Archive for December, 2009

Suggestions on Improving the Economy of a Developing Country?

economy
legendkiller0509 asked:


Need help on assignment. I already got ideas, but I need some suggestions on how to improve the economy of a country that high levels of poverty and crime.

Closet Storage Systems
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Is it possible for the economy to become more stabalized with gas prices still remaining high?

economy
merlin_steele asked:


I’m no expert, of course, so some may say that the economy is not in that bad of shape. However, it doesn’t seem to be in great shape, either. But whichever way you see it, do you believe it can get better with fuel prices staying up? How would this work? Would it be with alternate forms of energy? Just curious as to what some people think. Thanks.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
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What impact on the economy occurs when migrant workers send american money back home?

economy
redsandman4 asked:


I read the article on Yahoo that said some 25billion dollars of american money is sent back to mexico every year from migrant workers. What type of impact does this cause to our own economy? How much does this play into our recession?

Halogen Track Lighting
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The US Economy Strength

economy
Joseph Shalaby asked:


The US economy strength has taken a beating lately due to the financial strain posed by shaky financial markets and the existence of troubled assets across many companies. In fact, the weight of these troubles continues to plague established financial institutions to such a degree that it might be quite a while before the tide turns.

The Treasury might have the authority to purchase troubled assets in an attempt to stem the downward spiral of the US economy, but that doesn’t mean that this strategy is going to be successful. The intentions of the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008″ might be clear, but they do not come with a guarantee. What does this fact do for the American people? After all, in order to trust that the financial world will straighten itself out and the US economy strength will rebound, one has to have a certain element of faith. Faith in the system seems to be in short supply at the moment.

How many individuals are wondering if the US economy can rebound and gain back its once robust strength? How many companies and corporations is the US government going to have to bail out before the economy takes a turn for the better? These are all good questions that only time will tell.

Certain signs do exist that the US economy retains strength in some areas. In particular, according to the US Treasury, US exports grew over the last four quarters. In fact, the growth, which was boosted by a strong growth in global markets, reached 11 percent. Plus, core inflation remained constant or contained. According to the latest figures from the US Treasury, the consumer price index had risen 2.5 percent over the last twelve months if one excludes things such as the cost of energy and food.

Unfortunately, the US economy shows no strength when it comes to the area of employment. The number of paid workers decreased again in September, more than doubling the decrease that paid employment met with in August in the United States.

The primary goal of the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008″ is that the package will infuse sufficient capital into troubled financial institutions to allow them to rebound effectively enough to circumvent the downward spiral that is currently going on. It is intended to provide a temporary boost that will help the economy to navigate around the negative drag of the housing market and its woes. This strategy is designed to encourage US economy strength that will far outmaneuver any negative consequences of the troubling financial situation currently facing businesses and corporations in the RS today.

The US government does not intend for the negative aftershocks of a slowing economy to linger. The goal is to have the stimulus package create new growth that increases the US economy’s strength, bringing it back to the robust financial level of better days. Indeed, the long-term growth of the US economy strength is as much a part of the picture as the short-term growth of the US economy strength.



Flex Track Lighting
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Economy of Hong Kong

economy
Vladimir Gonzalez asked:


Hong Kong Economy

Subject to both British and Chinese rule, since the 70’s Hong Kong economy has also been subject to an economic policy dubbed positive, in which the policy of non-interventionism was predominant, as it was hailed by the country’s former financial secretary.

Cited and praised by worldwide economists, due to the benefits of this laissez-faire capitalism, Hong King’s kind of policy eventually placed the country among the world’s freest economies, for 14 consecutive years. The World Report of Economic Freedom also places Hong Kong first, though with some arguments addressed to the particular term laissez-faire, which inadequately characterizes the country’s policy.

To get a better idea, in Hong Kong the government owns the land, and it is the government the one that leases it to private users, the sale of the land being forbidden. The price of the land is thus kept stable- some have even argued that it would be artificially high. This policy gives free way to the government to be able to better support, at a lower rate public spending. Even more, the country’s liberal political-legal environment has been registered as more stable than that of most countries.

Hong Kong Economy enters the high-income group countries, according to the Classification of economies by Income. The country also enjoys a predominant free market economic system, dependent on International Trade and Commerce

Based on the estimated data of 2005, the Gross Domestic Product in Hong Kong was at $254.2 billion, with a growth rate of 7 %. That same year, the GDP per capita was at $36,800. With these figures, the economy of Hong Kong can easily be compared to those of the biggest economies of Western Europe. The increase in the GDP was calculated at a rate of 5% between 1989 and 2005, even though the country has had two recessions, as a result of the Asian financial crisis in 1997-1998 and also the global downturn from 2001-2002.

The country’s unique geographical location and diverse trading opportunities, as well as abundance human resources, have driven Hong Kong to great wealth-generating assets. Hong Kong also prides with one of the best-sheltered harbors, now a highly developed and thriving international port, it also was major port for pirates for centuries, before the British colonized it in 1841.

Having a skilled, adaptable, and also hard-working labor force, even more so once modern British business methods were implemented, together with modern technology, the chances for external trade, investment, and recruitment were soon doubled.

Further reading in EconomyWatch.com:

Overview of the Economy of Hong Kong

Imports and Exports of Hong Kong

Economic Indicators of Hong Kong



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Economy of Spain

economy
Vladimir Gonzalez asked:


Spain Economy

From the fading out of the regulated economy of Francoism in 1975, what is now the eighth biggest economic power (by the nominal GDP) in the world, gradually started to evolve and prosper. All the deregulating moves installed by the Francoism, the large infrastructure projects and a gradual opening to tourism, have finally resulted in the paramount economic growth, also famous as the "Spanish Miracle". Democracy came late to the country, but Spain’s economic creativity and especially that of its citizens helped to recover.

As member of the European Community, now (EU) as of 1986 Spain’s economy had to make some improvements to its industrial base, together with revising the economic legislation. With the help of funds from the European Regional Development Fund, Spain has done a lot to improve its infrastructures, and also increased the GDP, while reducing the public debt to GDP ratio and unemployment from 23% to 10%, and inflation to under 3%.

With a population of 40 million and a GDP of $1.352 trillion in 2007 according to the CIA World Factbook, Spain was part of the first group of countries to adopt the Euro as currency and since 1999 growth has annually averaged more than 3%, helping keep the country’s stability and prosperity. Spain’s economy witnessed a tremendous growth, by 3.8 per cent in 2007, having services make up 67% of its economy, industry 30% and agriculture 3%.

However, Spain may be exposed to some imminent problems, since its unemployment rate remains high, at 8.6 per cent, and likely to rise even more, above 10% by the end of the year. The challenge is doubled by the overgrowing aged population and declining birthrate.

Even more, as common to other members of the EU with the Euro being strong, exports are uncompetitive outside the boundaries of EU. However, something has offset this, namely rising of trade in the region, but due to the stalling of this growth, that may as well not even matter anymore.

 Spain is also experiencing the largest trade deficit in the world; the housing market is also troublesome, as well as the domestic demand. Furthermore, another major issue is income generated by structural funds of the EU. Together with Ireland, Spain was the beneficiary of funds from the EU, to help their economies upgrade themselves. With per-capita GDP levels of $30,000, and with poorer states joining the EU, those funds are being re-allocated.

 



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Economy Vacations At Do It Yourself Hotels

economy
Roger Munns asked:


The easiest way to save money on a vacation is to cut back on accommodations. Tourists typically don’t spend a great deal of time in their rooms anyway. Many travelers are simply looking for a clean bed and running water. They don’t mind that the television set gets only two channels. They are willing to forgo having their toilet paper folded into a little point every morning. What they really want to do on their ‘economy vacation’ is get out and see the sights. Accommodations are of secondary importance.

Years ago, the only alternative to regular hotels and motels were hostels. Hostels are often a good option when trying to plan an economy vacation. Accommodations are usually modest but clean and inexpensive. The main problem with hostels is that it’s sometimes difficult to find one in the area you want to visit. If you’re bringing a family, your choices are even narrower. Many hostels have no or very few family rooms available.

Today the trend in economy vacations is changing. The industry is recognizing the niche for modest accommodations at affordable prices. Hotels are springing up all over the world offering clean, dependable and no-frills lodgings. England, the Middle East, India and North Africa in particular are home to the latest in economical accommodations. One of the most recent countries to welcome the newest in economy hotel chains is the island of Cyprus.

These economy hotels operate on principles similar to other discount retailers and service providers. The idea is to cut out the middle man and pass on the savings to the customer. One of the first frills that customers will notice is absent is a booking agent/concierge. Tourists are expected to book their economy vacation online. Typically, no phone or in-person reservations are accepted with these hotel chains. Often, the further in advance a visitor books, the greater the discount he receives. Travelers can save a great deal of money simply by reserving well ahead of time.

Other frills that may be conspicuously absent are abundant or lavish furnishings and floor space. Travelers will find rooms to be somewhat smaller than a typical hotel room. Furnishings are minimal and modest. However, most economy, self-booking hotels are as clean and comfortable as their ordinary budget-hotel competitors.

Cyprus is an apt location for the newest economy vacation hotel chain. It is the third largest of the Mediterranean islands, and one of the biggest tourist draws. Cyprus adopted the euro on January 1, 2008. This fact makes do-it-yourself hotels even more appealing to European tourists heading to Cyprus.

It appears that the do-it-yourself accommodation trend is here to stay. These types of hotels continue to open up in popular tourist areas. The economy vacation makes it possible for visitors to enjoy an ‘exotic’ holiday without breaking the bank account.



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Chinese Economy Evaluated in Self-published Book

economy
Michael McCain asked:


China has become the world’s third largest economy, and in the midst of a global financial crisis, that says a lot about the resilience and strength of the Chinese economy. Revised figures of the country’s gross domestic product released Wednesday show a 13 percent expansion in China’s economy.

Economists are saying that with continued growth at its current rate, China could overtake the economies of Japan (in three years) and the United States (in 18 years). Reports say that China’s economy is on track to have a positive gross domestic product in 2009.

A study on the factors that led to healthy condition of China’s economy is presented in the self-published book, Analysis of Chinese Macroeconomy. Dr. Fengbo Zhang definitively depicts the development process and the existing state of Chinese economy, and provides materials for comprehending modern China and the future for economic reform.

This Xlibris release includes an evaluation of the country’s different economic sectors, the impact of foreign trade on the national economy, and an assessment of investment and macroeconomic policies – factors that have contributed to China’s current economic condition. The analyses presented by Dr. Zhang in this book are valuable guidelines in predicting the future of Chinese economy.

Dr. Zhang has helped Chinese top leaders in policy-making and led China’s economic research since 1980s, and his self-published book is going to be a valuable guide for those who want to learn from the country’s economic fortitude.

Analysis of Chinese Macroeconomy is available on the online bookstores of Xlibris, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About Xlibris

Xlibris was founded in 1997 and, as the leading publishing services provider for authors, has helped to publish more than 20,000 titles. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia, PA and provides authors with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound, and full-color formats.

For more information, please visit the book publisher’s website, e-mail pressrelease@xlibris.com or call at 1-888-795-4247, to receive a free publishing guide.



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New Rules For A New Economy: What Successful Sales People Need To Do To Thrive In A Changing Marketplace

economy
Colleen Francis asked:


It\’s been called everything from an economic downturn to one of the most important challenges of this generation, and no matter how you choose to define the state of the economy today, everyone recognizes a simple fact: these are game-changing times. Old rules and old assumptions must yield to new ones. And indeed, that transformation is already taking place in businesses and professions of all kinds across North America and around the world.

A hallmark of successful sales professionals everywhere is that they possess a keen sense of recognizing when changing conditions are upon them, and that they adapt quickly to those new conditions. Adapting (and by that, I include the act of making good decisions that give you the results you\’re looking for) starts by asking the right questions.

With that in mind, let\’s start by considering three key questions. Each provides us with solutions we can use in the times that are ahead of us.

When will it end?

The first question is one that plenty have been asking for the past several months…when will this uncertainty end? Like being an unwilling passenger on a long, twisty rollercoaster ride, many are hoping that an exit sign is going to present itself soon. But just as the root causes to what ails the economy are complex, so too are the solutions. Put another way, this has not been an easy ride so far and it\’s a mistake to assume that it\’s going to get any easier. Granted, things will settle eventually, but we need to recognize that as we move forward, the economy and the marketplace are going to look very different than before. Rather than assuming or wishing that things get back to normal, expect a new normal and a new economy.

Smart sales people-those with their ear to the ground who recognize the hoof beats of real change announcing its arrival-are going to retool and rethink the way they sell so they can meet the challenges of that new economy. We also need to be mindful of another important fact about the times we\’re living in: no one knows for certain what the future has in store. Just as very few would have predicted that the price of gas would drop to almost a ten-year low just months after being at record-high levels, the future has a tendency of being full of surprises. That\’s why it is important to take a smart, defensive posture-to mitigate risk so that you\’re positioned to take on new challenges, especially the unforeseen ones, quickly and effectively.

What has changed?

This brings me to the second question we all need to ask ourselves. What has changed in this marketplace? For sales people, there are really important, dramatic shifts taking place in buyer behavior that may well reshape the way you do your work. In the past, it was the economic decision maker who was sought out in an organization-that key executive who made the decision to buy. In many businesses, that authority is being replaced by a committee. Officials now have to obtain sign-offs from several people to close a deal. For sales people, this presents a new challenge. You need to broaden your networks to ensure that you\’re selling in broadcast rather than narrowcast mode, extending your reach as widely as possible across each customer\’s organization.

Another important change I\’m seeing-and that my clients are confirming in their own experiences-is that buyers are taking a longer time to make decisions. Some of my clients are seeing sales cycles increase from an average of 30 days to 90 days. Some are seeing delays of up to 20%. The reason this is happening is that customers want to make sure that they\’re making the right decisions. And in challenging times, who can blame them? They want proof to back the claims you\’re making about your product or service. They want someone to demonstrate how good the return-on-investment will be to choose what you\’re selling versus that of a competitor. This means your sales message has to be adjusted accordingly.

There\’s one more key change that I\’d like to share with you. Companies are entrenching their existing business relationships. For sales people, it\’s becoming increasingly difficult to find new customers, but existing relationships have become invaluable. Buyers want to stick with vendors they trust. As I mentioned earlier, it comes down to a matter of risk. Just as you need to position yourself correctly in this new economy, buyers are also doing this. Recognizing this fact, your task as sales professional is to demonstrate to your customers that buying from you is a good choice-one that reduces or even eliminates risk.

What must I do to remain successful?

How can sales people remain on top of their game and be successful in this new economy? In times like these, that\’s the veritable $64,000 question, isn\’t it? In fact, there are a range of field-tested activities you can embrace as part of your sales approach. And over the coming weeks, I\’m going to share with you, point-by-point, a range of solutions that you can implement within your work and that of your sales team.

Changing economic times are an opportunity to reexamine the way we work at sales people-to hang on to the approaches that serve us well and to seek out new ways of doing business that have helped others be successful. Over the coming weeks, I look forward to engaging all of you by way of this discussion, sharing with you vital solutions based on the business habits I\’ve observed among the top 10% of sales professionals in organizations of all sizes. The outcome will leave you better prepared for the challenges ahead, so that you can thrive in this new economy that\’s taking shape right before our eyes.



Wood Fireplace Inserts
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