Abstract This paper explores how oceanography affects the sectors of contemporary societal issues, economic problems, and political and natural problems. The paper addresses these sectors as interrelated aspects of the same system, as opposed to independent forces or phenomena. The paper also discusses the rapid increases in human population as a significant societal issue to which oceanography is relevant and then looks at the topic of offshoredrilling that has both economic considerations and governmental political implications. The paper attempts to demonstrate how oceanography is a complex and multi-tiered science that is relevant today.
From the Paper "Oceanography is an astonishingly vast science. It is actually made up of many essential sciences that illustrate the relevance of oceanography to the areas of society issues, economic problems, and political and natural hazards. It is comprised of four fundamental sections including Biological Oceanography, which addresses environmental impacts, fisheries/aquaculture, and marine biology. The second section is Chemical Oceanography, which addresses the environment and pollution. The third is Geological Oceanography, which includes hydrography, geo-sciences, glaciers/ice/snow, hazards, and study of the paleoenvironment. The fourth and most well known is Physical Oceanography, which studies acoustics, atmosphere, circulation/physics, climate, meteorology, modeling, operational & observing systems, and optics."
Abstract The paper provides an overview of recent research on the economic and labor impact of offshoring IT services to low-cost destinations. The research identifies key determinants, recent trends, occupations affected, magnitude, and benefits of offshoring to the U.S economy. The analysis indicates that the current wave of offshoring involves IT services threatens mainly white-collar occupations in the low-income group, but is counterbalanced by job creation in the high-income sectors. The research argues that the jobs lost to offshoring are a negligible percentage; on the other hand, the reduction in costs of IT services due to offshoring will increase labor productivity, job creation, boost Gross Domestic Product, and further strengthen the U.S. economy.
Table of Contents
Abstract
1 Background
2 Definition of Terms
3 Determinants of Offshore Outsourcing
4 Outsourcing and Productivity
5 Protectionist Measures
6 Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Traditionally, cost reduction has been the overwhelming motivation and perceived payback for outsourcing. While offshore outsourcing is not new (companies have been offshoring manufacturing for many years and reaping significant cost and productivity improvements), the offshoring of business processes is still in its infancy. In the past, outsourcing has often been used tactically, as a rapid and often short-term solution to a particular need or problem, which did not form part of an overall business strategy. The experience of manufacturing illustrated that when it is possible to do things cheaper elsewhere in the world, the work will migrate there. With the relentless pursuit of the lowest global costs, offshoring is getting institutionalized in many companies. So much that firms might resort to a strategic use of outsourcing by working with one or more suppliers in order to effect a significant improvement in business performance. This enables the firm to focus on those products that lie closest to the company's core capability set and consider jettisoning the rest. "
Abstract This paper describes what the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge actually is. It covers the pros and cons of drilling for oil in the refuge from political, economical, religious perspectives. It gives the writer's opinion on the topic, which is NOT to drill in the refuge. It then gives alternative ideas to drilling and backs them up with facts from credible sources like the U.S. Geological Survey.
From the Paper "An environmental masterpiece to be preserved, or an economic opportunity waiting to be tapped? This is the debate that has been persistent around the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for over 40 years. It is also a mainstream argument for many environmental philosophies. Pro-drilling advocates tend to take on Judeo-Christian beliefs, while anti-drilling organizations stick with conservation or preservationist values. These two groups portray their views over the internet using many types of representation, false or not, to convince readers their position is correct. Both sides have their pros and cons, but my opinion on the topic is that drilling for oil in the ANWR is a poor idea due to inevitable environmental complications."
Abstract This paper explains that the needs to finding a competitive advantage through better process management and to increasing operations management efficiencies are catalysts driving companies globally to seek out offshore outsourcing partners. The author points out the benefits, which have made offshoring increasingly critical to a company's strategic plan. However, there are major impediments to implementing offshoring and outsourcing strategies, which include the clash of cultures between the outsourcer and its offshore partner, the lack of consistency in how each view time as a resource, and the lack of consistency in terms of quality standards. The paper offers guidelines for managing this strategy and business examples.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Offshoring has Progressed Past Cost Reduction
Strategic Use of Offshore Outsourcing for Project-Based Programs
Comparing Offshoring Delivery Models
Evaluating Factors for Defining an Offshore Model
Advantages and Disadvantages of Offshore Outsourcing
Conclusion
From the Paper "The primary motivation for many companies to offshore production and services or both is the ability to significantly drive down their wage costs, yet there are also the process costs that can also be significantly reduced. Take for example the direction of Infosys to offer outsourcing services for industrial manufacturers' order management systems, a task so critical to the overall functioning of a company, and yet Infosys is getting new clients throughout the rust-belt region of the US, in traditional industrial manufacturers."
Tags: process-integration, partner, project-by-project, guideline, time
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present information concerning offshoring, analyze various factors driving the offshoring phenomenon and discuss what offshoring might mean for the United States economy. It examines current trends, investigates the forces driving offshoring and provides professional opinions to support the research.
Outline
Purposes of the Report
Sources and Methods of Data Collection
Conclusions
Introduction
Definitions
Results of the Study
What is Going Offshore?
Factors Driving Offshoring What Does Offshoring Mean for the U.S. Economy?
Summary
From the Paper "Offshoring has been a hot issue discussed in the news media, a subject matter of political debate and a part of social lexicon for quite some time now. Reporters describe what is happening; politicians argue abut it; laid off workers protest against it, while experts try to explain it. Much has been said and written about current trends and the future of offshoring, about what it means and what potential economic effects it might have on the U.S. economy and the world. Ultimately, the effect of the offshoring phenomenon is clear: organizations throughout the world are reevaluating the ways they conduct their business and develop new strategies to retain their competitive advantage in the modern marketplace."
Abstract The term "offshore banking" refers to the provision of financial services by banks and other agents to non-residents, a practice that has gained an increasing amount of notoriety in recent years. This paper provides a review of the scholarly and peer-reviewed literature to develop an overview of offshore banking and to identify regulations that have been implemented by U.S. and international agencies to reduce or eliminate the illegal activities and tax schemes that have been deployed by many Americans through the use of offshore banking. An analysis of how offshore banking has affected taxation in the United States is followed by a discussion of what can be done to monitor the activities of offshore banking. A summary of the research and salient findings are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
The Impact of Offshore Banking on Taxation
Controlling Legislation
Monitoring Offshore Banking Activities
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Offshore banking centers allow actors in the financial markets that are so inclined to use international capital in ways that are not lawful in the more regulated country of origin. Indeed, the absence of regulation is attractive to the money launderer because they are provided with secrecy, a tax haven and the ability to move capital with ease. The International Monetary Fund has identified more than a dozen major offshore centers, many of them in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Europe (see Table 1 below); for instance, the Cayman Islands, with a total population of 30,000, hosts 550 banks (see Table 2 below), only 17 of which maintain a physical presence with the remainder conducting business primarily through telecommunications (Shelley, 1998). "
Abstract This paper examines how outsourcing to India can be very lucrative due to significant cost savings and many other beneficial factors surrounding the Indian software market. It discusses offshore outsourcing through a review of the article, "Inside Outsourcing in India", by Stephanie Overby. It examines how, in the article, two experienced entrepreneurs share their lessons and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Indian outsourcing. This paper also explores the history and future of offshore outsourcing, as well as how to successfully plan, implement, and manage such a relationship.
Outline
Executive Summary
Introduction
History
Advantages of Offshore Outsourcing
Disadvantages of Offshore Outsourcing
Planning the Outsourcing Relationship
Implementing the Outsourcing Relationship
Managing in an Outsourcing Relationship
Current Affairs
Future
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "It is important to remember that outsourcing does not shift all responsibilities to service organizations. When stockholders, government agencies, customers and vendors demand answers to key questions, you can bet that they will not stop with the outsource service organization. In fact, most legal and fiduciary responsibilities cannot be shifted at all. The bottom line is this, when there is a serious problem, key questions to be answered, or operational shortfalls, the responsibility resides with management and not the service organization."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The writer explores both sides and presents the argument that drilling will not negatively impact the environment and will support wildlife there. The writer uses the example of Purdhoe Bay to illustrate how drilling without harming the environment can be effectively done.
From the Paper "Experts in the field of environment and science have been warning the world for years that the earth's resources are not unlimited and would eventually run dry. It has only been in the past few decades however that the world's population began to listen. In the panic about dwindling resources there has been a rush to locate new sources of energy and other needed materials. Environmentalists have moved in to block hasty projects while those who support them try to push them through and the end result is often a standoff. In the midst of this occurring the last American frontier, Alaska, has moved to the forefront of controversy. One such controversy is the proposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Proponents believe it will provide the world with a much needed energy source, while detractors of the drilling insist it will destroy the environment and harm local wildlife, in particular the caribou porcupines. Once one studies the facts, the past, and similar projects one will find that drilling can be done in an environmentally safe manner and provide the world with a much needed source of natural resources."
Abstract Discusses pros & cons of limited oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). History of attempts to protect ANWR and attempts to open up the refuge for oil drilling & gas exploration. Impact on environment. Economic factors (fuel prices, creation of additional jobs). Other forms of energy. Quality of life issue.
From the Paper "Introduction
Although it was first discovered in 1799, Alaska was not officially admitted into the union as a state until 1959. Up until that time, Alaska's history had been littered with settlers from all over the world who found opportunity in the harsh climate of the land, during the gold rush, when oil was first discovered, and even now in its thriving fishing industry. Alaska's shores were also the sight of a sustained attack by Japanese forces during World War II that took two years to beat back (ExploreNorth 2001). Now, Alaska is also known for its wildlife, massive spaces, the pioneering and independent attitudes of its residents, as well as the brutality of its seasons. Indeed, Alaska has been called the last frontier of the United States."
Abstract This paper looks at the pros and cons of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). It looks at issues and conflicts of the drilling argument and the need for oil in the U.S. as opposed to the quality of life issue for certain animal species.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial environmental issues being discussed recently is whether or not to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The ANWR was first set aside as ..."
Tags: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Oil, Conservation, Environment
Abstract This paper studies offshore financial centers, or OFCs, which are any financial institutions that conduct offshore transactions. The paper provides a technical definition of OFCs, and then discusses their historical use and relevance. Next the paper discusses the location of OFCs -- and answers why places such as Switzerland and the Cayman Islands host these institutions. The paper then examines the role of OFCs, focusing on their legal protection from investors' local tax burdens. The paper concludes with an assessment of the future of OFCs, citing the effects of international tax reform and other financial guidelines that may impact the perceived utility of OFCs.
Outline:
Definition
History
Where are they?
The Role
Future:
From the Paper "Offshore Financial Centers or OFCs are areas that choose reduced taxes or lenient financial controlling administration as a shield in case of overseas investors. (The future for offshore financial centers (OFCs)) IMF defines OFC as an area that fulfills the norms as stated below: it is a location marked by a large number of financial institutions, a majority of the business dealings are started in foreign shores, nearly all institutions are managed by non-residents, possesses assets and liabilities disproportionate to the internal economy; and has low or zero taxation, restrained or lax financial guidelines and privacy of banking business. The last norm is related to what is usually known as "tax haven". Nevertheless, whereas the description contains "tax havens" as well, it is not restricted to this category of country. (Canadian Direct Investment in 'Offshore Financial Centers) Offshore finance is, in its general meaning, the provision of financial services by banks and other representatives to non-residents. These services comprise of borrowing and lending of funds to non-residents. This can be in the shape of lending to companies and other financial institutions, financed by liabilities to the offices of the bank who is lending elsewhere, or to market participants. It can even take the shape of accepting deposits from individuals, and investing the profits in other financial markets. (Offshore Financial Centers: IMF Background Paper)"
Abstract In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of the American business practice of outsourcing jobs offshore. Specifically, the writer discusses the cause and effect of this practice on the American economy, labor force, customer service, etc. The writer points out that outsourcing a variety of American jobs overseas has become common practice and that the cause of this practice is clear. The writer then explains that American wages are higher than offshore wages, and outsourcing, therefore, saves American companies money. The writer notes that the effects, however, are beginning to be noticed in a wide area, from customer service to job loss. The writer argues that outsourcing overseas may save companies money, but in the end, it places them in a negative light and indicates their lack of interest in protecting and enhancing America and the American economy.
From the Paper "Outsourcing has really taken off in the last few years. Thousands of American businesses routinely outsource customer service and other jobs to outsourcers in India, China, Russia, and other foreign companies. CBS News reports, "The U.S. government does not keep track of how many American jobs have gone overseas, but there are estimates that in just the last three years, as many as 400,000 jobs have gone to places like China, Russia, and India". In fact, outsourcing is on the rise, and it looks as if that trend will continue. Another expert notes, "The number of service sector jobs moving overseas is expected to reach 588,000 by 2005, up from 100,000 in 2000". This shift of jobs to overseas locations can create several negative affects to the country in a number of areas."
Abstract The paper contends that although offshoring may reduce prices, it is a poor business practice for many reasons. The paper explains why it hurts the American economy and harms American workers. The paper discusses how offshoring creates poor working conditions for many workers and argues that this practice should be more regulated to ensure that American companies do not exploit foreign workers in the name of saving money.
From the Paper "Offshoring, also known as outsourcing, has influenced the American economy since the 1990s, when it first became widespread. It has removed jobs from American workers, created economic woes in many industries, and has created sweatshop like working conditions in many manufacturing environments. It has gained more attention recently because many American consumers are unhappy dealing with outsourced service employees, and they have been complaining about the service quality to many companies. Many experts in the field believe not enough is being done to regulate the use of offshoring, and to help guarantee the rights of American workers."
Abstract A look at the controversy surrounding the drilling of oil in Alaska. The writer presents political opposition as well as environmental concerns. On the other side, economic factors are taken into account.
From the Paper "For some years, Congress as well as those interested in both the energy industry and the preservation of wild areas in the United States have argued whether drilling sites in Alaska should be expanded. One area of debate has been the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska."
Tags: arctic, preservation, environment, barrel, wildlife, energy
