Henrik Ibsen s A Doll s House - 1762 Words

Henry Ibsen s play, A Doll’s house, revolves around characters whose love in marriages differs from the average relationship. The two main characters, Nora and Torvald, have issues of love which Ibsen portrays as deceptive in the eyes of readers. The story involves a selfish action Nora takes to help save ill Torvalds life, which later under a serious agreement she falls into trouble with risking the marriage. Readers learn that she loved Torvald and would exceed limits to save him. From Further examination, readers learn love from the eyes of Torvald. He uses Nora for a desirable purpose which helps readers understand their behaviors and miscommunication. Both characters did not marry for love, but rather lacked uncertainty and true†¦show more content†¦Torvald being sick gave her a chance to explore a place she could not explore while young since her parent provider passed. This led her to risk a loan and forge a dead person’s signature, a serious offense. H er actions were seen quite different from what other women during her time would do. In the article, Women of the Middle Class, the author claims, â€Å"The wife not contributing economically to the family finances, there was a definite lessening of her status in society,† (page 1). She wants to show strength of her worthiness as a woman, however, love involves not being selfish in a relationship. Torvald is no less selfish once readers learn about his language he directs towards Nora. He calls her with animal names which are disrespectful to another person regardless of relationship. In another instance, he mocks Nora who likes money, to show his masculine dominance. â€Å"What are little people called that are always wasting money,† (page 929). His attitude reflects what he thinks of Nora, and his position with respect and income to show dominance. Marriage and love should connect with each other; however their marriage does not share agreement or sharing, like Torv alds money. Calling one little, or hiding a truth behind someone’s back disrespects what Nora did as love for Torvald, and how Torvald treats her back. The husband and wife role in a relationship challenges each other rather than sacrifice for each other because of gender roles. Further in the play,Show MoreRelatedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll House1563 Words   |  7 Pages In the play, A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen, the title itself symbolizes the dependent and degraded role of the wife within traditional marriages. Ibsen portrayed the generous nature root into women by society, as well as the significant action of this nature, and lastly the need for them to find their own voice in a world ruled by men. Ibsen wrote this play in 1879, this is the era where women were obedient to men, tend the children until their husband came home, and stood by the Cult of DomesticityRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1717 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"A Doll, a Partner, and a Change† Social movement of women liberation toward equal rights and independence has been a big subject in human history. It happens not only in Europe but also all over the world. Though making progress, this movement has been advancing slowly and encountered backslashes from time to time. Maybe there is something deeply hidden which the society has not figured out yet, even women themselves. What do women want, freedom or good life? Most of the time, they are notRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1291 Words   |  6 Pages A Doll s House by Henrik Ibsen, is a play that has been written to withstand all time. In this play Ibsen highlights the importance of women’s rights. During the time period of the play these rights were neglected. Ibsen depicts the role of the woman was to stay at home, raise the children and attend to her husband during the 19th century. Nora is the woman in A Doll House who plays is portrayed as a victim. Michael Meyers said of Henrik Ibsen s plays: The common denominator in many of IbsenRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1288 Words   |  6 Pages Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is based in the Victorian society of the 19th century. It assesses the many struggles and hardships that women faced because of marriage â€Å"laws† that were crucial during that time period. The society was male- dominated with no equality. Nora is the protagonist in A Doll’s House and the wife of a man named Torvald. This play is about Nora’s voyage to recognizing her self- determination and independence. She transforms from a traditional, reserved woman to a new, independentRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1298 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"There is beauty in truth, even if it s painful. Those who lie, twist life so that it looks tasty to the lazy, brilliant to the ignorant, and powerful to the weak. But lies only strengthen our defects. They don t teach anything, help anything, fix anything or cure anything. Nor do they develop one s character, one s mind, one s heart or one s soul.† (Josà © N. Harris). Nora Helmer’s choice to lie and deceive is inappropriate and wrong for women to do to her husband during this time period; itRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1037 Words   |  5 PagesHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House is a work of literature genius. This three-act play involves many literary technics that are undermined by the average reader such as the fact that the plot shows the main characters Torvald and his wife Nora live the perfect life. An ironic paradox based around the fact that Nora and Torvald’s relationship is the complete opposite of perfect. Also, bringing upon a conflict as well, appearance versus reality. These little hidden meanings within stories are what areRead MoreA Doll s House : Henrik Ibsen962 Words   |  4 PagesDrama Analysis A Doll’s House (Henrik Ibsen) And Trifles (Susan Glaspell) In comparing both dramas, the overwhelming aspect of convergence between both is the open discussion of gender identity. Both dramas make similar points about what it means to be a woman. Modern society in both dramas is constructed with men holding power over women. This is seen in Trifles in how men like George Henderson and Mr. Hale are myopic. The premise of the drama is how women worry over trifles, and the dismissiveRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1421 Words   |  6 PagesIn A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen examines conventional roles of men and women in the nineteenth century. In the play, Nora exemplifies the conventional feminine standard during that period. She seems to be powerless and confines herself through high standard expectations, demonstrating what the role of a women would be as a wife and mother. The protagonist of A Doll’s House is a woman named Nora Helmer. Ibsen shows how Nora’s design of perfect life gradually transforms when her sec ret unravels. InRead MoreA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen876 Words   |  4 PagesA Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen A Doll’s House takes place in the home of Torvald and Nora Helmer. Through conversation with Nora’s good friend Kristine Linde it is revealed that Mr. Helmer was ill around the same time Nora’s father died. Luckily Nora’s father left her enough money that Torvald and Nora could go on a life saving trip to Italy. But the truth comes out when we find out Nora’s father did not leave her a penny. We find out that Nora got a hold of the money through a loan but she signedRead MoreHenrik Ibsen s A Doll House Essay1501 Words   |  7 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s play â€Å"A Doll House† was set in the Victorian era, a time where women were highly respected. Women in this time period did not work, they had nannies to take care of their children and maids to take care of their homes. Many women had no real responsibilities, they spent their time having tea parties and socializing with their friends. Henrik Ibsen dared to show the realism of the Vict orian era while everyone else would only focus on the romantic aspect. In the play, â€Å"A Doll House†

The Relationship Between Health And The United States And...

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between health outcomes in the United States and two theories discussed during this Justice Theory course. With this in mind, it analyzes the significance of the racial formation and Marxist theories as they relate to issues of health quality and life expectancy in America. Thus, this exploration responds to prompt two of the Justice Theory extra credit opportunity assignment. Accordingly, this paper presents how the aforementioned theories apply to the California Newsreel film (2008), Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and In Wealth. Specifically, the organization of this paper first provides a brief summary of the video. Secondly, it clarifies the racial formation theory of Michael Omi and Howard Winant as well as Karl Marx’s theory of a classless society. Finally, it discusses the application of these theories to the issues highlighted in the film. Overview – Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and In Wealth To begin, the film, Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and In Wealth, explores the relationship between levels of income and race with health and longevity as a result of studies conducted in distinctive counties throughout Louisville, Kentucky. The subjects of the study are within the differing stratum of classes - the working, middle, and upper classes. The film provides compelling data from within each class and correlates the effects of external stressors, environment, living situations and education levels toShow MoreRelatedethical decision making16006 Words   |  65 PagesCHAPTER 11 Ethics and Health Pat Kurtz and Ronald L. Burr Authors Go Here Authors Go Here Authors Go Here Visit http://nursing.jbpub.com/communityhealth for Visit http://nursing.jbpub.com/communityhealth interactive exercises, review questions, WebLinks for interactive exercises, review questions, and more. Web links, and more.  © Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. 1786X_CH11_248_269.pdf 248 12/30/08 10:30:24 AM REFLECTIONS It has becomeRead More A Case Study Depicting the Importance of Ethics in Medicine Essay4544 Words   |  19 Pagesprotect the individual’s right and confidentiality, the client involved would be referred to as ‘Marge’. Introduction ‘Work for health requires moral commitment’ (Seedhouse, 2009 p. xiviii). Therefore, the obligation rests on healthcare professionals faced with ethical dilemma in their practice to make moral decision which should promote and enhance health ( Rumbold, 1999; Sim, 1997). Ethics is concerned with the basis on which an action is determined as either right or wrong (Rumbold, 1999;Read MoreCriminal Processes in England and Wales3293 Words   |  13 Pagesthe oversight of the criminal process provided by the courts, independent administrative bodies and the public. There are five principal contexts in which the courts operate to oversee police policy and conduct. These are: judicial review hearings; during the trial process; via criminal prosecution of the police; at an inquest in the coroners court; and where a civil action is brought. English criminal law procedures are majorly acts of parliament. In England there is the existence of The CrownRead MorePublic Perception Of Psychologist s Behavior2338 Words   |  10 Pagesethical standards and general principles set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) that psychologist’s must follow to ensure that their client/patient receives the appropriate diagnosis and the best treatment available. In relation to state laws, it is also very important that psychologists follow the APA standards and guidelines in order to maintain a high level of professionalism and establish strong decision making skills that is required when assessing their clients. There are manyRead MoreApplication of Managerial Economics in Decision Making7900 Words   |  32 Pages9 2.0 Basic concerns of economics 9 3.0.0 Theories of economics 12 3.1.0 The theory of demand 13 3.1.1 Tastes 14 3.1.2 Number of buyers 14 3.1.3 Income 14 3.1.5 Expectations 15 3.2 The theory of supply 16 3.3 The theory of production 16 3.4 The theory of price( in government) 17 3.5 The theory of consumer behaviour 17 3.5.1 Rational behaviour 17 3.5.2 Preferences 17 3.5.3 Budget constraint 18 3.5.4 Prices 18 4.0 Managerial Economics and Economic Theories 18 5.0 General overview of the office of theRead MoreAttachment Theory, Biological Influences5410 Words   |  22 Pagesfirst formed during infancy between the child and their primary care giver and is maintained over the course of their lifespan. The level of attachment that is formed during infancy creates a foundation for psychological development in the course of the individual’s life (Santrock, 2013). Attachment security can be an indication of the quality of an individual’s future relationships, as well as challenges that may arise from such interactions. The following will discuss the attachment theory, biologicalRead MoreTheories Regarding The Dynamics Of Battering Spouses2306 Words   |  10 PagesABSTRACT This paper is written about which theories regarding the dynamics of battering spouses. In this report you will be able to identify the theory’s I have linked to believe may be part or contribute to the abuser. There are numerous theories to explain why men batter women, in fact, there are so many theory’s in this textbook that are devoted to explaining them. As you will read, we were directed to research outside of our content. Even though no one theory prevails, professionals should beRead MoreRole of Social Worker and Substance Abuse3083 Words   |  13 PagesRole of Social Workers and Substance Abuse Abstract Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. â€Å"Clients† is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultationRead MoreEthical and Legal Dilemmas of Surrogacy Essay2979 Words   |  12 Pagesrights to access the confidential records of the process? These are a just a few questions that will be addressed throughout this paper. Discussed below is the history of surrogacy, the ethical and legal dilemmas that surround surrogacy, alternative solutions to surrogacy, and the potential effects and future implications of how surrogacy may be addressed. There are two types of surrogacy arrangements to consider. These types of surrogacy are genetic and gestational. Genetic or traditional surrogacyRead MoreSalt Lake Olympic Bribery Scandal Essay8624 Words   |  35 PagesI. INTRODUCTION The Olympic Games took place in the United States at Salt Lake City, Utah. The tournament opened on February 8, 2002 and closed on February 24, 2002. There were 77 NOCs, 2,399 athletes, 78 events, 22,000 volunteers and 8,730 of the media. â€Å"The Games saw the expansion of the Olympic program to 78 events, including the return of skeleton and the introduction of women’s bobsleighs. Athletes from a record 18 National Olympic Committees earned gold medals, including first-ever gold for

Chicagos towering intellect Essay Example For Students

Chicagos towering intellect Essay Gawk at the John Hancock Center today. Marvel anew at the Sears Tower. Then give a quiet thanks to  Fazlur  Rahman  Khan. Khan, the erudite, Bangladesh-born Skidmore Owings Merrill structural engineer, figured out a way to hold up these big buildings and make them beautiful. He created the iconic X-bracing that races up the John Hancock Centers sides.  Khan  was the structural genius behind Sears Tower; he shaped the building as much as architect Bruce Graham did. The techniques  Khan  perfected with these buildings and others around the city are replicated around the world. But the average person standing outside the Sears Tower probably never has seenKhans name. Until now. The city will unveil an honorary street sign at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the northwest corner of Jackson and Franklin right outside the Sears Tower renaming the portion of the intersection Fazlur  R.  Khan  Way.  Khan  died of a heart attack while traveling through Saudi Arabia in 1982. He was 52. The honorary name change is largely due to Sadruddin Noorani, a local businessman who originally sought to get Franklin between Jackson and Randolph named for  Khan. Muslims are always looked upon as terrorists or something bad, said Noorani, who did not know  Khan. So I always look for the good things the positive. We have this innovator. And he was Muslim. A joke based in a truth in engineering circles: Whistler painted a famous picture of his mother, but he skipped committing his old man to canvas. Whistlers father was an engineer. Engineers figure out how to take the weight of a building and efficiently transfer it down to the structures foundation. The job has to be done in a way that makes the building flexible, usable and attractive. Its an amazing, complicated task. Still, engineers often are unfairly consigned to slide-rule nerd anonymity. Who was the architect? we ask, but seldom add, Who was the structural engineer?  Khan   Faz to those who knew him came the cl osest to breaking the partition. He was stylish, witty, urbane; a world traveler. His office had supercool Marcel Breuer cantilevered chairs. He lived in Hyde Park and, later, Lincoln Park with his Austrian-born wife, Lisalotte  Khan, and their daughter Yasmin. He was interested in people, said Yasmin Byron,  Khans daughter, a California structural engineer. He was concerned with people and how engineering affected people. He would travel to different countries, and it was important to him to find out what the culture was like and how he could relate the engineering to the culture, rather than taking a Western idea and transferring it. He was a very broad person, said Skidmore Owings Merrills John Zils, the project engineer on the Sears Tower. In the end, it is what gave him his ability to take engineering and apply it in a more humanistic way than a lot of us are capable of.  Khan  was born in East Pakistan now Bangladesh. He came to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship after receiving a bachelors degree in civil engineering at the University of Dhaka in 1950. The Fulbright brought  Khan  to the University of Illinois. There, he received two masters degrees and a doctorate in engineering.  Khans first and only job after college was at Skidmore Owings Merrill. He ended up becoming a general partner. With SOM architect Myron Goldsmith,  Khan  experimented with Hancock-style exterior bracings in the early 1960s a few years before Big John was built.  Khans Hancock X-bracing runs right inside some of the buildings residential units. Some Hancock planners originally balked at the idea. Not now, though. Its almost like a status symbol, now, to have a `diagonal in your apartment, Zils said. It symbolizes that you live in the Hancock. It is probably the most efficient system that he used, said Byron, who is writing a book on her fathers life. But he realized you could only have one of those in a city. Sears, Roebuck and Co. was a giant company looking for a lot of space. .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .postImageUrl , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:hover , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:visited , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:active { border:0!important; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:active , .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77 .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9c4b7f0f0a317081b5b9b2a0410d8a77:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mary Cassatt The Bath, 1892 Oil on Canvas, 39 x 26" The Art Institute of Chicago EssayThey wanted a complex that could house their massive retail operation, yet have prime rental space above with lots of good views. They didnt seek out wanting to build the worlds tallest building. But thats what happened. The problem was how to design a building with a big base that got smaller at the top, Zils said. One of the solutions was to take a tubal structure and bundle the smaller tubes together (at the bottom) and drop them off as you came up. Bruce Graham and Faz eventually worked it out. Sears Tower is not a skyscraping monolith, but a grand assemblage of many parts. Each part plays its role, then bows out as the building goes upward. At top is one triumphant section topped with twin television antennas. The triumph will be relived this afternoon as  Khans friends and devotees gather on the 100th floor of the Sears Tower to honor his work.

International Business Case Study Essay Example

International Business Case Study Essay Over the next 50 years, changes in the relative performance, scale, and scope of the world’s economies will be dramatic. Most notably, data indicate that the combined economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China—the so-called BRICs—should surpass those of the G7 nations by 2050 [see Fig. 4. 5]. In fact, of the original G7 nations, only Japan and the United States will still rank among the world’s largest economies at that time. Thus, managers need to rethink their traditional views of the economic environment as they encounter fundamental shifts in investment and spending, increasing competition for inputs in the world’s commodity markets, and the rapid growth of consumer markets in many transition economies. Other significant impacts loom as the leaders of the BRIC nations seek to collectively develop their economies and political presence through the creation of a multilateral alliance amongst themselves. No matter what the outcome, the fallout will be momentous as the world’s emerging economies come into their own. Questions 1. Debate the relative merits of GNI per capita versus the idea of purchasing power and human development as indicators of economic potential in Brazil, Russia, China, and India. Gross national income per capita (GNI per capita) represents the market value of all final goods and services newly produced in an economy by a country’s domestically-owned firms in a given year divided by its population. We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Thus, GNI per capita serves as a very useful indicator of current individual wealth and consumption patterns; those countries with high populations as well as high per capita GNI are most desirable in terms of total market potential. Purchasing power parity (PPP) represents the number of units of a country’s currency required to buy the same amount of goods and services in the domestic market that one unit of income would buy in another country. PPP is estimated by calculating the alue of a universal â€Å"basket of goods† that can be purchased with one unit of a country’s currency and thus serves as a useful indicator of international differences in prices that are not reflected by nominal exchange rates. The Human Development Index measures life expectancy, education (primarily the adult literacy rate), and income per person and is designed to capture long-term progress rather than short-term changes. Thus, by combining indicators of real purchasing power, educ ation, and health, the index provides a comprehensive measure of a country’s standard of living that incorporates both economic and social variables. . Map the proposed sequence of the evolution of the BRIC’s economies. What indicators might companies monitor to guide their investments and organize their local market operations? The BRIC’s economies are on the verge of the rapid growth of their consumer markets. (Experience indicates that consumer demand takes off when GNI per capita reaches levels between $3,000 and $10,000 per year. ) In Russia there is already significant evidence of the growth of consumerism during the past decade. There are also early signs of similar trends in China and India, where the growth of their middle classes is very rapid. It is expected that within a decade or so, each of the BRICs will show higher returns, increased demand for capital, and stronger national currencies. Thus, foreign firms will want to monitor major economic indicators such as GNI, PPP, and the Human Development Index, as well as developments in the cultural, political, and legal environments of those nations. 3. What are the implications of the emergence of the BRICs to careers and companies in your country? Responses will vary according to the level of economic development and the economic basis of a student’s home country. Those students from industrialized nations may feel challenged and express the fear of a decline in their standards of living due to increased pressures in the labor market and the declining cost competitiveness of their countries’ firms. On the other hand, students from developing countries may be hopeful that their countries will be able to successfully generate and/or compete for the investment capital and those business activities that lead to significant economic growth and the increasing lobal competitiveness of their countries’ firms. How-ever, there is ample room for exceptions to these feelings, given the present and future comparative advantages of particular nations. Chapter FIVE GLOBALIZATION AND SOCIETY CLOSING CASE: Anglo American in South Africa Anglo American PLC is a mining conglomerate that operates in 61 countries via eight key businesses. Founded in 1917 as the Anglo American Corp. of South Africa and now headquartered in London, Anglo American is th e largest producer of gold in the world. With a South African workforce of more than 90,000 employees in its primary operations and another 44,000 spread across its subsidiaries, the firm is one of the largest in the region. Heavily affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Anglo American was one of the first companies to establish a proactive, comprehensive strategy to combat the raging effects of the disease on its workforce and production systems. Along with many other MNEs, Anglo American also joined the Global Business Council on HIV/AIDS, an organization that focuses on (a) alleviating the effects of AIDS throughout the world and (b) protecting the rights of infected workers. In response to the failure of its AIDS prevention policy, the company announced in 2001 that it would be running a feasibility study to determine whether it would make antiretroviral treatments available to its workforce. (The prevalence of HIV-positive workers had risen to an average of 21 percent across all of its operations and was increasing by nearly 2 percent annually. ) However, just a year after the announcement, Anglo American decided to abandon the study, citing the risk and the expenses involved as being too great and numerous other factors as being too difficult to manage. However, the company insisted that it had not completely abandoned the idea of a pilot study and expressed hopes that a more reasonable arrangement could be made involving the entire industry and the South African government. Questions 1. What choices does the government of South Africa have in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic? What do you think it should do? South Africa suffers one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world—approximately 5. 3 million cases in a population of 45 million people. Each day another 1,500 South African people are infected with the virus. Despite the dire threat posed by the epidemic, the South African government has proved to be one of the least committed to effective intervention. It has diverted little of its budget to dealing with the crisis and has been very resistant to the widespread distribution of antiretroviral drugs on the grounds that such action would be far too expensive and difficult to do effectively. However, the government needs to confront the crisis! It should begin with the development of a health care system and infrastructure adequate to deal with the sheer number of people in need of care. The government should also seek to partner with international aid agencies, other international organizations, and the private sector, including pharmaceutical firms, to develop a feasible, comprehensive strategy. [Note: student responses to the latter part of the question will vary, given their individual beliefs regarding the role of government in society. ] 2. Why did Anglo American halt its pilot study on the feasibility of providing antiretroviral therapy to its employees? Do you agree with the decision? What recommendation would you give the company concerning its HIV/AIDS policy? Anglo American claimed that the risk and the expenses associated with the study were too great. In contrast, however, by 1991 Coca-Cola was providing free anti-retroviral drug therapy to 1,500 AIDS-infected employees in Africa, and De Beers (in which Anglo American has a 45 percent stake) was paying 90 percent of the costs of the treatment for its AIDS-infected employees and their spouses. Given that the company expressed hopes that a more reasonable arrangement could be made involving the entire industry and the government, it appears that Anglo American is attempting to shift at least part of the responsibility for solving the crisis to the government and to other stakeholders. [Again, student responses will vary, given their individual beliefs regarding the role of the private sector in society. ] 3. What role do the pharmaceutical companies play in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa? What would you recommend to a pharmaceutical company that produced HIV/AIDS drugs? The pharmaceutical companies have a unique role to play in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa and throughout the world because they are the source of the drugs with which to combat this plague. However, the enormity of the epidemic is truly daunting. Given the sheer number of people in need, on the one hand, and the utter lack of resources, on the other, one could easily conclude that there is relatively little that can be done to alleviate the suffering and stop the spread of the disease. Still in all, the pharmaceutical companies can seek to partner with aid agencies, international organizations, governments, and the private sector in their search for acceptable and effective solutions. Pharmaceutical firms will most surely be concerned about the issue of patent protection and generic drugs, as well as the prospect of tiered pricing and significantly lower profit margins. Governments, other members of the private sector, and other stakeholders will all need to be mindful of the tremendous costs and risks that are borne by pharmaceutical firms. Further, given the extent and the seriousness of the problem, a lack of commitment on the part of any stakeholder will be a serious setback in the march toward a community solution. Chapter SIX INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FACTOR MOBILITY THEORY CLOSING CASE: LUKoil [See Map 6. 2. ] LUKoil was one of several firms created in 1991 out of Russia’s state-owned petroleum monopoly. While both Russia and LUKoil must export to meet their economic objectives, political relations within and outside of Russia could impair LUKoil’s future ability to export. Thus, foreign investment and ties to Western oil companies are very important to the firm’s ultimate success. Controlling 19 percent of Russia’s oil production and refining capacity and employing more than 120,000 people in its operations worldwide, LUKoil has become Russia’s largest oil company. It is also the first Russian oil company to integrate from â€Å"oil wells to filling stations. † High market prices have enabled LUKoil to amass sufficient capital to make substantial foreign investments. While much of its FDI has been directed to nearby countries, LUKoil has also acquired 100 percent of Getty Petroleum in the United States, as well as 800 U. S. stations from ConocoPhillips. Forward integration into filling stations will guarantee LUKoil market access and enable the company to sell its crude oil during times of global oversupply. Further, LUKoil sees its foreign acquisitions as a means of gaining experienced personnel, technology, and competitive know-how to help it compete more efficiently and effectively both at home and abroad. Questions 1. What theories of trade help to explain Russia’s position as an oil exporter? Which ones do not, and why? Both the theories of absolute and competitive advantage help to explain Russia’s position as an oil exporter. Prices in the global oil market are driven by the laws of supply and demand. Given the fact that Russia now has 15 more proven reserves than Saudi Arabia and its oil companies have become major global competitors, the country enjoys both natural and acquired advantages with respect to oil. Thus, factor proportions theory is applicable. The fact that a preponderance of its foreign expansion has been to countries of the former Soviet Union supports the country similarity theory. The Porter Diamond of national competitive advantage also helps to explain Russia’s position as an oil exporter. Global demand conditions are favorable; and Russian oil companies are making significant strides in the areas of factors conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry. Neither the interventionist theory of mercantilism nor the theories of country size apply. Further, product life cycle theory does not apply because petroleum is not an appropriate type of product for that model. 2. How do global political and economic conditions affect world markets and prices of oil? Global political and economic conditions affect world markets and prices because of their real and perceived effects on global supply. In spite of their general upward trend, oil prices have fluctuated widely in response to events during the twenty-first century. OPEC’s supply quotas, general economic uncertainty, China’s economic expansion, political unrest in Venezuela, and the war in Iraq have all contributed to the favorable market conditions that have led to record-setting prices and profits in the global oil industry. 3. Discuss the following statement as it applies to Russia and LUKoil. â€Å"Regardless of the advantages a country may gain by trading, international trade will begin only if companies within that country have competitive advantages that enable them to be viable traders—and they must foresee profits in exporting and importing. Given the globalization of the world’s oil industry on the one hand, and the massive capacity of Russia’s oil producers on the other, it is vital that Russia’s domestic companies have competitive advantages that enable them to operate profitably in global markets. Otherwise, foreign competitors that can do so would be in a position not just to serve the wor ld’s markets, but to enter the Russian market via foreign direct investment, if such action were permissible. Thus, it is critical that both LUKoil and other Russian oil companies become as efficient as the major global competitors, either by developing or acquiring the latest petroleum technology, marketing skills, and operating efficiencies that will yield the efficiencies required to effectively compete at both the global and local levels. 4. In LUKoil’s situation, what is the relationship between factor mobility and exports? Capital, technology, and skilled employees are all critical factors in the global oil industry. Even in Russia oil production and processing are capital-intensive activities that require massive amounts of highly valuable and highly specialized capital equipment manned by skilled laborers. Investment naturally flows to those sites where oil is abundant and production activities are the most efficient. Because oil is a limited resource and demand exists the world over, competitors such as LUKoil serve their global customers via production sites that are scattered across the world. Whereas LUKoil’s European customers will likely be served from its European reserves, other customers are more likely to be served by oil sourced from its holdings in other parts of the world. 5. Compare the role of the Costa Rican government in the chapter’s opening case with the role of the Russian government in their use of trade to meet national economic objectives. The roles of the two governments are quite different in the sense that Costa Rica set about developing acquired advantages in targeted industries, while Russia chose to exploit its given natural resources in order to compete in global export markets as it transitioned to a market-based economy. Although exports of coffee and bananas are still important to Costa Rica, high-tech manufactured products (electronics, software, and medical devices) are now the backbone of that country’s economy and export earnings. On the other hand, as Russia moved through the transition from a centrally-planned to a market-based economy, it fashioned competitive enterprises such as LUKoil from its state-owned assets. Those firms have since had to rely on their earnings in order to develop or acquire needed products, processes, facilities, and/or employees.