Interdisciplinary Approach to International Relations Theory Essay

International relations is generally the study of foreign affairs and international issues among states within a global system. Here, the roles of the states, international agencies, and non-government organizations are analyzed using proper statistical techniques or induction methods. In the past, the study of IR theories was usually limited to geo-political variables (and some economic variables). Today, the approach to studying IR theories is essentially interdisciplinary in orientation and global in application. Total effects of different types of variables are generally taken into consideration. For example, Wallerstein’s creation of the world system theory was essentially based on two determinant variables: political power of states and economic bargaining power. Wallerstein argued that political power determines the global status of a particular state. Economic bargaining power determines the level of control of a particular state in the world economy. In an interdisciplinary approach, propositions from other legitimate field of subjects are usually taken into account. Academic propositions and hypotheses from other fields are given consideration for their explanatory value. Interdisciplinary approach to the study of IR theories provides a clear whole figure of global phenomena. In short, by expanding the bases of study, the predictive value of such approach increases. This, essentially, makes a particular IR theory to be self-sufficient and reliable. Does this make ‘understanding’ more complicated? In fact, an interdisciplinary approach to IR makes the whole analysis more simple and flexible. A person reading an IR theory or proposition can easily pinpoint the ‘observed possible causes’ of global events. In short, while an interdisciplinary approach broadens the analysis, it nevertheless gives a complete picture of a particular event. Hence, IR models become complicated without a possible loss on understanding. Therefore, it is possible to say that the level of abstract complications can result to a narrower form of analysis (wrong functional form). It is also to argue that the best IR models are the ones which take into account the existence of variables. The form first would be thoroughly examined before giving any prediction.

Medieval baghdad

Europe there was the Saxons, the Vikings and the franks, these were the three sides of conflict. Europe was filled with violence, illiterate people, superstition and no medical knowledge. They still believed that disease was caused by evil spirits or god(s).. The Islamic empire can reveal a respect for knowledge from all cultures; this made it significant. In their hospitals and pharmacies they would let anyone practice as a doctor. Also they would let anyone be a patient no matter what culture, country or religion. This reveals that the Islamic empire was religiously tolerant.It also is remarkable as the scholars were the first people to build hospitals with different wards for different illnesses. The scholars also collected knowledge from all countries and religions because it didn't what race you are, if you have new knowledge it was valuable. They collected knowledge from India, china, Greece, Italy, all over the empire: in fact it would take someone a whole year to go from one side of the empire to the other. This shows that they were willing to give up at least a year of their time to collect knowledge.Medieval Baghdad should be remembered for the contribution it made to our lives today. The scholars discoveries in medicine are still relevant today as they were the first people to do complicated surgeries. This includes cesareans and eye surgeries. What was remarkable was the fact that they had a 60% success rate on the eye surgeries. Our knowledge of medicinal practices would not be advanced if it were not for them. The scholars gathered information like a new way of writing numbers. This meant that they could write all the numbers from O to infinity with only 10 humbly.The person who did this was called AAA-Swarming. In fact we would not have any computerized technology without the numbers O or 1. This resulted in change as they found a whole new way Of writing numbers which actually made calculations easier. The layout of the city of Baghdad which had double walls and only certain places that you could enter inspired the design of the castles in Europe. Our castle would not the same in any way, shape or form if it were not for the architects designing the city of Baghdad.Also they would not have defended s well if it were not for them either. The reason we do not remember Baghdad for what it used to be is because there is no record of the books they wrote or that they collected the knowledge. Baghdad lost power over its empire as the smaller caliphs decided that they did not want to know more about science, math or astronomy. People called the Mongols destroyed the library which had held all of the books and knowledge that they had spent so long collecting.

Osim Marketing Communication Essay

Osim as a brand revolves around the mission of bringing the best experience of total wellbeing and living an inspiring life. Its values are uphold and practice through every customer interaction, products, stores and an in-depth knowledge of a holistic health. Osim, with over 30 years of experience has been the global leader in branded healthy lifestyle products. Osim continues to strive for developing innovative and reliable lifestyle products to achieve a healthier lifestyle and wellbeing. For a relax and relief experience, users can choose from massage chairs, massage sofas, leg massagers, upper body massagers, handheld massagers , eye massagers and neck pillow. Slim belts and pulse massagers helps one to get tone and shape. In line with its mission of providing a holistic lifestyle, health related products like blood pressure monitor, air purifiers humidifier water purifier and vacuum cleaners are also part of its extensive product range. The launch of Osim Uphoria as the world 1st Tui Na massager amongst more than 10 other different products of functionality had once again propel them as the global leader in providing a holistic lifestyle to its consumers. International celebrity, Joey Yung, was chosen to endorse Osim Uphoria in a TVC shoot. Osim has strategically ride on Joey Yung diva persona where she is notably famous in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore to promote Osim Uphoria as their advertising strategy. Catching up with the internet marketing trend, Osim has created a blog dedicated to its product. osiminspiringlife.wordpress.com can be founded on, google, yahoo and baidu which are the major search engines for their target audience. To combat the Singapore’s market, Osim also created â€Å"osim sg channel† on youtube. Lastly, publicity efforts can be seen in the mentions of celebrity bloggers Darren Ang and Denise making a review for Osim Uphoria. Forums like â€Å" cozycot â€Å" was also commenting on the product. Osim Uphoria has also gain media coverage at Singapore Pavillion at World Expo. Island wide Osim stores also launch promotions with its usual price of SGD 798 Dollars to SGD 698 Dollars. Osim uPebble was put at a package to engage its consumer to buy. Tactics of free delivery and free one year warranty was put into the mix as a complete well worth it package. Competitor Review OTO Bodycare is the key competitor for Osim which doing the same concept as them. There are other competitor too such as Ogawa Pte Ltd. OTO Power Foot has the same focus with OSIM Uphoria leg massager but is less attractive. Reason being it has less features and the price is slightly higher. The machine can be used in various positions – sitting on a chair, standing up, sitting on the floor and lying down. ‘From the last two positions, my thighs were also massaged, but it was rather awkward and uncomfortable’, herworldplus.com. (November 2011) The promotional mix used by OTO to promote Power Foot massager is by using advertising, internet marketing, sales promotion and product awareness. A youtube video showing the OTO power foot demo, brings awareness to the public and also advertising. For sales promotion wise, since Chinese New Year is coming, consumers may get attracted by the lucky draw contest for anyone who spend at least SGD$128. (facebook.com/OTO.Bodycare.sg) Also, with any purchase of OTO products, customer may enjoy a discount for OTO Power Flex at $298 which is worth $538. Ministry of Education Sports & Recreational Club, MERSC, receive free delivery for product worth $300 or more. (mesrc.net, Jan 2013) Overall, OTO promotional mix is mainly focus in general but not on the Power Foot itself. Therefore, in the next topic, we will compare the difference between OTO and OSIM promotional strategies to see which is much attractive. Differences & Evaluation Similarities Both company took advantage of the upcoming festive season which is Chinese New Year to promote and increase their sales. For social media, they use Facebook and YouTube to communicate and build more awareness towards consumers. Differences OSIM put more effort in advertising and promotions. In their website, there’s one button solely for promotion products and the price are also being stated. By doing so, consumer able to meet their budget and make fast decision. Regular article updates on OSIM blog had make it attractive towards consumer to find out more details about their product and event. OSIM invite celebrities Kim Ng to come down and promote their product during the roadshow at Junction 8.(osiminspiringlife.wordpress.com, Jan 2013) Whereby OTO, they only did a simple roadshow to promote their product. OSIM International is better in promotional strategy? Based on my research and views between OSIM and OTO, I would strongly agree that OSIM International is better in promotional strategy wise. Reason is OSIM had put more efforts in terms of promotional strategy which had their brand recognize in Singapore. Trusted and reliable is the first impression they make towards me when I browse their website. I can find every details I need about them in their website. Whereby OTO website is simple and unattractive compared to OSIM. Reason is when a consumer is interested to buy a product, the first question they want to know is how much does it cost. At OTO website, they did not state the price for every product and expect consumer to visit their shop or make a call. This will delay the time and will lower the level of interest towards the product. OSIM had make a good approach towards social media. I would say that OSIM is has more reputable level then OTO as they had built trust towards consumers mind in Singapore. A positive review stated by a customer saying that they are satisfied with OSIM products and services. (yelp.com, 6/9/2012) Recommendation to improve OTO promotional strategy -improvement towards their website This way they can attract more customers and build reputable brand. -improve their brand awareness Make a regular publicity stunt that attract large group of people. Use Google Adword to make it at the top search in the web. -focus more on public relations Make a charitable contribution towards community to create awareness. Write and update articles regularly so that customer may know the latest product launch or any promotions. Reference list: – http://www.herworldplus.com/solutions/road-test/solutions-road-test-product-reviewfootmassagers (retrieved on November 2, 2011) – https://www.facebook.com/OTO.Bodycare.Sg#!/OTO.Bodycare.Sg – http://www.mesrc.net/oto-bodycare-cny-promotions-valid-till-27-jan-2013 (retrieved on 20 November 2012) – http://osiminspiringlife.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/behind-the-scenes-with%e8%b4%a2%e7%a5%9e%e7%88%b7-and-kym-ng/ (retrieved on Jan 22, 2013) – http://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/osim-singapore-6 (retrieved on September 6, 2012)

Write a memo describing how to make right business decisions for Essay

Write a memo describing how to make right business decisions for senior managers - Essay Example Timing – this is one of the most important aspects in decision making. No matter how right a decision may seem to be if its timing was wrong, then the decision is also wrong to the extent of its wrong timing (Zaratà ©, 2008). An example is timing when investing in the stock market. The simple rule known by all is ‘buy low, sell high’. This not withstanding, many still miss the point and majority loses a great deal basically due to wrong timing. Prices for stock can be low but that does not necessarily mean it is the right time to buy that particular stock. The same case applies where prices are high where this also does not imply it is the right time to sell. This is more of a norm rather than the rule. This scenario also applies elsewhere. Tailoring – under this criterion the fundamental reality of situations and circumstances is that no single one is identical to the other. This therefore calls for senior managers to make decisions that serve the uniqueness of each situation. Lack of tailoring in making decisions is tantamount to absent mindedness thus bad decisions made. History – decisions and their outcomes give a hint on how successful a decision can be. Looking back to similar decisions made in similar circumstances is therefore important to predict the likely outcome. A senior manager should therefore make decisions basing this on history of similar approaches’ success or failure of others. Hoch (2004) says that in order to ensure that a good decision is made all the above have to work together since each situation needs its good timing, it is unique in its own sense therefore the need to have the decision tailored to fit its uniqueness and its history should be sort to predict success. When I was an employee at one of petroleum companies the branch manager then was faced with a looming shortage from the headquarters out of national oil crisis. He made

Assess the impact of ideology on the (United Kingdom) Coalition Essay

Assess the impact of ideology on the (United Kingdom) Coalition government elected in May 2010 - Essay Example To understand how the ideologies of political parties in the UK affect the present coalition governance it will be necessary to define political ideology based on the UK situation, their development over the years and therefore how they affect people, societies and governance in the land. Political ideology like any other form of ideology will have as part of its components a definition of the cognitive values (expression of knowledge and doctrines), intended effects on the subjects’ feelings, the definition of norms and system of judgment through its valuation criteria, plans and action points and lastly its social base. These are what the main political parties in the UK strive to monitor in order to achieve the support of groups and collectivities. For a government to run smoothly there has to be agreement among the members in the government to a common ideology. However in cases where parties are forced to come together in form of coalitions to form government then comprom ises are sought in the ideologies (Ball, 1987 p 1-3). This is quite a challenge in a case where the ideological differences are sharp and incompatible. In assessment of the state of the UK coalition government formed following the may 2010 general election, political ideologies of the constituent parties are found to have a major contribution on governance of the country. In this paper we seek to give an assessment of the effects of ideology of the constituents of the coalition on governance by first assessing the ideologies of individual major in the UK namely the Conservatives, the Labor Party and the Liberal Democrats. The paper will further consider how the ideologies affect governance in the coalition through analysis of opinions. The role of political parties in the UK Political parties in the UK are charged by the electorate and members with the important role of governance through direct formation of government as the ruling party or as a check to the government as backbench ers or the opposition party. In cases where no particular winner is obtained as the case in the 2010 general elections, the parties agree to form a coalition government. Other functions of political parties in the UK can be summarized as: 1. Development of particular party ideological positions. 2. Facilitation of political education while encouraging participation by party members and the electorate in political processes. 3. Formulation of individual policies that are combined to form a coherent political program implemented in case the party forms government. 4. Oversee political elections at all levels (local, national and regional) 5. Represent political, social, economic and cultural interests of supporters though ensuring they are elected to the Legislature as the ruling party 6. Institutionalization of conflict by providing mechanisms of peaceful conflict resolution in the political system From this checklist it can be understood why party ideals are an important element in the UK political systems because of their deterministic role in the success of governance. An overview of political ideology of political parties in the UK For the purpose of this assessment we shall consider the three major parties namely: the Conservative, the Labor party, and the Liberal D