Fdi in Nigeria

THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY BY SHIRO ABASS A. Department of Finance University of Lagos BSTRACT Generally, policies and strategies of Nigerian government towards foreign direct investments are shaped by two principal objectives of desire for economic independence and the demand for economic development. Multi national corporations are expected to bring into Nigeria, foreign capital in the form of technical skills, entrepreneurship, technology and investment fund to boost economic activities thereby, rising the standard of living of Nigerian. The main issues in this paper relates to understanding the effects and impact of foreign direct investments on the Nigerian economy as well as our ability to attract adequate amounts, sufficient enough to accelerate the pace of our economic growth and development. From related research and studies, it was revealed that multinational corporations are highly adaptive social agents and therefore, the degree to which they can help in improving economic activities through foreign direct investment will be heavily influenced by the policy choice of the host country. Secondary data were collected for the period 1970 to 2005. In order to analyse the data, both econometric and statistical method were used. Tables were produced in order to create a visual impression of the dependence of Nigeria economy on that of donor countries such as Western Europe and North America. The economic regression model of ordinary least square was applied in evaluating the relationship between foreign direct investment and major economic indicators such as gross domestic product, gross fixed capital ormation and index of industrial production. The model revealed a positive relationship between foreign direct investment and each of these variables, but that foreign direct investment has not contributed much to the growth and development of Nigeria. This is evident in reality of enormous repatriation of profits, dividends, contract fees, and interest payments on foreign loans. The study thus suggest that in order to further improve the economic climate for foreign direct investments in Nigeria, the government must appreciate the fact that the basic element in any successful development strategy should be the encouragement of domestic investors first before going after foreign investors. 1. 0INTRODUCTION In order to seek the highest of return for capital, economists tend to favour the free flow of capital across national boarders. It is against this backdrop that multinational companies seek investment in foreign countries with reasonable risk. Nigeria is believed to be a high-risk market for investment because of factors such as bad governance, unstable macro economic policies, investment as a way out of Nigeria’s economic state of underdevelopment. Since the enthronement of democracy in 1999, the government of Nigeria has taken a number of measures necessary to woo foreign investors into Nigeria. These measures includes the repeal of laws that are inimical to foreign investment growth, promulgation of investment law, various overseas trips for image laundry by the president, among others. The need for foreign direct investment is born out of the underdeveloped nature of the Nigeria’s economy that essentially, hindered the pace of her economic development. Generally, policies and strategies of the Nigerian government towards foreign investments are shaped by two principal objective of the desire for economic independence and the demand for economic development. There are four basic requirements for economic development namely. i)Investment capital ii)Technical skills iii)Enterprise iv)Natural resources. Without these components, economic and social development of the country would be a process lasting for many years. The provisions of these first three necessary components present problems for developing countries like Nigeria. This is because of the fact that there is a low level of income that prevents savings, big enough to stimulate investment capital domestically or, to finance training in modern techniques and methods. The only way out of this problem is through acceleration of the economy by external sources of money (foreign investment) and technical expertise. Foreign direct investment is therefore suppose to serve as means of augmenting Nigeria’s domestic resources in order to carryout effectively, her development programmes and raise the standard of living of her people. According to Nwankwo, G. O. 2 factors responsible for the increase need for foreign direct investment by developing countries are: oThe world recession of the late 1970s and early 1980s and the resultant fall in the terms of trade of developing countries, which averaged about 11% between 1980 and 1982. High real interest rate in the international capital market, which adversely affected external indebtedness of these developing countries. oThe high external debt burden. oBad macro economic management, fall in per capital income and fall in domestic savings. Foreign direct investments consist of external resources, including technology, managerial and marketing expertise and capital. All these generate a considerable impact on host nation’s production capabi lities. At the current level of gross Domestic Product, the success of governments policies of stimulating the productive base of the economy depends largely on her ability to control adequate amount of foreign direct investments comprising of managerial, capital and technological resources to boost the existing production capabilities. The Nigerian government had in the past endeavored to provide foreign investors with a healthy climate as well as generous tax incentives, but the result had not been sufficiently encouraging (as we shall see in this research). Nigeria still requires foreign assistance in the form of managerial, entrepreneurial and technical skills that often accompany foreign direct investments. Total amount of income that will accrue to capital will be OR0BK0 while labour receives YBR0. Given that Q = F (K, L), the total output in this country is the area under the marginal efficiency of capital (MEC) curve and this output will be distributed between the two factors of production, that is labour and capital. For foreign direct investment to take place, the returns to capital in the United Kingdom must be less than returns to capital in Nigeria, given that United Kingdom is more endowed with capital utilization In response to this differential in returns to capital, there will be capital movement from the United Kingdom to Nigeria and this will continue until the returns are the same in the two countries. The amount of capital moved from United Kingdom to Nigeria is in the form of foreign direct investment and hence, Nigeria’s stock of capital or investment fund is increased. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL REVIEW 2. 1FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT: PROPONENTS AND ANTI-PROPONENTS. 2. 1. 1 PROPONENTS — Most analysts believe that national and foreign private sector enterprise, if permitted to operate in a competitive market condition will offer developing countries the best prospects for speedy national economic growth. These analysts however do not view multi national capital as panacea to developing countries. Amongst the proponents of foreign direct investments are Peter Drucker, Harry Johnson, Gerald Mier, Sanjaja Hall, Paul Strcter, Carlos, F, Ludiak, l. A, Manle, . F, Author Nwankwo and many more. Harry Johnson argued that foreign investments bring to the home country, â€Å"a package of cheap capital, advanced technology. Superior knowledge of foreign market for final products and capital goods, immediate inputs and raw materials†. Similarly, Drucker has argued that developing countries need to employ export oriented development strategies in order to meet their foreign exchange and employment requirements and that such orientation is much more likely to succeed if these countries can acquire â€Å"capital export markets†. Such markets he maintained are precisely what multinational companies with their worldwide sourcing and marketing can offer. Gerald Mier contends that from the stand profit of national economic benefit, the essence of the case of encouraging the inflow of capital is that the increase in real income resulting from the act of investment is greater than the resultant increase on the income of the investor. This is also the view held by Mactougal when he stated that a moderate inflow of investment in an economy is beneficial. The chief benefit of foreign direct investment, according to these writers, is the accompanying â€Å"package deal† of technical and managerial skill. This may be costly, difficult or impossible to obtain in other alternative investment means. The less developed a country is, the less able it is as a rule to utilize patents, technical advice and contract management assistance without taking the whole package. This view was supported by Penrose (1961) and Chenery (1966). 2. 1. ANTI-PROPONENTS — some analysts (known as the dependence school) are strongly opposed to pro foreign direct investment perspectives. Their arguments are based on series of studies and research carried out. Such analysts include Dos Santos, Ronald Multer, Cardose, Euzo Falleto, Dr. Fashola and many others. Theofonio Dos Santos argued that developing countries’ economic difficulties do not originate in their isolation from advanced countries, but that the most powerful obstacle to their develo pment came from the way they are oined to their international system. Multer, R maintained that multinational corporations transfer technologies to developing countries that result in mass unemployment; that they monopolize rather than inject new capital resources; that they displace rather than generate local business and that they worsen rather than ameliorate the country’s balance of payment. Overall, the dependent school rejects the pro foreign direct investment analysts’ depiction of the benefits derived from participation in the international economy. Dr Fashola, for example argued that most of the policies adopted by Nigeria since the SAP era are qualitative in nature and as such are yet to be effective in turning round for the better economic fortunes of the nation. More recently, a new body of literature emerged and challenged the pro-foreign direct investment optimist about the long-term negotiating and benefiting prospects of the world. What might be labeled the structuralized school has argued that developing countries may in fact experience a long-term decrease in their power over high technology manufacturing system. Their arguments were based on what scholars learnt empirically about the behaviour and effects of multinational companies in developing countries. Results of some of their studies are. i)Bornshier and Jean in a multiple regression analysis of variance in growth of GNP per capital in 76 developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) between 1960 to 1975, found out that their flow of foreign direct investment were associated negatively with growth in income per capital. Other studies by Michael Dolan and Brain Tomlin appeared basically to confirm Bormshier’s observations. Also, Robert Johnson in his regression analysis of growth per GNP in 72 countries between 1960 to 1978, found stocks of foreign direct investment to be positively associated with economic growth at statistically significant level for relatively advanced economies. He therefore concluded that once the size of a developing country is taken into account, the level of direct investment has no consistent effect on growth. i)Vincent Mahler (1976) carried out an analysis of 68 least developed countries and found a statistically significant association between income concentrated in the 6 percent to 20 percent of the population and foreign direct investment in manufacturing but not in mining and agriculture. iii)Several studies were also conducted to estimate the economic desirability of the technology brought to developing countries by multinational corporations. It was found that royalty payments, technical tees, tie-in-clause leading to the purchase of over priced immediate goods, export restrictions and other limitations had resulted in technology acquisition during most of the sixties to become major burden In conclusion, considering the wide range of conflicting empirical studies on how foreign direct investment in developing countries affect the rate of aggregate growth, distribution of income, employment and some non-economic indicators like culture and political structures, one cannot draw conclusions from them with any minimal acceptable level of confidence. Perhaps the warning of Arthur Nwankwo is appropriate in this context where he warned that no nation could provide for the welfare of its citizens as long as its economy is fettered. More so, many studies have shown that multinational corporations are highly adaptive social agents and therefore, the degree to which foreign direct investment helps or hurts a developing country will be heavily influenced by the policy choice of the host country. 3. 0 EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS 3. 1MODEL SPECIFICATION The under listed variables are used in building the model. FDIForeign Direct Investments GFCF Gross Fixed Capital Formation GDPGross Domestic Product llPIndex of Industrial Production The models will therefore be: GPD = b0 + b1FDI + u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. (equation 1) GFCF b0 + b1FDI + u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (equation 2) lIP = bo + b1FDI +u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (equation 3) These models, which are used in gauging and assessing the performance of the economy, make the economic indicators functions of the level of cumulative foreign direct investment. If we assume a linear relationship (logarithm), then the model equations become. Log GPD= b0 + b1Iog FDI + u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. (equation 1) Log GFCF= b0 + b1log FDI + u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (equation 2) Log lIP= b0 + b1log FDI + u†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (equation 3) Fromthe model Log GOP=b0 + b1 FDI Log GOP=0. 159 + 1. 237 log FDI Standard Error (Se)=0. 158 Correlation coefficient (r)=0. 99 t1=1. 03 t2=0. 037 3. 2 Interpretation of Results The first noticeable thing about the above result is that Gross Domestic Product is positively related to foreign direct investments. The responsiveness of GDP to FDI to 1. 237 indicates that a one percent increase in foreign direct investment leads to a more than proportionate increase of 1. 24 percent in gross domestic product. A correlation coefficient of 0. 9 indicates a very strong relationship between economic growth (measured by GDP) and foreign direct investments, thus leading to the rejection of our alternative hypothesis and acceptance of our null hypothesis, which states that there is a relationship between foreign, direct investment and economic growth. Also, a test of the significance of the intercept and gradient of our model is found to be statistically significant through a test of standard error. Thus given that: H0 : a = 0 H1 : a + 0, for significance of intercept And H0 = 0 H1 : B + 0, for significance of gradient. For t1 since the computed value of 1. 02 is less than 2. 042 (value from t table), we reject H1 and accept H0 which states that there is a relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth. For t2 since the computed value of 0. 037 is less than 2. 042 (value from t table), we reject H1 and accept H0 which states that there is a relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth. From the model Log GFCF=b0 + b1 FDI Log GFCF=0781 + 0. 873 log FDI Standard Error (Se)=0. 199 Correlation coefficient (r)=0. 95 Tl=9. 41 t2=41. 57 3. 3 Interpretation of Results The results from this model shows that there exist a direct functional relationship between foreign direct investment and standard of living, such that the elasticity of gross fixed capital formation with respect to foreign direct investment is 0. 873. A correlation coefficient of 0. 95 indicates a very strong relationship between foreign direct investment and gross fixed capital formation (which could be used as a measure of standard of living). Also, a test of the significance of the intercept and gradient of our model is found to be statistically significant through a test of standard error. Thus given that H0 : a = 0 H1: a + 0, for significance of intercept And H0: B = 0 H1 : B + 0, for significance of gradient For t1 since the computed value of 9. 41 is greater than 2. 042 (value from 1 table), we reject H0 and accept H, which states that the inflow of foreign direct investment has not affected the standard of living of Nigerians. For 12 since the computed value of 41. 57 is greater than 2. 042 (value from t table), we reject H0 and accept H, which states that the inflow of foreign direct investment has not affected the standard of living of Nigerians. 3. 4 Interpretation of Results The above results show a positive relationship between foreign direct investment and industrial production. The elasticity of the index of industrial production with respect to foreign direct investments of 0. 14 indicates that one percent increase in foreign direct investment will lead to fourteen percent increase in the level of industrial output. The coefficient of explanatory variable of foreign direct investment is also significant, statistically at 8. 5 percent. The correlation coefficient of 0. 78 shows high positive relationship between foreign direct investment and index of industrial output. Also, a test of the significance of the intercept and gradient of our model is found to be statistically significant through a test of standard error. Thus given that: Ho:a = 0 H1 : a + 0, for significance of intercept And H0 : B= 0 H1 : B + 0, for significance of gradient. For t1 since the computed value of 936 is greater than 2. 042 (value from t table), we reject H0 and accept H, which states that the inflow of foreign direct investment is not associated with the rate of increase in index of industrial production. For t2 since the computed value of 7. 05 is greater than 2. 42 (value from t table), we reject H0 and accept H1 4. 0 CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 4. 1 CONCLUSION Given the above situation and the fact that Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts and growth requires major private sector investment in modern equipments that can industrialize the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole, then the Nigeria’s foreign investment policy should move towa rds attracting and encouraging more inflows of foreign capital by moving ahead with economic programmes that includes measures easier set-up and expansion of businesses. In the years ahead, Nigeria (and many other African and third world countries) in trying to pave way for more foreign direct investment faces greater problems, especially with poor external image problem and particularly the concept of European Economic Unity that includes Eastern Europe. This translate to the fact that investment flows that would ordinarily have come from countries of surplus capital like Western Europe to capital deficient countries like Nigeria would now be going to poor European Economic Communities which includes Eastern Europe. Except African countries are able to adopt new strategies, this development will further compound the crises of under-development confronting countries like Nigeria. A very important challenge of management in the coming years would therefore be the development of indigenous technology and entrepreneurial capabilities as the involvement of multinational companies in our economy may dwindle as a result of new bigger and attractive opportunities that are likely to emerge from Europe. With the up and down movement of foreign direct investment, Nigeria needs to juxtapose foreign investment with domestic investment in order to maintain high levels of income and employment. The problem therefore does not lie so much with the magnitude of investment flows to Nigeria as with the form in which it Is given. We could emphasize that foreign investment cannot contribute much to the economic development of Nigeria if it is directed primarily to capital supply than to investment projects. Foreign investment can be very effective if it is directed at improving and expanding managerial and labour skills. In other words, the task of helping a â€Å"poor beggar† can be made less generous and yet more fruitful if it is directed at teaching him a trade rather than giving him food to eat. The analysis presented in this work does not offer a simple version of multinational corporation investment in Nigeria because the picture in complex. Foreign direct investment can make a valuable contribution to third world countries’ development in general and Nigeria in particular, but not all foreign direct investment doe so. Greater flows of investment fund’s climate in the Nigeria economy are important but a good investment climate is not synonymous with what multinational corporation prizes most. In conclusion, in order to further improve the climate for foreign investment in Nigeria, the government must appreciate the fact that the basic element in any successful development strategy should be to encourage domestic investors first before going after foreign investors, considering the fact that they constitute the bulk of investment activities in the economy. Thus, the most effective strategy for attracting foreign investment is to make the Nigerian economy very attractive to Nigerian investors first. 4. 2 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS The following policies are hereby recommended to policy makers and government, if it is desired that foreign investment contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria. ? The Nigerian government should encourage the inflows of foreign direct investment and contact policy institutions that can ensure the transparency of the operations of foreign companies within the economy. In evaluating foreign direct investment, the screening process should be simplified and improved upon. For example, export investment projects that consistently generate positive contribution to national income can be screened separately and swiftly, while projects in import competing industries should be screened separately. ? Efforts should be made to engage in joint ventures that are beneficial to the economy. Joint ventures provide for a set of complementary or reciprocating matching undertakings, which may include a variety of packages ranging from providing the capital to technical cooperation. The government should intensify the policy to acquire, adopt, generate and use the acquired technology to develop its industrial sectors. ? Efforts should continue, this time with more vigor at ensuring consistency in policy objectives and instruments through a good implementation strategy as well as good sense of discipline, understanding and cooperation among the policy makers. ? The Nigerian government needs to come up with more friendly economic policies and business environment, which will, attracts FDI into virtually all the sectors of the economy. The Nigerian government needs to embark on capital project, which will enhance the infrastructural facilities with which foreign investors can build on. ? The current indigenization policy should be pursued to the letter as a way of preventing absolute foreign ownership in the key sector of the economy. ? The Nigeria government should also carry out the liberalization of all the sector of the economy so as to attract foreign investor s, so that the current efficiency and growth noticed in the telecommunication sector can also be enjoyed there. For Nigeria to generate more foreign direct investments, efforts should be made at solving the problems of government involvement in business; relative closed economy; corruption; weak public institutions; and poor external image. It is therefore advised that the government continues with its privatization programme, external image laundry, seriousness and openness in the fight against corruption, and signing of more trade agreements. REFERENCE Ahmed A. (1993) Strategies for foreign investment in Nigeria. A central Bank perspective Economic and Financial Review volume 26. Ajayi S. I. (1992) An Economic Analysis of Capital flight from Nigeria: World Bank Working Paper series No 993. Aremu, J. A(1997) Foreign private investment: Issues, determinants and performance. Paper presented at a workshop on foreign investment policy and practice, organized by the Nigeria institute of Advance legal studies, Lagos, March Arthur, Nwankwo (1981) Can Nigeria survive 4th dimension publication. Enugu. Berham N. J. (1970) National Interests and Multinational Enterprise: Tensions among the North – Atlantic Counties. Engle Wood Clifts: Prentize Hall. Bhattachary A, Montie P. J and Shame (1997) How can sub-saharan African attract more private capital in flow. Buckley P & Casson M. (1976) The future of multination enterprises: Macmillan press Limited, London. Caves R. E. (1988) Exchange rate movement and foreign direct investment in the United State, New York University Press. Classens S. (1993) Portfolio Capital flows: Hot or Cold? The World Bank Economic Review Vol. 9, No1 page 153-174. Drucker P. F. (1974) Multinationals and developing countries: myths and Realities. Foreign affairs No. 53. Dunning J. H. (1994) Re-evaluating the benefits of foreign direct investment, Transnational Corporations, Vol. 3, February, No 1, 23-51. Federal Republic of Nigeria (1988) industrial policy of Nigeria: Policies, Incentives, Guidelines and Institutional frame work. Federal Ministry of Industries, Abuja. Fernandez – Arias, E. (1996) The new wave of capital inflows: push or poll? Journal of Development Economics Vol. 48, 389 – 418. Frost K. and Stein J. C (1991) Exchange rates and foreign direct investment: an imperfect capital market approach. Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 4, No 4, 1191-1217. Hartman D. G. (1984) Tax Policy and foreign direct investment in the United States. National tax journal, Vol. 34, No 4, December, 175 – 488. International Monetary Fund (1985) Foreign private investment in developing countries. A study by the international monetary fund research Department. Occasional paper No 33. Meier G. M. (1984) leading issues in economic Development. Oxford University Press, 4th edition. Mahmoud M. I. (1986) The Determinants of foreign investment in African countries, Dakar, Senegal. Nigerian Economic Society (1988) Rekindling Investment for economic Development in Nigeria. Selected papers for the annual conference. Nwankwo G. O. (1988) foreign Private Capital flows to Nigeria 1970 – 1983, Economic and financial Review. Volume 28, March. OjO . M. O. (1988) Nigeria Economic Crisis: Causes, Solutions and Prospects. A paper delivered at the AHQ garrison annual officers training, April. Stephen J. K. (1997) Foreign Direct investment, Industrialisation and social change. Contemporary studies in Economic and financial Analysis. Vol. 9, JAI Press, Greenwich connecticut.

Marketing concept and role as marketer for ipt

Marketing is broad based activities involve the strategies surrounding the planning, designing, pricing, promotion, distribution of   goods to satisfy and meet the needs of customers. The centre focus of marketing activities is built around the customers. Thus, the marketing 4Ps (product, pricing, promotion, and place) are strategically enforced to bringing satisfaction to customers and at the same time make the organization or business maximize profits. Thus, the different marketing strategies; pricing strategy, distributive  strategy, promotional strategy, sales strategy, product creation and branding strategy, inter-alia, these are synchronize in meeting the marketing  objectives of the organization. Playing the role of marketer for IPT product, strategic marketing plays a significant aspect in the execution of my marketing functions. â€Å"Strategy is concerned with effectiveness rather than efficiency and is the process of analyzing the environment and designing the fit between the organization, its resources and objectives and the environment† (Proctor, 2000). The roles thus include engaging the aforementioned marketing strategies to creating maximum satisfaction to customers, at the same time maximizing profit for the organization. Firstly, a product should be design to meet and satisfy the need of customers. Here, adequate research need to be conducted to ensure that the product is adequate to satisfy customers want, also making sure the quality surpasses that of competitive products in line to the IPT product. The next step is to ensure, that the right price is set for the product in such a way that it would not be under priced, where the organization cannot break-even, or over priced where customers would prefer rival’s product to our company product. Market skimming enables the marketer to know the price of competitors’ products and the right price to set for its own product. This is done after the marketer has weighed its costs of production in line with the price it decide to set for the product. Another significant role the marketer plays promotional strategy. In this case, the creation of awareness of the product to the public will burst the sales volume to be derived. Thus, adequate promotional strategy is significant role the marketer plays to increase sales volume for the product. The promotional strategy may involve trade exhibition, personal selling, and customers’ orientation on how to utilize the product among others. The marketer has different media for product promotion. This can be done through engaging mass media such as the print media, television, radio broadcasts, or the internet. Constant communication and feedback to customers keep them informed and know more about the organization’s product and innovative trend introduced by the organization. The strategy for distribution of product (place) is done to ensure that the product is available to customers when, and where the need it at the right time. The marketer also seeks out ways to satisfy the different category of customers and their needs. Marketing segmentation is a tool that is utilized in influencing the development of an organization’s product base. Market segmentation has the goal to seek out consumers who have similar desires and behavior, and thus forming heterogeneous segments to satisfy the different customers’ needs. Thus, customers’ response to price is a significant factor that results in the implementation of market segmentation by an organization. This also affects the marketing mix (product, price, distribution, and promotion) of the organization. The marketer faces the challenge of how to make product of IPT be a product leader in the industry it operates. It is then a big task on how to always strategy in such a way to make the organization be a step ahead of its competitors through curving a niche for the organization.   Rivals from time to time bring out strategy to counter those of other organization. Thus, it is then a task of the marketer to know how to strategize in such a way that the strategies of other competitors do not affect the smooth operations of the organization. Reference Proctor, Tony (2000), Strategic Marketing: An Introduction London: Routledge   

Crime in the 21st Century: Technology and Terrorism Essay

It is an accepted fact that globalization has been a dominant development of the 21st century. Together with globalization, the major crimes in the 21st century became also global in scope and nature. The website policy-traccc. gmu. edu/ (2008) cited Louise I. Shelley, Director of George Mason University School of Public Policy as saying that â€Å"Terrorists and transnational crime groups will proliferate because these crime groups are major beneficiaries of globalization. They take advantage of increased travel, trade, rapid money movements† (1st para. ). Based from the statement, the major crimes in the 21st century in the likes of Sept. 11, 2001 of World Trade Center and the subsequent activities of Al Queda were considered as terrorist-related crimes. Terrorism which is domestic in nature was defined by www. tfft. co. uk (2008) through Boaz Ganor, an expert in the same field as â€Å"the intentional use of, or threat to use violence against civilians or against civilian targets, in order to attain political aims. †(1st para. ). Based on the definition, the target victims of domestic terrorism were the local population of a particular community or communities within a country. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General define international terrorism as â€Å"any action intended to kill or seriously harm civilians or non-combatants, with the purpose of intimidating a population or compelling action by a government or international organization† (â€Å"Discussion of definitions and the possibility of amalgamation†, 4th par. ). In both definitions, the use of violence, the target are individuals or a country or an international organization and the purpose is to attain political objectives were the salient points. Related to use of violence against individuals or an international organization, experience in 9/11 bombing will tell us that the impact of terrorist act is much intense when it was done in a surprise manner. In this age of great technological advancement, it is imperative for a government to use technology to pre- empt terrorist acts which usually result to great destruction of lives and properties. In order to promote development of anti-terrorism technology, the US Congress after the 9/11 has acted decisively and passed the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act. This act provides protection to sellers, manufacturers, distributors and providers of hi-tech anti-terrorism gadgets and instruments. As a result, about 200 different companies were awarded the SAFETY Act certification. (Cafarano, 2008). This paper aims to document the availability of the latest high technology instruments, what is the principle behind such instrument and elucidate how the government is using the gadgets to 2 pre-empt surprise terrorist attacks. It was mentioned by Louise I. Shelley, Director of George Mason University School of Public Policy that terrorists usually use the benefits of globalization related to increased travel, trade and rapid money movements. This was the reason why terrorists were always associated with urban centers, buses, airplanes, airports and places where people usually congregate. The following are the popular ant- terrorism gadgets so far invented: The Anti Human-Bomb Bus In Israel and Iraq, the suicide bomber is one of the most deadly threats to innocent citizens. Numerous prevention techniques have been developed to address this problematic threat. According to Holmes, et al (2005), in Israel bus system, a new technology aimed at preventing suicide bombers from boarding a bus was invented and being used at present. This is achieved by detecting explosives from approaching passengers. Developed by Israeli Military Industries, the system takes the form of turnstile fitted with shield sensors. The sensors can detect explosives at a distance of up to a meter from the bus. When the sensor detect a suspicious passenger, the turnstile remains blocked and a red warning light flashes near the bus driver. A green light flashes when a boarding passenger is not a threat. Another turnstile at the rear of the bus allows passenger to get off the rear but not board it in cases of emergencies. The bus windows were bullet and shrapnel – proof and a communication system can allow the driver to talk to waiting passengers outside and call for help in emergencies. A bus with these features costs $25,000. 00. Rapiscan Airport Scanner This technology was developed as an answer to the improvements needed with neutron and ion detector technology (Panel on Assessment of the Practicality of Pulsed Fast Neutron Transmission Spectroscopy for Aviation Security, 2008) According to the Panel, the drawback of the two technology instruments earlier developed is that it cannot detect explosives and other materials if hidden under lead cover and plastic materials. According to Holmes, et al , the instrument was called Rapiscan Secure 1000 and function by scanning the passenger like a virtual strip search. The machine uses a low-level reflective x-ray technology to scan a person’s body through their clothing thus showing clearly metal objects like guns and explosives wrapped in plastics. Civil liberties advocates were opposed in using it due to the virtual strip effect. The technology has been considered for compulsory use in airports. The potential of people being embarrassed due to virtual strip effect of the scanner can be avoided by separating the male from female. The eXaminer This is an advanced form of Explosive Detection System (EDS) and is currency being used in the Middle East although the technology is still being perfected in the US according to Holmes,et al. The instrument is called the Examiner 3DX600 and being used to detect explosives in baggage and not from people. This instrument uses advanced Computer Tomography that result to complete 3D image reconstruction of entire bags and analyzes any potential hazards from the baggage without the need for opening it. This reduces the likelihood of exposure of staff to hazardous stuff inside the baggage. . This EDS can completely and continuously scan over 500 bags an hour. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Biometrics This new system is called US-VISIT. It scans photographs of the visitor’s face and index finger into a computer and matched with the criminal data base of the federal agencies. According to infowars. com (2005), the RFID technology practically is an invisible automatic ID check by the government and has long been needed in clogged border system of most countries particularly the US. With RIFD technology, people or objects are identified automatically and swiftly. The technology allow vehicles outfitted with the technology to pass through toll plazas without stopping but will be stopped in borders if their identifying data produce red flags; if otherwise, they will just be stopped for a brief check without lengthy questioning. The website declared that â€Å"U. S. officials want to see if the same technology that speeds cars through highway tolls and identifies lost pets can unclog border crossings without compromising security†. As part of the biometric data base, foreign visitors at the 50 busiest land border crossings in 10 states of the US are now being fingerprinted. The chips with identifying information will be placed in a document such as the State Department issued border crossing cards for those making regular short trips across the Mexican border. The chips can also be attached to an antenna that transmit data to a handheld or stationary reader which then converts the radio waves from the RFID tag into a code that links to identifying biometric information in a computer database of border agents. The use of biometrics which involve the physiological and behavioral characteristics for identification purposes has been initiated by the US to enhance security and identification (Batch, et al, 2006). There 4 were considerations however related to its wide scale collection like its practicality and social impact which infringe on self’s autonomy. To address the concerns, the NRC and the CIA were undertaking comprehensive assessments on current biometric capabilities and future possibilities. Summary and Conclusion It was documented that 21st century crimes were mostly international terrorism in nature and can be linked to advances in technology and globalization especially with the ease of international travel and readily available financing through electronic money transfers. Since terrorists were using the technological advances in doing their crimes to achieve their political aims, the countries were also doing its best to encourage companies and individuals to develop technologically advanced gadgets to pre-empt surprise attacks which were the very common style of terrorist activities. In the US, a total of over 200 companies were registered and given the incentive of being free from legal suit and damages for them to continue their business of inventing instruments aimed at pre-empting terrorism. Only a few newly invented gadgets were available in literature. A number of them being done by the 200 companies according to unwritten sources were highly confidential in nature and therefore no literature yet are available. This was being done by the US Defense Department so that the terrorist themselves will be surprised that their planned acts of terrorism has been long monitored and therefore will think twice before implementing their plan. Surprise attack and defense has been the name of the game against terrorists. The new gadgets documented in this paper were living proof that government is not winking their eyes even for a moment and always several steps ahead of terrorist plans. The government was aware that terrorism cannot be stopped and can only be prevented from happening for the time being but the plan and danger will always be there as experienced in 9/11 bombing. Terrorism is man- made and the inspiration which fuel terrorist acts is a product of an insane mind. This cowardice act can only survive in a society which is ill- prepared and whose ideals were blurred by the blinding light of success and achievements. After the 9/11 incident, we can no longer judge the readiness of one country towards terrorism. The technological advances made it possible to hide all the preparations and readiness in the pretext that everything is topsy-turvy and no one dares to make the first move. Technology will save us all. 5 References Batch, K. , Millett, L. , and Pato, J. (2006). Summary of a Workshop on the Technology, Policy, and Cultural Dimensions of Biometric Systems. Washington. National Academy of Sciences. 62 pp. Cafarano, J. (2008). Backgrounder #213:Fighting Terrorism, Addressing Liability: A Global Proposal. May 21, 2008. The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved November 8, 2008 from http://www. heritage. org/Research/NationalSecurity/bg2138. cfm Holmes, A. , Abarra, O. , Chamberlain, A. , Chan, W. , Ho, K. , Hsiao, A. , Von Lendeiner, J. and Nusibeth, Z. (2005). Technologies for Fighting Terrorism. 2004/2005. Retrieved November 8, 2008 from http://www. tfft. co. uk/Files/Report. pdf Infowars. com (2005). Radio Technology to Fight Terrorism. TechNewsWorld. February 5, 2005. Retrieved November 9, 2008 from http://www. infowars. com/articles/bb/radio_tech_to_fight_terrorism. htm Panel on Assessment of the Practicality of Pulsed Fast Neutron Transmission Spectroscopy for Aviation Security, Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, National Research Council (1999). The Practicality of Pulsed Fast Neutron Transmission Spectroscopy for Aviation Security. Washington. National Academy of Sciences. 58 pp. Shelley, L. (2008). TraCC: Devoted to understanding of crime scope and causes and to formulating policy to reduce the problem. George Mason University School of Public Policy. Retrieved November 8, 2008 from http://policy-traccc. gmu. edu/ Tfft. co. uk. (ca 2007). Discussion of definitions and the possibility of amalgamation. Technologies for Fighting Terrorism. Retrieved November 8, 2008 from http://www. tfft. co. uk/ApproachEnd. htm

Research Paper for The Passionate Shepherd to His Love Essay

Research Paper for The Passionate Shepherd to His Love - Essay Example Such poems have been the trend with the poet fraternity for seventeen centuries prior to Marlowe’s penning this poem. On a careful scrutiny of the submissions relating to love by the shepherd, it can be safely concluded that he is interested in a bout of physical pleasure with the nymph than to stand up for the cause of true love. In the first stanza, the shepherd extends a cordial and hearty invitation to his lady- love to accompany him by assuring, â€Å"and we will all the pleasures prove† (Marlowe, line 2.) The forthright mention of pleasure has an undercurrent of sexual tone. The question whether the call of love is gentle and direct without any hidden agenda will be examined in the latter part of this paper. He desires to introduce to his lady-love the magnificent topography of the rural area of England, dotted by â€Å"And valleys, groves, hills and fields, Woods or steepy mountains† (Marlowe, lines 3-4), which are capable of imparting pleasures of abundan t varieties to the lovers. He desires to bring to the notice of his lover that nature is generous and her capacity for benevolence is measureless. To eulogize nature for the bounties she offers throughout the year in one form or the other is the common theme of the pastoral poetry. It has the dignity of its own and is distinctly different from the ordinary rustic verse. â€Å"When Raleigh responded to the "soft" pastoralism of Marlowe's "Passionate Shepherd to His Love," he presented the data of "hard" pastoral-the mutability and discomfort that the real cycle of seasons offers in place of ver adsiduum: "The flowers doe fade, and wanton fieldes / To wayward winter reckoning yeeldes" (40). Each critic sees the new horizons in the pastoral poetry and thus the interpretations vary. Subsequently, the poet discusses about the location of the love-play and draws clear-cut distinction between the rural and urban ambience. The love-birds will not visit an auditorium or take part in a feast , but would love to be together on rocks, under the greenwood trees, or along the bank of rivers to exchange their merry notes. The shepherd is aware of the freedom that he enjoys in his profession, though it may appear insignificant from the point of view of a city-bred critic. The perquisites of the rural surroundings offered by nature are indeed great. Some of them according to the shepherd are, watching other shepherds feed their flocks, listening to the melody of waterfalls and the birds singing, expressing their joy and mirth. These are the enticements offered to his lady-love by the shepherd and such auditory and visual pleasures are the hallmark of rural life. One sees the shepherd in a distinctly different mode of love and he is quite vocal in his expressions to win over his lady-love, as revealed in the 3rd, 4th and 5th stanzas. The reference is mostly to the stylish apparel, and other embellishments the shepherd is going to provide to her. The tone and attitude of the she pherd is like that of a dress designer and the fashion consultant of the metropolis. His offerings are rich and the language is aristocratic. The nomenclature given by the shepherd to them is â€Å"delights†. The reader is in genuine doubt now, whether he is the shepherd at all, or the feudal landowner, controlling authority of several such shepherds. The listing of the intended offerings to his lady-love is stunning and demands

Drug and Substance Abuse among Nursing Professionals Research Paper

Drug and Substance Abuse among Nursing Professionals - Research Paper Example The primary factor that influences high drug abuse recognition is the assumption that drug abusers are either economically depressed or ignorant about the dangers of drugs. Nurses and other health care professionals are taken by society as people who are financially well-up and able to manage stress and depression. The society seems to ignore the fact that no one is his or her own doctor. Even those who take care of the social and psychological needs of the society need social and psychological help. Contrary to the general societal misconception, the number of nurses abusing drugs and alcohol has increased over the years. Researchers have found a significant number of nurses who report the lack of moral support from the society as the major factor that influences them to take drugs. The society seems to be over-expectant on the role of nursing, forgetting that nurses are also human beings and can get depressed. At the same time, a nurse who is found taking drugs such as alcohol is seen as an irresponsible profession who needs to be fired for being a bad role model to the society. Nurses are expected to be morally upright all the time. The society does not expect them to take drugs and preach against them at the same time. Based on the misconception of the society towards nursing, many health care professionals are forced to take drugs while hiding. They develop the feeling that people will not trust their services if they see them taking alcohol, smoking, or taking any other type of drug that society deems immoral.

Cause and Effect of Race on Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cause and Effect of Race on My Life - Essay Example It is not essential that everybody has to face certain problems in association with these characteristics but for me, the situation was on the negative side. I belong to the Middle East and I chose to pursue my studies in the United States with the prospect of achieving a better future. Though it is believed by many that racism is not a major factor which affects the living of a person in today’s world but in my case, my life was very much affected by my race. I was one of the very few people in my college in the United States who came from the Middle East. My race was one of the major reasons why not many people in my class wanted to befriend me. I was new in the country and an international student and it was a period when I actually needed help and support. It was very difficult on my part to communicate with people because I perceived that most of them did not want to engage in conversations with or assist me in getting used to the place. I still remember the time when I a sked a college mate to give me his notes to which he flatly refused and did not even speak any further. The concept that I actually realized was that the whites preferred sticking to their own groups. This was the beginning but with time things did change and we got on better terms after a few months. The level of trust was not very high but I actually communicate with them. We were colleagues but not friends who would actually go out or attend parties together. It cannot be denied that my race did assist me in many matters. I formed a very strong bond and actually made really good friends with people who belonged to different races and were international students like me.

The topic will be in the instruction plus the attached file Essay

The topic will be in the instruction plus the attached file - Essay Example In the U.A.E, and indeed across the world, the problem should be tackled before the situation gets worse. Tackling the obesity issue effectively demands the appreciation of the root causes of the problem. Experts agree that the main factors behind rising obesity prevalence levels across the world are sedentary lifestyles (lifestyles devoid of exercise) and poor eating habits. In respect of eating habits, it is worth noting that the consumption of too much fatty, sugary, junk, and salty foods easily lead to obesity. To this effect, individuals should eat less of junk foods, consume more vegetables, and exercise more as ways of preventing and dealing with obesity. As a way of dealing with obesity in schools, the ministry of health plans to introduce physical exercise (P.E.) lessons as part of the school curriculum. By having three lessons of P.E. a week with each lesson taking 40 minutes, school children will become more active and burn excess fats in their bodies that would otherwise lead them to become obese. Secondly, the ministry plans to regulate the kinds of foods that children are given in school and those that are available in school canteens. The ministry will work toward ensuring that schools offer balanced diets and that canteens stock no junk foods. Cleland E. (June 16, 2013) â€Å"Obesity is a growing problem in the UAE, says health expert†. The National. http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/obesity-is-a-growing-problem-in-the-uae-says-health-expert Saberi Mahmood (July 6, 2012). â€Å"UAE the fifth most obese country in the world†. Gulf News. Retrieved from