonesia outranked Thailand and Philippines in terms of investment volumes (Brondolo et al 2008). However, business surveys indicate that the prevalent macro economic instability as well as economic and regulatory olicy uncertainty is a major hindrance to foreign investment and is followed by corruption, labor issues , infrastructural hindrances among other issues (Brondolo et al 2007). Consequently, Thailand is the most suitable location for the German company to set up its plant since it provides a condusive economic environment for its business to thrive. Since Indonesia is characterized by political and economic inst abilities which are likely to affect the overall performance of the company, Catexhaust should establish its plant in Thailand since it is the location that maximizes returns for FDI. However, clear lines of management control are essential to ensure successful establishment and maintenance of the new plant (Weigel 1997). ____________________________________________________________ _________KEY CULTURAL DIFFERENCES A GERMAN MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE CONSIDERING WHEN INVESTING OUTSIDE EUROPE ____________________________________________________________ Every society has its set rules and values which are shared among the citizen and defines the society’s social orientations (McDaniel 2008). The culture of a particular society underlies the family set up, prevalent education systems, religion as well as the social class systems (McDaniel 2008). The German investors must ensure that they uphold these values in their business and marketing strategy of the foreign regions in which it wants to expand its market since they have tremendous effect on consumer preferences (McDaniel 2008). Countries outside Europe have their own customs and traditions that dictate the way they conduct business and this considerably varies from the German business culture (McDaniel 2008). Catexhaust should therefore take into considerations such factors as holiday periods observed in the regions they are investing in, personal and business relationships dominant in these region as well as general attitude of the people towards the products that the company is offering (McDaniel 2008). Failure to put these factors into consideration may result in culture clash which may lead to poor performance of the business in the region. ____________________________________________________________ __________CONCLUSION ____________________________________________________________ ___ As a result of globalization, investing in foreign markets is a commonly preferred means of penetrating markets in the global economy. Companies’ prefer to invest in foreign regions in order to expand their output and consequently benefit from economies of scale. It is therefore important for Catexhaust to establish a plant in Thailand in order to reap the benefits associated with globalization. _ ___________________________________________________________ __________ REFERENCE LIST International Monetary Fund, Fiscal affairs Dept, Silvani, C, Le 2008, Tax Administration Reform And Fiscal Adjustment: The Case Of Indonesia 2001-2007, IMF. Communicaid, 2009. Doing Business in Thailand-Thai Social and Business [Online]. Available at: http://www. communicaid. com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20Thailand/. pdf [Accessed11th November 2010] Jetro 1999. White Paper on Foreign Direct Investment; Crisis Hit Countries Deregulate to Attract Foreign Capital. Tokyo, Japan external trade organization. Lamb, C. W. , Hair, F J. , McDaniel C, 2008. Essentials of Marketing, NY: Cengage learning. McDaniel, C. , Gitman, J, L, 2008. The Future of Business: the Essentials, NY: Cengage learning. OECD. 1999. Foreign Direct Investment and Recovery in Southeast Asia. London, OECD publishing. Pecotich, A, 2006. Handbook of Markets and Economies; East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, NY: M. E. Sharpe. Runckel, W. C, 2005. Thailand Automotive Industry Update 2005, Runckel Associates [Online]. Available at: http://www. business-in-asia. com/auto_article2. html [Accessed 11th November 2010] Setiono, M, not dated. Indonesia: Current Situation in the Auto Industry and Its Trade Potential [Online]. Available at: http://www. nescap. org/tid/publication/part_two2223_indo. pdf [Accessed 11th November 2010] Standard Bank, not dated. Organization; Growing a Business [Online]. Available at: http://tutor2u. net/business/gcse/organisation_growing_a_business. htm [Accessed 11th November 2010] Thailand board of investment, 2004. Thailand’s Advantages; The Board of Investment of Thailand [Online]. Available at: http://www. boi. go. th/english/why/thailand_advantages. asp [Accessed 11th November 2010] The Economist, 2010. Pocket World in Figures, 2011 edition, London: profile book ltd. Weigel, R. D, 1997. Foreign Direct Investment. London, World Bank publications.