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Scarce Resources in China - The Problem of Falling Groundwater, 2008.
An analysis of the economic and environmental problems facing China with a focus on water resources, agriculture and social policies.
927 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This essay looks at one of the more urgent problems in China - that of falling groundwater and scarce freshwater resources. It considers not only issues around agriculture, environmental degradation and forced relocation, but also the different effects that large-scale social policies have on men and women alike.
From the Paper
"In recent years, surface water supplies for agriculture have been taken away from food production and given over to the manufacturing industry instead. This is in keeping with the government's push for heavy industrialization and economic growth. Unfortunately this decision has pushed farmers into an even more desperate position, leaving them with a still greater reliance upon groundwater for crop irrigation. By the end of 1997 North China had 2.6 million wells, and another 221,900 were drilled that very same year (Brown 2000). As a direct result of this excessive drilling, the water table has fallen 42 meters in the past three decades. What little water that does remain is under double assault: as farmers suck dry the lower aquifer, the upper limits are polluted by industrial waste. The situation is now critical in Beijing, where new wells must reach a depth of 1,000 metres to access fresh water (Brown 2000). "
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Equality in Japan and China, 2008.
This paper discusses the influence of western civilization on the social status of women in Japan and China.
2,786 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the role of women in Japan and China has undergone a significant change due to the profound influence of Western culture in these Asian countries. This paper examines the history of the social status of both Japanese and Chinese women, and looks at how that status has changed and evolved over the years as the West has imposed its values on both countries' citizens. The writer argues that Japanese and Chinese women have experienced both positive and negative outcomes in social equality due to the impact of Western civilization on these two Eastern powers, however, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Outline:
Introduction
Japanese Women prior to World War II
Post World War II Japanese Women
Chinese women and their status after the influence of Western culture
The Social Equality of Japanese and Chinese Women
Negative social outcomes due to Western influence
Japan
China
Refuting the Negative Social Outcomes Due to Western Influence
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Overall, women in Japan and China today experience much more social equality than their mothers and grandmothers ever did. Each great Eastern power was under the influence of Confucius and the old customs that made women subservient to their husbands, and even to their eldest sons.
"Since Western standards of gender equality have encroached the East, women in both Japan and China have had a much greater opportunity for education. This is evident in the sharply increased female enrollment at the university level in both powers."
"The glass ceiling for women not only exists for women in Japan and China, but also is still an issue in the United States. Nonetheless, there are increased opportunities within the work place due to higher academic achievement among Japanese and Chinese women. Women are now in government offices in both powers and greater opportunities will no doubt abound in time."
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"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter . . . and Spring", 2008.
A review of "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter . . . and Spring", a Korean film by directro Ki-duk Kim.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Ki-duk Kim's film "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter . . . and Spring". The paper holds that the film teaches the viewer a great deal about Buddhist philosophy, through everything from the scenery to the characters, including animals. The paper argues that the director is not always subtle about his Buddhist message. However, it concludes that he does seem to present a view of Buddhist philosophy that allows the viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Outline:
Summary
The Meaning of the Film
What the Film has Taught Me
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter . . . and Spring opens during the springtime at a floating temple on a lake set somewhere in Korea. This part of the movie features a small boy who is studying with the elderly monk who inhabits the temple. Although he is preparing to become a monk later in life, Ki-duk Kim shows the boy committing acts of cruelty against animals. The monk attempts to teach the boy respect for the natural world around them by assigning him a punishment for tying rocks to the animals. The monk's warning that the boy will carry a stone in his heart forever if he kills an animal, along with the punishment, sets a theme for the boy's mental state over the course of the movie. Animals, too, play a part throughout the film beginning with the animals being tormented and continuing through to the monk using the cat's tail to paint the characters of the sutra."
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China, 2008.
This paper discusses the role of government policy in attracting
foreign direct investment (FDI) in China.
2,860 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, with the advent of its reformist policies in the late 1970s, China opened what is potentially one of the world's large markets to foreign direct investment (FDI). The author points out that, initially, the government tried to draw that investment into areas that were familiar to emigres resulting in a spectacular influx of FDI. The paper reports that, in subsequent years, the government has attempted to redirect FDI to other areas, with much less success. The author points out that FDI is allocated through the decentralized, largely market-oriented mechanism, which supports the view that the Chinese central government has only a limited capacity to compel private groups and local governments to adhere to policies it believes are in the national interest The paper concludes that China has received a huge amount of FDI, which will have profound impacts on that country in the coming decades.
Table of Contents:
The Reform Period and Foreign Direct Investment
The Goals of Reform
China and FDI: The Initial Success
The Inability to Control Special Interests
The Lack of Social Embeddedness
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Indeed, the change was sufficiently sudden that in several instances, the ideological rationale for the change was not formulated until after markets were opened to foreign investment. The rationale for the new policy was reflected in several areas. In terms of economic development, the Chinese conceded that despite major gains, their economic condition was not improving at a rate comparable to that of other comparably situated countries. The new policies were advanced as allowing China to secure needed new sources of capital, advanced technology, advanced management skills."
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China: The Individual vs. Society, 2008.
This paper discusses the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976 in relation to Chinese society that always favoured the state or the society over the individual.
3,894 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 106.95
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Abstract
The paper illustrates how the Cultural Revolution showed continuity with the Chinese past, in that individuals were certainly expendable to the state in achieving group aims. The paper explains how Communist Chinese society would liquidate an educated, low middle class that posed no direct threat to the state or the position of Mao, but were convenient scapegoats for what Mao set out to achieve. Thus, the paper highlights how the individual did not matter at all; only the overall group objective.
Outline:
Introduction
The Unity of the People
Removing the Individual
Having the Answers
Mao as 'God'
Glorifying the Worker
The Cultural Revolution Generation
The Legacy of the Cultural Revolution
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"Chinese civilization has had repeated trouble in accommodating groups that are separate or somehow challenge centralized authority whose most recent form has been the government of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). When Emily Honig described the Subei before and after the 1949 Revolution she referred to a very visible instance of Chinese inequality. (1992) Honig wrote that "the dominance of Subei people in unskilled, low-paying jobs may obscure the equally important aspect of the work experience of Subei people in Shanghai - many never entered the formal labour market at all, or worked outside it." (281)"
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Foreign Direct Investment and Government Policy, 2008.
This paper explores the nature of the control that the Chinese government has over its economy, specifically, over foreign direct investments.
3,104 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 25 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly considers the "strong" versus the "weak" state-centered approaches and describes the various institutional arrangements which China instituted for allocating foreign direct investment (FDI). The paper looks at the evolution of China's regional development policy between the late 1970s and the present time. The paper then attempts to correlate the Chinese government's regional policy preferences to the allocation of FDI among the provinces. The paper concludes that the central government has only a limited capacity to compel private groups and local governments to adhere to policies it believes are in the national interest.
Outline:
The State Centered Approaches
Strong and Weak Versions
China: A Weak State-Centered Economy
China and FDI: The Initial Success
The Inability to Control Special Interests
The Lack of Social Embeddedness
The Failure of Redirection of FDI in China
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Does a modern government have the power to direct foreign capital investments, such as foreign direct investment (FDI), to particular regions which the government wishes to see developed? To ask this question is to ask if the politics of economic development in a given country is or is not "state-centered." To say that a nation can impose a state-centered approach to issues of economic development is to say that the government can assert authority over both the population it governs and also over actions that take place within its territory. In the modern world, foreign capital investment in developing countries has raised a serious challenge to the assumption that states do control what goes on within their territory."
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"McDonald's in Hong Kong", 2008.
A critical analysis of "McDonald's in Hong Kong" by James L. Watson.
752 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "McDonald's in Hong Kong" where James L. Watson explores whether Hong Kong's acceptance of McDonald's is evidence that Hong Kong's culture is under siege by the global culture. The paper looks at Watson's belief that the citizens of Hong Kong are not passive victims of McDonaldization but are actively exporting their own contributions to global culture. The paper is of the opinion that this work is worth reading for its insights into Hong Kong culture, but asserts that its conclusions do not seem to be warranted by the evidence presented.
From the Paper
"Watson concedes that McDonald's has enjoyed "roaring success" in Hong Kong, despite the fact that it offers traditional McDonald fare in a city where the residents have long enjoyed very different staple foods (Watson 125). However, he contends that the people have managed to do this without becoming any "less 'Chinese' than their grandfather" (Watson 125). (And presumably they are also just as Chinese as their grandmothers.) Indeed, he asserts that the question itself needs to be reframed in a way that takes cognisance of consumers' views. Using eye witness accounts of evolutions that McDonald's has undergone since it opened in Hong Kong in 1975, Watson shows how the locals have subtly changed the way that McDonald's is run, in such a way as to be more consistent with the way they perceive the world."
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Management Styles, 2008.
This paper analyzes the fundamental differences between management styles in western and eastern cultures.
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
The paper highlights three major differences between eastern and western cultures that affect management styles. The author reports that the philosophical underpinning of the west is based on rationality and maximizing self interest; whereas, eastern cultures focus on changing behaviors and circumstances for different behaviors. The paper states that western culture is focused on individuality and on proactive decision-making; however, eastern management styles are based on a strict manager-subordinate chain with more of a group oriented focus on the successful completion of tasks. The author points out that the eastern management style is more directive with workers expecting assigned tasks and clear directions; whereas, in western culture, the idea of initiative is praised and workers are expected to question assumptions, take risks and undertake tasks that were not necessarily assigned. The paper includes a graph and a table.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Management Styles in Western and Eastern Cultures
The Role of Culture in Business Management: Western versus Eastern Philosophies
Motivation and Performance Measures in Western and Eastern and Eastern Cultures
Western and Eastern Workers: Interactions with the Organization
Cultural Differences and Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On a practical note, Korn/Ferry International conducted a survey in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit and found that a vast amount of respondents (72%), saw the East as a major influence in the macro business environment, and were considered major players within the overall globalization process, as different geographic spheres became more integrated. However, the Eastern leaders were not considered particularly able to excel in the global market place (this excludes Japan); as only 20% of the respondents thought Eastern cultures were adaptive to the global business environment and practices."
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The Korean War, 2008.
This paper uses the primary paradigms in international relations to enhance our understanding of the Korean War.
3,502 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 98.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the Korean War through the lens of three of the major paradigms in international relations: realism, world society and theory of dependence. The paper shows how no one paradigm of international relations exactly fits all aspects of the Korean conflict. The paper explains how we must therefore consider a convergence of paradigms to fully understand this war.
Outline:
Introduction
The Primary Paradigms
The Korean War: A Realist Analysis
The Korean War: A Dependency Theory Analysis
The Korean War: World Society Theory
Analysis
From the Paper
"There exist a number of different paradigms to explain the events of the Korean War. The theoretical model of Realism has long been one of dominant theories of international relations, although as a formal school of thought it has only existed since the Second World War. The primary assumptions of this theoretical model is that the global political system is fundamentally anarchic in that nation-states are effectively sovereign with no check on their actions other than from other nation-states. The relations between these states is predicated on their differential power levels - state power being understood in military and economic terms - with each state pursuing its own national security and other interests."
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The Asian Financial Crisis, 2008.
This paper explores the causes of the Asian Financial crisis of 1997 and suggests preventative policies.
2,398 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and how its policies and oversights made problems worse in Southeast Asia and looks at Korea as an example. The paper looks briefly at the role of "crony capitalism" in Southeast Asia and focuses on Malaysia and Thailand in particular. The paper also examines structural factors, reviews the inherent irrationality of investors and explains the role of capital control regulations and premature liberalization in producing or deepening the crisis. The paper concludes that the IMF must allow developing nations to take matters into their own hands when looking at structural issues, while those countries must develop comprehensive oversight and "firewalls" that reduce cronyism and incompetence.
From the Paper
"The causes of the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 are too numerous to be easily synthesized into one neat capsule. Nonetheless, looking at the matter from afar, it appears as though there was excessive foreign borrowing, far too much over-lending (although it is not clear if this over-lending was domestic, it may be inferred that too much bank capital went towards dubious, speculative ventures) and such an over-reliance upon foreign capital that, when the industrial sector began to slow down, the outflow of foreign capital was utterly debilitating."
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USA and China Hostilities, 2008.
This paper addresses the issues of America's trade imbalance with China and China's industrial spying.
1,396 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses America's trade imbalance with China that is fueled by China's failure to prevent copyright infringement and the sale of counterfeit goods as well as China's artificial currency devaluation. The paper also looks at the issue of Chinese spies stealing industrial secrets from American and European firms. The paper provides suggestions for improvement and argues that America needs to peacefully use their economic position to force China to compete fairly. The paper asserts that America should use legal, diplomatic and media pressure to force China to behave ethically.
From the Paper
"The United States and China have a long history of hostility and distrust. In recent years this hostility has centered on several economic issues. These include America's trade imbalance with China, a deficit fueled in part by a huge Chinese market in pirated American intellectual property and brand name knock-offs. Further, U.S. and European firms claim that Chinese industrial spies have stolen technology for products ranging from computer chips to cruise missiles."
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The Chinese Communist Party, 2008.
This paper explores the role and nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the early 21st century.
2,614 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the ideas of Daniel C. Lynch in his article "Dilemmas of Thought Work in Fin de Siecle China", Gordon White in "Riding the Tiger" and Feng Chen in "Rebuilding the Party's Normative Authority." The paper discusses how these writers show that those who anticipated capitalism as the bringer of democracy did not understand the largely administrative but also intellectual role played by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as well as the low expectations of the Chinese regarding the CCP. The paper explains how all three articles show signs of the CCP attempting to show its sovereignty, but is challenged by ordinary Chinese indifference.
Outline:
Introduction
Daniel C. Lynch
Gordon White
Feng Chen
Analysis and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Daniel Lynch reviewed the nature of thought-work in the People's Republic of China (PRC) at the end of the 20th century and explained the failure of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to regain control over thought-work or to build the long promised socialist-spiritual civilization for which the Chinese masses were instructed to be patient, for so very long. Society and culture in the PRC have changed radically since the rise of Chinese capitalism in relation to the forces of Globalization. Gordon White wrote on ideological decay as one price of the Reform Era's economic and social changes, what seemed a mere shift to a mixed economy in 1978 taking on all sorts of mammoth changes through the later 1980s and 1990s to make much CCP ideology irrelevant. Feng Chen referred to the CCP as an institution that was under renovation and which described itself as the proper normative authority. However, as all three agree, the role of the CCP and Beijing has been more and more concerned with ordinary administration and laws and policies serving the all-important business sector."
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