The Disintegration Of The Soviet Union - 2069 Words

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in the winter of 1991 sparked various reactions among Soviet citizens, government officials, Western onlookers and the rest of the world. The Soviet Union was once one of the most powerful military empires in the world suddenly saw itself crumble to the ground. Mikhail Gorbachev, the dynamic leader at the helm of the Communist Party of the United Soviet Socialists Republic, (USSR), at the time, was a key contributor to its demise. Gorbachev, born into a poor family in an agricultural community, emerged through the rankings of Soviet leadership, finding himself at the top of the Communist Party. He established a new era and a new beginning of reform. Although former Soviet leaders left problems with the government that set the stage for a collapse, Mikhail Gorbachev was responsible for the final dissolution of the USSR, due to his reforms in foreign policy, domestic policy, society and the economy of Russia. Long before Mikhail Gorbachev was elected into power in 1985, his predecessors such as Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin formed a Communist regime that would later become a broken, unsustainable system. Both former Soviet leaders had policies of increasing repression on their own people, which led to problems within the political, economic and social systems of the empire. Born in 1870, Vladimir Lenin grew up to become a huge supporter of Marxism or communism, a radical idea fashioned by the revolutionary thinker named KarlShow MoreRelatedThe Fall of the Berlin Wall and the Disintegration of the Soviet Union964 Words   |  4 Pagesis supposed to be a society free of class ranking based on wealth, property, and political power. The Soviet Union was the first country to test these governmental strategies and it did not take long for the regime to collapse. The inevitable collapse of communism led to the fall of the Berlin Wall; this started the domino effect of freedom that ultimate ly led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. On Sunday, August 13th, in 1962 the Eastern German government began construction of the Berlin WallRead MoreThe Eurasian Economic Union : The Development Of The Eurasian Economic Union1498 Words   |  6 PagesThe development of the Eurasian Economic Union has been lengthy and a complicated process. The first evidence of the attempts to emulate the EU can be traced back to the post-Soviet Economic Union back in 1993. This project was driven by post-Soviet Russia, as an attempt to reengage with the CIS member-states as a reaction to criticism and growing domestic discontent with its role in the â€Å"near abroad†. Thus the 1993 treaty adopted an institutional framework similar the one of the EU, which gaveRead MoreLocated Between Russia And The West, East Central Europe1458 Words   |  6 Pagesthe fall of the Soviet Union this region has sought economic growth through democratization, market economies, and aligning with the West. However, this transition has been one with unique challenges given the fact that there is no detailed guide on how to bring about said transition. 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Europes overland trade routes to the East had been blocked by 14th century due to the disintegration of the Mongol empire and the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Thus began the Age of Discovery with the search for new trade routes, the rise of merchant capitalism, and the desire to exploit the potential of a global economy (explorationRead MoreThe Soviet Union During The Cold War1702 Words   |  7 Pages In 1989, history in the West abruptly shifted course. The communist regimes in Eastern Europe fell, severing these nations’ ties to the Soviet Union and sparking unprecedented political and economic reforms. Two years later, the Soviet Union itself disintegrated. The Cold War ended along with it, a sharply defined historical era stretching back to 1914. The end of the Cold War renewed the commitment to democracy and capitalism in the West, accelerated the existing movement toward unification inRead MoreWhat Was The Fall Of The Soviet Union1089 Words   |  5 PagesFall of Soviet Union In December of 1991, the Soviet Union separated into fifteen distinctive countries. Its collapse was enthusiastically greeted by the west as a triumph for freedom. This is a victory of democracy over totalitarianism. The US celebrated as its dreadful enemy defeated, thereafter ending the Cold War, which had fought between two superpowers, America and Soviet Union, since the end of World War II. Cory Booker says, â€Å"If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman EmpireRead MoreGorbachev s Impact On The Soviet Union941 Words   |  4 PagesCommunist Party, bringing with him a wave of reform. 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Benefits of Hosting Olympics Free Essays

The Olympic Games first started at Olympia in Greece in 776 BC. At that time, the games held were organized into festivals. There was a peace agreement called the scared truce between the city-states of Elis and Pisa. We will write a custom essay sample on Benefits of Hosting Olympics or any similar topic only for you Order Now The reasons for hosting the Olympic Games at that time fall into three obvious aspects —— the honour of competing, the opportunity for trade and also, for peace. The reason why cities bid to hold the Olympics now are more complicated than in ancient time. But the main reasons remain the same. Cities may bid to host the Olympics to raise their International status by opening a door to the whole world, boost their economy, and enrich their culture and so on. All in all, cities want to promote the pace of their development by holding such a big event like the Olympics. Cities also have high expectations about the legacy benefits of the Games. Some of the main benefits will be identified later in this article. However, the benefits that are claimed in relation to hosting the Olympic Games are hard to measure. Those main benefits will be evaluated by taking the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games for instance. The legacy benefits of the Olympic Games can be indentified through four aspects —— political, economical, environmental and as the Olympic Games is a big sporting event, the last one should be sport. Politics had no place in the ancient games. The event was made possible in part by a truce that allowed visitors and competitors to travel to Olympia safely. During the truce there was no war, no executions, and no military action. However, although it is claimed that the modern Olympics have nothing to do with the political, many countries bid to host the Olympic Games for many political reasons under different circumstance. The best example to examine the relationship between sport and politics was the two German states during the cold war between 1945 and the early 1970s, in which period the two German states competed to host the Olympic Games in order to establish their own political authority. (Hughes, Owen, 2009). The 1972 Munich (Germany) Games was no doubt a good stage to show the rebuild Germany after the war. The Olympic Games are somehow a stage to relief the political conflicts and help the host cities change their International image. In terms of economy, it is the most important area when talking about the benefits of the Olympic Games. Cities always have high expectations to develop their economy after hosting the Olympics. Although the 1980 Moscow Olympics left a great amount of debt to the host city, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic recovered people’s confidence. Matthewman (2009) indentified the legacy benefits of the Olympics’ economy benefits were included media exposure, employment and education training, infrastructure improving, increased trade, new investment and housing. However, the economic benefits of the Olympic Games are obviously much more than Matthewman described. There is a similar report printed by Price Waterhouse Coopers (2004) claimed that the long-term economy benefits would include: A. Improvement of city productivity (e. g. better transportation) B. Cultivate the city’s management ability to deal with International event. C. Olympic-related trade. D. Media exposure. E. New investment and more job opportunities. F. Training project. G. Tourism industry Another benefit of the Olympics could be the improvement of city environment. After the International Olympic Committee (IOC) make the environment the third strand in 1994, cities have made their efforts to deliver cleaner and greener Games. The eco-friendly event made the sustainable development theory spread all over the world. The Olympic Games make a good contribution to arousing the awareness of protecting our environment which could be beneficial to the whole human society. As the Olympic Games combined different sporting event, it is most closely related to sports in the host cities. Firstly, the sports infrastructure could be improved as cities want to hold the Olympics. This improvement can have a good impact on their athels’ training conditions, sports watching industries and provide their citizens of more sports sources. Secondly, a big sporting event can arouse people’s interest in sport. Additionally, it is good for promoting sport in the host cities as a guide to develop a health living style among its citizens. This is good for citizens’ health and their quality of life. To evaluate these benefits, the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games can be a good example. According to Cashman (2002), the Olympic Games would help the host cities acquire high international reputation in terms of politics. As Australia has a history of its nation conflicts between local residents and emigrations, the 2000 Sydney Olympic did not be supported by their citizens. However, the Olympic organisers came up with many ideas especially by designed a long-distance torch relay program in order to unit the people. This excellent torch relay project which included 11,000runners, successfully changed people’s attitude and built a conception that the 2000 Sydney Olympic is not just about Sydney, it is about Australia as a whole(Haynes, 2001). The economic benefits of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games are hardly measured because there are so many potential areas for long-term impact. However, a 2001 Price Waterhouse Coopers report showed that Sydney has benefited from the 2000 Olympic Games a large amount of profits, which included about $3 billion from new business, $7. billion was injected for infrastructure and promoting business of New South Wales, more than $6 billion from tourism and opening their door to attract International business projects. (Matthewman, 2009) In other words, the Sydney Games had not only gained more investments and improved the city’s infrastructure; it also developed the industry of tourism and gave the ability to manage large projects. The 2000 Sydney Olympi c Games was the first time the idea of the â€Å"Green Games† was adopted. Sydney had come up with five strategies before bidding to host the Olympic Games —— save energy, save water, reduce rubbish, prevent pollution and protect the natural environment (Cashman, 2002). As the benefits on environment are difficult to identify in a short period of time, it is not likely to attribute the environmental improvement to the â€Å"Green Olympic Game† only. However, the eco-friendly idea will surely make great contribute to the city’s environment. People’s awareness was established after the â€Å"Green Game†, and it was becoming more and more popular that individuals started to take environment their own responsibility. Sport itself has obviously benefited from the Games. Firstly, the Olympic Games appeared to contribute to the sports infrastructure. Sydney had built the high-level sport facilities which combined technology and art to host the events. These sports infrastructures would improve the athletes’ training conditions and provide large sports events among counties as well. Secondly, the Sydney Olympic Games tend to arouse local people’s interest in participating sports activities. The Sweeney Sport Report 2000/2001 showed there was a significant increasing trend of sports on TV viewing. According to Haynets’s (2001) report, it is claimed that this raised participation might also lead to some other benefits, such as heath and economic. However, it is hard to know whether the citizens’ interests can last for a long time. To conclude, cities bid to host the Olympic Games for their better developments. The Olympic Games have a great impact on many areas of the hosting cities, which obviously are not restricted to the four aspects above. The benefits of host cities can gain from the Games are quite different and difficult to measure. The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games are a good example because it has won a high reputation for its successes. However, as there are always diverse proposals in different cities toward hosting the Olympics, it is important to have a detailed plan before both bidding and hosting the Games and reasonable expectations. Reference list Jill Hatnes(2001) ‘Social –economic impact of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games’. International Chair in Olympic, Centre d’Estudies Olympics (UAB). 2001 from http://olympicstudies. uab. es/pdf/od013_eng. pdf Price Waterhouse Coopers (2004) ‘The economic impact of the Olympic Games’. European Economic Outlook, June, p. 18-19 Richard Cashman(2002) ‘Impact of the Games on Olympic host cities’. International Chair in Olympic, Centre d’Estudies Olympics (UAB). 2002 from http://olympicstudies. uab. es/lec/pdf/cashman. pdf Richard Matthewman(2009) ‘Economic impacts of Olympic Games’. July, 2009 from http://maasterpieces. com/Documents/Economic%20Impacts%20of%20Olympic%20Games. pdf R. Gerald Hughes, Rachel J. Owen (2009) ‘The Continuation of Politics by Other Means’: Britain, the Two Germanys and the Olympic Games, 1949–1972’. Contemporary European History, 18(4), pp. 443-474. How to cite Benefits of Hosting Olympics, Papers

Corporate Social Responsibility At Shipley Do-Nuts

Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a buzzword in the modern organizations. The reasons for focusing on it may be philanthropic, plain window dressing to avoid Governments interference or simply a public relations exercise. The author has tried to analyze how well Shipley Do-nuts, a Houston based company, has managed to fulfill its ethical and social obligations. The internal and external influence to its CSR strategy has been studied with the help of SWOT matrix. Based on the study, the author is of the opinion that the company should shift its approach from a philanthropic one to a community based one to achieve sustainable development. The author has suggested use of a community sports area for achieving the same. Founded in 1936 in Texas, Shipley Donuts has become a popular doughnut chain in the United States with over 220 stores spread throughout the southern states. Since its inception, Shipley Donuts has been actively involved within its community which adds a whole new dimension to its mission of making life delicious (Shipley Do-nuts, 2008). The founder of the company, Lawrence Shipley, Sr. founded the company near the end of the Great Depression. He had witnessed the horrors that people of his community had gone through during the Depression. Thus giving the community back that made him rich was one of his top priorities. Moreover, in a country which is fighting a battle against childhood obesity, the role of a fast-food chain like Shipley Do-nuts assumes significance especially its attitude towards ethical practices and social obligations. The following sections discuss how well Shipley Donuts has contributed towards its Corporate Social Responsibility. Shipley has adopted a philanthropic approach to CSR. In this approach, the organizations give monetary donations, aid or lend their names to the local communities for social causes. According to Wood (1991), this approach helps them to become vastly respected in their local community and protects their home market even during times of fierce competition. Shipley has been associated with many social causes from schools, churches to charity groups. For example, Shipley lent its name to annual fair dedicated to cancer survivors and veterans during last October (Lowman, 2009). Shipley also makes significant contribution towards promoting the US culture and tradition. Shipleys franchises have been known to donate a part of their earnings during Christmas to Angel Tree, a local organization that helps in buying gifts for poor children during the Christmas (Tribune Herald, 2009). Similarly, it gives away free doughnuts to its customers on June 5 every year in the memory of Chicago Salvation army which gave rise to the National Doughnut Day (Tribune Herald, 2009). Being a fast food chain, Shipley has also taken its obligation of making America healthy very seriously. Complete nutritional information of its products is displayed prominently at all its franchises and also at its website. Any customer can view the cleanliness of the kitchen area and the bakery techniques being used through its theater viewing windows. Moreover, to show its commitment towards health, it sponsors local sports teams like Houston Dynamos (professional soccer club in MLS) and Houston Astros (professional Major League Baseball team) (Shipley Do-nuts, 2008). Such has been Shipleys commitment to maintain quality that it has been reluctant to grow too fast (the chain has added only 220 stores in its 74 years of existence compared to thousands of stores opened by McDonalds or Pizza Hut in lesser time) which is reflected in its strict criteria for a franchise. SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis is conducted on the ethical practices being employed by Shipley to evaluate their CSR strategies Strengths Active involvement in community: From donating a part of its earnings to local charity organizations to sponsoring local sports clubs, Shipley has been actively involved in the community development. Moreover, it invites local organizations to seek assistance through its web site. This approach shows its commitment towards community building and has helped it to carve a niche for itself in the Texas community. Ethical practices: Shipley not only makes nutritional information about its doughnuts public, but also lets its customers know the processes being used at the kitchen through an open window system. This ethical practice has found wide acceptance among the Texas community who flock to its franchises. Sticking to traditional bakery techniques: Despite the advent of modern automated bakery techniques, Shipley Do-nuts have stuck to the traditional bakery techniques to retain its soft and fresh aroma and taste. This requires it to employ a greater number of workers thus helping the local community in finding a job (Shipley Do-nuts, 2008). Weaknesses Working conditions: To keep the costs of labor down, the company has resorted to the use of cheap illegal immigrants from Mexico in the past. The immigrants have often complained to the use of abusive language and racial slurs by the owners (Houston Chronicle, 2009). This has harmed its image in the national consciousness. Less contribution to local skill development: A philanthropic approach to CSR doesnt contribute much to the skill development of the local people and thus doesnt lead to a sustainable development. Shipley has often been riled for not contributing to the local skill development. Secrecy of its donut mix: Although it is central to its competitive advantage, the secrecy about its donut mix, which makes the donuts great, is akin to hiding important nutritional factsfrom its customers. This has not gone down well with some consumer rights activists. Opportunities Increasing community based approach: A community based approach to CSR is more successful in connecting with the local community. This may involve partnering with a local school for education of the children. This will help the company in contributing to the local skill development and in achieving sustainable development. Healthy doughnuts: Shipley can add a few healthy doughnuts, which are low in calorie, to its product range. This may not necessarily sell much, but will credibility to its efforts towards building a healthy America. Threats Competition: With an increasing competition in the fast food space and the cost of serving a customer increasing, the fight for natural resources will increase. This may mean that CSR activities may have to take a backseat in Shipleys policy. Intervention by Government agencies: Due to its past record in employing illegal immigrants, the Government agencies may intervene in the organizational policies, for example, the Labor Department may carry out an inspection about its employees pay and basic working conditions. This may prove to be a threat to the companys image in the peoples eyes. Conclusion The present research about the CSR activities at Shipley Do-nuts indicates that the company is taking its CSR activities seriously. The company has contributed to various causes from cancer, fighting crime and celebrating Christmas to supporting sports activities. However, it was observed that currently Shipley views CSR as a method of giving back to the community which is separate from its corporate objective of making profits. It should look towards integratingits CSR strategy into its companys objectives so that it can be viewed as essential for sustainable development of the company. For example, Dunkin Donuts Centre has set up a centre in Providence, Island. It provides state of the art training facilities to the sports clubs in the regions. This centre has produced numerous stars and is an attraction for young sports enthusiasts in the region. This makes a stronger statement towards development of sports than just sponsoring an event or a sports club. Adding to its list of CSR activities, Shipley can sponsor a sports area in Houston which provides playing area for the young children in the Texas region. This sports area can have a basketball court or simply open spaces for playing soccer. Regular Shipley customers and their wards can get free access to the facilities. The regular customers can be given these passes at the Shipley franchise. This will help the company in Building customer network: Building on companys efforts towards connecting with its customers through Facebook, the company can keep track of its customers through this sports area Boost its sales: Since free passes will be given to the regular customers, it will help in boosting the sales and achieving higher customer loyalty Development of sports: It will help in development of sports in the community which will build on the companys efforts towards building a health America. So, this idea can prove to be a good one to follow for Shipley Do-nuts as part of its ethical and social obligations (CSR). The company can look to contribute to the skill development of the local community through this exercise. This will help the company to realize the importance of integrating its CSR activities with its corporate strategy.