Abstract This paper explains that Philadelphia's role as the dominant force in the regional economy has slipped because, not only is the market likely to be flooded with open office space, thus driving down rents, but also business offices are spreading out into the region. The author points out that a decline in demand combined with a flood in supply does not bode well for the purchase of the proposed real estate property. The paper recommends not to purchase office space in the CBD of Philadelphia, but rather to purchase or invest in hotel property because tourism in this district is showing a steady growth.
Table of Contents
Local Economy
Competitive Supply
Competitive Demand
Conclusion
From the Paper "A Philadelphian resurgence in the Central City Business District has been predicted since the early 1990?s. But, from an office owner's real estate oriented perspective and vantage 2004, is Philadelphia a "good bet"? What about specifically regarding office space targeted to that of the horary perspective of the legal profession? Would the purchase of a small, Class A office property that would hold a law office and/or some other prospective office tenants be a wise real estate investment? Does the market data back up the status of rhetoric in the popular media regarding the city's central business district, or "CBD"? ?Philadelphia has always been an underrated market,? said Arthur Fefferman, president of New York-based AFC Realty Capital, predicting the city's resurgence. Does this analysis of the previous decade prove true?"
This paper discuses that the proposed investment in Class A office space in the Philadelphia downtown core (CBD) is strongly not recommended at this time.
Abstract This paper explains that, while vacancy rates at rental rates in the Philadelphia downtown core (CBD) have remained relatively stable in the last two years, there is little solid evidence of economic growth in the future. The author points out that the creation of any new downtown office building must take into account the potential impact of the current plans for the addition of the Cira Centre and One Pennsylvania Place Philadelphia downtown core (CBD), slated to be built in the city's Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones (KOIZ), site-specific designations that offer the owners and occupants significant relief from a number of state and local taxes. The paper relates that the proposed building has one large advantage over many other current Class A buildings because it offers Class A rental rates at a relatively low rate compared to the average rental rate for the CBD.
From the Paper "The office market in the Philadelphia central business district (CBD) is currently experiencing a downturn. Since 1990, nearly 2,100 people per year have left the downtown. There is little evidence to suggest that this downturn will be reversed in the near future. Overall, Philadelphia enjoys a healthy economy, with a March 2004 unemployment rate of 5.5%, and a civilian labor force of 2,488,500 individuals. The average rental rate for the CBD from the first quarter of 2002 to the first quarter of 2004 has remained steady, hovering close to $24 per square foot. The vacancy rate for the CBD has also remained relatively steady at close to 14 percent.
Abstract This paper explains that the Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS), created in 1973 by the United States of America's Department of Defense and now operated by the U.S. Air Force, is a highly effective way to calculate, by using twenty-four space satellites in six different orbits, the exact location of a point on the earth. The author points out that, although the GPS was first invented and used mainly by the military, it is now used for nonmilitary applications from routing police and fire trucks on 911 emergency calls to finding directions for private automobile drivers. The paper relates that, over the past ten years, the price has decreased by up to 20 percent each year and continues to drop as the merchandise becomes more and more precise.
From the Paper "In 1978, when the first round of satellites were launched, the results were less than perfect, but today the system works the exact same way with almost terrifying accuracy. Even though the results have improved, the concept is the same. GPS, which is comparable to GLONASS, a similar system developed by the Soviet Union, is made up of three segments: the space, user, and control segments. The space segment, as previously stated, consists of twenty-four satellites (3 spares) that are located 20, 190 kilometers above the earth's surface in six orbital planes that cover the sphere of the earth evenly. They orbit in 12 hours; providing every place on earth with visibility to at least the four necessary satellites for the system to work. Also, for the polar areas to be viewed completely, the satellites are at a 55? angle to the equator."
Abstract This paper examines how the unique political geography of Japan has largely been responsible for determining the country's unique language, culture, and political system. The country's major geographical features, such as it being an island with little land mass available to support a large population, have shaped most of Japan's history and the characteristics of its people. It looks at how Japan's religions and language have influenced its culture and way of life to a large extent and how, although the Japanese and American cultures have little in common and have had a love-hate relationship for a long time, the two countries and peoples have not remained totally immune from each other's influence.
Outline
Japanese Language and How It Defines Japanese Culture
Religions
Political Systems and Their Connection with Religions and Languages
Religions and Cultures of Japan and the United States
Conclusion
From the Paper "Buddhism the other major religion of Japan originated in India, where its founder Gautama Buddha was born. It arrived in Japan in the 6th century by way of China and Korea. In the centuries that followed, numerous Buddhist sects took root in Japan, the most prominent among them being Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism was introduced from China in the 12th century and quickly became popular among the dominant warrior class under the rule of Japan's first shogunate (military government). Zen Buddhism fuses the Mahayana form of Buddhism that originated in India and the Chinese philosophy of Daoism. Zen Buddhism has had a significant effect on Japanese culture mainly through the artistic activities in Zen monasteries that serve as part-training school."
Abstract This paper presents the statistical facts of the Californian population. The paper describes the huge influx of people to California every year. In order to keep up with the increasing population, the paper explains how city officials and urban designers have begun working on master-plan communities to ease the housing shortage.
From the Paper "But the noticeable changes have been in the locations and the way California's people live. Some go back to the old suburban style, while the rest of the trend shows California as continuing to grow into an urban society (Fulton). The Bay area's nine counties account for less than half (3.3%) of the entire state's average growth at 6.7% and places like Contra Costa and Sonoma counties have chosen the suburban style of growth. In the meantime, the Department estimated that the majority need more housing units in the state and that, since the year 2000, 74% of those built were single-family homes. These units were built in large numbers in Riverside County and the Inland Empire in the 90s until they were replaced by multi-family condominiums and apartment buildings (Fulton)."
Abstract This paper describes the differences in the beaches of Southern and Northern California, explains how origins of the settlers to Northern California were different than those of the settlers in Southern California, and looks at how these differences shaped the political and cultural climate of both regions.
From the Paper "Unintentionally, the recent death of President Reagan combined with the growing media fixation on the celebrity culture of the Hollywood entertainment industry creates a juxtaposition between the two cultures present in California"that of the conservative and wealthy enclaves of Southern California's Simi Valley and Orange County, and the liberal and open attitudes typified by the Northern Californian Los Angeles movie moguls that gave Reagan the Democratic Party leanings he ultimately reacted to as a politician. Thus California is a paradox"a huge state that is extremely wealthy, a magnet for illegal immigration, a cite of cultural ferment for the entire nation and the home base of Proposition 13 and the Reagan conservative social and economic revolution that took control of the nation during the 1980?s. ?California, in fact,? seems ?to be evolving culturally into a federation of regional autonomies as far as cultural value and lifestyles [are] concerned,? notes even the state's official librarian, Kevin Starr."
Abstract This paper discusses London's restaurants in great detail. The variety of available restaurants is examined. Statistics are provided to explain successes and failures of the different types of restaurants. The paper explains how each type of restaurant caters to a particular category of customer. The paper states that the restaurant business plays a major role in the tourism industry.
From the Paper "The time for breakfast in London restaurants start from 7:30 but this is only at Workmen's Cafes and sandwich bars for office workers. The big restaurants serve breakfast only from 9:00 and continue up to 10:30. Serving of lunch takes place between noon and 2:30 and the restaurants serve it only during that period. Tea is served as a separate meal between 4:00 and 5:30 and supper is served between 7:30 and 9:30. Only some ethnic restaurants especially Indian, serve meals till midnight. The expected tip is between 10 and 20 percent of the food bill, but there is no tipping in the bars. The wise thing is to avoid eating beef in restaurants, or choose only items which have a low risk of contamination. Many restaurants are closed on Sundays. During Christmas period, the whole city shuts down and meals are available only in hotels."
Abstract The name "Los Angeles" has become shorthand for a whole condition of modern civilization: A state of unplanned, disordered, sprawling, polluted, congested chaos. This paper discusses how the great mega-city of Los Angeles seems to embody the problems of the modern world on a mega-scale. The writer focuses on the role that the imagery and reality of transport ? above all, freeways and motor transport ? played in shaping perceptions of this vast and extraordinary modern metropolis.
From the Paper "Los Angeles is not a new city: founded in 1781 and incorporated in 1850, it is the second-oldest city in California and one of the longest-established urban centres in the United States. Yet a recent writer on Los Angeles transport has asserted that it "is known throughout the world as the prototype of the late twentieth-century city". Elsewhere Los Angeles has been described as ?a harbinger of the modern American city ? a prototype for the American metropolis of the late twentieth century?. This perception of Los Angeles, for all its relative antiquity, as (for good and ill) a city of modernity and futurity reflects the overwhelmingly twentieth-century nature of its growth. The form that growth has taken has been seen (again, for good and ill) as embodying the fundamental qualities of a pattern of development "typical of twentieth century urbanization". This pattern of urbanism is identified particularly with North America but, partly by virtue of being American, has exercised great influence across the world: a decentralized, dispersed, suburbanized, consumerized, motorized urbanism that we now find adopted in almost every part of the globe where people have congregated in towns and cities."
Abstract This paper compares the culture, geography, economics, and demography of Japan with America. It also looks at political differences and attitudes towards the environment.
From the Paper "Finally, environmentally both countries face significant challenges because both countries rely on manufacturing for a significant portion of their economy. Japan, for instance, is dealing with acid rain and the resulting changes in the pH of bodies of water (CIA, 2004a). In addition, Japan uses large amounts of timber, and the traditional diet emphasizes consumption of seafood. As a result, both forestry and fishing industries face depletion of resources not only in Japan but for the other countries, mostly Asian, supplying those materials (CIA, 2004a). Japan also grapples with air pollution."
Abstract This paper discusses the health and social issues of the Saharan country, Mali. The paper presents statistics relevant to Mali, portraying the extremely low level of adult literacy and the high rate of AIDS. The education system in Mali is described as severely inadequate. The paper examines the financial difficulties facing Mali, explaining their harsh effect on the health system of the country.
From the Paper "However, at the same time it a nation that boasts of a rich and hoary tradition. It is popular as a country marked by its multihued varied populace and harmonic tunes. Currently, it is confronted with a massive menace like AIDS, Noma and a host of tropical diseases. Mali has the world's lowest adult literacy rate of less than 25 percent. The country's education system is inadequately formed, especially at the primary stage. A United Nations report published in 1991 revealed that females are given less than 30 percent of the schooling in comparison to males in respect of the average number of years of school attended. Health specialists at the global level disapprove female circumcision as it is harmful to physical as well as psychological well-being of an individual."
Abstract This paper explains that the University of Greenwich, located in Greenwich, London, plans to offer Masters level courses in strategic marketing management in Poland, assumedly through online courses. The author points out that, in addition to individual students, the Greenwich University also should target local businesses in the region to encourage these entities to send their staffs for further education to improve their knowledge base and consequently gain a competitive edge, especially because of Poland's entry into the E.U. The paper relates that students have been entering the field of higher education in Poland in growing numbers, but the participation, or market penetration, of students in Polish universities for higher degrees is lower than many other countries in the E.U.
Table of Contents
Country Selection and Economic Conditions
Entry Strategy
Targeting and Positioning
Marketing Mix
Conclusion
From the Paper "In such an environment (in flux), offering the population and the business in the region access to education can help companies define and create smart strategies. In turn, these can help the citizens grow and prosper in the periods following the entry into the EU and over the long-term. The indications are that the Poles have been able to embrace new technology relatively rapidly. They can use the information to help the country improve productivity. This shows that the population that has been wanting changes for several generations and is willing to make the necessary improvements. The economy in the region is still basically manufacturing and agriculture. By offering the knowledge in strategic marketing and distribution, Poland can become a gateway for movement of products into the other more eastern block countries."
Tags: on-line, diversification, strategies, target, eu
Abstract This paper explains that because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Florida is paying a high price for security as companies reevaluate whether to continue doing business in Miami, and if they do remain, what they must do to be successful. The author believes that the economic effect of increased Homeland Security measures, along with the PATRIOT Act, has been tremendously negative, especially in the international commerce industry. The paper states that the Miami economy, as compared to other areas of the U.S., has been slow to recover because of its dependence on sales tax and tourism dollars.
From the Paper "Yearly equal to $2 billion is generated by foreign-based real estate purchases in Florida, while, the average foreign visitor spends $230 per day on retail, according to the study. A response from Miami-based Star Supply officials was that they witnessed sales drop up to 50 percent at a recent local footwear expo and credited the reduce speed to new visa regulations that banned Latin American buyers from attending. "We are accustomed to having buyers come to us in Miami. With the new travel policies, we will have to go to our customers and look for new markets outside the Americas," a representative of Star Supply said in the survey. "It is not only bad for us, it's bad for the local economy.""
Abstract This paper discusses Australia's economy and explores what makes it a favorite choice for foreign investors. The paper presents a brief overview of the political and cultural environments in Australia. The paper elaborates on the imports and exports of the country.
Outline
Australia's Economic Basics
Exports
Imports
Attractions for Foreign Investors
Political Environment
Cultural Environment
Challenges
From the Paper "It is difficult to find many problems in the Australian economy. Indeed, the country is so vibrant, economically, that its economy is being called a "miracle" economy. Politically, it is a stable nation, and culturally, it is diverse and healthy. Perhaps the least healthy thing about Australia is that is it one of the skin cancer capitals of the world (Lonely Planet Web site), and it is recommended that one never venture outside without having applied SPF 30 sunscreen to all exposed skin half an hour before. This is good information to have, as the country is an excellent choice for foreign investors, who may want to take a look at what they?ve invested in, and take advantage of Australia's climate and outdoor attractions, especially water sports."
Abstract This paper discusses the role natural resources played in the peopling of the Pacific Northwest, including the natural resources that became commodities and how the commercialization of those resources affected interactions between various groups. It looks at what impact the exploitation of natural resources had on the region's environment. The Pacific Northwest is a diverse area full of natural resources that helped it grow and prosper as the population moved west. The writer concludes that many of these resources have been exploited for years at the expense of the area and its people.
From the Paper "Comprising the areas of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Canada's British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest is an area known primarily for its natural resources and relationship to the environment. The area is primarily broken into two parts by the ridge of the Cascade Mountains. To the west lies the humid and lush western coast, and to the east lies the drier, arid eastern plains. These environmental areas can be broken down into smaller, more detailed regions that relate to their own specific resources. One Northwest historian notes, "Principal resources include: soils, grasslands, minerals, fisheries, water for power and irrigation, forests, wildlife, and scenic attractions" (Freeman and Martin 119). From the explorations of Lewis and Clark to the first trappers who visited the area, it was quite clear it was an area rich in resources and wildlife, and abundant potential."
Abstract This paper analyzes the rapid pace of economic and political change in China, explaining that both have shifted into was seems to be an on-going expansion into a capitalist system. The paper contends that, since all of the early reforms, a new class of wealthy and prosperous Chinese has emerged, not to mention the great growth of the Chinese middle class, which is now comparable to that in the United States. The paper describes how China has changed from a socialist society that restricted private lives and affairs to a consumer society with increased economic freedom and individual participation.
From the Paper "A second influence from China's past that continues to manifest itself in contemporary Chinese politics is the influence of what is known as guanxi, ?a network of patron/client ties that stretch from the top to the bottom of the Chinese political hierarchy.? 4 This concept clearly reveals that such connections can be explained in terms of the relationship between the major figures and the secondary/tertiary figures in the Chinese political system. With this in mind, the Cultural Revolution is a splendid example of Mao's manipulation of the guanxi system and his elimination of his rivals, such as Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping. Interestingly enough, the obvious failure of Hua Guofeng to bring about his position as Mao's successor between 1977 and 1979 can be traced to his somewhat lacking guanxi connections within the party/state hierarchy; in contrast, Deng Xiaoping who possessed a very wide and complex guanxi network quickly took over as the leader of China following the death of Mao Tse-tung."
