Race and Representation in Congress Essay -- Politics Political Scienc

Race and Representation in Congress The topic of race, redistricting, and minority representation in Congress has emerged as one of the most salient issues in contemporary political thought. The creation of so‑called majority minority districts has been attacked as unfair and racially polarizing by some observers and ultimately struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The study of race in relation to American politics and institutions, and, in particular, to the institution of Congress, has produced a wealth of research and literature in recent years. This scope of budding research ranges from legislative activity and Congressional voting to the electoral process and campaigning. This study examines the effects of race in Congressional elections and campaigning, and will be primarily focused on constituent relationships with members of the House of Representatives. Through this research, a better understanding of the differences in constituent relationships and engagement between African American Ho use members and their Caucasian colleagues will be reached. Based on the current literature and prevailing scholarly attitudes, one could likely conclude that African American Congress members, on the whole, develop closer and more personal relationships with their constituents than do white representatives. This basis for this research requires further explanation. The rationale for excluding Senators from this study and for narrowing the focus exclusively to black House members reflects the difference in representation between House members and Senators. By studying House districts comprised of a smaller electorate, one can draw important conclusions about the constituency characteristics and the subsequent... ...y Weekly Report. 51.3 (Jan. 16 1993): 75 Seifman, David. â€Å"Dems Concede Engel’s Right on the Button.† The New York Post. 17 June 2000. Sherman, Mark. â€Å"Georgia Campaign ’96.† The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. 22 Sept 1996: 4D. Singh, Robert. The Congressional Black Caucus. London: SAGE Publications, 1998. Spaid, Elizabeth Levit. â€Å"Georgia Judges Overrule Black District.† Christian Science Monitor. 88.15 (Dec 15 1995): 4. Swain, Carol M. Black Faces, Black Interests. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1993. â€Å"Weller spurs GOP’s Spanish-language education.† Morris Daily Herald Online. 5 June 2003. 24 Nov. 2003. Whitby, Kenny. The Color of Representation. University of Michigan, 1997. Race and Representation in Congress Essay -- Politics Political Scienc Race and Representation in Congress The topic of race, redistricting, and minority representation in Congress has emerged as one of the most salient issues in contemporary political thought. The creation of so‑called majority minority districts has been attacked as unfair and racially polarizing by some observers and ultimately struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The study of race in relation to American politics and institutions, and, in particular, to the institution of Congress, has produced a wealth of research and literature in recent years. This scope of budding research ranges from legislative activity and Congressional voting to the electoral process and campaigning. This study examines the effects of race in Congressional elections and campaigning, and will be primarily focused on constituent relationships with members of the House of Representatives. Through this research, a better understanding of the differences in constituent relationships and engagement between African American Ho use members and their Caucasian colleagues will be reached. Based on the current literature and prevailing scholarly attitudes, one could likely conclude that African American Congress members, on the whole, develop closer and more personal relationships with their constituents than do white representatives. This basis for this research requires further explanation. The rationale for excluding Senators from this study and for narrowing the focus exclusively to black House members reflects the difference in representation between House members and Senators. By studying House districts comprised of a smaller electorate, one can draw important conclusions about the constituency characteristics and the subsequent... ...y Weekly Report. 51.3 (Jan. 16 1993): 75 Seifman, David. â€Å"Dems Concede Engel’s Right on the Button.† The New York Post. 17 June 2000. Sherman, Mark. â€Å"Georgia Campaign ’96.† The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. 22 Sept 1996: 4D. Singh, Robert. The Congressional Black Caucus. London: SAGE Publications, 1998. Spaid, Elizabeth Levit. â€Å"Georgia Judges Overrule Black District.† Christian Science Monitor. 88.15 (Dec 15 1995): 4. Swain, Carol M. Black Faces, Black Interests. Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1993. â€Å"Weller spurs GOP’s Spanish-language education.† Morris Daily Herald Online. 5 June 2003. 24 Nov. 2003. Whitby, Kenny. The Color of Representation. University of Michigan, 1997.

The Arab Spring: Implications for US Policy and Interests

Introduction The political uprisings in the Arab world during 2011 undeniably transformed the Middle East and the North of Africa (MENA) (Dalacoura, 2012: 63). An explosive mix of deepening political grievances and a series of socio-economic problems, such as: high unemployment, especially among youth, corruption, internal regional and social inequalities, and the deterioration of economic conditions were the common causal factor behind all the uprisings (ibid: 66-67). Internationally, these uprisings have had profound consequences for the pursuit of long-standing United States (U.S.) policy goals and interests in the region, with regard to: regional security, energy supplies, military access, bilateral trade and investment, counter-proliferation, counterterrorism, and the promotion of human rights (Arieff et al. 2012). The profound changes in the region may alter the framework in which these goals are pursued and challenge the basic assumptions that have long guided U.S. policies in the international system (Keiswetter, 2012: 1). Regionally, the contagious nature of the uprisings, which started in Tunisia in December 2010 and later on spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain or Syria (Dalacoura, 2012: 63), led either to the overthrow of dictators or to internal fracturing (ibid: 66). While Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Tunisia underwent troubled transitions away from authoritarian regimes, in Jordan, Morocco, and Oman, modest protests produced tentative steps toward reform (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 41). In view of such differences, policy makers in the U.S. have adopted case-by-case (and highly unequal) approaches, which range from tacit support to outright military intervention (Shore, 2012). For instance, in countries such as Yemen or Saudi Arabia, the U.S. has turned a blind eye to governmental corruption and human rights violations. In non-allied countries, however, like Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran, the U.S. has condemned dictatorial practices, issued sanctions and even wars in the name of democracy (Shore, 2012). It could be argued, thus, that the U.S.’ response to the events of the Arab Spring has been cautious and contradictory at the same time. On the one hand, Obama’s Administration has been criticized for its apparent lack of a coherent approach, and its willingness to talk of democratic ideals while protecting national interests. On the other hand, supporters have praised both the pragmatism and principle as a smart approach to international affairs (Kitchen, 2012: 53). Within this framework, this paper will assess the impact of the so-called Arab Spring on the US objectives regarding political and economic reform prospects for the Middle East peace negotiations, energy issues, and security concerns. The main hypothesis of this paper is, thus, that as part of the current international system, where the concept of security acquires multiple and more complex dimensions that go beyond military terms, the U.S.’ policies in the Middle East are extremely â€Å"shy† and cautious. This paper argues that this obvious â€Å"cautiousness† and what many call a contradictory foreign policy of the U.S. is the result of a series of economic interests to maintain oil-flows and global security concerns that cannot be forgotten in the political international arena. The U.S., thus, faces the difficult position of supporting its ideal of democracy and values on the one hand, and its long-term interests and security concerns on the other. This essay, thus, is divided in two main sections. On the one hand, a brief theoretical background on International Relations (IR) theories will serve as a basis to understand the motivations and approaches of the U.S. foreign policy in the region. On the other hand, an analysis of the old and current U.S.’ interests and policies in the Middle East will reveal the contradictions and concerns of the current U.S. Administration and the possible outcomes.Foreign Policy through the Lenses of International RelationsIn order to understand the U.S. foreign policy in the international system and more specifically in the Middle East, with its wide encompassing spectrum of foreign policy decisions, this paper shall approach the issue from the theoretical framework of International Relations (IR) (Vale, 2012: 6).The International SystemThe international system, driven mainly by states, power, and anarchy, has had a profound effect on the United States since its inception (Vale, 2012: 8). It could be said that there are three main different forms of the international system: the multipolar, the bipolar and the unipolar system. Tin the multipolar system, there are several great powers influencing international politics and competing for dominance (Vale, 2012: 10). Bipolar systems, could be described as a battle of titans of sorts –as it happened between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War-, namely, where two major powers oppose one another for dominance in the system. Finally, the unipolar system, is when there is one superpower and no other major powers in the international system –such as the Roman Empire or the United States after the fall of the Soviet Union until arguably the beginning of the 2003 War in Iraq (ibid: 10). It can be said that contemporary international politics does not fit any of these models. Nevertheless, during the last decade a new structure seems to have appeared: the uni-multipolar system. This system has a single world superpower but with several major powers around it in the system which constrains the superpower so that it cannot act as if it were within a unipolar international system (Vale, 2012: 10). Some authors, like Huntington, argue that this scenario is closest one to the current international system; where the settlement of international issues requires action by the single superpower, the United States, but always with some combination of other major states (1999). Indeed, 21st century scholarship within IR moves away from the primacy of the state and second order analyses towards the relationship that individuals have within the international system. This intellectual movement reflects experiences in international history that diminish the role of the state and reinforce the humans and humanity into the heart of a discipline whose origins lie in the motivation for action. This change is a 21st century phenomenon with experiential roots in the terror attacks of 9/11, the Global Financial Crisis, the Arab Spring uprisings, and the rise of hacktivism. These global, historical experiences are fostering the rise of cutting-edge and revolutionary IR theory that embraces complexity and multidisciplinarity (Oprisko, 2013). In other words, â€Å"the trend within IR theory is mirroring the shared experiences of the 21st century: renewed emphasis on terror, revolutions against inequality and social-immobility, and the success of hacktivism† (ibid. ). According to the Neoclassical Realism theory of IR, the international system determines how states act and behave towards each other because the international system is anarchic and states compete for status quo power (Rose, 1998:146). In other words, â€Å"the scope and ambition of a country’s foreign policy is driven first and fore most by its place in the international system and specifically by its relative material power capabilities† (ibid.). The 21st Century, however, is marked not with the political maneuvering of great states with competing visions, but with the elite few accumulating power, on the one hand, and the general public, rejecting such elitism, on the other. The first movement toward a revision of the status quo interpretation of the international system was the 9-11 terrorist attacks. The reaction against this â€Å"new kind of enemy† and the â€Å"war on terrorism† exemplified â€Å"an important reengagement with the social contract ; the state, the sovereign authority of the people, was no longer the only independent actor in the international political arena† (Oprisko, 2013). Closely related to the emergence of the above-mentioned â€Å"new enemies† there is the change of the security concept during the last decades. Authors such as Ole Waever or Barry Buzan were some of the most predominant constructivists who define security after the Cold War, which included non-traditional elements such as human rights (Layman, 2012: 4). The place of human rights in security is widely debated. Although before the Cold War security was traditionally defined in military terms, since Realism was the main school of thought, Constructivism argued for different perspectives, permitting the most thorough definition for security and national interests due to its ability to allow for change in the perception of what defines threats (Layman, 2012: 6). Indeed, as Barry Buzan argues, social norms and cultural phenomena dictate what is a security threat (Layman, 2012: 6). Waever and Buzan define security â€Å"as perceived threats to anything such as the traditional view of a state to non-traditional views of threats† (Buzan et al. 1998: 7) which include society, the environment, and economic laws. Threats are, thus, divided into different sectors: the military sector, concerned with the armed capabilities of a state; the political sector, concerned with the stability of a state; the economic sector, concerned with the accessibility to resources and the market; the societal sector, concerned with the security and sustainability of culture; and the environmental sector, concerned with the security of resources (Layman, 2012: 8). Thus, the Financial Crisis in 2008 and the subsequent austerity endured by common citizens hit a breaking-point with the suicide of Tarek al-Tayeb Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia in 2010. â€Å"Dignity-filled rage erupted across four continents as the Arab Spring spread across the Middle East and North Africa and Occupy protests engulfed Europe and North America† (Oprisko, 2013). As we progress from the competing idealist traditions of the 20th Century, the emphasis from structural impositions are waning (ibid.). â€Å"Human social agents and social structures are mutually constitutive, and social change can proceed causally in both directions [simultaneously] from agents to structures and from structures to agents† (Bennett, 2003: 489)U.S. Contradictory Approach to the Middle EastBearing in mind the previously described theoretical framework, the core American national interests at stake in the Middle East over decades should not come as a surprise; namely: protecting the U.S. homeland from the threats international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction; ensuring the free flow of oil, vital to the U.S., regional, and global economies; ensuring the security of Israel (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 48); discouraging interstate conflict that can threaten allies and other interests; ensuring transit and access to facilities to support U.S. military operations; countering terrorism; and stemming the proliferation of weapons (Arieff et al., 2012: 1). Over the years, these interests have resulted a series of U.S. policy objectives – advancing Arab—Israeli peace, protecting key oil-producing states, limiting the spread of regional conflicts, or ensuring U.S. military access and freedom of action within the region. Consequently, to ensure these objectives, the US has usually behaved as a status quo power in the Middle East, prioritizing the regional balance of power and a certain order over backing political change (ibid). During the past 50 years, â€Å"the U.S. has played two dueling roles in the Middle East, that of a promoter of liberal ideals, willing to wage war to build democracy, and that of a supporter of dictators who adhere to American interests and ensure stability† (Shore, 2012). It can be said, thus, that the U.S. reaction to the Arab Spring uprisings has exemplified these two opposing policies. While the US was quick to defend the peaceful protesters in Egypt and oppressed citizens of Libya, taking any necessary measures to prevent gross humanitarian crimes, the U.S. has issued little more than formal warnings to the fact that Syrians are being killed under Assad’s rule, Bahrain is cracking down on protestors, and Yemen is moving towards disaster (ibid.). However, the U.S.’ commitment to stability and the status quo partly sustained the regional stagnant economic, political and social systems, leading to the rise of Islamism and Salafism. After failing to overthrow the authoritarian regimes of the region, from the 1990s, terrorism came to focus. Thus, and particularly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the hegemonic interest in the Saudi monarchy -as the largest oil producer- came into conflict with American national security priorities (Kitchen, 2012: 54). However, after 9-11 the U.S.’ determined that the region’s authoritarian regimes were actually the root of the terrorist problem, prescribing, thus, democracy as the solution to the Middle East’s socio-economic issues (Kitchen, 2012: 54). Thus, in 2003, the Bush Administration launched the ‘Freedom Agenda’, asserting that stability could not be purchased at the expense of liberty, emphasizing that promoting democracy was not just about promoting American values, but was in the American national interest, since oppressive regimes created the conditions for radicalization and terrorism (ibid). However, the â€Å"Freedom Agenda† as part of the wider â€Å"war on terror† had obvious contradictions. While on the one hand the US was seeking short-term counter-terrorism measures through the security apparatus of allied authoritarian regimes, on the other hand, it was prioritizing the long-term emancipation of Middle Eastern societies to address the deeper roots of marginalization and underdevelopment (Kitchen, 2012: 54). It could be argued that these contradictions were the background to the US’ response to the events of the Arab Spring (Kitchen, 2012: 55).The Obama Administration and the U.S. Strategy In The Middle EastEven though the uprisings and political change in the Arab world have challenged many of the assumptions that have long informed U.S. policy makers, it can be said that many long-standing U.S. goals in the region endure (Arieff et al. 2012: 1). The Bush administration’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, overturned this preference for the status quo. The invasion of Iraq created a power vacuum in the Gulf that Iran tried to fill. The war exhausted the U.S. military, spread sectarianism and refugees throughout the region, and unleashed a civil war. The ‘‘Global War on Terror’’ also brought the US into far more collaboration with Arab security services (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 48). The Bush administration failed to match its rhetoric on democracy with meaningful support for democratic change (ibid). The legacies of Obama’s predecessor’s war on terror had to be addressed, in order improve the US’ credibility and standing in the MENA region (Kitchen, 2012: 55). Thus, during President Obama’s first term, the U.S. announced its desire for a fresh start with the Muslim world, which started by withdrawing the U.S. military presence from Iraq and scaling down the worst excesses of the War on Terror, while maintaining a lower-key counter-terrorism campaign. While the administration has not managed to resolve the Iranian nuclear challenge, it has assembled an international consensus and rigorous sanctions to pressure Tehran. Obama also made the peace process a top priority, although his efforts proved no more successful than his predecessor’s. Then the Arab Spring erupted, reshaping the regional agenda (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 49). It has been said that the events of the Arab Spring took Obama’s Administration by surprise and underprepared (Kitchen, 2012: 55). While the political reform was in the overarching interests of the US, and was both sustainable in the region and compatible with America’s other priorities (ibid: 56), the White House, however, was worried that over-enthusiastic American support could undermine the revolutions’ authenticity. Thus, Obama’s rhetoric in public was cautious, as he sought to balance competing interests in the context of uncertain events, while at the same time the administration used its long-developed relationships in the region to try to shape developments (ibid.). Egypt constitutes a clear example of this delicate situation. While the clear win for the Muslim Brotherhood did not fall within the U.S. ‘s â€Å"expectations† and interests in that country in particular, the following military coup, although morally questionable (at least in the 21st Century), has hardly been challenged. Indeed, having a military regime that wants to maintain the peace with Israel, is probably the most comfortable option for the U.S. in a region where nothing is settled so far. Despite the massive changes across the Middle East ever since 2011, there are still several rapidly evolving dynamics that any viable U.S. strategy must account for. First, the so-called Arab Spring has altered key regional dynamics, regime perceptions of internal and external threats, and the role of different political actors, whereby a mobilized public opinion has an unprecedented role in regional politics. Second, Iranian nuclear and hegemonic ambitions continue to worry its neighbors, Israel, and the West. Third, while al-Qaeda has suffered organizational and political setbacks, its affiliates have adapted in disconcerting ways. Fourth, the Israeli—Palestinian issue continues to be a core element of regional instability and a source of potential violence (Khal and Lynch, 2013: 41).The Arab Spring and the US Interests; Challenges and OpportunitesIn response to the Arab uprisings, the Obama Administration has taken a reactive approach, trying to adjust U.S. regional pol icies while coping with multiple ongoing crises (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 49). In 2011, when addressing the impact of the Arab Spring on U.S. interests, Obama admitted the unsustainability of the status quo and advocated relations based not only on mutual interests and mutual respect but also on a set of principles, including: opposition to the use of violence and repression; support for â€Å"a set of universal rights; and support for political and economic reform in the MENA region that can meet the legitimate aspirations of ordinary people throughout the region (Keiswetter, 2012: 4). However, contradictions were again inevitable. Although the administration recognized the importance of seeking to change in Egypt and across the region, it was quickly pulled up at the prospect of confrontation with Saudi Arabia over a possible political transformation in Bahrain (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 49). Similarly, while the administration recognized the need for democratic change in the region, allowing, thus, the democratic process to develop even when elections produced Islamist victors (as it happened in Tunisia and Egypt), it always resisted calls for a more costly and risky intervention in Syria (ibid.). Despite the Administration embracing democratic reform and public engagement, a workable strategy to implement these principles has yet to be put in place (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 49). Indeed, even when sensible policies were pursued, they have frequently not been communicated strategically, which transmits uncertainty about American priorities in the region. Given the current environment in the Middle East, any attempt to draw a more coherent approach must consider five strategic dilemmas: First, maintaining the free flow of oil may require robust security ties with Gulf regimes, which would increase the U.S. dependence on the least democratic and iron-fist ruling governments in the region. This dependence would undermine the U.S. soft power with the Arab public and may contribute to the emerging Sunni—Shiite Cold War in the region (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 51). The Saudis, among others, have been able to compensate for the disruptions caused by the Libyan events. Thus, a strong US commitment to the security of the Gulf will be vital to oil market stability in the future (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). It could be said, thus, that the main challenge for the U.S. here will be being able to maintain traditional allies while supporting the democratic values it has been forever defending. Second, while a U.S. presence throughout the region and close cooperation with partner governments’ security services may be necessary for combating terrorism, this American military presence in the Arab world will continue to provide extremists with propaganda and recruitment opportunities (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 51). The Arab Spring uprisings, based on universal values and rooted in the demand for jobs, justice and dignity, highlight the bankruptcy of Islamic extremism sanctioning violence as the only way to obtain societal changes (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). While none of the 2011 uprisings in the Middle East was led by Islamist movements or had an Islamist agenda (Dalacoura, 2012: 74), Islamist movements have proved to benefit from them politically (ibid: 75). Indeed, the upheavals provide opportunities, as it happened in Yemen, for Islamic extremists to gain ground (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). As exemplified before with the case of Egypt, the U.S. faces the challenge of having Islami st regimes freely elected in stagnant countries, whereby radical movements are like to mushroom, or take an active role in the future political direction of the region, which will probably lead to international criticism. Third, tilting toward Israel in the Palestinian conflict may be essential to reassure Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 50). However, Israeli leaders argue that the wave of unrest in the Arab world is endangering Israel’s security by potentially replacing relatively friendly neighboring governments with Islamist and potentially hostile governments (Arieff et al., 2012: 3). Fourth, a forceful military U.S. intervention in Syria could hasten the demise of Assad’s regime, reduce humanitarian suffering, demonstrate leadership, and weaken Iran. However, such intervention would also require a major investment of military resources, returning the US to the protracted commitment that it just escaped in Iraq, and consuming resources necessary to deal with Iran and other global contingencies (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 50). Fifth, the unclear prospects for democratic change. The consensus in Washington from the 1990s has been that democratization will lead to the emergence in the Middle East of regimes which are supportive of the U.S. (Dalacoura, 2012: 78). However, the Middle East has been described as immune to the waves of democratization which have transformed other regions. Moreover, focusing attention on democracy in the Middle East has been criticized for reflecting the priorities of western and in particular American political science (ibid: 71). On political and economic reform, the nature of the democratic political systems in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya remains to be seen (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). Indeed, one of the U.S.’ greatest fears is credibility in what â€Å"new† Middle East will emerge from the current turmoil (Shore, 2012). Sixth, it can be said that Iran’s nuclear and regional hegemonic aspirations are one of the major ‘‘pre-Arab Spring’’ concerns for the US. It is feared that â€Å"a nuclear-armed Tehran would increase its support for militancy, terrorism, and subversion in the Levant, Iraq, and the Gulf, which would further destabilize the region† (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 43). Thus, Iran’s nuclear program could have a decisive impact on regional politics (ibid.). Seventh, the Arab Spring has shown the limits of American power in the Middle East. Both the U.S. and Europe are missing the necessary financial resources to shape prospects in the Arab Spring countries. Thus, investment will also have to come from countries, such as the Gulf states or China, who do not share to the same extent the Western interest in reinforcement of democratic values (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). In any case, the ultimate strategic effects of these changes are not clear. â€Å"Many fear the emerging power of Islamist movements, elected or violent† (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 43). The anti-American protests in September 2012 in response to a YouTube video, and the uneven governmental responses to the crisis were a clear sign of the underlying turbulence which might complicate future U.S. policy in the region. In other words, the emerging regional order combines a complex array of contradictory new trends (ibid.). In light of the Arab uprisings, it is highly important to prioritize political and economic reform. However, pushing reform complicates ties with key autocratic partners, may cause a nationalist backlash in some democratizing states, and may also risk empowering Islamist groups less inclined to cooperate with the US (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 51).ConclusionA major question that remains to be answered is whether the uprisings will eventually lead to the democratization of the Middle East and the end of the authoritarianism that has undermined its political life (Dalacoura, 2012: 79). On the one hand, the most immediate prospects for the Arab Spring are: continuing instabilities as states try to solve their political and economic situations, as well as their relations with other countries; rising influence for those countries with the necessary resources to back up their policies; and the continuation of a visible but attenuated role for the U.S. (Keiswetter, 2012: 2). The long-term prospect, on the other hand, includes also the possibility Middle East with a much higher degree of freedom, more democratic, prosperous and accountable, less abusive of human rights, and thus a net positive outcome for U.S. interests (ibid.). With the dramatic rise in popular activism empowered by the new technologies, it is clear that long-term stability in the region will require meaningful steps by all governments towards a genuine political and economic reform (Kahl and Lynch, 2013: 42). The U.S. has had to tread a fine line between support for its values and long-term interests à ¢â‚¬â€œ represented by political reform in the region-, and the protection of its core regional interests (Kitchen, 2012: 57). If the U.S. is serious about turning off its Middle detour, then in the Middle East and North Africa the US needs to prioritize long-term trends over short-term concerns, which may not always mean pushing for revolutionary change in support of democratic values in the region (Kitchen, 2012: 58). The recent revolutions pose an opportunity to establish a new status quo in the Middle East, free an oppressed and jobless youth, increase economic standing and trade, and give democracy a chance to flourish. While the U.S. remains limited in the impact it can have in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, it has an opportunity to change its negative standing in the Middle East; an opportunity to change a stoic, ineffective foreign policy (Shore, 2012).References Andrew Bennett, (2003) â€Å"A Lakatosian Reading of Lakatos: What Can We Salvage from the Hard Core?,† inProgress in International Relations Theory: Appraising the Field, ed. Colin Elman and Miriam Fendius Elman. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Arieff, A., Danon, Z., Katzman, K., Sharp, J. M., & Zanotti, J. (2012) â€Å"Change in the Middle East: Implications for US Policy†.Congressional Research Service. [On-line], Available: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R42393.pdf [21 April 2014] Buzan B, Waever O, de Wilde J. (1998 ) â€Å"Introduction, security analysis: Conceptual apparatus, the military sector, the political sector†. In: Security: A new framework for analysis. Colorado: Lynne Reinner Publishers; 1998. ISBN 1-55587-603-X Dalacoura, K. (2012) â€Å"The 2011 uprisings in the Arab Middle East: political change and geopolitical implications†.International Affairs, 88(1), 63-79. [On-line], Available: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/International%20Affairs/2012/88_1/88_1dalacoura.pdf [21 April 2014] Huntington, S. P. (1999). The Lonely Superpower. Foreign Affairs, 35-49. Kahl, C. H., & Lynch, M. (2013). US Strategy after the Arab Uprisings: Toward Progressive Engagement.The Washington Quarterly, 36(2), 39-60. [On-line], Available: http://67.159.45.21/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TWQ_13Spring_Kahl-Lynch.pdf [21 April 2014] Keiswetter, A. L. (2012) â€Å"The Arab spring: Implications for US policy and interests†.Middle East Institute. [On-line]. Available: http://www.mei.edu/content/arab-spring-implications-us-policy-and-interests [21 April 2014] Kitchen, N. (2012) â€Å"After the Arab Spring: power shift in the Middle East?: the contradictions of hegemony: the US and the Arab Spring†, [On-line], Available: http://www.lse.ac.uk/IDEAS/publications/reports/pdf/SR011/FINAL_LSE_IDEAS__UnitedStatesAndTheArabSpring_Kitchen.pdf [21 April 2014]. Layman, C. K. (2012). Conflictual Foreign Policy of the United States: Between Security and Human Rights. [On-line], Available: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1497&context=cmc_theses&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.es%2Fscholar%3Fq%3D%2522theory%2Bof%2Binternational%2Brelations%2522%2B%2522the%2BArab%2BSpring%2522%2B%2522US%2Binterests%2522%26btnG%3D%26hl%3Des%26as_sdt%3D0%252C5%26as_ylo%3D2010#search=%22theory%20international%20relations%20Arab%20Spring%20US%20interests%22 [23 April 2014] Oprisko, R. L. (2013). â€Å"IR Theory’s 21st Centur y Experiential Evolution†.E-International Relations (2013).[On-line], Available: http://www.e-ir.info/2013/05/25/the-fall-of-the-state-and-the-rise-of-the-individuals-ir-theorys-21st-century-experiential-evolution/ [23 April 2014] Rose, G. (1998). Neoclassical realism and theories of foreign policy.World politics, 51, 144-172. Shore, S. M. (2012) Great Decisions 2012 Preview: After The Arab Spring, [On-line], Available: http://www.fpa.org/features/index.cfm?act=feature&announcement_id=88 [21 April 2014] Vale, K. R. (2012).US foreign policy in the post-Cold War era (Doctoral dissertation, Office of Graduate Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston). [On-line], Available: http://crhsgg-studentresources.wikispaces.umb.edu/file/view/KVale_US_Foreign_Policy_PColdWar_2012.pdf [23 April 2014]

Recruitment Selection process at WNS - 11192 Words

A PROJECT REPORT ON â€Å"STUDY OF RECRUITMENT PROCESS In WNS GLOBAL SERVICES â€Å" GURU JAMESHWAR UNIVERSITY In the partial fulfillment of Master of Business Administration (2008-2010) SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY: Teacher shivani DECLARATION I, Shivani, student of MBA II semester, hereby certify that the project study title â€Å"RECRUITMENT PROCESS † is an original piece of work and is being submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the Masters Degree in Business Administration of H.R. I hereby declare that all the information provided in the project is valid and is based on immense research work done. Shivani ACKNOWLEDGEMENT A project starts with an objective but†¦show more content†¦We make the investments needed to help our associates build and apply the expertise required. ââ€"   Identify leaders and help them realize their potential We recognize that our associate leaders drive our success. We identify talent leaders and give them the tools and an energizing environment they need to succeed individually and collectively. ââ€"   Anticipate ideas and trends, not just follow them Our success depends on our ability to innovate and outdo the competition. We think deeply about the new trends that impact our business and are not shy about developing new ideas and taking calculated risks to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. Being an early mover and anticipating trends are the keys to our success. ââ€"   Stay passionate about succeeding and celebrate each others success We believe that our successes create new opportunities which we must pursue relentlessly. We do not rest on our laurels. By celebrating achievements big and small and appreciating each other’s contributions we all enjoy the journey to success ââ€"   Recognize and fulfill our responsibilities to the communities around us We are sensitive to the needs of the communities around us. We constantly look for ways to help them overcome challenges. OurShow MoreRelatedMba Final Hr Recuitment Project10109 Words   |  41 PagesSOURCES PROCESS OF RECRUITMENT SELECTION AT HCL SUBMITTED IN THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Today, in every organisation personnel planning as an activity is necessary. It is an important part of an organisation. Human Resource Planning is a vital ingredient for the success of the organisation in the long run. The objectives of Human Resource Department are Human Resource Planning, Recruitment and Selection, TrainingRead MoreLiterature Review on External Sources of Recruitment11779 Words   |  48 Pages whereas historically sourcing process. A third-party recruitment agency or corporate recruiting department can now be made up of individuals dedicated to just the sourcing of candidates while recruiters can either focus on more account management responsibilities or leverage sourcing experts to supplement an additional volume of potential candidates. An increasing number of agencies and corporate recruiting departments outsource this work to a  Recruitment Process Outsourcing  vendor. EveryRead MoreHbr When Your Core Business Is Dying74686 Words   |  299 PagesIntegrity Land Mines Ben W. Heineman, Jr. 20 33 FORETHOUGHT HBR CASE STUDY Why Didn t We Know? Ralph Hasson 45 FIRST PERSON Preparing for the Perfect Product Launch THOU SHALT †¦page 58 James P. Hackett 111 TOOL KIT The Process Audit Michael Hammer 124 BEST PRACTICE Human Due Diligence David Harding and Ted Rouse 138 144 EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES PANEL DISCUSSION There are 193 countries in the world. None of them are energy independent. So who’s holding whom overRead MoreCost Accounting134556 Words   |  539 PagesConcepts and Behaviour Chapter 16 Managing Quality and Time Chapter 3 Cost System Design: An Overview Chapter 17 Planning and Budgeting Chapter 4 Job Costing Chapter 18 Flexible Budgeting and Performance Evaluation Chapter 5 Process Costing Chapter 19 Performance Evaluation: Cost Variances Chapter 6 Spoilage and Quality Management Chapter 20 Chapter 7 Allocating Costs to Departments Performance Evaluation in Decentralized Organizations Chapter 8 Activity-BasedRead MoreI Love Reading Essay69689 Words   |  279 Pagesis a key trigger to evoke entrepreneurial inclinations. 98% of the entrepreneurs are graduates. However, only 16% chose a speciï ¬ c sector as a result of their educational background. Nearly one in two entrepreneurs considered skill shortages in recruitment to be a problem of average importance, while nearly one in three considered it ‘somewhat difï ¬ cult’ or ‘very difï ¬ cult’ to ï ¬ nd candidates with the right skills. More than a third of the entrepreneurs faced problems in accessing as well as retaining

Sweden Health Care System Essay - 1586 Words

Carissa Bahadur FYS INTD 101-03 Professor Caselli 7 December 2017 Sweden’s Healthcare System The life expectancy of people in Sweden is increasing according to Sweden.se. The website provides a statistic stating â€Å"average lifespan is now 81.4 years for women and 80.3 years for men. This can be attributed in part to falling mortality rates from heart attacks and strokes. In 2016, one in five people was 65 or older. On the other hand, the number of children born in Sweden has been increasing each year since the late 1990s†. Coverage is universal in Sweden. All residents are entitled to publicly-financed health care. There is a population of 9,189,164 people in Sweden. According to the source International Health Care System Profiles†¦show more content†¦The county councils and the municipalities impose corresponding income taxes on their populations to help cover health care services. In 2015, 69 percent of the county councils’ total revenues came from local taxes and 17 percent from subsidies and national government grants financed by national income taxes and indirect taxes. General government grants are made to redistribute resources among municipalities and county councils based on need. There are certain government grants that finance particular access to reducing waiting times. In 2015, 89 percent of county councils’ total spending was on health care. Coverage is universal and automatic in Sweden. The 1982 Health and Medical Services Act states that the health system must cover all legal residents. There is emergency coverage provided to all patients from European Union/European Economic Area countries and to patients from nine other countries with which Sweden has agreements. Also, asylum-seeking and undocumented children have the right to health care services and children who are permanent residents. Adult asylum seekers and undocumented adults have the right to receive care that cannot be deferred. The private health insurance of Sweden, in forms supplementary coverage, accounts for less than 1 percent of expenditures. It is associated with occupational health services, it is purchased primarily toShow MoreRelatedThe Difference Between Unites States Healthcare Systems and the Healthcare Systems in Sweden866 Words   |  4 PagesStates healthcare systems and the healthcare systems in Sweden Noranda Brown Kaplan University The difference between healthcare systems in the United States and the healthcare systems in Sweden. Healthcare systems vary in many different developing countries, causing various types of governmental issues regarding the care of unhealthy citizens in an unstable environment. The healthcare of Sweden and the United States (U.S.) will be addressed and differentiated in this essay based on economicalRead MoreA Brief Note On The Swedish Healthcare System1175 Words   |  5 PagesEvery country in the world is left with the same question: how do we take care of the people within our country, and how do we do it efficiently and effectively? This subject is widely debated, as there are plenty of healthcare systems out there. Nevertheless, the most desirable system for a given country will never be completely agreed upon. The United States has recently adopted Obamacare, which, like any other new system, has been subject to harsh scrutiny. Presidential campaigns are beginningRead MoreThe Sweden Health Care System1750 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The Sweden health care system and that of the Australian’s health care system are two different but fairly similar systems, and roughly operate in two different ways amongst its similarity that will be introduced to u below. This comprehensive essay introduces the combining elements that make the structure of the health care system of Australian and also how it operates as well as the exact same elements, structure and function of the Sweden health care system. Regarding Sweden and the Australia’sRead MoreThe Influence Of Ideologies In The Formulation Of Social Policies1489 Words   |  6 Pagesthere such a difference? The answer, as argued in present essay, is ‘politics’. The following work is tries to demonstrate that in order to understand a social policy a country has committed to, one needs to understand the ideologies that have become more dominant in a society. In order to make the case cohesive I have decided to look at one specific policy, higher education, and see whether the ideological influences are visible there. The essay comes in two main parts. Firstly, we will look into theRead MoreInternational Care Case Study1009 Words   |  5 Pagesthe presentation delivered regarding international care systems in Sweden and the Netherlands. This essay proposes to critically analyse how Northern Ireland (NI) has been influenced in regard to the access to, and affordability of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) systems. Furthermore, the qualifications of the Early Years Professional (EYP) in the provision of childcare systems in NI will be explored. Importantly, throughout the essay the impact these factors may have on the quality ofRead Mo reCultural Research Application : Sweden867 Words   |  4 PagesCultural Research Application: Sweden Introduction Sweden is located in Europe, sharing its borders with Finland and Norway. The country’s population is around 9.2 million, and the capital is Stockholm with it’s population being about 1.2 million (â€Å"Where is Sweden,† 2015). Sweden is mostly known around the world for it’s forward thinking norms and laws concerning equality. In this essay I will be giving an overview of Swedish norms, laws, and folkways over equality in parental leave, educationRead MoreComparing British Welfare Systems with 2 Other Countries Essay2389 Words   |  10 PagesA 2000 word comparative review of the ways different countries approach welfare, as discussed on the unit. The aim of this essay is to discuss and compare the British Welfare system with Germany and Sweden’s welfare systems. A welfare system is the structure of welfare provisions and services that provide a specific social need, but it is not only provided or organised solely by the government (Blakemore, 2001). It is a view that is rooted in individual exchanges between five organisationsRead MoreHealth And Social Policy : An Overarching Policy Objective1480 Words   |  6 Pages 2139283B Health and Social Policy in Contemporary Context (Level Three) MA Health and Social Policy 2015 Karen Wright 3000 words In what ways are communitarian frameworks such as social capital useful for understanding and addressing social problems? Critically assess its suitability as an overarching policy objective. This essay aims to critically analyse the use of social capital as a policy objective in relation to tackling re-offending criminalRead MoreEssay on National Healthcare: A Bad Idea 1064 Words   |  5 PagesNational Healthcare: A Bad Idea Many Americans go everyday without any sort of health care. This is where the idea for national healthcare came from. People think that having national healthcare would be a very good idea however there are many flaws with it. Throughout this essay it will cover what national healthcare is, what countries have national healthcare, the positives and the negatives of having it. Universal Health care or more commonly referred to as National Healthcare began in the 1880’s inRead MoreDisposable Products Essay1546 Words   |  7 Pagesmeanwhile, as world’s highest forest coverage nation, Japan imports 25 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks from China every year. (Q, Y, YU, 1999) Disposable products are brought by commercial benefits and expend their effects all over the world. This essay analyzes the reason why disposable products have been used in large amount and their connection to economic benefits, then illustrates the environmental problems and damage caused by them. Furthermore, I am going to argue whether the current regulation

Impact Of Immigration On The United States Essay - 1434 Words

Introduction As our economy continues to grow, as does the world that we live in. With this more and more people are continuing to travel and immigrate across borders. With over 175 million people accounting for 3% of the world’s population (Kerr, Kerr 2011) living permanently overseas, the landscape of global business and economics is continuing to grow. This shift in demographic can leads to many changes and adjustments for countries, some of which can reap benefits others may cause financial harm. Major impacts of immigration can be observed in several forms of a countries economic system such as employment opportunities for both immigrated workers as well as current citizens along with unemployment rates, wages, profit margins, the ability of local and international business’ to grow and the overall GDP of the specific country. For this paper specifically the developed country that will be analysed will be Australia. Considered to be one of the worlds â€Å"major immigration na tions† (together with New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America) (Phillips, Simon-Davies 2016) Australia is fast becoming a go-to country for those looking for a fresh start. Entering through either the â€Å"Migration Program† or â€Å"Humanitarian Program† depending on the specific level of expertise Australia is quick to start the process of entering these immigrants to the workforce. With a high percentage of Australians that have been born overseas (7.2 million) Australia needs to prepare and planShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1301 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The US Council of Economic Advisers on Immigration s Economic Impact. Population and Development Review, 33. 3, (2007), 641. Web. Feb. 2017. Immigration remains the subject of significant public and political debate in the United States. In May and June of 2007, a lot of public attention was concentrated on a debate in the U.S congress on legislation. The bill in front of the senate formally named the â€Å"Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007,† was controversialRead MoreImpact Of Immigration On The United States1017 Words   |  5 Pagespassed during that time that affected immigrants. America’s view at this time reflected that of strong Nativism. Several anti-immigration groups had their fair share of influence in political affairs that had a negative affect on certain groups. This paper will outline the events that led to three pieces of legislation. This paper will also highlight the impact on immigration and how the chosen pieces of legislation contributed to future legislation (if at all). The first piece of legislation highlightedRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1415 Words   |  6 PagesRecent immigration has not only increased since the end of World War 2, but also gained momentum, reaching numbers in the 1990s. The national origin of US immigrants also changed sharply over the past fifty years. Before 1960, the vast majority came from European countries or Canada. Even as late as the 1950s, more than two-thirds of all arrivals were from these countries. During 1960s, however, when family reunification criteria rather than national origin quotas became the basis for allocatingRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States971 Words   |  4 Pagesimmigrants in the United States? What is the impact of immigrants in the United States economic system? How can we define the history of immigration in the United States? According to Nancy Kleniewski, â€Å"It has often been said that the United States is a nation of immigrants. Immigration has been a long-term trend, but both the locations where immigrants settle and the places from which they come have changed over the years† (Kleniewski, 169). For a very long time in the United States, there seemsRead MoreImpact Of Immigration On The United States1283 Words   |  6 Pagescreate a safer border environment by facing the multiple Issues and Challenges, like illegal Immigration, Drug Enforcement, and cross-border Transportation, and Technological improvements by Homeland security influence the agents, trying to cease these issues. A vast complication that the United States goes through is the huge illegal immigration. Each year thousands of illegal immigrants enter the United States across the U.S.-Mexican border. The result is that the congress has mandated increased effortsRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1279 Words   |  6 Pagescreate a safer border environment by facing the multiple Issues and Challenges, like illegal Immigration, Drug Enforcement, and cross-border Transportation, and Technological improvements by Homeland security influence the agents, trying to cease these issues. A vast complication that the United States goes through is the huge illegal immigration. Each year thousands of illegal immigrants enter the United States across the U.S.-Mexican border. The result is that the congress has mandated increased effortsRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1469 Words   |  6 Pagescontaining several scholarly articles such as JSTOR and GALE. Two sources that will be used to preforme OPVL are a personal interbore from a man who worked in downtown Houston during the 1990’s, and an article published examining the influx of immigration into Texas during the 1990’s Summary of Evidence- During the 1990’s there was an influx in foreign born population. In Texas the native born population was approximately 15,462,074 people. The foreign born population was 1,524,436 meaning thatRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On United States1989 Words   |  8 PagesThe Impact of Immigration on United States (U.S.) Economy Introduction In recent times, migration has been a major point of discussion at different international fora. According to the United Nations (UN), more than 175 million people, about three percent of world’s population, live and work permanently outside their countries of birth (UN, 2002). The changing faces of European migration, at the beginning of the new millennium is different from those of fifty years ago. Also, in the late 19th andRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1925 Words   |  8 PagesImmigration is a very broad topic, a topic that has been highly discussed in the past. However, what is the reason that most people think people migrate from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala? Most would say it is because of job opportunities that will better their families. Some say it is because of the higher rate of freedom in the United States. However, not many people look at the hard environments back in the homelands of the immigrants. Maybe a big reason for crossing the borderRead MoreThe Impact Of Immigration On The United States1692 Words   |  7 PagesImmigration has radically changed a religion picture in the United States. At the present time people with their unique culture, specific habits and traditions participate in our society. America is their home as well as ours. To live in peace together we have to understand, communicate and integrate with each other. But sometimes unforeseen events happen and crash the whole global hope for productive cooperation. On September 11, 2001, the tragedy in the USA shocked the whole world. It was the message

MHR week asses Free Essays

Knowledge is composed of which three interrelated types? Answer Declarative, practical, and strategic Declarative, practical, and skill Compilation, automatic, and strategic Declarative, procedural, and strategic None of the above 4 points Question 2 1. Which of the following is evidence supporting the assertion that companies are investing in more training? Answer Higher net sales per employee Higher gross profits per employee Higher ratios of market to book value 80th A 3 All of the above Question 3 1. Learning Is defined as a temporary change in cognition that results from experience and may influence behavior. We will write a custom essay sample on MHR week asses or any similar topic only for you Order Now A relatively permanent change In understanding and thinking that results from experience and directly influences behavior. A relatively permanent change in understanding and thinking that models a temporary change In understanding and thinking. A relatively permanent change in cognition that results from self efficacy and 1 OFF Question 4 1. In the training process model, evaluation begins at which point? Answer During the design phase. During the implementation phase. During the analysis phase. During the development phase. Question 5 1. A reason there might be conflict among HARD and ODD professionals is that the ODD practitioner Answer has a more tactical approach. Tends to be seen as overly analytical. Deals with mostly middle management. 80th A B. 80th A C. Question 6 1. A mechanistic design is best applied in which of the following situations? Answer Non routine technologies Small businesses High volume assembly lines Where there are not clear answers to many of the problems that arise 4 points Question 7 1. ODD interventions could be implemented more successfully if they included training where employees Answer developed a common knowledge and skill base in the area of the intervention. Understood group dynamics and became skilled at working within groups. Understood and became skilled at using a common problem solving model. Question 8 1. The Authors use the acronym ASK to refer to what? Keep, simple, and attitude Knowledge, skills, and attitudes Knowledge, strategy, and aptitude Know, strategy, always Question 9 are the foundations for competencies. Tests SOAK’S Strengths Motivation Skill sets Question 10 1. Which best explains the strategic training alternative of the internal provider? All or most training developed in house, each phase handled by specialists, and needs developed from a decentralized HARD function All or most training purchased from outside sources, each phase handled by specialists, and needs developed from a centralized HARD function. How to cite MHR week asses, Papers

Best Cloud Storage For Volkswagen Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Best Cloud Storage For Volkswagen. Answer: Introduction Cloud computing is referred as delivery of hosted services over the internet which enables corporations to use computing resources such as storage, application, or a virtual machine like a utility such as electricity. While using cloud computing, enterprises did not have to build and maintain a computing infrastructure in-house (Armbrust, et al., 2010). This report will discuss the significant features that are necessary to be considered while selecting a type of cloud storage. This report will elaborate services that are offered by cloud storage providers and compare the attributes of public, private and hybrid cloud storage. Further, the report will examine which is the best cloud storage for Volkswagen and evaluate the benefits and challenges of using cloud storage by corporations. Important Features for Selecting Cloud Storage Following are significant features that are necessary to be considered by corporations while selecting a suitable type of cloud storage. Cost: The cost generally correlated with performance and features which by a Cloud Service Provider (CSP). For example, high-latency storage is a cheaper option than low-latency storage for companies (Zhang, Cheng Boutaba, 2010). Risk assessment: Physical data storage include a number of risks such as power disruptions, hardware failure, and disputes with vendors. Online backup mitigates risks of business or technical issues. Therefore, companies are required to assess their risks before selecting a suitable cloud storage provider. Security: Use of cloud storage increases the risk of cyber-attack which increases the investment of companies in security data. Integration with other applications: Organisations have to understand different integrations points and how a cloud storage provider will integrate it with other applications. Service-Level Agreements (SLA): An SLA includes different terms and penalty clauses for non-delivery of services by a cloud storage provider. The companies should ensure that SLA includes different clauses which ensure efficiency in data usage (Wu Buyya, 2012). Selecting right provider: The number of CSPs is high which include market leaders such as Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Therefore, organisations should evaluate reliability and pricing of each player before selecting the most suitable one for them. Services offered by Cloud Storage Providers and Examples Following are different services which are offered by CSPs along with examples of each service. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) It provides virtualised computing resources to companies through the internet. It gives access to crucial web architecture which includes servers, connections, storage space with the requirement of companies to purchase or manage the infrastructure (Bhardwaj, Jain Jain, 2010). A good example of IaaS is Amazon EC2 which provides secure and resizable computing capacity of the cloud to corporations, and it makes web-scale cloud computing easier for developers (Amazon, 2018). Platform as a Service (PaaS) If the cloud offers services of a development platform to developers which include services such as web server, programming language execution environment, database and operating system, it is known as PaaS (Beimborn, Miletzki Wenzel, 2011). The Example of PaaS includes Google App Engine which assists developing in building mobile applications and modern web on an open cloud platform (Google, 2018). Software as a Service (SaaS) It is referred as a software distribution model that enables third-party providers to host their applications and to make them available to their customers over the internet. It eliminates the need for companies to install and run the programs or applications on their computers or managing them from their data centres. Use of SaaS eliminates various expenses relating to hardware, acquisition, maintenance, and provisioning, along with software installation, support and licensing (Wohl, 2010). The example of SaaS model is Gmail which is a free web-based e-mail service provided by Google to its customers which enable them to send emails, search specific emails, create a conversational thread, automatic organisation of emails and others. Comparison between Public, Private and Hybrid Cloud Storage Public Cloud Private Cloud Hybrid Cloud Tenancy Data of multiple companies stored in a shared environment. Only a single corporations data is stored. Public cloud stores data in shared environment whereas private cloud data is kept private by a firm (Goyal, 2014). Exposed to public Anyone can access and use the data. Only the company has the access. Services using public cloud can be accessed by anyone whereas applications on private cloud can only be accessed by the firm. Hardware Components CSPs provide and maintain the hardware. Companies have their own administrators for cloud management. Private cloud is managed by the firm whereas public cloud is managed by service providers (Jadeja Modi, 2012). Expenses CSPs bear expenses relating to hardware, maintenance, set-up application, and network accessibility as per SLA. More expensive as expenses bear by the firm itself. Private cloud expenses are managed by the company whereas CSPs manage public cloud expenses. Best Cloud Storage for Volkswagen Volkswagen is a German auto manufacturer company which offer its service worldwide. The best cloud storage option for Volkswagen is SaaS. Use of SaaS can improve supply chain operations of the firm such as supplier synchronisation, advanced shipping notices, reducing management cost, and others. Volkswagen can automate its supply chain functions by making a SaaS application can facilitate services such as sending automated orders to suppliers, sending products to distribution centres, improved communication which leads to better collaboration and others. Benefits and Challenges of using Cloud Storage Benefits Cost efficiency Global access to data Reduced support and hardware needs Greener option than compared to traditional IT infrastructure Challenges Risk of cyber-attack and availability of data The need for reliable and fast internet service Difficulty in change management since trained employees required Conclusion In conclusion, cloud computing is referred as a practice of using a network of remote server that is hosted on the internet for performing various services such as managing, storing, and processing data, instead of using local servers. Before choosing a cloud service provider, companies should consider factors such as cost, risk assessment, SLA, right provider and others. The advantages of cloud computing include cost efficiency, global access, greener option and reduced support and hardware needs. The challenges include risk of cyber-attack and availability of data, dependence on reliable internet, and difficulty in change management. Organisations should evaluate these factors before investing in cloud computing technology which improves their operations and sustains their future growth. References Amazon. (2018). Amazon EC2. Retrieved from https://aws.amazon.com/ec2/ Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, R., Joseph, A. D., Katz, R., Konwinski, A., ... Zaharia, M. (2010). A view of cloud computing.Communications of the ACM,53(4), 50-58. Beimborn, D., Miletzki, T., Wenzel, S. (2011). Platform as a service (PaaS).Business Information Systems Engineering,3(6), 381-384. Bhardwaj, S., Jain, L., Jain, S. (2010). Cloud computing: A study of infrastructure as a service (IAAS).International Journal of engineering and information Technology,2(1), 60-63. Google. (2018). Google App Engine. Retrieved from https://cloud.google.com/appengine/ Goyal, S. (2014). Public vs private vs hybrid vs community-cloud computing: A critical review.International Journal of Computer Network and Information Security,6(3), 20. Jadeja, Y., Modi, K. (2012). Cloud computing-concepts, architecture and challenges. InComputing, Electronics and Electrical Technologies (ICCEET), 2012 International Conference on(pp. 877-880). IEEE. Wohl, A. (2010). Software as a Service (SaaS).The Next Wave of Technologies: Opportunities from Chaos, 97-113. Wu, L., Buyya, R. (2012). Service level agreement (sla) in utility computing systems.IGI Global,15. Zhang, Q., Cheng, L., Boutaba, R. (2010). Cloud computing: state-of-the-art and research challenges.Journal of internet services and applications,1(1), 7-18.