Abstract A discussion about governmentpolicies over retirement protection. The author examines the issues such as retirement funding, schemes, individual savings, investment and social welfare. The author focuses on retirement plan developments in Hong Kong.
From the Paper "In Hong Kong, discussions about government policies over retirement protection have spanned a lengthy period of about 30 years. It was only until recently that the decision has been made to institute the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). However, in other countries, various schemes of retirement protection have been practiced over the past decades, with all kinds of experience that Hong Kong could beneficially refer to. Since retirement funds could be either fall into two categories 1. Pays-as-you-go/ 2. Fully-funded. They could either be managed by the government or the private sector. Yet, this is crucial to understand the pros and cons of these different kinds of schemes, and determine which is the most appropriate for Hong Kong. Furthermore, retirement protection is closely related to the issues of individual savings, investment, and social welfare. It affects the economic well being of all members of society, and also the performance of the economy as a whole. In this research paper, several comprehensive views and findings would be addressed, and some discussions on the impacts of MPF after the Asian Financial Crisis would also be stated for conclusion. "
Abstract This paper examines the economic effect of three specific areas of governmentpolicy. It looks at the policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the policies incorporated into the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and environmental protection policies. Some of the issues discussed include the effect of the Federal Reserve on the level of interest rates, the effect of ADA on the welfare of both insurance companies and people afflicted with AIDS and the health costs for persons residing in regions with severe air pollution.
From the Paper "The use of the reserve bank discount window is a secondary activity to the Federal Reserve System's open market operations. The reserve bank discount window provides a source of temporary (overnight in most instances) funds to member banks (Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, 1996). Of far greater significance is the discount rate?the interest rate the Federal Reserve System charges to member banks when they borrow from the Federal Reserve banks. The influence of the discount rate is felt far beyond the realm of member bank borrowings from the Federal Reserve System, as changes in this rate tends to be reflected in changes in other interest rates throughout the economy (Marshall, 1998)."
Tags: federal, reserve, environment, disabilities, aids
Abstract The paper examines the way in which governmentpolicy relates to the productivity of a business. The paper analyzes the government's role in establishing and maintaining productivity. It also discusses the issues of common market, health and safety issues and technological advances, all integral methods of increasing productivity. The paper also looks at the ways productivity can be measured.
From the Paper "Business managers also in turn recognize greater output when they adhere to the guidelines of government policy and move to encourage policies that favor increased R&D and technological advances. Business managers also realize increased personal and corporate wealth by taking into consideration the health and well being of their workers. Productivity can't continue without consideration of these two factors, business management and government policy. Each has a directly positive or negative impact on the other."
Abstract This paper examines past and present Australian Governmentpolicies which have impacted and been implemented to address the issue of Aboriginal Health. The author also examines issues such health issues, substance abuse and the high rate of youth suicide.
From the Paper 'The status of Aboriginal health in Australia is currently at critical levels ? much money needs to be injected and considerable work needs to be done to tackle such important health issues as diabetes, mental disorders, substance abuse and the high rate of youth suicide. Along with this, many other related issues need to be addressed, such as the stolen generation, native title, preservation of cultural identity and the topic of reconciliation. The outlook for the future is improving however, in that the government and Aboriginal groups are working together towards a positive outcome through the implementation of innovative government policies aimed at tacking the core issues affecting Aboriginal communities around Australia."
Abstract This paper responds to a quotation in an article about a charity tax credit and how this affects governmentpolicy as well as how it affects charitable contributions. The paper further discusses why tax credits should not be used to encourage charitable giving because this links private giving and government moneys in an effort to shift certain governmental responsibilities to the private sector.
From the Paper "Neil Brooks in his essay on charitable contributions and tax policy notes how a newspaper reporter was told about a college official who "was seen as a great fundraiser rather than a brilliant thinker . . . [who was able to turn] his political, business and social connections into big dollars for the university" (67). This reference is part of the author's discussion of why tax credits should not be used to encourage charitable giving because this links private giving and government moneys in an effort to shift certain governmental responsibilities to the private sector. "
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of the affects of September 11th on the Japanese economy. Several different factors contributing to the deepening recession in Japan are examined in detail, including unemployment statistics, the findings of the Bank of Japan's Tanken survey, suicide figures and corporate restructuring. The changes in people's behavior, including expense accounts, dress and spending habits as a result of this recession and the change in Japan's credit rating and its affect on how governmentpolicy is affected by this change are also discussed in detail. The author also presents some of the government's policy attempts at dealing with this problem including new economicpolicies, tax reform, privatization schemes and the restructuring of the banking system. The effects that this has had on Japan's relations with China, especially in its trade relations are also discussed in detail.
Extensive bibliography but no footnotes, or endnotes.
From the Paper "According to a recent article in Bloomberg News entitled "Think Japan's Economy is Bad Now" Just Wait,? the situation will only get worse.' ? ?It's here where things get ugly,? ? the article states. ? ?As unemployment rises beyond today's record 5 percent, consumers may spend less. If already frugal households buy less, corporate profits fall further and so do asset values. Banks, then, may be forced to let more companies fail, boosting unemployment and reducing corporate profits. And so on and so on.? ? This is the very cycle Japan's policy makers have been dreading for years. To date, Tokyo has held things together with ultra-low interest rates and aggressive fiscal spending. Now that borrowing costs are at zero percent and Tokyo has papered markets with more bonds than investors can use, that's no longer possible. Credit rating agencies are sniffing around Japan's finances, wondering if it's time for another downgrade."
Abstract This paper discusses the current worldwide economic gap between the rich and poor. The author examines some of the different reasons for this gap including a shrinking middle class, the exit of many production facitilites from the United States to countries with cheap labor. According to this writer, the information age has helped establish a global economy whose members do not all share the same successes, or political stability. The paper also discusses the differences between American and European economicpolicies and how these policies helped or hindered recovery from the economic downturn that began in the early 1990s. The author also discusses how economic inequality, governmentpolicies, or lack of them, international financial investments and policy, deregulation and privitization and abuse of free trade have have all contributed to the growing worldwide gap between the rich and poor.
From the Paper "In America, during the Great depression of the 1930, President Roosevelt placed on the back of the one-dollar bill, an unfinished pyramid with a glowing eye at the top. The pyramid represented the economic strength and the durability of the American economy. The unfinished section represented the vast potential that could still be attained. It encouraged the American people to work harder and attain more. The bill also has two Latin inscription (Annuit Coeptis) and (Novos Ordo Seclorum). The first tells Americans that God favors their undertakings; the second prophesies a new American order of wealth. (Thurow, 1999) This indicates that no matter how much society as a whole has progressed, the fundamental measures by which man measures himself in terms of wealth and possessions have not changed from the Egyptian society of prehistoric times to the current societies. The need for man to be able to satisfy his daily needs and save some thing for a rainy day will always be a good motivator."
Abstract A discussion of how the economic questions of social issues are answered. Economic principles and application are also being reinforced through the issues examined. This paper explains the few ways in which these questions are answered. It discusses three distinct types of economies: a market economy, a command economy and a mixed economy. It also identifies the failure of market mechanisms and government failure. This study of different economic systems is relevant in understanding the social issues and related policies. Whether or not government should provide assistance to market where market failure exists. It also discusses the mixture of market mechanism and government intervention in most of the countries today such as Australia.
From the Paper "Any economy is faced with three basic problems: what to produce, how to produce and for whom to produce. Moreover, contemporary social issues are imperative and economics principles provide a basic analytical tool useful in understanding of social issues as well as solutions to solve these issues. Broadly speaking, free market economy and command economy are two alternative approaches to these questions. (Materano& Atkinson, 1996:33) There are large difference between the extreme of a pure market economy and a command economy. These two economy systems do not exist in their pure forms in reality. Market failure does occur in certain situations, which is a situation the market economy does not provide well enough answers to the ?what, how and for whom ? questions and there is a role for government to improve the situation. However, even in the case of market failure, the government may do worse than the market, which is called the government failure."
Abstract This paper presents an outline and critical appraisal of the Reserve Bank of Australia's rationales for the current stance of Australian monetary policy. The paper concludes that the current stance of Australian monetary policy calls for a comprehensive analysis of various economic indicators governing Australia vis-a-vis the global economy, with the goal of continually striving for the maintenance of sustainable economic growth.
Introduction
GDP
Labor Market
Consumer Prices and Inflation
Business and Financial Conditions
Forex Market and Balance of Payment
Resource Exports
Conclusion
From the Paper "The continual decline of the US dollar, as has been witnessed recently, might have been a matter of serious concern in the International Financial Market, but the tightening of the monetary policy and the financial markets by the US Federal Reserve is seen as a transitory step toward economic recovery. However, it is a positive sign that the Australian dollar's movement against a host of other floating currency has been modest. Even the performance of the Australian labor market in the recent months, which indicates the unemployment rate declining to its lowest level since the 1970s, deserves appreciation."
A look at China's policy on population control and various other Chinese governmentpolicies that impinge on human rights and therefore impede greater economic ties between China and the West.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 4 sources, 2006, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper discusses population policy in China over the last fifty years with an emphasis on the one child policy instituted in the 1970s that has greatly reduced the growth rate in the population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor and similar centrally controlled policies that run afoul of human rights.
From the Paper "Population policies in the People's Republic of China reflect a real concern about population growth and the huge size of the population but are, at the same time, bound with issues of ideology and social control. Certain highly restrictive policies began in the 1970s and were deemed successful at reducing the size of the population, and especially the rural population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West, the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor, and similar centrally-controlled policies that run afoul of human rights."
Abstract The writer examines the history of the development of economic sanctions. It defines this tactic as a type of coercive diplomacy, a strategic political tactic by which a demand to one's adversary is backed up with a threat of punishment for non-compliance that is estimated to be severe enough to be persuasive. The paper traces the policy back to the bible, differentiating between economic sanctions and blackmail.
From the Paper "Coercive diplomacy consists of four possible tactics: a demand, the means used to create a sense of urgency, threatened punishment for noncompliance and possible incentives. Differences and combinations of these tactics provide five type basic types of coercive diplomacy, identified as the ultimatum, the tacit ultimatum, the "try-and-see" approach the "gradual turning of the screw", and the carrot and stick approach. (3)"
The Soviet leaders and Nikita Krushchev responded to Stalin's death in de-Stalinizing the Soviet Union by changing political, economic and governmentpolicies.
Abstract This essay examines what happened in the Soviet Union after Stalin died in 1953. Stalin's failed economicpolicies, overcentralized leadership, and brutal acts of terror had left a broken and numb society lacking in all autonomous initiative. Into this challenging situation came Nikita Krushchev, a dedicated and enthusiastic Communist reformer who made significant changes and tackled the legacy of Stalinism. This paper explains the successes and failures of Kruschev in the de-Stalinization of the Soviet Union.
From the Paper "Russia has never been a democratic or egalitarian society, although it is slowly moving in that direction now. Successes have been substantial in the last decade, yet there is still far to go. As Robert Service writes, ?The burden of the past lies heavily upon Russia, but it is a burden which was not solely the product of the assumption of power by Lenin and his fellow revolutionaries.? It is not only Stalinism that is being fought by the Russians but the history of the later Russian Empire as a restless and unintegrated society (Service 546). With those facts in mind we can see how difficult de-Stalinization was and still is, for it was so much more than just coming to grips with what Josef Stalin did."
Abstract In this essay, the writer discusses the policy of the BC Government regarding gambling. The writer notes that in some countries gambling is not permitted and that the BC Government has however allowed the gambling pursuit. In this paper the writer examines the policies of the current liberal BC Government and discusses that gambling practices have in fact expanded, in spite of government promises to the contrary.
From the Paper "Many people object to gambling on the basis that it is immoral, or that it encourages people to develop problem gambling behaviors. Due to this fact, some governments permit gambling and some do not. The BC Government does permit it, but under regulated conditions. The current Liberal BC Government promised not to allow gambling to expand, but as one can see from an examination of its policies, it has allowed gambling to expand, contrary to its promises. The current Liberal BC government campaigned on the issue of gambling, vowing to stop it from expanding further."
Abstract This paper explains that the success of the Chinese economic reforms is attributed to the liberty granted to the non-state sectors to progress in the environment of the market economy. The open door policy is an essential element in the process of economic reforms. It induces foreign investment and encourages the foreign trade. The writer points out that foreign investment has brought in new capital, new technology, managerial skill and training for labor to China. This has infused the contemporary managerial strategies, business techniques and a legal structure for favoring the business dealings. The paper further notes that it has generated competition in the domestic market and the competition has compelled the domestic enterprises to become more efficient. The foreign trade has been made easy due to the availability of the low cost and high quality labor in China to produce goods to be sold at higher prices in the world market thereby increasing the compensation to Chinese labor. The writer concludes that China has thus become an outstanding trading nation in the region, primary to the economic development along with promoting stability in the region.
From the Paper "Chinese foreign policy of the mid-1980s results from the four correlated estimations. Firstly, the Chinese reform minded leaders opined that there is possibility for China to attain power and prosperity while safeguarding its national essence only through increased involvement in world activities. Secondly they emphasized that the international environment allows a focus upon domestic development while specifically because Soviet Union is concentrating on other emergent situations and in the process there is ample possibility that China can avail a stable environment in East Asia for the predictable future. Thirdly, they emphasized that China will find it advantageous to participate successfully in the international economic system and by soliciting growing foreign involvement in its own economic development. Finally, it is advocated that China can adopt persistent, independent, pragmatic and purposeful policies not only towards the three major powers of concern to them which are the Soviet Union, the United States and Japan but also towards other crucial areas like Korea, Indo-China and Taiwan. Hence the superseding goals of foreign policy of the reformers that arise from such considerations is to counterfeit a peaceful security environment in support of ambitious internal economic development. The reformers desire to promote economic relationships with all the prospective trading counterparts. They are much concerned in safeguarding the Chinese Sovereignty and autonomy while allowing the impediments of enhanced commercial and security links with the external world. (Okesenberg, 1986)"
Abstract The paper relates the background to Fidel Castro's rise to power and describes the present situation with respect to governmentpolicy and the resultant stagnant relationship with the United States. The paper criticizes the United States with lack of leadership in not changing its policy towards Cuba and quotes various proposals that have been suggested. The paper concludes that the time for change is now, as the present leader is aging and we have no idea what will be the policy of his successor.
Outline:
Current status and historical context
Short term policy changes
Long term policy changes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Fidel Castro rose to power on the Island of Cuba in the early 1960's by means of a military coup, and following his trade agreements with the Soviet Union and nationalization of private industries he publicly embraced Marxist-Leninist affiliation in 1960, thrusting the island nation into the center of the Cold War . A forty year plus progression of increasing sanctions and restrictions via both Congressional and Executive actions ensued. In addition, Cuban expatriates have become a powerful voting block in the crucial Presidential state of Florida enticing additional hard-line policies towards the Cuban Communist regime. This complex commingling of foreign policy and domestic politics has created a muddled policy that is unique and inconsistent with United States policies concerning similar hostile governments."
