Innovation in Business Development

Innovation refers to a new method of handling processes. An innovative business seeks to create or develop new ideas with the aim of making a niche in the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Innovation in Business Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implies that innovation plays a very important role in the development of businesses across the globe. In any case, contemporary economies demand dynamism that can only be attained trough innovative processes. This paper explores the roles of innovation in the growth and development of a business entity. Strategic planning and creation of wealth Innovation lays the platform for strategic planning and creation of wealth in a business entity (Kindstrà ¶m, Kowalkowski, 2014). It is crucial to mention that strategic planning is central to the work of an organization. Without a strategic framework, it may not be possible to understand the position and d irection being taken by an organization. Strategic planning is designed to prepare strategic options in order to successfully implement the strategy set by the decision maker. Different options are available to the decision-maker and the option selected is sent to different managers in order to be translated into business terms through operational planning. The manner in which organizations are managed in the contemporary works is rapidly changing. The increasing complexity of the environment requires decision makers to have proper anticipation. New technologies and management methods ought to be adapted. Through innovation, corporate governance spurred by the systemic and effective leadership can facilitate the growth if an organization. Thus, governance is no longer attached to the only goals of short-term profitability, but is fully consistent with the overall concept of sustainable development. An innovative business should embrace performance management and steering in order to implement a strategic planning process. Innovation assists in setting the strategic vision of a business and constantly adapts then overall strategic indicators to achieve the strategic objective.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the absence of innovation, strategic planning can be a rigid tool that seeks to foresee growth since it may leave the decision maker surprised by the unexpected occurrences. A strategic planning process that is too rigid may always lead to strategic break because it probably lacks an innovative idea. Undeniably, an innovative strategic planning has its virtues in the planning of business activities and designing growth agenda of an organization for a â€Å"desirable future†. The objectives set for the future cannot be easily attained if innovation is absent. An innovative process of strategic planning is an indispensable tool for the decis ion-maker in an organization. It concerns the determination of the overall objectives of the company and the long-term commitment. It is prudent to note that the operational planning refers to the allocation of resources for each function of an organization. Any planning process is formalized using methodologies that emphasize efficient decision-making that eventually contributes to the gradual and successful construction of a business plan. When innovation is put into consideration during strategic planning, it can be helpful in understanding the purpose and long-term strategic goals of a business unit. An innovative strategic planning has yet another benefit. It plays a mobilizing and stimulating role. Among its key factors of success is the necessary adhesion of managers (Broring Herzog, 2008). Hence, it is essential that they are involved in developing the plan and adhere to its letter and spirit. Competitive advantage Innovation is also instrumental in boosting the competitive advantage of a firm. Theorized by Michael Porter in 1985 in an eponymous book, competitive advantage is the element that fundamentally differentiates the offer of a company relative to its competitors, and therefore constitutes its power of differentiation (McAdam, Reid Mitchell, 2010). The strategy implemented by a company must contribute to the creation and the sustainability of this advantage. Besides, an absolute advantage gives the company a dominant position which it may be tempted to abuse within the limits of the law. Five forces were defined by the author in 1979 and are a clear depiction of how innovation can be beneficial to an organization (Rae, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Innovation in Business Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More While the concept of Porter Five Forces initially targeted the growth factors of an organisation, it is also used extensively to characterize the adva ntage of a geographic area of ​​a country or an individual. The sustainability of competitive advantage is related to the establishment of barriers that are similar to distinctive competencies. Favorable historical conditions, causal ambiguity, the quality of relationships within an organization serve to engender heterogeneity of skills within the business sector and maintains the sustainability of competitive advantage (Broring Herzog, 2008). Comparative advantage and competitive advantage should not be misconstrued when it comes to the roles and benefits of innovation in a business. Generally, a competitive advantage that has been curved out of an innovative mind generates a lot of value in a business. Innovation is key to a favourable sales performance when marketing goods and services. This argument is particularly true when competitive advantage results from a differentiation strategy. For example, in the case of the so-called â€Å"top† differentiation, à ¢â‚¬Å"price / quality† ratio increases due to an increase in the quality perceived as more than proportional to the corresponding increase of price. The comparative advantage is often the result of a strategic and innovative differentiation during the process of generating value (Belenzon Berkovitz 2010, p.520). The latter allows a differentiation strategy and the buying value to increase. In most cases, comparative advantage does not lead to a differentiation of the offer if management teams fail to devise innovative measures towards the same process. Innovation enhances business focus An innovative business is usually motivated to remain on track irrespective of the severe and difficult times. Hence, it is necessary for a business entity to continually invest in innovation and communication in order to withstand hard or challenging economic times. When the 2007/2008 recession struck, several businesses were negatively affected by the economic downturn. However, businesses t hat were innovative enough withstood the rough times and remained on the right course of growth and development.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Innovation and assessing the business situation In times of crisis, the internal environment of the company becomes a sensitive issue since trust in management is crucial. Competitors are unequally equipped to face the challenges especially as the market changes and new trends emerge. Brands and their priorities change as well (Cassia, De Massis Pizzurno 2012, p. 231). However, innovation plays a major role of reinventing business skills and tactics. For instance, communication should be changed accordingly in order to match the growth prospects of a business. In tense period, consistent messaging is crucial. If corrections are not revolutionary in practice, customers’ expectations may not be met as anticipated. By optimizing communication media and centralizing management, significant annual savings and increased efficiency can be attained with a lot of ease (Maslova, 2013). Innovation and brand management The brand image of a business organization is a vital marketing fact or that cannot be ignored by contemporary firms. This implies that branding should be done in an innovative manner. A well innovated brand increases the net value of a business. Moreover, innovation enhances close positioning between brands of the same portfolio. There are also a number of innovative attributes that strengthen and promote the brand of a business organisation (Mullins, 2010). Business managers can make the right decisions on the maintenance of a brand or changing its position in the market if dynamic innovation is embraced all the time. Knowledge of the value placed by the customers to the brand is a vital lever to make the right choices. This explains why innovation can be used to streamline business portfolio at any given time during the lifetime of its operations (Rajala, Westerlund Mà ¶ller, 2012). Innovation promotes effective marketing Optimizing the web presence of a business is one of the innovative marketing tools that contemporary organisations employ. To ugh times are an opportunity to review the policy of Internet and virtual communication. Internet is a major tool of accessing to information. In addition, Internet tools have the advantage of flexibility, segmentation or personalization in real time with techniques that are becoming increasingly dynamic (Doppelt, 2010). Markets continually expect and fear an economic slowdown. However, not all companies suffer as a result of poor economic performance (Holtzman, 2008). Managers who see an opportunity and vividly understand how to capitalise on their brand often succeed in forging a vibrant competitive both in the medium and long term. However, establishing a web presence with lasting impact requires an innovative mind. One of the benefits of an innovative online presence is the reduction of exorbitant promotion and high advertising costs. Lack of innovation can lead to millions of investment in marketing (Mieres, Sà ¡nchez Vijande, 2012). In the laws of competition and saturation of markets, business managers may sometimes be compelled to work with the available resources. Since return on investment is not always an obvious occurrence, it is the responsibility of business managers to come up with measures that can cushion their organisations against unprecedented losses (Campbell, Edgar Stonehouse, 2011). Rigorous but effective marketing campaigns designed from innovation can minimise the chances of financial loss on investments. Innovation defines the strategy of a firm It is obviously not possible to achieve objectives without a set strategy. Innovation is a precursor to strategy. Having a strategy in place assists in identifying essential actions that can boost turnover and retain key customers. Focusing on the customer base of a business may be more profitable than seeking new customers (Lin 2008, p.69). Hence, customers who are loyal to a firm should be retained as much as possible. A business process that is innovative enough can attract and retain cu stomers. For example, innovation should be used by managers to meet the changing tastes and preferences of customers. Through innovation, managers are in a vantage position to: Focus on current customers. Optimize and circumscribe the services already offered to their best satisfaction. Extend the benefits offered to customers since they are able to optimize sales from repeat customers Focus on the media and be able to reach their targets Adopt a concise and effective operational marketing (Kindstrà ¶m Kowalkowski 2014, p.98) It is always better to build a business strategy around what will work best after the elements of innovation have been applied to the letter. Innovation cab also be instrumental in shaping the relationship between customers and a business enterprise when the needs of the former are met as per the expectations. When relating with customers, direct communication should be chosen and adopted. Direct communication allows a business entity to meet the needs of c ustomers in order to satisfy them (Belenzon Berkovitz 2010, p.519). Innovation also ensures a thorough and effective control of marketing activities in a firm. Control may not necessarily entail checking if the costs of a given transaction are reasonable. It also involves evaluating actions to determine which ones are not worth the process so that they can be separated from those that are most effective (Lasserre, 2012). In conclusion, innovation and positive business development cannot be separated from each other. New ideas are required all the time for business growth. Owing to strong competition in the modern markets, businesses are being compelled to devise their development chains on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, the natural laws and factors that affect demand and supply cannot permit static strategies. Dynamic business ideas are fundamental. This calls for innovation throughout the lifetime of a business organisation. Furthermore, customers’ tastes and prefere nces are always changing. Unless a business unit remains focussed on these needs through innovation, return on investment cannot be guaranteed. References Belenzon, S. Berkovitz, T. 2010, â€Å"Innovation in Business Groups†, Management Science, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 519-535. Broring, S. Herzog, P. 2008, â€Å"Organising new business development: open innovation at Degussa†, European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 330-348. Campbell, D., Edgar, D. Stonehouse, G 2011, Business Strategy: An Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Cassia, L., De Massis, A. Pizzurno, E. 2012, â€Å"Strategic innovation and new product development in family firms†, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Research, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 198-232. Doppelt, B 2010, Leading change toward sustainability: a change-management guide for business, government and civil society, Greenleaf E-book, Sheffield. Holtzman, Y. 2008, â€Å"Innovation in research and development: tool of strategic growth†, The Journal of Management Development, vol. 27, no. 10, pp. 1037-1052. Kindstrà ¶m, D. Kowalkowski, C. 2014, â€Å"Service innovation in product-centric firms: a multidimensional business model perspective†, The Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 96-111. Lasserre, P 2012, Global Strategic Management 3rd ed, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Lin, H. 2008, â€Å"Empirically testing innovation characteristics and organizational learning capabilities in e-business implementation success†, Internet Research, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 60-78. Maslova, N.V. 2013, â€Å"Impact of Risk on Entrepreneurial Activity in the Small Innovation Business†. Varazdin Development and Entrepreneurship Agency, p. 68. McAdam, R., Reid, R. Mitchell, N. 2010, â€Å"Longitudinal development of innovation implementation in family-based SMEs†, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Research, vol. 1 6, no. 5, pp. 437-456. Mieres, C.G., Sà ¡nchez, J.à .L. Vijande, M.L.S. 2012, â€Å"Internal Marketing, Innovation and Performance in Business Services Firms: The Role of Organizational Unlearning†, International Journal of Management, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 403-429. Mullins, L 2010, Management Organisational Behaviour, 9th ed., Pearson Education, Harlow. Rae, D 2007, Entrepreneurship From Opportunity To Action, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Rajala, R., Westerlund, M. Mà ¶ller, K. 2012, â€Å"Strategic flexibility in open innovation – designing business models for open source software†, European Journal of Marketing, vol. 46, no. 10, pp. 1368-1388. This essay on Innovation in Business Development was written and submitted by user Brayden Meadows to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Media Studies Coursework

Media Studies Coursework Media Studies Coursework Media Studies Coursework Writing Strategies By definition, media studies is a discipline which deals with three aspects of different media, including content, history and effects. If you are writing a media studies coursework, it means that you have to explore one of those aspects in relation to the specific medium, for example, the internet or the newspaper. The subjects in media study vary in their theoretical and practical focuses, but most media studies coursework projects can be divided into three categories: Criticism of the styles and forms Investigation of the production process Sociological analysis of the media As these three elements suggestion, media studies integrate different sciences and humanities, with many disciplines overlapping. Nevertheless, while writing media studies coursework you should be careful not to confuse the assignment with sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, communication studies, or any other related and yet different discipline. Media Studies Coursework: Things to Consider Media studies coursework writing should include the following: Critical and yet creative analysis and research into existing or new forms of media (for example, the internet vs. print media). It is highly recommended to emphasize the emerging digital media and its role in todays world of media communications For example, you may explore how the emergence of digital media has changed the world we live in You may also discuss the role of media in history of humankind and the overall social progress Your media studies coursework may be purely theoretical in nature: You may explore the impact on media on contemporary life or image a situation when there are no media at all You may offer your individual perception of the specific media or look at how different people use media You may write an effective media studies coursework on the ethics and effects of media on society, public opinion Also, your media studies coursework may be devoted to examination of the relations between the law and media Custom Media Studies Coursework Writing If you have no time to devote to writing media studies coursework, if you want to get an original and relevant coursework written from scratch, if you want to cooperate with professional coursework writers online, you have a unique opportunity to try our legitimate, customized, and absolutely confidential writing services. We will write your coursework from scratch, provide free cover page and outline, ensure proper referencing, and provide free revisions upon your request. We deliver written coursework projects on time and we do not plagiarize. Related posts: Help Assignment Favorite Season Essays Essay Help Essay Assignment Descriptive Essays

Maurice De Vlaminck - Artist Profile

Maurice De Vlaminck - Artist Profile Movement, Style, School or Type of Art: Fauvism is the movement with which Vlaminck will always be most closely associated. However, Fauvism was a very short movement and the artist had a very long career. His work briefly leaned towards Cubism (which he professed to loathe) prior to World War I; afterwards it settled into an Expressionistic style that Vlaminck maintained for the rest of his life. The important thing to remember is that, regardless of which labels we now assign to his work, he (a self-taught artist) operated instinctively. He didnt and wouldnt care what we call his approachhe was simply being true to his gut. Date and Place of Birth: April 4, 1876, Paris Maurice was born to two musicians: Edmond Julien de Vlaminck, his father, was a pianist, violinist and tenor. His mother, Josephine Grillet, who was from Lorraine, was also a pianist. Because the artist grew up in this household, music came as naturally to him as breathing. In the early years of his adult life, he was able to help support his young family by taking on violin students and getting the occasional paying gig. But, even though it was second-nature, music never lit the fires of passion in Vlaminck that visual art did. Early Life: Young Maurice didnt have the benefit of a top-drawer education, but he was intellectually curious, emotionally fearless and physically imposing. Vlaminck grew to be a tall, strong, red-haired man prone to wearing loud colors and a gaudy wooden necktie. He married for the first time in his teens and worked (in addition to giving music lessons) to support his wife and daughters as a wrestler, billiards shooter, mechanic, laborer and professional cyclist before a bout with typhus weakened him. He also discovered that he could write, and penned several risquà © novelsanything to pay the bills. How He Came to Art: Vlaminck had taken a smattering of drawing classes and tried his hand at painting, but it was a chance incident that reportedly led him to make art his career. While serving his mandatory 3-year military obligation, he met the painter Andrà © Derain in 1900, when the train on which both men were riding derailed. A lifelong friendship was struck, as well as a deal to share a studio in Chatou. It was in this picturesque Seine valley villagepreviously popular with the Impressioniststhat Vlaminck began painting in earnest. (Never a thought towards selling, mind you. He quite simply was overcome by the urge to paint.) When Art Noticed Him: Vlaminck attended a Parisian van Gogh exhibition in 1901 and was blown away by Vincents color choices. At this same show, Derain introduced his studio mate to Henri Matisseperhaps the most bold colorist to ever hold a brush. Vlaminck absorbed these options, and spent the next few years pouring riotously-hued landscapes back out onto canvas. Convinced by Derain and Matisse to show, Vlaminck began exhibiting with them in 1904. The 1905 Salon dAutomne exhibition was where the trio and a few other like minded artists received the (snarky) moniker fauves (wild beasts) from the art critic Louis Vauxcelle. Ironically, the indifferent-to-sales Vlaminck began to sell any- and everything he painted, so in demand were the canvases of this wild beast. After meeting Paul Cà ©zanne, Vlamincks work took a turn towards balancing color with more structured compositions. He is best known today for his Fauvism perioda span of no more than seven years. Vlamincks later work (the bulk of his career) continued to concentrate on color, sell well and be seen in exhibitions that he did not attend. In addition to painting, he produced some fine lithographs, etchings and woodcuts, and authored and illustrated a number of books. Important Works: Man Smoking a Pipe, 1900Portrait of Derain, 1905Potato Pickers, 1905-07Self Portrait, 1912The Red Tractor, 1956 Date and Place of Death: October 11, 1958, Rueil-la-Gadelià ¨re, Eure-et-Loir, France Vlaminck apparently expended most of the drama in his life on his paintings. He died peacefully of old age at La Tourillià ¨re, the farmhouse he bought in 1925. How To Pronounce Vlaminck: vlah ·mink This is the French pronunciation of the Belgian spelling of Vlaming, more commonly known as Fleming (person from Flanders) in the English-speaking world. Quotes From Maurice de Vlaminck: Good painting is like good cooking; it can be tasted, but not explained.I heightened all my tone values and transposed into an orchestration of pure color with every single thing I felt. I was a tender-hearted savage filled with violence. I translated what I saw instinctively, without any method, and conveyed truth, not so much artistically but humanely.I seem initially to have followed Fauvism, and then to have followed in Cà ©zannes footsteps. WhateverI do not mind ... as long as first of all I remained Vlaminck. Sources and Further Reading Derain, Andrà ©. Lettres Vlaminck.Paris : Flammarion, 1955. Rewald, John. Vlaminck (1876-1958) His Fauve Period (1903-1907).New York : Perls Galleries, 1968.Buy Direct Selz, Jean. Vlaminck.New York : Crown Publishers, 1963.Buy Direct Selz, Jean. Vlaminck, Maurice deGrove Art Online. Oxford University Press, 7 November 2008.Read a review of Grove Art Online. Vlaminck, Maurice de. Vlaminck, Master of Graphic Art: A RetrospectiveExhibition of Graphic Works, 1905-1926 (exh. cat.).Chicago : R. S. Johnson-International Gallery, 1975. Walterskirchen, Katalin De. Maurice De VlaminckCatalogue Raisonne De Loeuvre Grave.Paris : Flammarion, 1974.Buy Direct Go to Artist Profiles: Names beginning with V or Artist Profiles: Main Index

Edward Bellamy, Looking Backward novel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Edward Bellamy, Looking Backward novel - Essay Example In a careful analysis of the novel, it becomes lucid that Bellamy's bipolar society is partially organized by scientific-technical reason and partially devoted to the pensively rational pursuit of freedom and individuality. Therefore, the author makes use of scientific-technical means to solve the social problem of scarcity through high levels of political centralization and a willingness to assimilate the machine culture. Thus, Looking Backward is one of the best known films of this sub-genre and arguably the best in terms of literary merit and wholeness of conception and vision. In the novel, Bellamy's society is bipolar in nature as it incorporates scientific-technical reason although it is devoted to the pensively rational pursuit of freedom and individuality. However, this scientific-technological advance has not come to pass by 2009, even in modified form, as either socialism or capitalism does not give room for this bipolarity in the 20th Century. Bellamy's concept that such a society would result with high levels of political centralization and a willingness to 'fit in' with the machine culture proved to be wrong. The main reason for the lack of this scientific-technological solution is that Bellamy's society is bipola

Finance and Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Finance and Accounting - Essay Example According to most business firms, the definition employed by COSO relates to the aggregate control system of an organization. This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the forms of documentation presented by auditors. In most organizations, the auditors obtain information regarding the internal control of an organization and summarize the information in a form of documentation. In most instances, they use questionnaires, flowcharts, written narratives in order to present their findings. For example, an internal control questionnaire contains questions regarding the organization. In this form of documentation, negative responses signify weakness while positive answers signify the strengths of the organization. Questionnaires are normally easy to use. Furthermore, they cover a wide a topic of discussion. Contrarily, questionnaires are not flexible, and they may also require assistance while filling the answers (Giove 44). This proves that questionnaires are somewhat time-consuming and ineffective. A written narrative can also be used in the description of the main transaction cycles in an organization. Written narratives have also proved to have both merits and demerits. For instance, a written narrative substantially enhances the understanding of the personnel of the organization. However, this method is time-consuming and presents a difficulty of clear clarification of the content (Giove 45). Lastly, flowcharts can be described as diagrammatic representations of documents and procedures in a sequential manner.

Sustainable Agriculture: The Ethical Choice for the Future Essay

Sustainable Agriculture: The Ethical Choice for the Future Thesis: The idea of sustainable agriculture is a legitimate, logical, and necessary approach to the new concerns and problems stemming from current agricultural trends in light of impending global food shortages and rapid depletion of natural resources. Introduction Agriculture has been a principal source of obtaining food to meet basic needs of humans for thousands of years. More recently, with the industrialization of agriculture, increased efficiency, and a decreased need for small rural farmers, there has been a resulting disconnect of consumers to the process in which their food is produced. As we are embarking on a new century, there is growing concern that perhaps our industrialized agriculture system is not functioning as effectively as it has in the past. It is time that we move to adopt a new paradigm as we realize the effects of modern agriculture on our environment, economic viability, and social justice issues, in light of the impending global food shortage. According to John Ikerd from the University of Missouri, traditional agriculturists currently foresee a continued trend toward fewer, larger, and more specialized production units. They see current trends continuing until a half-dozen or so multinational corporations control vir tually all processing and distribution of agricultural commodities in a single global food and fiber market. With this movement continuing as it is now â€Å"there will be increasing reliance on biological technologies and information technologies at all levels within the global agricultural system. Forecasts of the continued industrialization of agriculture permeate both professional agricultural publications and the popular... ...orld today. It is the ethical choice for those of us concerned with the well-being of future generations and the rural communities today. Works Cited Hassanein, Neva. Changing the Way America Farms. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, 1999. Bird, Elizabeth Ann R., et al. Planting the Future. Iowa State University Press, Ames, 1995. Pretty, Jules N. Regenerating Agriculture. Joseph Henry Press, Washington D.C., 1995. â€Å"Why so much controversy over Genetically Modified Organisms?† October 25, 2003. <http://www.cimmyt.cgiar.org/ABC/10-FAQaboutGMOs/htm/10-FAQaboutGMOs.htm>. Ikerd, John. "Sustainable Agriculture: A Positive Alternative to Industrial Agriculture" October 25, 2003 <http://www.ssu.missouri.edu/faculty/jikerd/papers/ks-hrtld.htm >. â€Å"Disadvantages of No-Till† October 25, 2003. <http://pas.byu.edu/AgHrt282/Tillage/sld023.htm> Sustainable Agriculture: The Ethical Choice for the Future Essay Sustainable Agriculture: The Ethical Choice for the Future Thesis: The idea of sustainable agriculture is a legitimate, logical, and necessary approach to the new concerns and problems stemming from current agricultural trends in light of impending global food shortages and rapid depletion of natural resources. Introduction Agriculture has been a principal source of obtaining food to meet basic needs of humans for thousands of years. More recently, with the industrialization of agriculture, increased efficiency, and a decreased need for small rural farmers, there has been a resulting disconnect of consumers to the process in which their food is produced. As we are embarking on a new century, there is growing concern that perhaps our industrialized agriculture system is not functioning as effectively as it has in the past. It is time that we move to adopt a new paradigm as we realize the effects of modern agriculture on our environment, economic viability, and social justice issues, in light of the impending global food shortage. According to John Ikerd from the University of Missouri, traditional agriculturists currently foresee a continued trend toward fewer, larger, and more specialized production units. They see current trends continuing until a half-dozen or so multinational corporations control vir tually all processing and distribution of agricultural commodities in a single global food and fiber market. With this movement continuing as it is now â€Å"there will be increasing reliance on biological technologies and information technologies at all levels within the global agricultural system. Forecasts of the continued industrialization of agriculture permeate both professional agricultural publications and the popular... ...orld today. It is the ethical choice for those of us concerned with the well-being of future generations and the rural communities today. Works Cited Hassanein, Neva. Changing the Way America Farms. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, 1999. Bird, Elizabeth Ann R., et al. Planting the Future. Iowa State University Press, Ames, 1995. Pretty, Jules N. Regenerating Agriculture. Joseph Henry Press, Washington D.C., 1995. â€Å"Why so much controversy over Genetically Modified Organisms?† October 25, 2003. <http://www.cimmyt.cgiar.org/ABC/10-FAQaboutGMOs/htm/10-FAQaboutGMOs.htm>. Ikerd, John. "Sustainable Agriculture: A Positive Alternative to Industrial Agriculture" October 25, 2003 <http://www.ssu.missouri.edu/faculty/jikerd/papers/ks-hrtld.htm >. â€Å"Disadvantages of No-Till† October 25, 2003. <http://pas.byu.edu/AgHrt282/Tillage/sld023.htm>

Swaziland

Swaziland Death tolls in Swaziland continue to rise while mounting pressure of the economy and lack of control brings Swaziland to the brink of disaster. Bordered between South Africa and Mozambique, Swaziland is a tiny country that contains 1. 2 million citizens. This country was promised independence by the British in the late 19th century. It was then granted to Swaziland in 1968. The current leader of Swaziland is King Mwsati III and the Deputy Prime Minister is Themba Masuka. While balancing a monarchy government and a crippled economy, King Mwsati is trying everything in his power to get Swaziland back on track.The death toll of HIV/AIDS is getting worse because of the lack of money the government funds to help prevent this deadly disease. Due to the consistent low Gross Domestic Product Swaziland receives each year, the government struggles to provide money which could help the country by offering education, treatment, and medicine. HIV/AIDS has taken over almost the entire co untry of Swaziland’s 1. 2 million citizens. Swaziland’s biggest problem continues to be the extremely high death toll due to a disease known as HIV/AIDS. According to Avert. om, â€Å"HIV is a virus that can only infect human beings†. This virus weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight diseases and continues to reproduce throughout the entire human body, if it goes untreated. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection. You retain the disease when your immune system is not working properly, or in other words, when your immune system becomes ‘deficient’. This disease can spread dramatically through contact with an affected person’s body fluids from sharing hypodermic needles associated with drugs.Currently in Swaziland, about three in every one hundred people are infected with HIV and about seven thousand people die each year. More than seventy thousand children have been orphaned throughout the country because they have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The Swaziland government is trying everything in their power to limit this virus, but they cannot fulfill their plans due to stubborn people or lack of money the country inherits. As the current economic conditions worsen, the ability to assist those with HIV/Aids becomes difficult due to the lack of food and water.People have resorted to eating cow dung for nourishment as they need to have food when they take their medicine. With water being limited, due to the constant droughts; they have turned towards drinking the urine of animals. This has made it even more difficult for the government to assist. Swaziland is a small nation struggling for growth in their economy. Currently, Swaziland’s GDP has only increased by 0. 3% in the past year. Compared to other countries, Swaziland is ranked 191 out of 216 countries in the GDP growth rate. Swaziland has had numerous road blocks that have affected them leading up to a poor economy.This includes droughts, low agricultural activity, and the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS that have contributed to the many factors of struggling country. The increased spending for transfers, wages, and subsidies has not helped the economy but has led to budget deficits. Another economic problem for Swaziland is the lack of exports the country provides for other countries. According to Wikipedia. com, â€Å"The Swazi economy is very closely linked to the South African economy, from which it receives over 90% of its imports and to which it sends about 70% of its exports†.Because Swaziland is blockaded from the ocean, not many countries trade with Swaziland but trade with South Africa. Countries around the world believe Swaziland’s trading goods are not the best due to the disease of HIV/AIDs that has taken almost the whole population. Since Swaziland’s economy is slowly sinking or as stated by the Times of Swaziland, an â€Å"Economic Crisis†, the government will cont inue to struggle and provide the funding needed to prevent the major effect of HIV/AIDS that has taken over the country.Even though Swaziland has major economic and medical issues to address, the government still has a chance to turn it around if they can educate and assist the Swazis on what needs to be done. All Swazis agree that budget cuts are needed due to the financial crisis they are in, but they cannot agree on what should be done. Limiting the virus of HIV/AIDS could help the economy tremendously because less people will die each year causing more people to work and redistributing funds for other means. Families are breaking down and the percentage of orphans is increasing.The extended family support is declining with no one to look after the orphans or other family members, but if more treatment is available more healthy Swazis can be productive. By more people being able to work creates more goods to trade which can increase the GDP. If the economy recovers, many budget c uts will be eliminated and more funding toward HIV/AIDS will be spent. If the Swazis listen to the government and buy into a well-defined economic plan, I believe the country will slowly start to change and be on the road to recovery.