Free Trade Agreement And Its Affect On Canadian Business Essays

Free Trade Agreement and Its Affect on Canadian Business With the coming of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) there have been very serious implications for Canadian business and for that matter, Canada as a whole. Many aspects of the previous economic climate have changed such as the reduction or eliminatation of tariffs and the restrictions on subsidies to name only a few. There has been much heated debate on the pros and cons of this deal: whether Canada will prosper or become the 51st. American state. This paper will not take this approach to the issue of whether or not it is a wise agreement, but will look at what business can do to better itself with the existing FTA. If Canadian business is to survive and prosper in this radically changed North American and Global atmosphere of easier trading, then it must adapt. Some of the main areas that will have to be addressed is the need for more productive and efficient operations, a new focus by business on the new trading reality, and a change in policies by Government to enable Canada to function better with the FTA. The FTA stands to alter Canadian business which has grown rather relaxed and inefficient behind walls of tarrifs. While these may have initially spurred industry, they have after time encouraged complacency. With these rapidly disappearing walls, business will have to become "lean and mean" in order to compete in a very competitive global market. Looking at the present state of affairs our status in research and development (R&D), labour costs and expansion, there is much that must be done. Compared to the other industrialized western nations we lag far behind in nearly all areas. Take for example R&D. In 1990 Canada spent approximately 2.1% on R&D. Japan spent 5.6% and Germany 4.8% Even the US spend more at 3.1%. Given these statistics, it will be very difficult for Canada to compete in any form of new technology if all parties are on a level field with less protective trade barriers. Another reason for a dire need for an increase in efficiency is the trade relationship we are currently involved in. While countries in say the EEC are in more or less the same economic power bracket between Canada and the US, there is a major size difference. So if we are to have any hope of competing with a power so large clearly we must become more efficient even more so than other countries. Another key aspect which business must deal with is that of becoming better suited to dealing with the North American, and to a lesser extent, other foreign markets rather than only to Canadian or even in some cases, to provincial markets. Corporations which do so stand far better of to gain from the FTA than those that do not. It would be wise for the example of Northern Telcom Ltd. to be followed. Where production and market presence are global and not just Canadian. Unfortunately many companies are not following this example and are still very much "Canadian" in their outlook. According to a Toronto Management consulting firm - Ernst and Young 62% of all Canadian manufacturers have no significant exports to the US. As Al Lituka a Professor at York, says: "The FTA has gven a strong phsycological impetus to thinking North American". 1 One trend of becoming better oriented for new markets is that of specialization. By taking a "niche" in the market and becoming very profficiant in it has proven to be very successful, as has also been the case with Northern Telecom Ltd. with its many hi- tech telecommunications equipment. Another example, albiet one in Europe, is Aerospatible, a French areospace firm. Through creating a superior product the Airbus commercial passenger plane, they have been able to capture a large share of the market even though France has never been considered a large power in production before and lacks the manufactuing ability of the US or Germany. Another trend is that of US and Canadian firms banding together. This makes a great deal of sense since not only can they handle the North American market in a more unified fashion, but they are stronger and thus more able to compete with Japanese and EEC competitors. Many multi-national corporations are following this continental incorporation to take advantage of the realigned tarrifs. One such company is Procter and Gamble. Before the FTA they had separate US and Canadian offices for marketing and production which resulted in a considerable duplication of tasks.

The Efficacy And Advantages Of Inserting Foreign Genes Into The Chloroplastic Genome Instead Of The Nuclear Genome

The Efficacy And Advantages Of Inserting Foreign Genes Into The Chloroplastic Genome Instead Of The Nuclear Genome This paper will discuss the efficacy and advantages of inserting foreign genes into the chloroplastic genome instead of the nuclear genome. It will also cover in depth elaboration of relevant issues by using named examples.In DNA, adjacent nucleotides are joined by the phosphate between the 5 carbon atom of the sugar of one nucleotide and the 3 carbon atom of the sugar in the adjoining nucleotide. In DNA, one side of the double helix terminates in a 3 end while the other side, aligned in the opposite direction (antiparallel), terminates in a 5 end. To these projecting 3 ends, a short series of identical nucleotides containing adenine were attached through the activity of another enzyme. Another batch of DNA was treated in a likewise manner, except that nucleotides containing thymine were added instead of adenine.(Avril, 187-94)When these two samples of DNA were mixed, the complementary tails of A- and T-bearing nucleotides became joined by hydrogen bonding. This combined the once sep arate fragments into long, interconnected chains. DNA ligase was then added to form bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups. The two DNA strands were now one. It was certainly intriguing that one could now cut up DNA into unpredictable heterogeneous fragments and randomly stitch them back together. However, for further insights into the organization of DNA and its genes that is, the determination of precise nucleotide  sequences very specific nucleases would have to be found. The prevailing opinion was that such specific DNA-cutting capability did not exist in nature. The only clue to the possibility that more specific nucleases might exist came from observations beginning as early as 1953 that when DNA molecules from E. coli were introduced into another slightly different form of E. coli they seldom functioned genetically. They were quickly broken down into smaller fragments. This apparently was part of a system that had evolved in bacteria to protect them against the entra nce of foreign DNA. In addition to all of the other more obvious forms of competition in nature, there is a constant invisible struggle played out in the microscopic world, in this case between bacteria and bacteriophages. Darwins natural selection is recreated here on a minute scale.(David, 131-44) First, bacteria can be grown under controlled conditions, rapidly and in enormous numbers. Overnight, a few cells will multiply into literally billions. It is very important to understand that a bacterial cell ordinarily reproduces simply by copying itself. Assuming that no mutations occur in the cells, all the descendants of that one cell are identical. Such a population of cells originating from a single cell is termed a clone and the process of producing that clone is referred to as cloning the cell. The DNA in a typical bacterial cell exists in two forms. One is the single bacterial chromosome which, unlike the chromosomes in our cells, is in the form of a circular molecule. The DNA of all other organisms can be likened to a long string. In bacteria, the ends of the string are joined, forming a circle. In addition to the DNA in the bacterial chromosome, DNA also occurs in bacteria in the form of plasmids. These, like the bacterial chromosome, are also circular DNA molecules, but much smaller. When the bacterial cell divides, the bacterial chromosome replicates and one chromosome is passed on to the new cell. Likewise, each of the plasmids replicate and half are delivered to the next generation. The plasmids are unique, independent, self-replicating DNA molecules which can exist only within the living bacterial cell.Plasmids can easily be isolated from bacteria by breaking open the cells with enzymes which break down the cell wall. The resulting mix is centrifuged.The heavier chromosomal DNA, termed genomic DNA, as well as cell fragments will go to the bottom. (James, 44-49) This leaves a relatively clean suspension of plasmids near the top of the centrifuge tub e. These tiny circles of DNA are actually not vital to the survival of the bacterium. The plasmids can be removed from a bacterial cell and the cell will function normally. However, some plasmids do contain genes which confer a marked advantage to the cell under certain conditions. For example, the fatal poison of lockjaw is a product of genes in plasmids of the tetanus bacterium. E. coli has plasmids that cause one form of the infamous travelers diarrhea. Probably the most widely studied plasmid genes are the ones conferring resistance to specific antibiotics. Certain bacteria can produce enzymes coded for by plasmid genes that break down antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol. In nature, this gives the bacteria a defense mechanism against naturally occurring antibiotics. In the tissues of an infected patient, bacteria with these plasmids may overcome the administration of therapeutic antibiotics. Such resistant infections have become a major m edical problem. This seemingly esoteric description of bacterial life contains another key element in our story. These bacterial plasmids are used as the DNA molecules into which other DNA fragments cut out by a restriction enzyme can be placed. Going back to our original principle, if we cut up any DNA with a restriction enzyme and cut plasmids with the same enzyme, mix the cut plasmids and the cut DNA in the presence of DNA ligase, plasmid-foreign DNA chimeras will be formed. Gene cloning now solves these problems. To clone a gene means simply to obtain a minute, pure sample of the gene and make lots more of it, as if one had a document and made many identical ones by photocopying it. The photocopying of genes is accomplished by first joining a few of the genes to vectors such as plasmids and inserting the vectors, now carrying the gene, into bacteria or other suitable cells. We have introduced the basic principles of gene cloning already. In that process, so-called foreign DNA, t he DNA we have removed from an organism, is inserted into the vector molecule, such as a plasmid, to create a DNA chimera. The building of such composites or artificial recombinant molecules has also been termed genetic engineering or gene manipulation. This procedure has also been referred to as molecular cloning or gene cloning because a population of genetically identical bacteria, all containing the desired DNA, can be grown in great numbers, thereby copying the DNA as often as the cells divide. (Roger, 34-38) What is very significant is that these chimeras within the bacterial cells may be able to copy not only themselves but actually produce a specific gene product in large amounts. This approach has already been utilized in the commercial production of human insulin, growth hormone, and the antiviral protein interferon. All of these can now be made by bacteria, because the human genes that regulate their synthesis have been isolated and cloned in bacteria. The bacterial cells , grown in vast numbers, obedient to the commands of their genes, now make a human gene product. Human gene products derived from genes isolated and cloned during the Human Genome Project will undoubtedly also be used for the benefit of humanity, particularly in the cure and prevention of disease. Consider the explicit and implicit problems. Our genes are part of the chromosomes which function within the nucleus of each cell. Every defective gene is therefore inside each diploid somatic (nonreproductive) cell and distributed at random in the haploid gametes. The aim of gene therapy is to replace or supplement the defective genetic information with normal, functional genes. How could we possibly get at those undesirable genes, hidden as they are inside the trillions of cells that constitute the human body? The actual physical removal and replacement of genes in the bodys cells is not possible. However, ample precedent exists for the introduction of normal genes into cells where they become part of the functional genome of the cell without necessitating the removal or repair of a resident nonfunctional gene.(Victor, 910-915)For there reside the genes, the chromosomal subunits in which lies the code that determines a lot more than our hair and eye color, our sex, or our height, and right- or left-handedness. They are the direct cause of many diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia, regulate our tendency toward cancer, heart attacks, or Alzheimers disease . . . in fact, humans are afflicted by more than 3000 known inherited diseases. Similarly a new frontier in molecular biology is upon us. We are only now approaching through the Human Genome Project and all of the research that it will inspire an intimate understanding of our genes. This will bring with it a power over human life which must be used wisely. There is much more to be said on this theme in later chapters, so let us return to the drama at hand: the revolutionary discovery of the struct ure and essence of the gene.

Organizational Structure Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Structure - Research Paper Example As the discussion stresses Position Analysis and Questionnaire (PAQ) is considered to be a sophisticated and straightforwardly applied technique in the process of job analysis. It entails a standard form, which requires approximately two hours to be filled; in fact, it is easily scored due to its applicability to a broad variety of jobs. One of the PAQ’s significance involves its contribution to job analysis process, whereby it enables analysis based on 187 job elements. In this case, these elements involve worker-oriented nature, whereby they are characterized to imply human behaviors, which are involved in various jobs.         Ã‚  From this essay it is clear that  Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is designed in a way that gathers detailed information regarding duties and responsibilities of the position that exists in the organization; this aspect can be utilized for redesigning customer service job to increase efficiency and improve quality, since HRM have can set standards for desired capacity of applicants based on information gathered through PAQ. On the other hand, this information facilitates establishment or revising of position description in order to facilitate redesigning process of customer service job. In addition, information gathered through PAQ facilitates evaluation of position for relevant classification to ensure that human resource managers have a consistent approach in the redesigning process.  ... Therefore, elements of job analysis facilitate setting of foundation for training needs and the process of learning (Heron, 2005). 2. Importance of Position Analysis and Questionnaire (PAQ) and two ways it can be used for redesign customer service job to increase efficiency and improve quality. Position Analysis and Questionnaire (PAQ) is considered to be a sophisticated and straightforwardly applied technique in the process of job analysis. It entails a standard form, which requires approximately two hours to be filled; in fact, it is easily scored due to its applicability to a broad variety of jobs. One of the PAQ’s significance involves its contribution to job analysis process, whereby it enables analysis based on 187 job elements (Brannick & Levine, 2002). In this case, these elements involve worker-oriented nature, whereby they are characterized to imply human behaviors, which are involved in various jobs. Firstly, Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is designed in a wa y that gathers detailed information regarding duties and responsibilities of the position that exists in the organization; this aspect can be utilized for redesigning customer service job to increase efficiency and improve quality, since HRM have can set standards for desired capacity of applicants based on information gathered through PAQ. On the other hand, this information facilitates establishment or revising of position description in order to facilitate redesigning process of customer service job. In addition, information gathered through PAQ facilitates evaluation of position for relevant classification to ensure that human resource managers have a consistent approach in the redesigning process.

Gender Differences in Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Gender Differences in Intelligence - Essay Example Therefore, these theoretical orientations emphasize that over time, different sets of conditions may influence the changes in children's behaviour in different stages of development (Piaget, 1952). Both the maturational and psychoanalytic theories highlight the influence of these internal variables in development of intellectual acumen and behaviour of children in relation to age. From that perspective, early childhood development can be considered to be expression of inborn predispositions primarily, which is an invariant innate process. According to these theories, a child's learning and intellectual development proceed according to a prefixed biologically dictated plan, which could have been determined by the specifics of genetics at the moment of conception. Therefore individual variations in intelligence and cognitive abilities can be reflections of differences in genetic traits. These theories which emphasize the dominant and determining role of innate and internal biological f actors as primary driving forces of early development can be categorized traditionally as nature side of developmental explanations. There is, however, considerable similarity among young children in the early part of their development when learning and education begin. These are best understood by maturational theories. It can be argued that if changes in children's behaviours and intelligence are conceived to be originating from inborn traits primarily, the role of adults would be to just provide appropriate conditions based on appropriate interpretations (Alloway, 1997). However, theories of education in early childhood are based on the belief that parenting and teaching can have considerable impact on the course of young children's development, both educational and intellectual (Jones Diaz and Robinson, 2000). Gender is a significantly important equity issue to be addressed with young children's' development and has consequently been incorporated into educational programmes in early childhood. Over time, research in this area has increased understanding and awareness of the ways gender operating in young children's lives, at least in the early phase of development. Years over, researchers have proposed that spatial and mathematical abilities domains point at gender differences in cognitive abilities since they were known to yield marked differences favouring the males (Ingraham, 1994). Other studies have revealed that throughout elementary school, girls clock better grades in mathematics and other subjects in comparison to the boys. Some researchers have shown that boys' advantage in mathematics is not prominent until secondary school. Current research throwing a close look at children's performance on specific intelligence and cognitive ability test items reveals that both genders are equ al in basic knowledge in mathematics with girls doing better in skills of computation. Despite controversies, boys' advantage appears in reasoning involving geometry and complex word problems. If mathematics or being good at mathematics is a measure of intelligence in early childhood, therefore, girls are no less than the boys (Katz, 1982). In comparison to past paradigms, there have been major

Cultural hyrbidity Essay Example for Free

Cultural hyrbidity Essay The fusion of cultural and ethnic identities refers to hybridisation. Most people acknowledge that they can be affiliated with an individual culture. Banton (2000) notes that in the contemporary UK ethnicity is becoming increasingly recognised as something everyone has. 1 Common interests or shared values help form and develop cultural attachments (culture, descent, ancestry, religion, languages, food and traditional values) which in turn develops and forges ethnic identities. Migration of ethnic minorities has stirred some of the UKs population into feeling the British national identity is under threat. Hybrid identity can be attributed to the exchange of culture through globalisation. Sheila Patterson (1965) studied first generation migrants in Brixton, London during the 1950s. Her study involved interviews, observation and participant observation with 250 whites and 150 Afro-Caribbeans. Patterson (1965) believes the relationship between hosts and immigrants as not fixed but evolving all the time; Whilst adaption through socialisation and acculturation was difficult for immigrants, the hosts experience was a more passive form of acceptance. 2 Eriksen (2002) points out that no serious scholar today believes that hereditary characteristics explain cultural variations. 3 Patterson (1965) also states the incoming group as a whole adapts itself to permanent membership of the receiving society in certain major spheres notably economic and civil life. 4 Pattersons final stage of adaption is assimilation, where migrants or minority groups achieve complete acceptance in society. Patterson observed that physical amalgamation may lead to distinctive features of migrant groups and that of their hosts to be lost. Patterson found the progress of the West Indian migrants in Britain was limited, there was still opposition to the employment of West Indians by white workers. 5 Nick names and jocular references resulted in conflict. A rise in the number of West Indian landlords and the acceptance of West Indian tenants did however help alleviate housing problems. Racism existed with some shops refusing the custom of ethnic minorities due to the colour of their skin. Social relationships between migrants and hosts existed but only on a casual contact basis. Patterson (1965) noted that some of the West Indians had adopted the British way of life however, there were few inter-racial marriages. Paterson concluded over the next decades in Britain the West Indian migrants and their children will follow in the steps of the Irish and achieve almost complete assimilation into British Society.

Witches :: essays research papers

Witches American history has few subjects as interesting as witchcraft, because it confronts us with many Ideas about women. It confronts us with fears about women, the place of women in society, and with women themselves. Also, it confronts us with violence against women and how the problems of society were often blamed on women. Even though some men were executed as during periods of witch hunting, witches were generally thought of as women and most who died in the name of witchcraft were women. In the United States, witchcraft took place among too educated of people to dismiss it as mere "superstition." (P.10) The first person that was executed, as a witch, in America was Margaret Jones, in 1648. Jones was a midwife and lay healer, who was accused of several different practices. Minister John Hale, who witnessed Jones's hanging in Boston when he was a boy, later said that she "was suspected partly because that after some angry words passing between her and her Neighbors, some mischief befell such neighbors in their Creatures, or the like: [and] partly because some things supposed to be bewitched, or have a Charm upon them, being burned, she came to the fire and seemed concerned." (P.20) Hale included neither of these charges in his list of the evidence presented against Jones, but suggested that the crimes had to do with her medical practice. She was accused of having a "malignant touch," Hale noted, and her medicines were said to have "extraordinary violent effects." When people refused to take her medical advice, he added, "their diseases and hurts continued, with relapse against the ordinary course, and beyond the apprehension of all physicians and surgeons."(P.21) Hale also mentioned that Jones was believed to possess psychic powers: "some things which she foretold came to pass accordingly; other things she could tell of ... she had no ordinary means to come to the knowledge of."(P.20) John Hale pointed out that several of Jones's neighbors tried to get her to confess and repent. One of them, he said, "prayed her to consider if God did not bring this punishment upon her for some other crime, and asked, if she had not been guilty of stealing many years ago." (P.22)Jones admitted the theft, but she refused to accept it as a reason for her conviction as a witch. Hale's writings, on the other hand, showed that stealing, and other crimes such as fornication and infanticide, were regularly associated with witchcraft, by both the clergy and the larger population . . . " (p. 22) This first account, in Karlsens' study, brings to the surface some of

Historical Systems of Power, Governance, and Authority Essay

A. The rise of new imperialism of the 19th and early 20th century involved Europe going into Africa. The causes of imperialism in Africa were partly due to the decolonization in America. The European powers were out political and economic gain by the United States gaining their independence. In 1876 European powers especially King Leopold II of Belgium, agreed in the Berlin Conference to split up the land in Africa, no longer invading to colonize but to gain political, military and economic power. The methods to imperialism of the African land were done differently, by each European power. The British who imperialized the cape of Africa used laws and indirect methods to gain power, however King Leopold II used extreme force to gain control of the Congo. The Congo was then ruled with strict political control and military force. A1. Between the years 1885 and 1905 more than 10 million indigenous people of Congo were murdered. King Leopold II used the natives as slave labor to gain resources such as rubber and ivory. Edward Morel an official that monitored shipping traffic started noticing that King Leopold II ships came back with tons of cargo, but little to no cargo was being sent to the Congo for trade. Morel soon put two and two together and realized the native people were being used as slave labor. In doing so Morel soon started to organize a protest. Other than the protest that Morel started the people of Congo were silent, due to many years of off and on again use as slave laborers. B. The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a violent revolution and in comparison to the Indian Independence Movement was a nonviolent revolution both had causes and goals that will be discussed. To begin, the Russian Revolution of 1917 was caused by food shortages and the peoples opposition to the  government, ran by Nicolas II who was czar. Czar Nicolas II had pushed into World War I leaving the people in Russia in anguish due to the many losses and economic downfall. This downfall came due to the amount of soldier and horses being placed into the war leaving the peasants at home with a loss of man power to continue a, â€Å"standard of living†( Causes of the Russian Revolution 2). Due to the decrease in man power, and materials to use at the home front, prices increased and a hunger endemic began. With hunger increasing and inflation of prices continuing strikes began, which eventually stopped transportation. When the transportation stopped supplies and food did not get to the soldiers at war decreasing the amount of people who believed in the czar. The goal of the peasants of the Russian Revolution of 1917, was to gain a new leader and for their voices to be heard. In March 1917, a riot of peasants, and soldiers stormed the streets with the support of the Duma, a group of government officials, forcing Nicolas II out of power. The Indian Independence Movement was a nonviolent revolution that gained India’s independence in August 15, 1947 from Britain, French and Portugal. The start of the revolution began in 1857 when Indian soldiers rebelled against the British East Indian Company when Indian political rights were not being honored, however British squashed the matter. Eventually, non- violent movements began in 1918-1922 when, â€Å"suppression of civil liberties, political rights and culture,† were not being recognized by the British (Sharma, S. (2010)). The movement was led by the Indian National Congress who were under the direct leadership of Mohandas Ganghi. The movement held a revolt in 1942, † demanding that the British leave India,† known as the Quit India Movement, due to the riot in Calcutta, Independence was finally gained(Sharma, S. (2010)). The goal of the revolution was finally met to gain civil liberties, political integrity and have Indian culture recognized. B1. The strategies of the two revolution discussed above include a riot in the Russian Revolution of 1917. In the riot peasants, soldiers and the Duma stood together to over throw the czar. In the Indian Independence Movement the strategies were to use boycotts and stances against the British force to  gain their independence. References Causes of the Russian Revolution of February/March 1917. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.johndclare.net/Russ3.htm Causes of the Russian Revolution 2 – What were the causes of the Russian Revolution? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/russiaandukraine/a/Causes-Of-The-Russian-Revolution_2.htm Hochschild, A. (1999). King Leopold’s ghost: A story of greed, terror, and heroism in colonial Africa [ebrary book]. Retrieved from https://lrps.wgu.edu/provision/17910385 Sharma, S. (2010). Civil rights movements [ebrary book]. Retrieved from http://lrps.wgu.edu/provision/8542979 SparkNotes: Europe 1871-1914: The Scramble for Africa (1876-1914). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/1871-1914/section5.rhtml