Efficacy of Part Time Staff vis--vis Full-Time Staff Essay

Efficacy of Part Time Staff vis--vis Full-Time Staff - Essay Example Similarly, Wolbers elucidates, â€Å"Dual system participants combine fixed-term contracts with full-time employment while studying workers are not very different from their non-studying colleagues. Working students are more often employed on a part-time basis. Nevertheless, the permanency of these student jobs is fairly high, much closer to the situation of regular employees rather than to that of dual system students† (2003). However, it is believed that â€Å"since the work-life system is multi- and not just two-dimensional, it is important to examine how all life domains interrelate with each other. In this way, we would be in a better position to begin to assess all the benefits and disadvantages associated with working part-time and with other work-life balancing strategies† (Warren, 2004). â€Å"For both men and women, the likelihood to return-to-work increased with increasing number of opportunities to adjust. Adjustment latitude increased returning to part-tim e as well as full-time work. The study indicates that work organization is important for return-to-work† (Gun, 2006). In addition, it is highlighted that â€Å"females, freshmen and full-time (versus part-time) students reported a greater degree of exposure to stressors† ((Buchanan, et al, 2004).â€Å"There are very few small businesses that do not offer coverage and that have substantial numbers of uninsured workers. These businesses are not quite as rare as a needle in a haystack, but they are very difficult to find†.

Earth Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Earth Science - Essay Example Moreover, an analysis of current strategies as well as alternative energy dependence will also be discussed. It is hope of this author that through an analysis of these different mechanisms, the reader will be more fully able to integrate an understanding and appreciation for the fragile environment that humans currently exist within. Firstly, it should be understood by the reader/researcher that many natural processes that take place within the current system have a contributing effect upon the mass of CO2 that is released into the air atmosphere; thereby directly contributing to the greenhouse effect that impacts the planet as a whole. Recent research into this topic has indicated that processes such as volcanic eruptions or even the methane gas released by the Earth’s bovine population have an even greater impact upon overall CO2 levels than all human activity within any given year. However, this should not be seen to delegitimize the processes whereby humans can provide ad ditional negative impacts upon the global environment. Due to the fact that the Earth is ultimately a closed system, it can only integrate a certain amount of change before negative impacts are seen. As such the Earth’s ecological system might be able to integrate with volcanic eruptions or the methane gas produced by cows; however, further integration of the ever-increasing levels of human CO2 emissions is likely well beyond the capabilities of the system as a whole. Although human CO2 emissions have commonly been viewed within the context of emissions from internal combustion engines, the fact of the matter is that industrialized nations as well as power generation from a variety of sources, rainforest instruction, and a litany of other activities contribute to the overall levels of CO2 that are produced within any given year. Due to the fact that the earth’s population has continued to increase at an exponential rate of growth over the past centuries, it is only rea sonable to assume that the impacts of technological advancements as well as further urbanization and construction play a prominent role in the overall level and extent to which humans affect the environment. Whereas the preceding analysis has focused solely upon whether or not, and to what extent, humans’ impact upon the global environment is, the proceeding section will seek to place a level of focus upon some of the strategies and means by which humans can seek to wean themselves from fossil fuel dependence and become more reliant upon alternative energy. Whereas few individuals promote industrialization as a means of promoting the global environment, the most rational and reasonable strategy is to seek to find alternative means to continue the technological and industrialization advancements while at the same time promoting the environment. One of the most powerful mechanisms to accomplish such an end is by focusing upon the means of energy production that humans so readil y consume. Some of the most effective means of accomplishing this are by integrating a further reliance upon solar, nuclear, wind and other alternative means of energy production. Although the â€Å"dirty† forms of energy generation provide for the current needs of the system, they have a massively negative impact upon the environment.

Hotel Rwanda & Death and the Kings Horseman Essay

Hotel Rwanda & Death and the Kings Horseman - Essay Example Moreover, he is portrayed as one who is selfless ads he risks his own life and that of his family to save all the people he has hosted at the hotel. The expected help to curb the Rwandan genocide from the white United Nations countries was no forthcoming. The disturbing issue was not addressed with the attention it deserved. It is only after the magnitude of killings was observed that international bodies, including the United Nations began to show concern. These white nations did not show the political ambition to stop the massacre that was going on in Rwanda. The Belgian peacekeepers were pulled out from the country after the death of 10 soldiers. The remaining soldiers, too little to manage the situation, were highly ineffective. All in all, foreign aid required to manage the horrible situation did not match the magnitude of the murderous spree. It is the neglect by the international community that forced Paul Rusasebagina to pursue use of bribes and favor to keep militias at bay. The film is very effective is showing the African crisis for what it was. It was a very sensitive situation that needed attention. It shows that the killings were real and the number of deaths was saddening. The film matches historical representation of the situation and gives it a visual feel to demonstrate the extent of horror.The role of international community in Rwanda signifies the initial problems that African countries face while trying to stop the crises. Getting international help takes a lot of time yet the murderous spree continue while decisions to help are still being discussed at a snail’s speed. Hotel Rwanda shows that some white nations have chauvinistic tendencies towards African countries as demonstrated in delay of peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. Before these nations can consolidate their decisions, the African disasters blow out of proportion. Consequently, they present the sent aid with difficulties in managing the crisis. This is an observed trend

Correlation between ESL students Research Paper

Correlation between ESL students - Research Paper Example Two studies were done in regards to preparing instructors to teach critical languages particularly Chinese and Arabic before joining US schools. The examination was geared towards illuminating the effects of on-going professional opportunities and pedagogical training. The need to train the teachers was informed by lack of background on different religious practices, cultures and ethnicities by pre-service teachers. Lack of exposure to diverse cultures by most of the foreign teachers impacted on their teaching since they relied mostly on myths and stereotypical misconceptions. The ultimate result was poor performance for ESL students not exposed to American culture in IETLS. Millennial learners are racially diverse. They have exhibit varying ethnic, religious, educational, cultural behaviors and characteristics leading to differences in the ability and capacity to adapt new languages, particularly English. According to Ota, millennial learners vary across regions as per socio-economi c conditions. It is more dependent on familiarity and use of digital technologies, media and communications. There is a gap between efforts students have in the classroom and what they finally score in IELTS leading to a need to carry out a qualitative analysis on more than 100 participants particularly millennial learners to establish whether narratives on ESL and IELTS especially in regards to bridging the gap between the two.  The major issue faced by Saudi students being taught IELTS in U.S.  Ã‚  

Documentary films Essay Example for Free

Documentary films Essay Documentary films have paved way to show the reality of life. More often than not, it provides awareness of the present situation that was not addressed accurately in films and television shows alike. Documentary, like other discourses of the real, retains a vestigial responsibility to describe and interpret the world of collective experience, a responsibility that is no small matter at all (Nichols, 1991 p. 10). In making a documentary film concerning the community life in a distant foreign country, several issues would need to be addressed. The first thing that we need to discuss is the culture of the people living in that place. It would be an important factor as it tells a lot about the people and the place itself. Its history would generally be included in determining how the culture came about. Social norms and practices should also thoroughly discuss to identify the difference and uniqueness of their society. Furthermore, the documentation should explore the different beliefs of the people and how it affects the way they live and how their society copes up with modernization. The main focus of the documentary is how the culture and beliefs would affect the health of the people in that certain area. It would thoroughly explore the different misconceptions and traditional health management that these people have. This is a critical issue to discuss because it may directly or indirectly affect their socio-economic progress and their lifestyle. If by chance, the documentary could discover the need to re-educate the people regarding their health beliefs and fallacy, then proper authority should be inform. This is to insure that people would have the opportunity and the appropriate resources to improve their knowledge as regards to their health condition. REFERENCES Nichols, B. (1991), Representing Reality: Issues and Concepts in Documentary, Indiana University Press, p. 10

Auditor Ethical Standards and Auditing Strategies

Auditor Ethical Standards and Auditing Strategies Discuss the ethical standards required of auditors. The Auditing Practices Board (APB) has issued new standards governing the ethical conduct of auditors which commenced on 15 December, 2004 (Cosserat, 2004). The following lists the new Ethical Standards: Integrity, Objectivity and independence These new ethical standards also include the fact that client’s must also facilitate policies new standards is that auditors of a control environment appoint an ethics partner. This position entails the review of the firm’s procedures and policies which regard to compliance and as such it provides the associated guidance for partners. The new Standards recognize that for smaller audit firms it might not be practical for an ethics partner to be designated. The new Ethical Standards are a result of a number of international developments represented by either international organizations and or countries that have helped to bring about the changes to Standards. These are represented by the following: The United States legislation termed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which lays down the independence requirements for auditors. In particular it addresses audit firms that audit SEC registrants or participant in significant parts of the foregoing. A report that is titled ‘Rebuilding Public Confidence in Financial Reporting’, which is an international perspective that was developed as a result of the commissioning by the IFAC of an independent group to address the preceding, and As a result of the publishing of the ‘Principles of Auditor Independence’ which was put forth by the International Organization of Securities Commissions. The new Standards are what are termed ‘principles-based’ as opposed to ‘rules-based’. The preceding means that there are clear requirements as well as prohibitions. The key underpinning of this change provides for stricter compliance with the ‘spirit of intention’ and thus prevent the possibility of either a firm or person attempting to evade or avoid conformity with the rule. The effect of the foregoing helps to ensure compliance with ethical standards in that ‘intention’ covers a broader ethical parameter. In effect, one could avoid or evade breaking a rule, however the intent through either actions or the change in former action(s) could point to the definitive attempt to do so. This broader interpretation widens the scope of ethics and requires auditors to conduct their actions accordingly throughout the process. In a speech delivered by Douglas Carmichael at the AICPA National Conference on 12 December, 2003 (Carmichael, 2003) he sets forth the examples of ‘alleged’ audit failures of National Student Marketing in 1969, Penn Central in 1970 and Equity Funding in 1973 as instances whereby principle based auditing might have forestalled the problems. The foregoing is true of Enron’s collapse in 2001 and indicates that the broader scope or ethics afforded auditors under the principle based methodology provides better rules and guidance from which auditors can act. Financial, business, employment and personal relationships This segment of the new Standards addressed the varied relationships that can and do exist between clients and audit firms and their staff. This limits the nature of relationships and threats to the objectivity and independence of audits and prohibits those which the APB believes that no effective safeguards can be introduced. Long association with the audit engagement Associations of long duration poses potential threats, in particular with regard to those represented by publicly listed companies. Thus, the new Standards set forth the rotation of audit firm partners to introduce objectivity as well as independence. The new Standards sets that term as five (5) years as the continuous period limit as well as a break period of five (5) years for the rotation. Fees, economic dependence, remuneration and evaluation policies, litigation, gifts and hospitality. One important, and highly debated point is the requirement that no single client shall account for more than ten percent (10%) of an audit company’s annual fee. This figure is fifteen percent (15%) for non-publicly listed firms. Non-audit services provided to audit clients This segment of the new Standards identifies the general approach to non-audit services and applies general principles to various specific non-audit aspects such as: Internal audit services Accounting services Information technology services Valuation services Recruitment and remuneration services Corporate services, and Tax services Explain what is meant by the term Risk Based Auditing  and the advantages that accrue to the auditor in  utilizing a risk based Risk based auditing entails the providing of â€Å"†¦ independent assurances on the management of risks, and forming an opinion †¦ which sound controls have been implemented †¦ maintained to mitigate those significant risks †¦. Management has agreed upon† (Association of Chartered Accountants, 2002). Risk based auditing addressed some important aspects and questions which controls-based auditing does not answer. The benefit of risk based auditing is that it provides a basis for the auditor to have an examination of the business process and its risks. The foregoing provides a context for the results. Risk based auditing changes the manner in which internal auditors think as well as converse regarding control and risk. The auditor anticipates change and examines the manner in which management deals or is dealing with risks (McNamee et al, 1999) An advantage of risk based auditing is that the auditor is typically looking at control activities that were designed at some previous point to deal with aspects which may have long since been forgotten. In other words the internal auditor might be examining activities which might or might not be relevant in terms of current risks. Said controls could actually be extraneous as a result of monitoring aspects which are either no longer important or in existence. Another aspect is that essential controls could very possibly be overlooked as in a sense they do not exist yet due to changes in the business process. A good number of internal auditors have implemented the utilization of control self-assessment (CSA) as a means to address some of the concerns of management in capturing the state of the business process with regard to risk and control. It is important to note that control models both limit and define CSA so as a result these applications usually start with controls to the right and to the left of the internal audit. The limit of CSA is in its ability to explore the future. Risked based auditing has internal auditors anticipating change. As opposed to the old approach of focusing upon history, the reports generated by auditors address the present as well as the company’s preparedness level with respect to dealing with the future. The advantage is that internal audits complete the circle with respect to assurance of control regarding present operation plans and provide input to risk assessment with regard to the strategic plan. As a result, management places a higher degree of value on risk based internal audits than those of the traditional controls based type. The failure of the United States based Enron during 2001 has been a major factor adding to the impetus for improved financial reporting and auditing /Crossert, 200). The essential elements of today’s financial reporting systems are business viability along with profitability assessments (Bell et al, 1997). The foregoing is accomplished by key audit steps, auditing procedures concern ing strategy analysis, key indicators that are required as well as necessary to effectively monitor performance and risk assessment. Enron’s collapse has brought about standards that strengthen the responsibility of auditors in detecting fraud. The preceding requires evaluation of the effectiveness of an entities first management in preventing such misstatements as a result of fraud or other means. It also calls more attention to irregularities of a minor nature and thus appreciate their significance as the multiplicity of such small irregularities can be significant. Describe three (separate) codes of legislation under which statutory auditors may be required to make a report to the regulator in the event of non-compliance on the part of  a client with the law and provide examples where an auditor would be required to issue a report The Criminal Justice Act (Irish Statute Book, 20053) under Section 59 â€Å"Reporting of Offences† sets forth legislation whereby auditors may be required to issue a report to the regulator as a result of non-compliance by a client with statutes of the law. It describes under â€Å"relevant person† (Irish Statute Book, 20053) â€Å"(a) who audits the accounts of a firm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Under the Act, an auditor is required to issue a report for the following: â€Å"(2) Where the accounts of a firm, or as the case may be any information or document mentioned in subsection (1)(b), indicate that – an offence under this Act (other than sections 8, 12 to 15, 49(1) and 52(8) may have been committed by the firm concerned, or such an offense may have been committed in relation to its affairs by a partner in the firm or, in the case of a corporate or unincorporated body, by a director, manager, secretary or other employee thereof, or by the self-employed individual concerned, the relevant person (which in this instance includes the auditor as described above), shall, notwithstanding any professional obligations of privilege or confidentiality, report that fact to a member of the Garda Siochana.† The instances referred to by the preceding are described as â€Å" (2) For the purposes of this Act a person deceives if he or she –â€Å" are as follows (Irish Statute Book, 20053): â€Å" 1. (a) creates or reinforces a false impression, including a false impression as to law, value or intention or other state of mind, (b) prevents another person from acquiring information which would affect that person’s judgment of a transaction, or (c) fails to correct a false impressions which the deceiver previously created or reinforced or which the deceiver knows to be influencing another to whom he or she stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship â€Å" An example of the preceding shall be addressed under section (a). This refers to an instance whereby either contracts, or real property value of a corporations assets are miss-stated. Such can be accomplished through the utilization of a qualified or recognized third party or in collusion whereby said third party conducting said valuation is unaware of the addition of material miss-statements that inflate the value or price under said instances. A contract, for example, could be altered as to the agreed upon terms, payment, and thus said inflated price affects the outcome of an audit whereby the firm’s value of income is thereby heightened. The same type of back office procedure could also relate to an appraisal of real property such as plant, real estate or equipment whereby either its price, terms of sale or existence has been altered. These types of misconduct are the sustentative underpinnings. The foregoing broad examples represent the activities which resulted in the United States affecting such companies as WorldCom and Global Crossing. The miss-statement of various financial reporting areas caused the valuations of these companies to be inflated thus increasing the stock price before subsequent investigations uncovered the miss-statement errors. The bankruptcy proceedings and drop in stock price affected millions of shareholders and caused significant financial loss. Bibliography Association of Chartered Accountants. 2002. Definition of Risk Based Auditing. http://www.accaglobal.com/technical/responses/archive/650602 Bell, , T., Mars, F., Solomon, I. Thomas, H. 1997. Auditing Organizations Through a Strategic Systems Lens: The KPMG Business Measurement Process. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Illinois, Carmichael, Douglas. 2003. Professionalism is Primary. Speech delivered before AICPA National Conference 12, December, 2003, Washington D.C. Cosserat, Graham. 2000. Modern Auditing. John Wiley Sons. ISBN: 0470863226 Irish Statute Book. 2003. Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offenses) Act. www.irishstatutebook.ie McNamee, David, Selim, Georges. 1999. The next step in risk management – risk-based auditing. Internal Auditor, published by The Institute of Internal Auditors, Altamonte Springs, Florida, The United States

Pestel Analysis Of Japan Economics Essay

Pestel Analysis Of Japan Economics Essay Any person wishing to import goods must declare them to the Director-General of Customs and obtain an import permit after necessary examination of the goods concerned. The formalities start with the lodging of an import declaration and end with issuance of an import permit after the necessary examination and payment of Customs duty and excise tax. The government announced an issue of a record JPY53.5 trillion in new government bonds in FY09 which made government-debt-to-GDP ratio reach 200%. More assertive diplomacy in the political arena participation in UN peace-keeping operations seeking permanent membership of the UN Security Council. A policy deadlock is blocking necessary reforms, suffocating Japans productive firms, producing ever more public debt and putting Japans flexible governance model and strong social partnership at risk. The result is that Japans major companies are actively seeking a new future in businesses abroad. The first major wave of deregulation during the late 1980s was initiated out of necessity, to open up capital markets to international investment and to help finance the growing social security burden with the aid of a more flexible financial system. The second attempt at major structural reforms came in 2002, after Japans economy had become even more dependent on finance from public financial institutions and public works. By 2001, public financial institutions had become responsible for most financial transactions and fully one-third of overall credit allocation. Bureaucracy is widely regarded as exceptionally powerful and reaches into many areas of life. Japan has often been tagged the only functioning so International Policy Analysis on earth. But the government is not large in terms of numbers or consumption ECONOMIC Analysis Public debt 201% of GDP. Revenue $614 trillion FDI stock $205.4 billion 09. The yen (sign: Â ¥; code: JPY) is the currency of Japan. It is the third most-traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the Euro and the United States dollar. Japan in Figures 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Real GDP Growth1, % 1.9 2 2.4 -0.68 -8.8 Yearly CPI Inflation2, % -0.3 0.2 0.6 0.4 -0.1 Fiscal Balance3, % GDP -7.1 6.2 -5.4 -4.9 -6.5 Unemployment4, % 4.4 4.3 7.4 3 4.4 Current Account Balancre 3.6 3.9 4.8 3.2 2.7 Unemployment rate 5.6% in 2010. GDP growth 0.9%. Industries: Manufacturing, construction, distribution, real estate, services, and communication are Japans major industries today. Agriculture makes up only about two percent of the GNP. Most important agricultural product is rice. Resources of raw materials are very limited and the mining industry rather small. Exports: Japans main export goods are cars, electronic devices and computers. Most important trade partners are China and the USA, followed by South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Germany. Imports: Japan has a surplus in its export/import balance. The most important import goods are raw materials such as oil, foodstuffs and wood. Major supplier is China, followed by the USA, Australia, Saudia Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The CPI fell to -2.4% yoy mainly due to price slashing campaigns like Jpy 690 jeans and Jpy280 beef-rice bowls. Japan has achieved tremendous economic development by taking advantage of their maritime location and resources. Japan is characterized by small farms labor intensive technologies, great use of fertilizers, and the dominance of rice. Only about 25% of the land area is suitable for agriculture .The remainder consists of forest covered mountains. Generally, Japan is resource poor. Therefore, Japans economic successes depended on imported raw materials SOCIAL ANALYSIS Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller than California. There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However, many Japanese are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must learn as part of compulsory education. Food Rice is the staple of the Japanese diet. They also eat seafood, beef, pork, chicken, dairy, vegetables and fruits. They have Japanese-style noodles, as well as spaghetti and bread. Japans population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside in densely populated urban areas. Japans capital city is Tokyo. The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12 million. Major cities of Japan and their approximate populations City Population Tokyo 12,059,000 Yokohama 3,426,000 Osaka 2,598,000 Nagoya 2,171,000 Sapporo 1,822,000 Kobe 1,493,000 Fukuoka 1,290,000 Sendai 1,008,000 5. Human development index Japan ranks 11 among the 174 countries when talking of Human development index. There were more than 100 deaths and many school trips cancelled due to H1n1 epidemics. 6, In Clothing most people ordinarily wear western-style clothes. Some schools have uniforms. The traditional clothing, called kimono (kee-mo-no) is worn only on special occasions, such as New Years Day, graduations, and tea ceremonies. Housing the traditional Japanese homes are wooden buildings with tiled roofs. However, most of the contemporary houses and apartments are western style and made of concrete. Tourism count and Nationalities Tourism in Japan comprises both a vibrant domestic sector and over eight million entries each year by foreigners. Religions its share from population Name of religion Estimated Population Its share from population Shinto 106,000,000 49.30% Buddhism 96,000,000 44.65% Christianity 2,000,000 0.93% Islam 125,000 0.06% Theravada 1,500 0.001% Buddhism Judaism 600 0.0003% Others 10,872,900 5.06% TOTAL 215,000,000 100% Technological Analysis Japan reached a level equivalent to or beyond that of the U.S. By 1987, the U.S. Department of Defense found that Japan held the lead in twelve of 24 major categories of semiconductor technology, with a 50% share of the world market, up from 30% a decade earlier. As of 2005, one half of energy in Japan is produced from petroleum, a fifth from coal, and 14% from natural gas. Nuclear power in Japan makes a quarter of electricity production and Japan would like to double it in the next decades. In 2008, Japan ranked third in the world in electricity production, after the United States and China, with 1.25Â ·10 GWh produced during that year. Japan was the worlds second largest producer of photovoltaic electricity until overtaken by Germany in 2005, a year in which it had 38% of the world supply compared to Germanys 39%.. Japan leads the world in robotics, possessing more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the worlds industrial robots used for manufacturing. It has developed a series of rockets, the latest and the most powerful of which is H-IIB. H-IIA/B rockets which have the capability of carrying 8-ton payload to the GTO at maximum are now managed by the private-own company Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Makoto Kobayashi, Toshihide Masukawa, and Yoichiro Nambu who is an American citizen when awarded, shared the physics prize and Osamu Shimomura also won the chemistry prize in 2008. LEGAL FACTORS Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan and other elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people. The Emperor acts as the head of state on diplomatic occasions Japans legislative organ is the National Diet, a bicameral parliament. The Diet consists of a House of Representatives with 480 seats The Prime Minister of Japan is the head of government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Emperor after being designated by the Diet from among its members. 19th century, the judicial system has been largely based on the civil law of Europe, notably Germany Civil unsecured debt collection remedies, if a debtor has defaulted in payment of its debt, a creditor may file a motion against the debtor with a competent local court to obtain a judgment ordering the payment. The law regarding composition proceedings has been repealed, and the law regarding corporate arrangement proceedings, while still in effect, is rarely utilized. Since the collapse of the so-called bubble economy in Japan in Japan, insolvency cases have increased dramatically, and new laws were enacted to address the changed circumstances facing Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Japanese city and prefectural authorities have focused on the reduction of solid waste going to landfill. This of course is in response to the lack of affordable space available for landfill sites. Their approach relies heavily on four major factors: 1) technological advancements in incineration 2) technological advancements in plastics recycling 3) Comprehensive production-side recycle stream package labeling and 4) wide consumer-side/household participation in recycling and waste material separation (bunbetsu). The Cool Biz campaign introduced under former Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi was targeted at reducing energy use through the reduction of air conditioning use in government. Japanese government started its whaling for research purposes the following year. This whaling program has been criticized by environmental protection groups and anti-whaling countries, who say that the program is not for scientific research. The environmental problems related to Japans construction industry, and the industrys lobbying power preventing the introduction of stricter zoning laws and other environmental protection efforts. Japan has been treating the waste of electronic materials differently than other materials.The utilization of electronic waste resources is around 50% currently and is growing Porters Diamond Potential sources of competitive advantage Firm Strategy and Rivalry Japan is very competitive in electronic goods in fact Japans main export goods are cars, electronic devices and computers. Japan has a surplus in its export/import balance. It has developed a series of rockets, the latest and the most powerful of which is H-IIB. H-IIA/B rockets which have the capability of carrying 8-ton payload Japan leads the world in robotics, possessing more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the worlds industrial robots used for manufacturing. In 2008, Japan ranked third in the world in electricity production, after the United States and China, with 1.25Â ·10 GWh produced during that year Factor Conditions Tourism count and Nationalities Tourism in Japan comprises both a vibrant domestic sector and over eight million entries each year by foreigners. Only about 25% of the land area is suitable for agriculture .The remainder consists of forest covered mountains. Japans economic successes depended on imported raw materials. Demand Conditions The demand is very stable which can be assumed by the fact of interest rates which are zero so that as much as possible money gets infused in the economy. The limited population is another factor which again makes Japan dependent on exports for its produce. The current crisis shows how unbalanced and vulnerable Japans economy still is. When overseas demand subsided in 2008, Japans economy almost imploded. The third factor is off course the incentive for suppliers which is certainly not there as currently the economy is in deflation. Related and supported industries Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is planning to develop a scheme to support Japanese companies involved in overseas smart community business projects. Fuji Heavy Industries Japans largest transport to financial support for the automotive industry Summary containing key facts Trade International trade has been a force for economic development for centuries. The CDI measures trade barriers in rich countries against exports from developing countries. Japan ranks 20 Low agricultural subsidies (equivalent to a tariff worth 3.2% of the value of imports; rank Investment Provides insurance against political risk for both domestic and foreign firms Employs foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation of corporate profits earned abroad Technology High tax subsidy rate to businesses for RD (rank: 10) No attempt to incorporate into bilateral free trade agreements TRIPS Defence No arms exports to poor and undemocratic governments (rank by share of GDP: 1) Migration Large share of foreign students from developing countries Environment Low fishing subsidies OTHER WEAKNESSES Negligent in identifying bribery and corrupt practices on the part of home country firms abroad High barriers against apparel (9.0% of the value of imports; rank: 17) Greenhouse gas emissions grew almost as fast as GDP in 1998-2008 (average annual growth rate/GDP, -1.4%; rank: 17) Small financial or personnel contributions to internationally sanctioned peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions over last decade (rank by share of GDP: 21) Refrences http://www.cgdev.org/section/initiatives/_active/cdi/_country/japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_Japan Research paper Legal issues in Japan By Nagashima Ohno Tsunematsu