Gas Market Reformation - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2747 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Energy Industry Essay Type Research paper Tags: Energy Essay Did you like this example? ENERGY LAW-GAS MARKET REFORMATION Distribution Grid of Natural Gas It is the grid which is developed or is going to be developed in accordance with approved program of development Natural Gas Distribution Companies The companies which occupy with issues of natural gas distribution grid. Regulatory Authority of Energy (RAE) The Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) is an independent administrative authority, which enjoys, by the provisions of the law establishing it, financial and administrative independence. RAE was established on the basis of the provisions of L. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Gas Market Reformation" essay for you Create order 2773/1999, which was issued within the framework of the harmonisation of the Hellenic Law to the provisions of Directive 96/92/EC for the liberalization of the electricity market. The financial independence of RAE, which is an essential condition in order to preserve the Authoritys independence, was effectively ensured by the provisions of L. 2837/2000, through which it is anticipated that the Authority possesses its own resources, i.e. revenue bonds from the regulated industry, participation to research projects etc. These resources are managed in accordance with the Presidential Decree 139/2001 Regulation for the Internal Operation and Administration of RAE, while financial management is subject to ex-post auditing by Independent Auditors and the Court of Auditors. New competences and duties were assigned to RAE with respect to electricity and natural gas sectors by the Electricity Law 3426/2005 and the Gas Law 3428/2005, in alignment with the relevant provisions of the EC Dire ctives 2003/54 and 2003/55, in particular with respect to access tariffs to electricity and gas networks, the terms and conditions for the provision of balancing services in natural gas, as well as on issues related to security of electricity and natural gas supply. Furthermore, on the basis of the modifications introduced with the abovementioned laws, RAE acts as a dispute settlement authority with respect to complaints against transmission or distribution system operator in both electricity and natural gas sectors. The main duties and responsibilities assigned to RAE relate to the following subjects: Monitoring the operation of all sectors of the energy market (Electricity, Natural Gas, Oil Products, Renewable Energy Sources, Cogeneration of Electricity and Heat etc.). Collection and processing of information from companies in the energy sector while respecting the principles of confidentiality. Participation in the pre-parliamentary legislative process through recommendation to the Minister of Development of the appropriate measures related to compliance with competition rules and to the overall protection of the consumers in the energy market. RAE monitors in particular the management and allocation of interconnection capacity, the time taken by TSO and DSO for connections of users and repairs to the network, the publication of all appropriate information by the TSO and the DSO, the terms and tariffs for third party access, the unbundling of accounts, the level of transparency and competition in the energy market and the security of supply. RAE issues a report every two years on security of supply both for electricity and natural gas, which is published and submitted both to the Minister of Development and the Commission, pursuant to the provisions of laws 3426/2005 and 3428/2005. Advice under the form of a simple opinion, with respect to the enactment of the secondary legislation, with the exception of the Electricity Grid Operation Code, the Power Exchanges Code, the Distribution Network Operation Code, where RAE enjoys the right of a consenting opinion. Furthermore, with respect to natural gas, RAE gives a consenting opinion for the issue of the Operation Codes of the National Natural Gas System as well as of the Independent Natural Gas System, while it approves the appropriate methodologies and details for the implementation of both Operation Codes. Advice under the form of a simple opinion, with respect to the terms and conditions for access to the transmission and distribution networks. Approval of the methodologies for the access tariffs to electricity transmission and distribution networks. The tariffs for third party access to electricity networks are approved by the Minister of Development following a consenting opinion of RAE, whilst RAE gives a simple opinion with respect to tariffs for third party access to natural gas systems. Regarding natural gas, RAE drafts the tariffs Regulation which is subject to approval by the Minister of Development, and regulates the terms and conditions for the provision of balancing services. Participation, under the form of a simple opinion, in the process for the granting and revocation of licences for the discharge of electricity activities. Monitoring of the exercise of the activities undertaken by licensees and access to information. Advice, under the form of a simple opinion, in the procedure for the approval of electricity retail tariffs with the exception of access tariffs. Approval of the generation adequacy studies conducted by HTSO to establish whether HTSO should issue tenders for new generation capacity. Imposition of financial sanctions, particularly fines to the violators of the primary and secondary energy legislation. Arbitral resolution of disputes between parties on electricity and natural gas legislation. Dispute settlement authority with respect to complaints against electricity transmission or distribution system operators and the owner of the electricity network, as well as against Natural Gas System and Distribution Operators on infringements of primary and secondary electricity and natural gas legislation. Cooperation with Regulatory Authorities of other countries, international Organisations and the European Commission. Reporting on an annual basis to the Commission on market dominance, predatory and anticompetitive behaviour on the basis of the appropriate information submitted by the Competition Authority. Finally, under Law 3054/2002 specific responsibilities were assigned to RAE regarding with the organisation and operation of the oil products market. RAE is obliged to comply with the legality principle. The decisions of RAE that are not solely advisory are subject to judicial review by the Athens Administrative Court of Appeals. Finally RAE publishes and submits to the Parliament via the Minister of Development an annual report giving detailed information about its functioning and acts. Natural Gas Distribution License When a company has a natural gas distribution company has the ability to construct the distribution grid of natural gas. Natural Gas Operation License A company which has this license can operate and exploit the Distribution Network Opportunity of renting a Distribution License A company which acquires a Distribution License has the ability to rent an Operation License from ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s owner through a financial return. Limitations in Licensing If there are two or more companies which are interested in getting a License then a competition is organized after RAE opinion and decision of YPEKA. At the end after the competition RAE decides which company is going to take the license. If there is an Operation License for an area then there are little opportunities a second license to be published. A company, which acquires Distribution and Operation License, can take part in a vertically integrated natural gas company if is independent from other sectors of the company Obligations of Natural Gas System Operator The reliability and the security of the System Technically and Financially feasible System Compliance of technical specifications Access for customers and suppliers Connection of the applicants to the System The procurement, installation, maintenance and proper functioning of measuring devices , which are installed in the Distribution System To provide to the Users of the Grid and to the Administrators of the Interconnected Systems and Distribution System of Natural Gas the necessary information for an effective Grid access. To avoid the discrimination between the Users of the System and especially in favor the companies that are connected with it. The cooperation with the Operators of the Interconnected and Distribution Natural Gas Systems for applying cooperation and communication protocols in order to secure the proper and the unencumbered function of the Distribution Systems , the fulfillment of their responsibilities, the function of the market and the cooperation with the operators of the organized markets The designation , the scheduling and the implementation of the development of the System taking into consideration the possibility of taking energy efficiency measures. Operation Code of Distribution System By decision of the RAE, upon recommendation of the Distribution Network Operator, is established an Operation Code of Distribution System , whereby is carried out of ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s management, maintenance and development. The Code is published in the Government Gazette and may be amended either at the initiative RAE or at the request of the Administrator. Through the Operation Code can be adjusted the following: Specifications and requirements of designation, operation and maintenance of the System and targets for the efficiency of the Distribution activity. Terms and conditions through which the DSO is obliged to offer access to the System and simultaneously to secure the access of the customers to the System with financially efficient, direct and clear way. Terms and conditions for the connection of the customer to the Distributed System in accordance with techno-economic basis and the process of the temporary denial to the connection to the System, which must be sufficiently justified. The deadline till which the DSO must reasonably decide for the connection applications and inform the applicants about the decision The quality standards and the conditions of the delivery conditions of Natural Gas which is distributed through the system The obligations of the DSO in the case of extreme conditions and especially the priority order of interruption of the connected customers. The schedule of maintenance and development of the distributed system and the procedures of informing the users of the system and the Operators of the Interconnected distribution systems. Information and data related to the Operation of the system, which are given to the users of the system The content of the standard connection and use agreement of the system The procedures for issuing invoices and abidance and clearance of accounts The implementing procedures of measures for the management of the capacity The obligations of the Distribution Network Operator for monitoring the evolution of demand and the content and the process for filing reports to RAE Changes in Natural Gas Market From May 30 2015 begins the separation of the gas distribution sector (distribution system) both DEPA and the EPA Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly, and from October 1, 2015 accounting unbundled should be completed. Until January 1, 2017 the legal and functional unbundling of distribution systems of Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly must have been completed and companies have to transport their distribution sector to the new CDG which is established. The EPA Thessaloniki and Thessaly can jointly transport their distribution sector to a common CDG in which they participate. The same applies to the distribution sector of DEPA for the rest of Greece. It is going to be established four natural gas distribution companies without being prohibited either the merger of the companies or the establishment of new companies. Distribution networks remain under the exclusive property of DEPA and their management is under CDG. The new projects and the extension of the DS which will constructed by CDG will remain under the property of CDG. There is a 20-year extension to the license of CDG with the option of being extended further for 20 years. There is tax exemption as regards the process of separation of distribution activities Eligible Clients Previous Law Situation The owners of a license of electric power production with the use of Natural Gas All the non-domestic customers who are outside of the EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries All the non-domestic customers and the big customers who are in areas with à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ · All the domestic customers who are are outside of the EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries The customers of the EPA when the license of the EPA is expired The customers of an area with à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ · when à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ · is expired The EPAs that are established after this law New Proposal All the customers that are outside of the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries. All the customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and use the natural gas as a fuel to the engines of means of transportation All the customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and use the natural gas as a fuel to the engines of means of transportation All customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and purchase natural gas for industrial use, who had actually consumed more of 2,2 GWh per consumption site within the period preceding twelve consecutive months of that date. From 1/1/2016 all the non-domestic customers with consumption greater than 2,2 GWh From 1/1/2017 all the non-domestic customers without taking into account the consumption From 1/1/2018 all the domestic customers Consequences because of the changes in Natural Gas Market According to the bill four Distribution Companies (ECN) are established in Attica, Thessaloniki, Thessaly, and the fourth in the rest of Greece, to which is granted the exploitation of the distribution systems of the three EPA but DEPA remains solely the owner of those systems. The EPA will remain only as commercial companies that will supply natural gas to retail and the consumers will pay in them their bills. As a result it is gradually achieved the whole separation of the commercial activities from those which are associated with the construction and the management of the system both for DEPA and three EPAs. The separation of the systems starts from 30/5/2015 , while in 1/10/2015 the accounting unbundling of the distribution system activities should be completed. Until 1/1/2017 must have been completed both the legal and functional unbundling of the systems in Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly. The EPA Atti ca,Thessaloniki and Thessaly can jointly transport their distribution sector to a common CDG in which they participate. The same applies to the distribution sector of DEPA for the rest of Greece. The EPA and Distribution Companies have the ability through the bill to be merged. In the future it is not prohibited for the distribution system of the Greece to be bounded under one company operator, so as the cost to be decreased. Simultaneously, the monopoly of DEPA and EPA to source and sell natural gas to the customers is gradually finished. The following customers will be able to choose their supplier: All the customers that are outside of the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries. All the customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and use the natural gas as a fuel to the engines of means of transportation All the customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and use the natural gas as a fuel to the engines of means of transportation All customers that are into the three EPAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility boundaries and purchase natural gas for industrial use, who had actually consumed more of 2,2 GWh per consumption site within the period preceding twelve consecutive months of that date. From 1/1/2016 all the non-domestic customers with consumption greater than 2,2 GWh From 1/1/2017 all the non-domestic customers without taking into account the consumption From 1/1/2018 all the domestic customers The fact that three EPA lose their monopoly in distribution system and in supplying their clients is in contrast with the exclusivity of 30 years contract that they signed in 2000. As a result it is offered to EPA 20-years extension in the activity of the system with an option of further 20 years. This is happening in order not to arise ligitation problems and the shareholders not to seek for damages. In essence, this means that the licenses of EPA which expire in 2030 are extended until at least 2050. DEPA remain the exclusive owner of the systems but it can not have a financial return from the provision of the management and exploitation of the DS in Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly until the redemption of the right to use them. For a period of three years from the launch of the EDA and to facilitate the full development of its own services, the transferring company, whether DEPA either the EPA can support the function of providing the services, for a reasonable conside ration will cover the cost of providing and approved by RAE. Within three months from the enactment of the Law, DEPA as a manager of the distribution system of the rest of Greece, and EPA Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly as managers of the systems of the respective geographical areas, recommend to the RAE, which must issue a series of additional provisions within three months from the time of submission. Such devices are the Pricing Rules of these systems, and the Code Management Distribution System. Also, within one month from the entry into force of the Regulation Invoice, DEPA and EPA Attica, Thessaloniki and Thessaly, submit for approval by RAE scales on which they receive in exchange for each key activity provide to their customers. Pending the entry into force of the new tariffs, the price for basic activities for users is 4 euros per MWh

Can People Resist Normative And Informational Social...

Can people resist normative and informational social influence? Name: Emery Zhen Student ID: u5348471 Tutor’s Name: Sydney Kingstone Lab Time: Thursday 11-1pm Word Count: 2007 (include title page and references) Australian National University Can people resist to normative and informational social influence? There is a fundamental human need to belong to social groups especially if people were to live and work together, it is likely that they need to agree on common beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviours in order to get along and fit-in. Thus, we learnt to conform to rules of other people, the more people see others behaving in a particular way or making particular decisions, the more likely people will feel obliged to follow the suit. This is called conformity and can be defined in different ways, Aronson, Wilson Akert (2014) stated it is the changing of one’s behavior due to the real or imagined influence of other people. According to Deutsch and Gerard (1955), social influence should be distinguished into two types, the informational social influence and normative social influence. The occurrence of social influence has implied to many real life events, which has drawn many researchers to attention. This has lead many researchers to design distinct experiments to try and un derstand the cause of the conformity, whether conformity is situation dependent, and whether we are able to resist social influences. The influence of others leads us to conform because we seeShow MoreRelatedConformity And Its Effect On Society Essay1436 Words   |  6 Pagesare away from home for the first time, take on many obstacles. Along with the difficulties of balancing academics, self care and missing home, students face immense pressures from their peers. Conformity is the alteration of a behavior due to the influence of others, regardless of if their presence is real or imagined. 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An Analysis of Macroeconomic Factors on Australian Economy

Question: Describe about An Analysis of Macroeconomic Factors on Australian Economy. Answer: Introduction: Macroeconomic analysis is important because with the help of this the state of a region, country or a single factor can be assessed. The macroeconomic factors such as GDP, inflation rate, unemployment etc. roughly address the financial state of a country (Australia Government, 2016). The aim of this report is to identify the current state and of the Australian economy. In order to evaluate the current state and the support of the management, few macroeconomic factors are to be analysed. Mainly four factors such that GDP, unemployment, trade and inflation rates have to be evaluated here (Trading Economics, 2016). The trend of this economic factors for past 10 years will be observed and analysed in order to evaluate the present economic state of the country. For the past few decades, Australian federal government and RBA have implemented few policies which may address the current situation of the economy. This report may help to assess and evaluate the current economic situation. Economic Indicators and their trends: Economic indicators are important and their trend supports to interpret a countrys economic state. The main four indicators such as economic growth or GDP, trade, inflation rate and unemployment are the most important to justify a nations economic state (Aust. Bureau of Statistics, 1954). The government has targeted to achieve a huge economic growth during this span. The rules and measurements had been adjusted to achieve the expected outcome but however, due to some economic obstacles, the nation could not reach, though. However, the venture was not a whole flop but yes few areas could have been emphasized more. Economic Growth or GDP: GDP or Gross Domestic Product is the widest quantifiable measure by which a countrys total economic activity can be calculated. More precisely, GDP or the Gross Domestic Product signifies the economic value of all assets and services generated within a nation's geographic boundaries over a particular time period. A high amount of GDP reflects the growth of the country and the lower amount of GDP reflects a weak economic state (Hubbard O'Brien, 2013). Now in order to evaluate the economic state of Australia for present days, the GDP valuation for the past few years can be assessed. From the following graph, the GDP trend of Australia can be assessed. The graph says that the GDP growth of Australia has been fluctuating severely for past ten years. In the year 2005-2006 it was stable but suddenly in 2007 the GDP growth had increased hugely (Blagrove, et al., 2016). Again from the years 2008, the GDP growth of Australia can be seen declining. A major reason behind that is the great recession or global financial crisis which had initiated by the Lehman Brothers breakdown in the UK. Nevertheless, the GDP growth has started recovering after 2011. The following scenario states that the present economic growth of the country is improving day by day and a significant economic development in future is identified (IMF, 2009). Inflation Rate: Inflation can be defined as the sustainable increase in the price level of the products and the services. It is calculated on a yearly basis or annual percentage basis. Inflation results in increasing the daily expenses of the people. Increasing rate of inflation is a significant drawback for an economy. A high rate of inflation may affect the GDP growth of a country. Global crisis or recession actually influence the inflation to increase. The following graph shows the inflationary state of the Australian Economy (Krugman Wells, 2013). It is clear from the scenario that the present inflation rate of Australia is low which indicates that the economic state of the country appreciable. During the great recession in 2014, the inflation rate was the highest. The graph states that during 2008-2012 the economic situation of the country had started falling but again it has recovered during 2014-2015. Considering the trend of the inflation rate from the following figure is considered to be stable or will be decreasing for the new two years (Trading Economics, 2016). Unemployment Rate: Unemployment is an obstacle for an economy. It makes an economy poorer, increases poverty and decreases the economic growth. As the time has passed, the Australia has been developing over the years. Theoretically speaking, the achievement of past five years is considerably high and one of the significant change is its decreasing rate of unemployment. Unemployment is a state when people who are without work desperately seek for paid work. However, the below graph is a bit contradictory with statement proposed (Austrade Government of Australia, 2015). Though the increasing rate of unemployment in Australia is not much higher but, the rate is slightly increasing. Cyclical unemployment is the most common according to the survey. However, it has been noticed that the unemployment definition in Australia much differs from other nations. From that point of view, the long-term unemployment in Australia has been decreasing over the years (Hubbard O'Brien, 2013). Trade: In terms of the balance of trade, a huge trade deficit has been observed during this duration of past ten years. In 2016, it is estimated that the exports rose to 3% whereas the trade deficit has increased and fluctuated towards downturn randomly. Few foreign affairs have been considered to be responsible for this scenario (Jha, 2008). Besides, some recent economic changes are also considered to as important for this deficit. Survey claims that the insufficient funds are another reason behind this business gap. Recently, from 2014, the oil price has been declining hugely. Though, the Australia is not a major participant of oil business but oil price fluctuations affect severely in some business sector of the country (White, 2009). This trade gap in the Australian economy is considered as the significant reason behind the fluctuation of all other economic deflators. A nation like Australia earns huge from the international trade and business. Due to this gap, the GDP of the economy has been affected and unemployment has risen. However, considering these changes in mind the government has to tighten some major macroeconomic policies in order to address these issues (Dwyer, et al., 1990). Current Macroeconomics Policy and their effectiveness: The government had decided to achieve higher economic growth, a stable balance of trade, unemployment problem to be decreased and inflation rate to be controlled. When the government became fails to achieve these expected goals then it has implemented few macroeconomic measurements (Blagrove, et al., 2016). The RBA has used short-term interest rates as its operating instruments in order to implement monetary policy (White, 2009). The monetary policy is generally implemented in order to make a huge economic growth, stability in the balance of payment and to achieve the full employment level. However, from the above analysis, it is observed that neither of the ones has been achieved satisfactorily by the Australia after the policy implementation by the RBA. The economic growth has successfully reached very near to the expected outcome because it is seen in fig 1 that GDP growth of Australia has been increased over the years (IMF, 2009). Simultaneously, the unemployment level has been increased whereas according to the policy the employment level should have increased. On the other hand, it is researched that though the trade gap was high but it has decreased very recently (Leijonhufvud, 2000). Fiscal policy is effective in order to control inflation and the unemployment rate. The federal government has agreed that the 6.5% increase in the unemployment rate in Australia can be accepted. According to the RBA, the fiscal policies have been considered as failed instrument to control the economic doldrums in Australia (Terra, 2015). They have accepted that the fiscal policy might decrease the level of unemployment and can provide future long-term affluence if it would have been invested in human capital such that education, etc. and public infrastructure. Secondly, the lower level of fiscal deficits is consciously damaging the economic growth of the country (Maiden, 2016). The fiscal policy was not at effective whereas the monetary policies had done a little of the expectation. The RBA has stated that these chaos has occurred because some wrong decisions were made from their end too and economic situations were there (The Economist, 2015). Conclusion and Recommendations: After this detailed research, few interpretations can be made. The Australian economic has faced its worst for the past few years but again it has picked its motion since 2015. The RBA has implemented few policies in order to improve the situation. A higher growth can be expected in next five years. The unemployment rate is expected to be decreased in this span too and the inflation rate will also be controlled. With the help of FDI, the Australia is expecting a grand comeback in the international market. This achievement cannot be done until and unless the macroeconomic policies are implemented properly. The trade deficit should be controlled very tactfully and scope of employment should be increased. The RBA should monitor the economic scenario time to time and spot decisions should be taken for any measurements. References: Aust. Bureau of Statistics, 1954. Year Book Australia, 1990 No. 73. Australia: Aust. Bureau of Statistics. Austrade Government of Australia, 2015. AUSTRALIAN AEROSPACE INDUSTRY CAPABILITY DIRECTORY. [Online] Available at: https://www.aviationaerospace.org.au/airmail-article/australian-aerospace-industry-capability-directory/ [Accessed 23 04 2016]. Australia Government, 2016. Fair Work Commission. [Online] Available at: https://www.australia.gov.au/directories/australia/fwc [Accessed 19 07 2016]. Blagrove, S., Hundloe, T. Ditton, H., 2016. Australia's Role in Feeding the World: The Future of Australian Agriculture. Australia: Csiro Publishing. Dwyer, L., Forsyth, P. Findlay, C., 1990. Japanese investment in the Australian tourism industry: a framework for assessing impacts. Sydney: University of Western. Hubbard, R. O'Brien, A., 2013. Macroeconomics. Boston: Pearson.. Boston: Pearson. IMF, 2009. Macroeconomic Fundamentals, Price Discovery and Volatility Dynamics in Emerging Markets. US: International Monetary Fund. Jha, R., 2008. Contemporary Macroeconomic Theory and Policy. Kolkata: New Age International. Krugman, P. Wells, R., 2013. Macroeconomics.. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Leijonhufvud, A., 2000. Macroeconomic Instability and Coordination: Selected Essays of Axel Leijonhufvud. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Maiden, M., 2016. Australian growth. [Online] Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/theres-a-flaw-in-australias-economic-growth-report-20160302-gn8q8w.html [Accessed 27 5 2016]. Terra, C., 2015. Principles of International Finance and Open Economy Macroeconomics: Theories, Applications, and Policies. Cambridge: Academic Press. The Economist, 2015. The causes and consequences of China's market crash. [Online] Available at: https://www.economist.com/news/business-and-finance/21662092-china-sneezing-rest-world-rightly-nervous-causes-and-consequences-chinas Trading Economics, 2016. GDP Per Capita. [Online] Available at: https://www.tradingeconomics.com/japan/gdp-per-capita [Accessed 21 04 2016]. Trading Economics, 2016. tradingeconomics. [Online] Available at: https://www.tradingeconomics.com/ [Accessed 31 05 2016]. White, M., 2009. Australian Offshore Laws. Australia: Federation Press.

Who is to blame in “Romeo and Juliet” Essay Example

Who is to blame in â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† Essay Romeo and Juliet, one of the famous works of Williams Shakespeare is a play with the theme centering around a romantic tragedy about two young lovers. The focus is on the events that led to the meeting of the two lovers and the plot that culminated in the tragic death of both lovers. This unfortunate event has been blamed on some characters in the play. Each one of the characters had their role to play in the tragedy. However, I believe that Romeo played a significant part in the whole plot as a whole. Firstly, I guess the youthful exuberance caught up with him because he was always hasty to act in most circumstances. Moreover, it could also be attributed to his situation, it is often said that love is blind so his emotions also took a toll on his action. His emotion beclouded his thoughts. He was not acting from his ‘head’; it was from his heart. Also, there is an element of selfishness in his actions since he was always pursuing. We will write a custom essay sample on Who is to blame in â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Who is to blame in â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Who is to blame in â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To buttress these points, it would be seen that Romeo acted too hastily in asking her to marry him. If he had taken some time out to think about the consequences of his actions, knowing fully well that Juliet was engaged and also that both their families did not go along well he could have waited for a little more time. He could have avoided his own death if he had tried to find out if Juliet was really dead or not.   All these point to the spontaneity with which he acts and also the rashness of many of his decisions. Moreover, his action when he killed Tybalt, and later Paris, were aimed towards personal gratification. It could not have been out of love. If he had been thinking of the love he had for Juliet, he would not have carried out these violent acts. In conclusion, Romeo was just a victim of fate as all the ill-fated events had already been foretold. However, his actions fuelled the fire as it eventually led to the death of both he, and his lover. Romeo definitely is more guilty than all other actors in the play as his actions had the greatest effect on the plot of the play.

Free Essays on God Exist

One of the most predominate issues that is considered in the human mind today is of the question, "Does God exist?" Logically speaking there are rules, or more often called, laws that govern the way we act and think, one of such laws is looked at as the law of excluded middle. In this rule we basically identify that in some issues there is no middle ground, an object cannot both possess and not possess a certain trait or characteristic at the same time in the same fashion, either something is or it is not. The statement "God exist," is a precisely stated position. Thus, we recognize that it is either true or false. The fact is that one can not logically affirm that God does and does not exist at the same time, atheist believe that Gad does not exist, theist believe He does, and agnostic, exerts the idea that not enough information is available to make the decision. So who is right? Does God exist or does, he not? The only way to satisfy the question is to seek out and study the evidence, proving finally that God does indeed exist. Most predominate among the arguments of an atheist is the creation of the universe and that is self-created, however, the idea is simple improvable and discreditable by scientific reason. The fact stands that God is the Creator, and through Him all things are possible, being as it may God clearly created the universe and likewise everything in it. From this we gather that the universe either had a beginning, or it did not. However, all available evidenced indicates that the universe had a beginning. Since the universe had a beginning it had to have a cause, the universe is an effect, and by definition there is no effect without a cause. Nothing causeless happens. So Nicholas 2 then the question is asked who or what created the universe, (a) an existence before it, i.e., some eternal, uncaused First Cause, (b) is superior to it since the created cannot be superior to the creator; and (c) i... Free Essays on God Exist Free Essays on God Exist One of the most predominate issues that is considered in the human mind today is of the question, "Does God exist?" Logically speaking there are rules, or more often called, laws that govern the way we act and think, one of such laws is looked at as the law of excluded middle. In this rule we basically identify that in some issues there is no middle ground, an object cannot both possess and not possess a certain trait or characteristic at the same time in the same fashion, either something is or it is not. The statement "God exist," is a precisely stated position. Thus, we recognize that it is either true or false. The fact is that one can not logically affirm that God does and does not exist at the same time, atheist believe that Gad does not exist, theist believe He does, and agnostic, exerts the idea that not enough information is available to make the decision. So who is right? Does God exist or does, he not? The only way to satisfy the question is to seek out and study the evidence, proving finally that God does indeed exist. Most predominate among the arguments of an atheist is the creation of the universe and that is self-created, however, the idea is simple improvable and discreditable by scientific reason. The fact stands that God is the Creator, and through Him all things are possible, being as it may God clearly created the universe and likewise everything in it. From this we gather that the universe either had a beginning, or it did not. However, all available evidenced indicates that the universe had a beginning. Since the universe had a beginning it had to have a cause, the universe is an effect, and by definition there is no effect without a cause. Nothing causeless happens. So Nicholas 2 then the question is asked who or what created the universe, (a) an existence before it, i.e., some eternal, uncaused First Cause, (b) is superior to it since the created cannot be superior to the creator; and (c) i...

Three Google Searches That Will Help You Get Paid to Write Now

Three Google Searches That Will Help You Get Paid to Write Now I confess, I am a Google junkie. I have built a solid reputation for knowing a lot of obscure, but helpful, information about a lot of random topics. Much of this I can attribute to an unhealthy amount of time spent searching Google to satisfy my curiosity, so I may have an unfair advantage. Yet, while reading several of the articles saturating the web right now about How To Get Your First Writing Client, I can’t help but wonder, â€Å"Why are they overlooking the obvious?† Skip sites like Freelancer.com and oDesk.com, which advertise low paying freelance writing jobs that you have to spend valuable time bidding for (and where you run the risk of being scammed). Opt out of writing on demand sites like Scripted.com that require you to go through a lengthy application process, where you must submit writing samples for approval despite having a portfolio, to compete for jobs averaging under $30. Spend less time perusing job boards and cut through the middleman Locate client websites directly, using Google to gain an opportunity to address your application to a specific contact and have a fair chance of your response actually being read. Do so ‘Write For Us’ How many times have you followed the links from an aggregated job board, to a Craigslist ad, to an actual website link leading the advertisement on the clients website which reads: ‘Write For Us’? Exactly. ‘Be A Contributor’ In my experience, this search term is often helpful for leading you directly to client sites that you will not find on a job board because they have such a large following that they do not need to advertise anywhere else. ‘Submission Guidelines’ Whether it is a large or small publication, you are likely to end up on this page of the clients website as a potential hire or a hired writer. Cut to the chase Do your own Google search using these exact search terms and see how many results you come up with. Narrow your search results

Medicare Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medicare - Research Paper Example It is a program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare is divided into four parts. The first part is the Hospital insurance (Part A). This helps to pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, (after hospital stay), home health care and hospice care (Social Security Online, 2010). Medicare insurance (Part B) covers doctors’ services and other medical services and supplies which are not covered by hospital insurance (Social Security Online, 2010). Medicare Advantage (Part C) can be availed of in many areas. Those under Medicare Parts A and B can opt to receive all their health care services through the provider organizations under Part C (Social Security Online, 2010). Finally, drug coverage (Part D) assists in the payment of medications for which doctors prescribe for the treatment of their ailments (Social Security Online, 2010). Medicare is different from Medicaid. Medicaid is a program which provides aid for those who cannot afford medical services. Different states have different rules on eligibility and coverage; and in some cases, these programs do overlap and some individuals may qualify for coverage under both programs (Social Security Online, 2010). This Medicare program is significant for public health because it helps ensure that all people receive quality health care and are entitled to improved outcomes (DeWalt, Oberlander, Carey, and Roper, 2006). Some studies also point out that Medicare programs help control the cost of health care as it improves health outcomes of the people covered. It also helps prevent illnesses and reduce waiting times with doctors; and through the coordinated efforts of the Medicare programs, many states are able to encourage practices which â€Å"improve the timelessness of care and also†¦reduce the rate of no-shows to clinic appointments† (DeWalt, Oberlander, Carey, and

Exam Habits Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exam Habits - Research Paper Example deed, both the parents and the teachers have a desire for students to perform well, however, they provide little guidance on determining the most appropriate learning techniques that would work to enhance educational outcomes (Barrass, 2002). Based on this perspective, this paper examines Exam habits are determined by the learning techniques that students engage. There are various principles that comprise the states of learning. First, an individual must be in the right state of mind. Knowledge is impacted when a particular individual makes an effort towards learning. An example of such an aspect involves the learner to have positive expectations towards the learning process (C.E., 1988). Secondly, is that there must be a variety of ways of input. Some individuals learn better by using numerous input methods. This involves aspects such as asking of questions during the learning process. In the different states of learning, there are four main stages of competence. The first stage is that of unconscious incompetence in which an individual is mot in a position to understand something while at the same time does not recognize the lack of such understanding. In learning, it is essential that one understands the need for understanding for effective learning. The second stage is that of conscious incompetence. This stage involves one individual who does not understand concept although such individuals know of the lack. This state of learning involves making mistakes, which is an integral part in effective learning as long as one is able to realize the mistake and make adjustments (C.E., 1988). Conscious competence involves the state of an individual having critical understanding of an issue. An important aspect at this stage is the need for concentration. Concentration is important in learning as it enhances better understanding of concepts. The last stage is unconscious competence, which involves the state of an individual having practiced a skill and therefore,

Subverted 19th Century Traditional Social Mores and Norms in Dracula Essay Example for Free

Subverted 19th Century Traditional Social Mores and Norms in Dracula Essay Bram Stoker’s Dracula remains one of the more recognizable novels of its genre despite being published in 1897. A classic horror story which has been retold and produced over and over again since its original publication, Dracula was especially disturbing when it originally was released because of how Stoker attacks Victorian era social mores and norms throughout the entire novel. Stoker subverts traditional 19th Century social mores and norms in Dracula through the portrayal of sexually aggressive and assertive females, Jonathan and Mina’s relationship, and the inverse of Maternity. One of the first examples of Stoker’s subverting of traditional social mores and norms in his novel is Dracula’s Wives. Our first encounter with the â€Å"weird sisters† comes when they approach Jonathan Harker at the Count’s mansion. Christopher Craft described the scene in his reflection as so â€Å"Immobilized by the competing imperatives of ‘wicked desire’ and ‘deadly fear,’ Harker awaits an erotic fulfillment that entails both the dissolution of the boundaries of the self and the thorough subversion of conventional Victorian gender codes,† (Stoker, Auerbach, and Skal 444). Craft is correct that this is a clear subversion of conventional Victorian gender norms. Both Jonathan and the Dracula’s Wives represent a total reversal of what would have been considered normal or appropriate in the 19th Century. Dracula’s Wives are the aggressors in this sexual scene while Jonathan is the passive or cautious sexual partner. His anticipation of the bite from one of the weird sisters is similar to that of a virgin woman waiting for her partner to penetrate her for the first time. The weird sisters represent the total opposite of what a proper Victorian woman is supposed to resemble. They are sexually aggressive and assertive instead of passive and prude. Another female character that occasionally reveals what would be considered very disturbing at the time of the novel’s publication is Lucy. Lucy at one point mentions to Mina that she wishes she didn’t have to choose just one man to be with and that she wishes she could be with all of them. Such a thought was considered scandalous during the time period and even though Lucy is aware that what she is saying is inappropriate she is not able to keep from expressing her true desires to Mina. The wives and Lucy are a few of the key xpressions of subverted 19th century norms in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Jonathan and Mina’s relationship is another example of Stoker’s subverting of traditional 19th century social mores and norms in his classic story. Throughout the book we see Jonathan and Mina’s characters switch gender roles from a more traditional representation to an inverted r epresentation. Mina is no ordinary Victorian age female. She does desire to serve her husband and unlike Lucy doesn’t express the desire to be with any other partners, but Mina is special in the eyes of the male characters in the story. Van Helsing and the other men believe Mina’s mind to be like that of a man. This would be considered a huge compliment at the time because women were not often thought of being capable of thinking on the same intellectual level as men. On the other hand, Jonathan begins to fall apart. He suffers from fevers which cause him to have fits of almost insanity. During this time he certainly is not thinking on the intellectual level that he once did and it is clear that Mina is the more enlightened of the two lovers. This represents one inversion of traditional gender norms. People didn’t considered that a woman could be the more capable mind in a relationship but that is precisely what Mina is during the majority of the novel. That is not the only example of gender reversal in Dracula, at one point Jonathan becomes faint in public and to keep him from falling Mina supports him. It would have been considered very odd to see a woman in public supporting a man like this. Stoker uses Mina and Jonathan’s relationship as another subversion of 19th century traditional social mores and norms in Dracula. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Stoker’s Dracula is the inverse of maternity. The inverse of maternity represents an almost perfect subversion of traditional 19th century social mores and norms. Craft also wrote is his reflection, â€Å"Stoker emphasizes the monstrosity implicit in such abrogation of gender codes by inverting a favorite Victorian maternal function,† (Stoker, Auerbach, and Skal 453). Maternity hasn’t changed much sense the 19th century, women are expected to care for the children above all other responsibilities. Needless to say the feeding on defenseless children by Lucy and Dracula’s Wives is a complete opposite of maternity. The feasting on children is particular disturbing and shocking no matter what era one is born in and represents what is a predominate theme in Dracula the inverse of Maternity. Another example of the inverse of Maternity is the scene in which Dracula cuts his own breast and forces Mina to drink from his wound. Craft writes, â€Å"We are at the Count’s breast, encouraged once again to substitute white for red, as blood becomes milk,† (Stoker, Auerbach, and Skal 458). This interpretation is consistent with what I found. Clearly Stoker is creating a disturbing image that resembles a mother feeding her baby and totally turns maternity on its head. Craft goes on to suggest that perhaps the scene represents more than just an inverse of maternity and that the blood Mina drinks from the Count is actually semen. I agree that the scene resembles forced fellatio but the resemblance to a mother feeding her baby is too obvious a connection not to be made. Inverse of maternity is the true symbol of this scene. In many ways Dracula can be viewed as ahead of its time. Many of the story’s developments, which were considered to be horrifying during the Victorian age, don’t cause many to bat an eyelash in today’s society. Stoker subverts traditional 19th century social mores and norms in Dracula through the portrayal of sexually aggressive and assertive females, Jonathan and Mina’s relationship, and the inverse of Maternity.

Student ID Cards are Not Necessary for Safety :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Wearing Student ID Cards is Not Necessary for Safety "Stop right there, young lady!" echoed through the empty hall of White Knoll High School. I broke my fast stride and turned around slowly, slightly breathless from my power-walking. When I saw Mr. Johnston striding towards me with a pen in one hand and a pad in the other, I suddenly realized what else I had forgotten that morning. Before I could reach into my book-bag pocket for the ID I had yet to put on, Mr. Johnston was beside me and slipped me the small sticker. He shook his head and said, "Now, now, Tina. I thought you would have set a better example than that. Let's try to keep that ID on, okay?" With the sticker in one hand and my tardy slip in the other, I walked to the first block class that I was already ten minutes late for with the hanging cloud of after-school ID detention waiting for me the next day. Pushing my way through the stream of people trying to leave the school at 3:20 the next day, I found my way to the discipline office. Taking my place at the end of the line that stretched out of the room and halfway down the hall, I found myself listening to a discussion about why everyone else had detention that day. "Yeah, man. I had my ID card under my jacket so they couldn't see it." "Well, I'm here for an hour today, because I had to skip detention yesterday for a doctor's appointment." "Oh yeah? Well, I've got you all beat, 'cause I got two detentions yesterday. The first one was because I left my ID in my car. Then, my sticker wasn't showing, so I got another one." After listening to all their sob stories, I shared mine involving a faulty alarm clock, an early school bus, and just plain forgetfulness. Despite the shared pity of the group, we had all taken the detentions without complaint. The routine had gone on since the first day of school, and we all knew by tha t point that there was no escaping the punishment. After finally checking in with the poor teacher stuck with the task of watching over us that afternoon, I looked at the other students in the room with me.

Gap Marketing Strategy Essay

The Gap is a clothing company that specializes in contemporary, urban clothing with a mid-range pricing scheme. They have stores located all over the globe in countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Gap was founded in 1969 by a real estate developer who was in search of a well-organized and well-stocked jeans store. The store was named after â€Å"the generation gap† and originally sold Levis jeans. In 1974, they developed their own private clothing label and by 1991 began selling only their private label brand. Gap introduced its website in 1997. The following year, in 1998, Gap’s stock increased 138.4%. In 2000, though, their stock fell 44 %. (http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/funds/gutcheck/1335261.html) Clothing is a basic and necessary need, but the companies in Gap’s market segment produce items that satisfy more than this basic need. Their customers are looking for style and quality at a reasonable price. In this specific market segment, major brand forces dominate the retail clothing industry: brand recognition is incredibly important. Some major players in this industry who are specific competitors of the Gap are J Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Structure, and The Limited. These companies target the same markets as the Gap and produce similar styles. The strengths and weaknesses of each player in this industry are largely indistinguishable. J Crew stands out with a strong catalog channel. However, their bricks and mortar presence is weak, which is a problem when bricks and mortar retail reels in nine out of ten dollars spent by the average consumer as noted at www.retailindustry.com. But within their â€Å"young urban† microcosm, the Gap stands out with an innovative and changing product line: Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Structure, and the Limited have very specific styles that remain constant year after year. The competitive forces, as explained in Porter’s framework, apply to the retail industry in all the five areas of rivalry, supplier power, substitutes, buyer power, and entry barriers. In regards to rivalry, there exist no exit barriers, causing more compeitition. Product differences are few which leads to low switching costs for consumers who can easily shop around. With these low switching costs, substitutes play powerful roles. If consumers can find similar products elsewhere from other competitors, price  becomes a strong determinant in the final purchase. Supplier power is high. For example, suppliers can exert strong influences on the producing industry by selling raw materials for clothing manufacturing at a high price. While suppliers yield substantial power, the buyer’s role is weak because of fragmentation. Finally, barriers to entry include: economies of scale, high capital requirements for stores, raw materials, and production requirements, and strong brand equity due to consumer brand consciousness and loyalty. Value is created and delivered in the fashion industry through an intricate structure of channel distribution. A visual description of a typical fashion company’s value web is attached as Exhibit 1. Although the value web as an entity is influential to customers, several facets tend to have the most impact. Designers are obviously one of the core aspects that affect a customer, as people want clothing that appeals to their particular tastes. This leads to the display and availability of clothing in the actual fashion stores such as Gap. Displays need to incorporate attraction to the products as well as show off the trends of the moment. Also, manufacturers greatly influence the final quality and price of a product, which are often a core concerns for consumers. In today’s economy, efficient and quality manufacturing are essential to the success of a fashion retailer. Another key node on the value web is the logistics supplier. In the Internet e-tailer environment, having a strong relationship with efficient and trustworthy suppliers is extremely important for success. Fashion retailers should strengthen these key players in the value web in addition to using their core value concepts in order to utilize the Internet to its full potential. For Gap, there are two value concepts that are especially vulnerable in an Internet economy. First, the fashion industry has low switching costs and decreased loyalty online. Whereas many Gap customers were loyal simply because they had few other choices, now those same customers have more opportunities to â€Å"shop around†. Gap stores are located all around the country in almost any mall. A typical consumer may only have access to the stores that are located nearby. Now the Internet has made every e-tailor available to anyone, anywhere, from low-end to high-end. Second, the Internet has changed service, credence and experience. One of the advantages of going to a Gap store is the level of service that you receive and the experience that you get. This level of service can never be replicated online. In addition, another problem with online fashion retailers is that the customer cannot try on the articles of clothing. While this may be a problem with new customers, it is not an issue with previously established customers. Otherwise, the Gap’s value concepts can only be enhanced online. Clothes can easily be delivered directly to the consumer from Internet sales. Also, transaction costs can be reduced: for every sale online, Gap does not have to maintain bricks-and-mortar stores, hire personnel, or bear shipping costs. While these costs may be minimal right now, as online sales grow, this may have a serious impact on Gap’s bottom line. An additional benefit of Gap’s online store is ease of searching for particular products. The apparel industry is constantly changing. Therefore, marketing strategies and diverse customer segments are also transforming. Key industry trends for the year 2001 include: moves to multi-channel retailing, importance of profitability on the Internet, and a continued interest in using technology to improve bottom line, as explained at www.retailindustry.about.com. Customers have particular needs and wants that are shaping the demand for higher quality at lower prices. And with the new Internet environment, consumers want easy access to price comparisons and demand the latest trends. Since the online world is fast-paced, consumers believe that trends should turn over quickly. Now that more people are shopping online, they demand and expect convenience as well as quick and timely delivery of apparel goods. Consumers are looking to the Internet for information on apparel more than they previously did. They search for price comparisons and shop around the web to look for sales. Many consumers search for clothes online and then go to try on the clothing offline. In some other cases, if consumers cannot find the desired article of clothing, they venture onto the Web. Finally, in the new Internet apparel environment, awareness of brands is enhanced for established companies. On the contrary, newer apparel  companies may struggle gaining awareness in a medium that constantly floods consumers with new products. The absence of brand equity creates difficulties for new companies in this industry. Few brands carry the clout Gap does to the online world. As evidenced at www.business.com, Gap, with only two other retailers, was considering one of the top 20 online Internet merchants. Intermediaries (i.e. manufacturers and retailers) in the apparel industry are transforming to become more customer conscious. By incorporating technology, companies are able to make the brand more accessible to the customer while creating a stronger image of the brand. This technology enables domestic and foreign manufacturers and inspectors to communicate more effectively, efficiently, and frequently. Previously, the telephone and fax machine were the primary means of communication among intermediaries, but now information can be exchanged in a cost-efficient and instantaneous manner through the Internet. As noted in the March 30, 2001 Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation review, the overall apparel industry trend appears that many teen and young adult retailers â€Å"are heading towards the Gap’s core territory . . . the casual preppy theme.† For example many retailers have offered up colorful polo shirts since February, which stands to hurt Gap sales because they have only just begun offering the same polos. What has recently been happening is that Gap has come into fashion trends late and finds itself at the tail end of a hit. For years Gap has been the store to go to keep up to date on trends, but recent events point to its slipping from being the number one trend leader. Competitors such as Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters have been able to tap into the fashion trends early and reaped a large share of the sales. A March 19, 2001 Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation analysis explains this phenomenon further: â€Å"market intelligence is better than ever . . . Retailers attend fashion shows . . . interpreting what they see for their customers.† Therefore, the newest strategy in the competition game is for a company to find the hottest trend the earliest and quickest, and market the trend heavily before any other store or brand can do the same. New and existing companies in the apparel industry are forced to adapt their marketing mix in response to the new Internet environment. Products must be developed faster in order to cater to the fast-paced demands of today’s Internet consumer. Many big players in the fashion industry are recognizing the need to turn over the trends faster in today’s technology-driven economy. This is because consumers demand new fashion trends faster than they did in the offline world. Also, the Internet allows consumers to price shop more than they would in the offline world. Therefore, fashion companies must realize that price competition is more prevalent online. Furthermore, channels must be structured online differently than they would be in the offline environment. In the new technological world, shipping and manufacturing have become bigger players in the value web than previously. Retailers must develop strong relationships with key shipping suppliers and increase efficiency in manufacturing facilities. Finally, fashion e-tailers must utilize the new Internet environment to improve customer service and transactions. It is the perfect medium to have efficient yet personalized customer service in addition to lower transactions costs. The new Internet setting causes companies in the fashion industry to rethink partnering and strategic alliances. In today’s e-economy, companies can gain traffic and recognition through a few key alliances. Many companies, especially new players, can leverage partnerships to gain brand recognition and necessary traffic to their new site. Utilizing the key relationships with channel members and partnerships will help established fashion companies adapt to the new Internet economy. But, a benefit to the companies is the fact that basic core competencies still remain competitive advantages even in the new environment. Gap’s core competencies center around their brand equity and highly developed processes. Its name alone can successfully launch new, trendy products. However, Gap also carries a standard, classic line of clothes that customers have come to expect during any season and within any Gap store. This is how Gap segments its customers: those who want a consistent look year-to-year, and those customers who want the latest trends. Gap’s brand recognition  value is high with over 2,079 stores nationwide, and additional 530 stores globally. It is a standard brand name for the midrange fashion conscious consumer. Because Gap is a well-established bricks and mortars company, their processes are efficient and dynamic. For example, Gap stores are on detailed schedules for store displays, inventories, and new product launches. Every store receives an identical binder that explicitly details the display and product placements. Front window displays are changed weekly. They restock shelves with new products every six weeks, keeping the retail ahead of imitators in the fast-paced fashion industry. All the core competencies are positive for the company, but there are threats that can hurt the company. For instance, negative word of mouth can cause severe consequences to Gap’s brand name. Since Gap outsources most of their manufacturing, they’re open up to attack because of their manufacturers’ actions. For example, a situation occurred to Nike concerning their use of sweatshops that caused a great deal of damage to the Nike name. Gap has taken steps to counteract the causes of bad publicity by requiring manufacturers to sign codes of conduct and strictly enforcing those rules. Their processes for inventory, however, are not as vulnerable to depreciation. Gap has invested a lot of thought and research in their resources and there is not too much that can be substantially threatened. Gap’s inventory processes, in fact, are much stronger compared to others in the industry. Not only do they maintain a consistent style year to year, they also have new lines that come out very often. Those who wish to enter the retail clothing industry will find moderately high barriers to entry. It is extremely difficult to set up brand equity and image. Launching your own store and clothing line, like Gap, takes incredible capital and time investment. In the online world, it is much easier for new or small retailers to showcase their products; however, it is difficult to get online attention and recognition. The nature of online retailing sets up a playing field where smaller, lesser known retailers may  have set up functioning websites and folded without the public ever knowing. Even big name online retailers, like Pets.com, did not survive despite their brand recognition. As we have mentioned earlier, Gap’s inventory processes are very defined and strong. These processes also give them an edge on competitors trying to copy Gap’s styles or trends. Gap changes out their inventory every six weeks. Even if competitors are able to catch on to Gap’s short turnaround, there is no way to avoid being behind the times. Gap, through their extensive market research and market persuasiveness, is so in tuned to their customer segments that they effectively set the trend. Gap has invested a lot of money to become one of the biggest trend-setting brands. Although the Gap has a successful position on the Web, there are definite strategies that can be implemented to improve their online business. Our proposed marketing eBusiness plan involves Customer Relationship Management, growth strategies, incentive offers online, improved web design, and increased market research. At this point in time, Gap is a product-focused company. Gap needs to capitalize on the available technology of the Internet and transform its marketing efforts to focus on the consumer. Therefore, the company should shift from a Product Management system to a Customer Relationship Management system. Customer Relationship Management allows a company to cater to the unique and evolving needs of the specific customer segments. Currently, the Gap does not have extensive customization available on its website. Gap needs to create more ways of catering to each individual consumer. A pyramid approach would be optimal for the Gap. Much like the Dell triangle, the Gap would segment consumers and provide the most customization for the top small percent of the pyramid. These are the repeat customers that have highest volume of purchases, which would be the best group to provide customization. We suggest that the Gap use the technology of the Internet to store information on each consumer and generate a unique site for the consumer every time that they log on. The site will greet the consumer by name upon log in and target the consumer for their preferences. For example, the Gap would keep a database of my buying patterns, such as the fact that I always look for sale items, and also note the size that I  normally buy. The Gap would be able to establish more relationships with consumers increase their loyal consumer base by providing customization that makes the site unique to the individuals. As retailers know, growth does not come from loyal customers. The Gap needs to focus some of their marketing efforts on acquiring new customers. They could do so by developing alliances with portal-type sites such as eGreetings.com. There, consumers can be asked to buy a gift certificate to Gap.com (not redeemable in offline stores) to be sent along with the greeting card. Online alliances are preferable to online banner ads and random advertising because a relationship with established online services and etailers is the best way to get a Gap ad seen. The click-through rates for banner ads are not convincing enough for us to suggest that the Gap increase online banner advertising. In addition to advertising online with trading partners, the Gap should advertise offline for the online store. Every media produced offline, including displays in the offline store, should have the web site listed, thus pointing consumers to the online store. The Gap may also consider putting a terminal in the offline stores that has a small computer with Gap.com constantly running. Sales associates can point consumers in the offline store to the terminal if they need a different size, or if they want to ship an item to a friend. Offering incentives online can also increase the customer base, persuading loyal and new consumers to utilize the Internet site. For example, every fifth purchase online could merit a certain percentage off the final purchase price or even free shipping. Also, the Gap should consider offering some products and product lines online only (for example, Gap currently offers their maternity line only online). This can entice consumers into shopping online in addition to their offline stores. Overall, anything that causes consumers to venture into the online world to check out the new items on Gap.com would be good for the growth of the online customer base. Another marketing tactic is to alter the design of the website to meet the needs of the constantly evolving Gap consumer. Currently, Gap.com allows consumers to see the various styles of clothing with color choices shown to  the side, but consumers cannot change the color of the item in the picture (for example, consumers could click on different colors and patterns for the same shirt and the shirt changes accordingly). See exhibit 2. Most buyers want to see what a certain article of clothing would look like in different colors, which is an option that Gap.com’s competitor, JCrew.com, offers. Gap.com could also allow consumers to put clothes together on a model and view 360 degrees of the outfit, thus persuading people to make virtual outfits. Other design changes to Gap.com could be an addition of a search engine. This gives consumers a quick way to find specific articles of clothing. Another added design feature for the quick shopper could be a page with price listings by clothing category, or the ability to see the price on the first page instead of making consumers go through multiple pages to find the price. A final marketing strategy in our proposed plan is for Gap.com to increase market research to understand consumer-buying habits. Are they price conscious? What do they value in design of the website? The Gap would benefit immensely if they were able to understand their consumers’ behavior in depth. Therefore, information could enhance the quality of customization, which will benefit the company. If the Gap makes longer strides to understand their customer base, they can capitalize on areas where they are strong and change areas of weakness. Our proposed marketing plan encompasses many benefits with a few costs. The plan satisfies consumers because increased customization will mean more attention to specific customer needs. The proposed Customer Relationship Management tactic will create more of a one-to-one marketing structure that will in turn benefit the consumer. One cost to this change in management style is the capital needed to set up customization online and also the changes that must be made in the structure of management within the company. Employees will have to get used to a restructuring, which can cause a short period of dissatisfaction or frustration. But, the company as a whole will benefit from the restructuring because it will increase retention rates. The online incentives and improved web page design will benefit the consumers directly by giving them good deals and creating an easy-to-use web site. The  online incentives will benefit the company by increasing the loyal customer base and the improved web design may increase sales and retention. The trading partners with Gap will benefit by increasing traffic to their sites, and association with the Gap brand is positive for alliances. One of the most apparent and serious threats to Gap.com is the threat of cannibalization. If Gap.com becomes the standard, then their offline stores will be severely hurt. This is why Gap is facing a great deal of resistance within the organization. Store managers whose salaries and promotions depend on store sales will not want to promote or support Gap.com because that will steal from their revenues. Another issue is the technological needs to satisfy the in-depth customization and database requirements that are essential to our e-business plan. In order to take on this new strategy, Gap will have to make a large initial investment to improve their technological capabilities to accommodate the customization. Internet speed must also be taken into consideration. Only eight million out of 100 million Internet households have broadband. This can lead to customer frustrations, as the sites become more picture intensive. This, however, is actually a benefit for Gap.com as their primary customer base is concentrated in these households that do have broadband service

Business Economics Assignment

When we speak about the factors of production, in that respect are some overlapping categories. Economic experts have used the four general factors of production (Land, labor, capital and entrepreneur) from the very early stage. These factors contribute a large portion of the industrial revolution in the sass, because the factors of production, especially entrepreneurs were largely split into groups. Labors, for instance, seldom owned capital or land, nor did they begin their own business. Land lords almost never did manual labor, nor did they become owning factories.In the olden days (18th century) entrepreneur, labor, capital and land, were not just four categories Of factors f production, they were four different socio-economic groups. Traditional Business Vs.. E-Business When we compare traditional business and e-business, both are similar in scope to the competitive marketplace. Although a brick-and-mortar shop and an online marketplace are both â€Å"real,† they appeal t o different characteristics, display their goods through different methods and offer consumers different levels of pricing, service and comfort station (Christina Hamlet).The following are some of the significant differences of traditional business and E-business. Needs Assessment The nature a small business and the type and quantity of customer interaction it requires to be successful dictate whether you call for a physical address or a practical one. For instance, you're providing writing, copy-editing, consulting, and accounting or billing services. While, your primary interface with your guests is by telephone, email and fax, negating the need for workspace beyond a home office.On the other hand, a small business in which you sell cosmetics, jewelry, graphics, furniture or home equipment will require display space, changing rooms and proper storage. Page 4 As a single business proprietor, you are just equally likely to desire about its libeling, whether it's far away or close. T o sort tryout work life from your personal life has been normally a larger challenge when personal life and work life live under the same roof.The anytime availability environment of e- business makes it to start knowing yourself as accessible to your customers round-the-clock, something that would not go on if you kept traditional hours at a shop. Legalities and Expenses Traditional Business and e-businesses both require you to possess a business permit. Registering your business name with the registrar, acquiring a tax ID number, examining local zoning and licensing regulations, acquiring insurance pertinent to your needs and creating banking relationships are critical steps in setting up shop in either Traditional Business or e-businesses.While telecommunications expenses, office supplies and a marketing or advertising budget are necessary expenses in both traditional and commerce. But, in the traditional commercial enterprise model has more overhead expenses such as lease, staff salaries and other benefits, maintenance costs and expenses incurred for security arrangements, however, e-business operate from a home Office, which utilizes mostly existing facilities. Customer ConvenienceSince e-business is available 24 hours (24/7), customers are freer from the challenges, like, difficulties in reaching the shops due to bad weather or difficulties in parking, than a physical shop located across town, which is normally open five days a week for a specific time period. E-commerce not only save customers' time and energy, it also, avoids customers from paying sales taxes, offer more outlets to compare stores. However, most of the customers need to inspect the sellers personally, take advice as well as support and be able to bear the goods home immediately instead of paying hipping costs and waiting.However, a traditional business satisfies those needs by producing an environment, where customers can deal face to face. Page 5 In economics, the market structure is t he number of firms producing similar products which are identical. The following are some of the significant market structures of today's business environment. Monopolistic Competition In these markets, there is a large number of firms, each firm is having a small proportion of the market share and slightly differentiated products. It is a marketplace, where a miniscule number of firms that together bear the ajar share of the market.Monopoly This is a market condition, where there is a single supplier Of a product or service. Perfect competition The Perfect Competition Structure is a theoretical structure that features no barriers to entry, an unlimited number of producers and consumers, and a perfectly elastic demand curve. The continuous evolution of technology is changing the way we do business, the dynamics of the workplace and what we perceive is possible. During the last 10 to 15 years, the technology is extremely changing the approach and the production processes.Significantl y, the continued evolution of electrification and Information Technology is increasing the ongoing translation of the business environment to hold advantage of available tools and opportunities (Rosily Frenzy). In some countries, there can however be arguments between the traditional practices and the modern business methods that can be realized through technology. This might be that decision makers still have not fully appreciated for the irrecoverable changes that technology had brought to the business methods. Indeed, to get these changes, the key role is played by internet.The Internet is quickly becoming the base of choice for e-commerce. Because it offers a universal and user friendly set of technology, which can be used by all organizations, no matter which information technology platform they use. Moreover, this technology offers a much cheaper and easier replacement for management activities than traditional methods. Business organizations can utilize Internet technology to decrease their operational and administrative expenses. Fundamentally, internet technology lowers the cost of data processing, sending and storing of data while producing that information more widely useable.Page 6 By using Internet and other networks for e-commerce, organizations in some industries can make transactions directly with clients and suppliers. The Internet can assist companies for the production and making profits in new ways by adding special value to existing products and services. In many e- commerce platforms, like Ebay, Alabama or Amazon creates information brokers, virtual storefronts, transaction brokers, online marketplaces, online service providers, content providers, virtual communities, and online portals.Following are some of the enhancements brought by information and digital technology. Productivity The usage of computers has changed the work environment and the speed Of ark in the past days. It pushed down the cost of data processing, and the simplicity with which large volumes of data can be manipulated by and transferred between several units within the business organization. And also, thus increasing the processing power along with the extensive range of standard and customized hardware and software.This resulted in changing employer and client expectation of work quality and output, at the employee and organizational levels. Banking services are good examples of this point. A wide range of services are giving through internet or intranet which involves a number of different footwear and hardware. Some of the services supplied by financial institutions with the help of technology is ATM and internet banking services. Today, most of the banks realize that they should change the way they do business to take maximum profit.For instance, America's most go-getting banks were SSH fitting from acquisitions to providing Internet-based financial services (John McCoy) Collaboration In a situation, where persons might not be in office to physically interact with clients, technology is providing a number of connectivity choices that facilitate continued discussion and collaboration among work forces. Options can low both the real-time and non-real time communication, and also they can integrate into a platform of specialists to access and use of different tools and features.For example, people can buy and sell on Ebay at any time, in addition to that, buyers and sellers can communicate real time or non-real time. Some of the other famous online stores are Amazon, Alabama, best buy etc. Page 7 Resounding With the help Of technology, business organizations find new ways Of increasing their resources. Cloud computing is a good example, which offers a large scope of resources, such as computer applications, online storage and processing power. By the help of the cloud technology, companies can decentralized or delegate different aspects of their businesses to either affiliate or third parties.For example, Google provides online storage, which allows organizations as well as individuals to store and share their documents whenever they want. Interaction and participation Customer interaction and participation is readily apparent through the impact Of social media in business. In addition to providing a platform for the distribution of information, marketing and promotion, social media creates an environment to generate feedback from consumers and the public. Many organizations are starting to take advantage of the chances to secure feedback on their products and services (Jack Supple and Michael Schmaltz).A good model for such platform is Faceable, which offers a number of chances for the purpose of marketing and promotion as well as sharing information and cool electing feedbacks. Cost management While performing in a competitive marketplace, Organizations are continuously trying to manage the operational costs and to control spending. To accomplish this goal, technology has provided a platform with cost effective alternatives, such as skilled labor and computing resource outsourcing. This result, increasing productivity, efficiency and individual performance.The financial results of the top 25 e-commerce platforms including the AOL, eBay, Yahoo and so on, all together generated about $5 billion in revenue and spend around $1 billion last year (Ion McCoy). For example, Banks and Airlines. Processing an airline ticket on the Internet costs $1 , compared with $8 through a travel agent (the Economist). Page 8 Efficiency and optimization At last, this stage is a very significant outcome of most of the points brought up earlier, since there is a higher expectation of the organizations becoming more efficient.In traditional business models, one of the greatest challenges that organizations have confronted is that although they might be very open about what their core objectives might be, considerable attention on financing, workforce, management, and etc. Had been given to supportin g activities and processes to the core business. However, technology based companies have more choices through which to move their efforts towards the most important natural processes that they must manage, thereby increasing productivity and output.Effects on factors of production In today's business world, the factors of production are used in different says. Let's take the four factors of production to measure the impact of information technology. Land In recent days, the number of businesses moving to e-business are increasing and the amount of physical stores is decreasing. This reduces the demand for land and increasing availability Of land at a cheaper rate. Labor When organizations are focusing more on internet based activities, the involvement human activities are turning more depressed.

The relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War Essays

The relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War Essays The relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War Paper The relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War Paper Essay Topic: World War I Historians are still today debating on what actually caused World War One. This is because the actual origin was a combination of many different factors. Short-term as well as long-term causes influenced the outfall of events, however some are more important than others. What is mainly agreed on1 is that Germany was the nation most to blame, however most of the more influential nations of Europe were somehow involved in the conflict. England, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary didnt stumble into the war like Germany, but they all played an important role. Many historians have used the phrase stumbled into war to describe how Germany inevitably ended up in a total war against her neighboring countries. Unlike previous conflicts in history, more than two or three nations were involved, which is mainly due to the many alliances made in the years before. What makes it even more difficult to determine the origin of the war is that several non-human factors, like nationalism and imperialism, had key roles in developing the events that took place. The politicians and military leaders of the European nations were influenced by these ideas and therefore directed their nations almost inevitably into a major crisis, as it came out. This leads to the human factors of the war, like the arms race and the failure of diplomacy taking place during the beginning of the 20th century. Therefore I must stress that it was the combination of all these factors that eventually made this cataclysmic total war spread throughout Europe. The July Crisis as it later came known was the drop that made the glass flow over, but any other similar event could have had the same outcome. The European powers were so tense and aggressive, and some even thought about revenge from previous wars2, or simply to expand their territory. In this essay I will evaluate the relative importance of imperialism, the arms race, and the failure of diplomacy as origins for World War One. Appropriate events and theories have been taken as examples for each of these three categories, to compare the significance of each. 3 Body Imperialism During the industrialization of the 19th century, all great European powers consumed vast amounts of natural resources to supply the many factories emerging in the industries. However since these natural resources are limited in abundance within Europe, these overseas empires, as for example Britain, France, Spain, and later Germany, sought beyond towards other continents in search for colonies. The colonies then provided their mother country with the natural resources needed in the rapidly spreading industrialization. In Germany this development was known as Weltpolitik4 and later became the term used to describe the overseas expansionism that European leaders sought to achieve. These ideas became stronger in the 20th century and drove the European powers into several conflicts. Several times between 1898 and 1914 the economic rivalry in Africa between France and Great Britain, and between Germany on one side and France and Great Britain on the other, almost precipitated a European war. 5 Most significant were the conflicts in the Balkans between Russia, Austria-Hungary and the Balkan nations. Imperialist Austria-Hungary sought to influence the Balkan nations and annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 after thirty years of remote administration. But nationalistic movements in the Balkans led to two Balkan Wars in 1912 and 1913. The first war was an uprising against Austria-Hungary, which was crushed. The Second Balkan War was fought between Bulgaria and most other Balkan nations. Although Bulgaria was overwhelmed and the war ended rapidly, no single nation was satisfied with the post war negotiations creating more tension. As an origin of World War One this is significant because the tension in the Balkans became crucial in the summer of 1914. When Crown Prince Ferdinand (heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne) was assassinated in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary was forced into war with Serbia. This clashed with Russian interests, and when Germany declared full support to Austria-Hungary6, it left Russia in a vulnerable situation, eventually having to mobilize herself. Therefore the imperialist desires of Austria-Hungary led the nation into serious conflicts in the Balkans, and eventually created the most important short-term cause for World War One. Therefore imperialism did have influence as an origin of war, as it became the mentality of the leaders of the European powers, and in this case forced Austria-Hungary and Russia into protecting national interests. Although imperialism itself was a long-term cause of war, it played a significant role in creating the short-term causes. It is agreed among historians that the importance of imperialism rested in the fact that it left the politicians fewer options to deal with regarding diplomacy. This conflict later became known as the July Crisis. 7 Arms Race Not only colonies measured the strength and prestige of European empires. The emerging industries of the 19th centuries provided the nations with significant armies and weapons of destruction. As imperialism became a significant part of the political agendas in the beginning of the 20th century, the great nations attempted to show their strength through developing great armies. With Germany becoming a significant power after 1872, the European balance of power was tipped off. This triggered an arms race between the leading nations, France, England, Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary. With vast amounts of industries being brought in from colonies and produced within Europe, the countries were able to produce great amounts of war material. Especially the continental armies of Germany and Russia were competing in numbers. As Russia was becoming an industrial nation, it wouldnt take many years for her to surpass match the might of the German army (if not the superb efficiency and leadership). Therefore the German military leaders, under pressure from the Triple Entente8, had to calculate the risks of war. The conclusion came to be that if a war was to come between Germany and Russia, then rather sooner than later. 9 Germanys Weltpolitik aimed to turn Germany into an overseas empire. In order to achieve this Germany would need a considerable navy to compete with Britain. Combined with the economic pride of the German people, the German government embarked on the task to build a respectable navy. This would both help Germany defend overseas interests in for example Africa, and also as a defense against the mighty British navy in the North Sea. Hence a naval competition emerged between Britain and Germany. Admiral Fisher of the British Navy calculated in 1907 that it would take Germany several years to match the British fleet, especially considering the newly designed Dreadnought battleships. Truly, in 1914 Germany only had thirteen Dreadnoughts versus Britains twenty10. The consequence of this large-scale arms race was international anarchy in Europe. Calculating war risks and making alliances were becoming constantly discussed subjects in European governments. When five great nations all strive to create large armies, it is obvious that war will become inevitable sooner or later. In 1914 the short-term cause happened to be the July Crisis, but it could in theory have been any other critical occasion. Therefore it is important to observe the military tension developing between the nations, and the significance of diplomacy to balance the power. The diplomatic failures in the years leading to the Great War are therefore to be considered as well. Failure of Diplomacy As Germany was quickly becoming a very powerful force in the center of Europe, the surrounding nations were becoming doubtful of their national security. Therefore several military alliances were made between nations to contain rivals. The Triple Alliance of 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy was still in effect at the beginning of the 20th century. To counter-balance this, France and Russia made agreements in 1892-94 to support each other in the event of war. Strategically placed on both sides of Germany, Russia and France posed a threat to the German empire. In 1904 Britain and France make a military understanding known as the Entente Cordiale. This was another measure to protect overseas interests as well as a balance against Germany. To complete the containment of Germany, Russia and Britain make a similar agreement in 1907. Obviously this posed a serious threat to Germany, as she was not only threatened on two fronts, but also by the greatest navy in the world. This only encouraged Germany to continue the rapid production of military equipment, and to further enlarge the German Navy as well. Diplomacy also played an important role in the July Crisis of 1907. When Prince Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, Germany immediately promised Austria-Hungary unconditional support. This furthermore threatened Russia, who would risk war with two nations on her front in a worse case scenario. Yet the conflict could have been settled with diplomacy at this point, but it failed terribly. In July 23 1914 Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia, proposing to enter the nation with troops, to help investigate the assassination. Unfortunately Serbia was only granted 48 hours to reply to this proposal, which didnt seem in any way realistic. Having Austrian troops within Serbia would not end the domination that already existed, on the other hand it almost seemed like an invasion. So Serbia did not accept the proposal. This seems to be the main diplomatic failure of the July Crisis. It was for one thing a very short notice the Serbs were allowed to work with, another thing is that it was unacceptable. Serbia was forced to pick sides between Russia, a nation with strong interests in the Balkans, and the Austria-Hungary, with clashing ambitions. It therefore seems like Austria-Hungary almost provoked the war with Serbia, leading to war with Russia. Surely the Austrian diplomats did not strive to avoid it. 11 Now Germany didnt seem to want to solve the crisis, instead she mobilized her army, and thereby forced Russia into full-scale mobilization12. Germany knew that a war on two fronts was inevitable, and therefore created the Schlieffen Plan to counter it. This also shows how Germany was calculating risks, and had been doing so for years. It is therefore applicable to consider the statement that Germany stumbled into war. She did not try to avoid it by negotiating, but did the exact opposite, provoked it. Therefore the failure of diplomacy was a significant factor towards the cataclysmic event that was triggered in July 1914. However, the aggressive sentiments created by the arms race combined with expansionist ideas, left the politicians with very few possibilities in the time of crisis. Conclusion The three origins of war evaluated in this essay were not significantly different in importance. It was the combination of the several factors that pushed the different nations into war. The arms race created strong military tension; the many alliances pushed off the balance of power and further accelerated the arms race, and the imperialist ideas influenced the decision making of the military leaders in critical situations. The situation created in Europe was not to last for very long, and maybe was the only way to achieve a more stable balance between the great nations. One can question the fact if war could have been avoided, but it is very hard to determine as so many different factors influenced the course of events. Many historians actually believe that war is the ultimate test of mankind to lead the evolution of strong nations and end the reign of weaker ones. In some ways it makes sense considering that Austro-Hungarian Empire consequently came to an end, and many other changes could be seen on the European map after the Great War. Germany was forced down to her knees and lost much territory to France and Russia, however she managed to regain her strength in such a way that she eventually invaded most of Europe thirty years later. 13 Therefore the relative importance of the three evaluated origins is that they all combined and pushed the European powers into the cataclysmic war that defined the end of the Old World. 1