Air Pollution in Malaysia Essay Example

Air Pollution in Malaysia Paper In the fourteenth and fifteenth century, British tax assessors used ownership r occupancy of property to estimate a taxpayers ability to pay. In time the tax came to be regarded as a tax on the property itself. In the United Kingdom the tax developed into a system of rates based on the annual (rental) value of property. The growth of the property tax in America was closely related to economic and political conditions on the frontier. In pre- commercial agricultural areas the property tax was a feasible source of local government revenue and equal taxation of wealth was consistent with the prevailing egalitarian ideology. When the Revolutionary War began, the loonies had well-developed tax systems that made a war against the worlds leading military power thinkable. The tax structure varied from colony to colony, but five kinds of taxes were widely used. Capitation (poll) taxes were levied at a fixed rate on all adult males and sometimes on slaves. Property taxes were usually specific taxes levied at fixed rates on enumerated items, but sometimes items were taxed according to value. Faculty taxes were levied on the faculty or earning capacity of persons following certain trades or having certain skills. Tariffs (imposts) were levied on goods imported or exported and excises were levied on consumption goods, especially liquor. During the war colonial tax rates increased several fold and taxation became a matter of heated debate and some violence. Settlers far from markets complained that taxing land on a per-acre basis was unfair and demanded that property taxation be based on value. In the southern colonies light land taxes and heavy poll taxes favored wealthy landowners. In some cases, changes in the tax system caused the wealthy to complain. We will write a custom essay sample on Air Pollution in Malaysia specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Air Pollution in Malaysia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Air Pollution in Malaysia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In New York wealthy leaders saw the excess profits tax, which had been levied on war profits, as a dangerous example of leveling tendencies. Owners of intangible property in New Jersey saw the tax on intangible property in a similar light. By the end Of the war, it was obvious that the concept Of equality so eloquently stated in the Declaration of Independence had far-reaching implications. Wealthy leaders and ordinary men pondered the meaning of equality and asked its implications for taxation. The leaders often saw little connection among independence, political equality, and the tax system, but many ordinary men saw an opportunity to demand changes. MALAYSIA TAXATION The property tax is a compulsory contribution to be paid by the taxpayer, here the taxpayer in return will receive benefits from the local authorities in the form of tangible and intangible services, community facilities, infrastructures and development projects for their enjoyment . In the context of property tax, enforcement of the tax is intended as a tool to drive the development of areas administered by local authorities. Property tax imposed on the taxpayer is given back by local authorities in the form of services in their respective administrative areas. The imposition of property tax is related to the role of local authorities in developing the area and roving the necessary services and facilities. According to Section 127 to section 163 of the Local Government Act 1976, local authorities are empowered to impose property tax on property owners to carry out the functions and roles of local authorities as an organization which has autonomy over the local populace. The local authorities should ensure that the management of tax collection can be implemented effectively in the development process and services provided appropriately . -2- Local authorities have important responsibilities in carrying out their functions and roles, especially in property tax management to ensure the lifer and amenity of residents can be realized. Fifth local authority is weak and incompetent in handling the management of the property tax it would certainly affect the results of tax collection which is to be used as financing development projects and services provided. In addition, the arrears in property taxes will increase due to poor management and will burden the local authorities. This will have an impact on the quality of work and services performed. The prevalent issue of lower tax revenue in local authorities throughout the country continues to pose a very serious predicament. Complete procedures which have been established in the provisions of the Act will guide local authorities in managing the property tax but the property tax collection performance is still under unsatisfactory level. For example, according to the Economic Report of the Ministry of Finance, revenue of the collection performance in local authorities throughout the country showed a worrying decline in the rate of decrease of 1 1. 7% recorded in 2007 and 0. 3% in 2008. The implications Of the tax reduction has resulted in a deficit spending of ARMS million and RMI , 179 million in 2007 and 2008 due to the Geiger prevailing costs. Collection of property tax revenue statistics generally show the majority of Malaysian local authorities collect property tax of less than 70% of the total taxable amount, while for the collection of property tax arrears show only within As an example, local authorities in the state of Juror and Koala Lumps City Hall (Dean Band Ray Koala Lumps, DOBB) showed that the amount of property tax arrears recorded amounted to about RMI 68 million and ARMOR million in 2009 and this is certainly an issue of concern. This depicts the overall situation of property tax performance of coal authorities in Malaysia which is in a poor condition and has not reach a satisfactory level, where the countrys agenda has set the target and vision to encompass about 70% of communities in Malaysia will be living in municipal areas in the year of 2020. -3- TYPES OF PROPERTY TAX IN MALAYSIA Tax on property was introduced in 1974 under the Land Speculation Tax Act. This Was subsequently replaced with the Real Property Gains Tax Act in November 1975. Although in existence since the mid-ass, the Government pro-actively adjusted the rates of the RPG through the years to cater to the property market conditions. Its natural for most people to react to the reintroduction of RPG, having enjoyed full exemption for a few years previously, however, compared to the original rates of RPG which range up to 30%, the recent hike of up to 10% is actually quite mild. There are several types of property tax in Malaysia and they are as follows . A) Assessment tax B) Quit rent C) Capital gain tax D) Inheritance tax E) Others tax A) ASSESSMENT TAX : Assessment tax is a type of local tax which is only applicable on the residential property. Rate of assessment tax is based on the yearly rental amount of the property on rent. This tax is assessed by the local authorities. Rules and regulations of the assessment tax are as follows : Usually assessment tax has a flat value of This assessment tax is to be paid in two installments. The scope of taxation are for a resident individual is assessable on income derived from sources in Malaysia and income received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia. W. E. F. Y/A 2004 income remitted into Malaysia from overseas by a resident individual, a trust body, a cooperative and a Hindu Joint Family is exempted from income tax. Second, for non-resident individual is assessable only on income derived from sources n Malaysia. Third, for a resident company is assessable on income derived from Malaysia and income remitted to Malaysia from sources outside Malaysia. Starting Year of Assessment 1995 onwards only income derived from Malaysia are taxable. Banking insurance, shipping and air transport businesses are taxed on world income scope. The Imputation Systems is applicable. Fourth, for a non- resident Company is liable to Malaysian tax when it carries on a business through a permanent establishment in Malaysia and is assessable on income derived only from sources within Malaysia. There have two types of resident status : ) First, the resident status of individuals : For tax purposes, the tax residence status is determined by the duration of stay in Malaysia, and is not bound by reference to the nationality or citizenship. If a person stays in Malaysia for at least 182 days (not necessarily consecutive) in a calendar year, he would be treated as a resident. However, there are other conditions where the individual can be treated as a resident even if he stays for less than 1 82 days. An individual is resident in Malaysia in the basis year of assessment if he: is in Malaysia for not less than 1 82 days in the relevant basis year, is in Malaysia for a period of less than 182 days in the basis year and that period is linked to another period where he is continuously in Malaysia for not less than 1 82 days immediately before or after the relevant basis year. Where temporary absence occur, the period of temporary absence can be taken to form part of such period, where he is in Malaysia, immediately prior to or after the temporary absence, -5- is in Malaysia for not less than 90 days (need not be consecutive) in the basis year and is resident or has been in Malaysia for 90 days or more in 3 out of the 4 preceding years of assessment; or has not been in Malaysia in the relevant basis year but he is deemed to be resident in Malaysia in the relevant basis year if he is resident in Malaysia in the following basis year and also in the each of the 3 basis year immediately preceding the relevant basis year . Example 1: Resident Status john arrived in Malaysia on 1. 4. 2003 and stayed on until 15. 11. 2003 (total 229 days). Hence, John is resident for the year of assessment 2003 since he stayed in Malaysia for more than 182 days in the year 2003. 2) Second, the resident status of companies : A company is deemed to be students if at any time during a basis year for a Year Of Assessment, the management and control of its business is exercised in Malaysia. -6- B) QUIT RENT : Quit rent is also a type of local tax. Quit rent tax in imposes on all types of landed properties. This tax is payable annually. The rate of quit tax is 0. 003 to 0. 006 US dollars per square foot.

Asking for Directions in German

Asking for Directions in German In this lesson youll learn German vocabulary and grammar related to going places, asking for simple directions, and receiving directions. This includes useful phrases such as  Wie  komme  ich  dorthin? for How do I get there? Youll find all of this very helpful when traveling in Germany, so lets start the lesson. The Tips You Need to Ask for Directions in German Asking  for directions is easy.  Understanding the torrent of German you may get back is another story. Most German textbooks and courses teach you how to  ask  the questions, but fail to deal adequately with the  understanding  aspect. Thats why we will also teach you some coping skills to help in such situations.   For example, you can ask your question in such a way that it will elicit a simple ja (yes) or nein  (no), or a simple left, straight ahead, or right answer. And dont forget that hand signals always work, no matter the language. Asking Where: Wo  vs.  Wohin German has two question words for asking where. One is wo? and is used when asking the location of someone or something. The other is wohin? and this is used when asking about motion or direction, as in where to. For instance, in English, you would use where to ask both Where are the keys? (location) and Where are you going? (motion/direction). In German these two questions require two different forms of where. Wo  sind die Schlà ¼ssel?  (Where are the keys?)​Wohin  gehen Sie?  (Where are you going?) In English, this can be compared to the difference between the location question wheres it at? (poor English, but it gets the idea across) and the direction question where to? But in German you can only use  wo?  for wheres it at? (location) and  wohin?  for where to? (direction).  This is a rule that cannot be broken. There are times when  wohin gets split in two, as in: Wo gehen Sie hin? But you cant use wo without hin to ask about motion or direction in German, they must both be included in the sentence. Directions (Richtungen) in German Now lets look at some common words and expressions related to directions and the places we might go. This is essential vocabulary that you will want to memorize. Notice that in some of the phrases below, the gender (der/die/das) may affect the article, as in in  die  Kirche (in the church) or an  den  See (to the lake). Simply pay attention to those times when gender changes der  to den  and you should be okay. Englisch Deutsch along/downGo along/down this street. entlangGehen Sie diese Straße entlang! backGo back. zurà ¼ckGehen Sie zurà ¼ck! in the direction of/towards... the train station the church the hotel in Richtung auf... den Bahnhof die Kirche das Hotel left - to the left links - nach links right - to the right rechts - nach rechts straight aheadKeep going straight ahead. geradeaus (guh-RAH-duh-ouse)Gehen Sieimmer geradeaus! up to, untilup to the traffic lightup to the cinema bis zum (masc./neut.)biszur (fem.)bis zur Ampelbiszum Kino Compass Directions (Himmel Srichtungen) The directions on the compass are relatively easy because the German words are similar to their English counterparts. After you learn the four basic directions, you can form more compass directions by combining words, just as you would in English. For example, northwest is  nordwesten, northeast is nordosten, southwest is sà ¼dwesten, etc. Englisch Deutsch north - to the northnorth of (Leipzig) der Nord(en) - nach Nordennà ¶rdlich von (Leipzig) south - to the southsouth of (Munich) der Sà ¼d(en) - nach Sà ¼densà ¼dlich von (Mà ¼nchen) east - to the easteast of (Frankfurt) der Ost(en) - nach Ostenà ¶stlich von (Frankfurt) west - to the westwest of (Cologne) der West(en) - nach Westenwestlich von (Kà ¶ln)

Macroeconomics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Macroeconomics - Term Paper Example More specifically, it is a study of national economies and the determination of national income." According to Wikipedia, "Macroeconomics is the study of the entire economy in terms of the total amount of goods and services produced, total income earned, the level of employment of productive resources, and the general behavior of prices. Macroeconomics can be used to analyze how best to influence policy goals such as economic growth, price stability, full employment and the attainment of a sustainable balance of payments." Macroeconomists build up models that clarify the relationship between such factors as national income, output, expenditure, unemployment, inflation, savings, investment, international trade and international finance. On the other hand, microeconomics is chiefly focused on the procedures of individual agents, such as firms and clients, and how their performance finds prices and quantities in particular markets. In order to try to shun main economic shocks, such as The Great Depression, governments create adjustments through policy changes which they expect will do well in stabilizing the economy. Governments suppose that the achievement of these adjustments is essential to preserve stability and carry on growth. This economic organization is achieved through two types of approaches which are: Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy. While macroeconomics is a wide field of study, there are two areas of study that are representative of the regulation: the effort to realize the causes and consequences of short-run fluctuations in national income which is the business cycle and the effort to realize the determinants of long-run economic increase which is the rise in national income. Macroeconomic models and their forecasts are used by both governments and huge corporations to help in the expansion and assessment of economic strategy and business

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION AND GOVERNANCE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION AND GOVERNANCE - Essay Example Food retailing is a subcategory of the retail industries. The business sector of food retailing is experiencing a dramatic change over these few years. The main driving forces of the retailing industry specifically the food industry are the consumers. They are creating the demand for the products that is increasing the scope for the expansion of this sector of the retail industry. The population growth of the developing countries and the increasing wealth in the hands of the consumers are influencing the rapid growth of these retail industries thus they are attracting more and more investments. (Retail, 2011) However these foreign investments in the food retailing sectors of other countries have certain influence on the economy of the country in which the investment is ultimately being made. The influence may to a certain extent impose a positive driven force for the country’s economy however it may have some adverse consequences. This is the scope of study of this paper. Impa ct of foreign direct investment on food retailing on receiver country’s economy The retail sectors of the modern economy had its base in the traditional retail supermarkets. Then with its emergence in the period of the last eight decades, it spreads slowly in the western region of the European continent and in the United States of America. During the period of their expansion in the Western Europe and United States there was hardly any foreign direct investment made in retails sectors of the economy. The spread of the retail sectors in the developing countries of the world were over five times faster than that in the developed countries in the past. The main reason behind this sudden significant transformation from traditional shops to retail was the huge amount of the foreign direct investment that the retail sector of these developing countries could attract. The expansion of retailing that had been achieved in the United States over the last eight decades had been achieved by the developing economy of Brazil within a period of just two decades only because of the huge rate of foreign investment that were made in the expanding sectors of the emerging economy. Moreover the sub sector of the food supply in the total retailing took more time of adjustments in the retail transformation in the developed economies. However this was an advantage for the sector as food retailing became much better equipped with capital and the support they received from the public sectors of the economies. The scenario of food sector in the developing economies of the world was a bit different. Small firms constitute majority of the food suppliers in the developing countries, which have a relatively low capital base, and lack of support from the public sectors of the countries. The growth of this sub sector of retailing in the developing economies of the world had been mainly due to the increased Foreign Direct Investments in these sectors. The Foreign Direct Investments poss ess the potential of improving the performance of the food retailing in the developing economies. The international expansion of the food retail sector had been substantially due to the investments made in the new emerging markets from the period of the nineties. (Reardon & Hopkins, 2006, p 522-524: McKinsey & Company, n.d, p. 7) The overall impact of the Foreign Direct investment in the food retail sector of the countries especially the developing ones are considered to be positive.

Leadership and People Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership and People Management - Assignment Example His action of consulting each member of the team is very crucial to mention. Every aspects of business operation such as financial, sales, human relations and maintenance operations are considered towards formulating a solution. This leads each involved to participate and form part in the decision making. In financial concerns, he was able to think of the cost and consult for figures that can contribute greatly to the existing alternatives on hand. In sales and human relations, he was able to consider the side of customers and employees respectively. His action leads to a group discussion about the issue that gave everyone a chance to voice their comments and suggestion as far as their responsibility is concerned. The consensus of each member results to output that can be consider and use in the decision making process. This will further combine their opinions and mindset in order to come up with a common decision for all. On the other hand, the ineffective actions of Bud will include of his coming late in the set meeting. Though a reason is provided for his action, a misinterpretation in line with the urgency and value of meeting is possible. He is able to create a discussion among members but no define goals is set for each responsibility. Organization of tasks in order to create a common decision is missing. The opinions, suggestions and comments from the group do not reflect goal setting towards achieving the task. His degree of initiating structure is inadequate, with regards to organizing and delegating responsibility to team members. The establishment of procedures, work timetable, and expected output from members is not evident. The degree of consideration on the other hand is given more emphasis by Mr. Bud. The environment became very warmth and full of support that lead each member to eye the effect on their own area of responsibility only. The focus towards the real issue receives little attention against other concerns that Bud and other member finds more interest, the office party and lunch meeting for instance. The idea of Bud of reaching a decision at a later time and seeking a consultant for the said issue is a result of poor focus on the task to be accomplished. The enthusiasm he shows is not sufficient to lead his members to formulate and come up with a right decision. There is no eagerness on his side to accomplish what is viable even when the time seems to be early. In order for the meeting to be successful, various points should be concerned about and done. Foremost is the setting of the meeting environment and work ethic, Bud should give the meeting schedule of high importance that a crucial decision needs to take place, and that his punctuality should be observed on the set schedule. In this connection, the rest of the team will be aware of the significance of the situation and this will entice goal setting and increase drive to accomplish them. As far as every aspect of the operation is concern, every detail should be considered in the process of decision making. In terms of financial issue, Bud should foresight every figure that will count. The decision to be developed should have that capability to deal with possible implications in the future and the cost benefit analysis should be given emphasis. Customers being regarded as the

Challenges Faced By The Shipping Industry Economics Essay

Challenges Faced By The Shipping Industry Economics Essay Today, the shipping industry is still facing a hard period due to macro economic conditions. Most of the shipping entities are struggling to survive these difficult times. There are clear signs of economic recovery in the other sector but on contrary maritime industry has not shown any such indication of recovery form effects of havoc created by the latest economic tsunami. Seaborne trade is uncertain and that some challenging lie ahead for shipping and international seaborne trade. These challenges are further compounded by other developments of some regulations concern in the problem of maritime safety and the protection of marine environment. What kinds of current challenges to the maritime industry related to economic and development of maritime regulations, and how the maritime industry cope with those challenges will be described base on the reference studies. Challenges Facing from Economic Point of View The global maritime industry has presently been reeling under the impact of the ongoing economic crisis. It is expected to experience a few years of decline due to the overcapacity of ships, and a substantial reduction of shipment, resulting in a drop in tariffs. Overall, the shipping industry is witnessing a new trend of consolidation. Smaller companies, which are asset heavy, are merging with larger organizations in order to survive these difficult times. Observations indicate that the prospect of considerable improvements in trade volumes before the end of 2010 is unlikely. It can be safely assumed that the shipping industry will learn its lessons and emerge stronger from the current economic crisis. However, there is still a long way to go, at least three years, before the shipping industry bounces back to its earlier prosperous times and freight rates are rationally stabilized. (Frost Sullivan, 2010). Challenges Facing from Development of Maritime Regulations Most companies in this domain are struggling with the problem of positive cash flow. The major challenges facing the shipping industry not only stem from the economic standpoint, but also arise from strict enforcement of emission regulations and increasing safety and security issues. The Rotterdam rules are expected to replace the old Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg rules. These regulations will provide fresh and fair legal rights to shippers and other cargo-interested parties. Shipping lines and terminal operators will be exposed to new legal claims system for damages, stolen goods, and shipment delays. The criminalization of seafarers is a prominent issue clouding the industry landscape. Seafarers are subjected to severe penalties and punitive charges for acts that have nothing to do with criminal negligence. In addition, carbon emission is a matter that will ultimately determine the future of the shipping industry. Emission control measures require the fitting of detectors and mak ing expensive changes in the machinery deployed on board. This exerts additional pressure on the shipping organizations that are already struggling. How Maritime Industry Cope with those Challenges Under the current circumstances, collaboration shows the way forward. Additionally, companies must look internally to eliminate non-value adding activities. Removing non-value-added waste or Muda from their value chains and focusing on customer satisfaction, which assumes greater importance during these testing times, has the potential to help companies to stay out of the red. Port authorities and operators must optimize utilization of existing capacities rather than building new ones and dealing with excessive idle capacities. Ramping up infrastructure capabilities to cater to regional needs will eventually lead to profitable operations. This applies to shipping companies that should strategically analyze the profit earned on each route, and reduce the number of services on the route where trade volumes are severely down. For survival in the shipping market, it is essential to maintain the flexibility required to take advantage of any emerging opportunities and to act on available m arket intelligence, says the analyst (Frost Sullivan, 2010). Major financial benefits will be associated with well-timed market activity the probability of shipping companies achieving the latter will be markedly improved through the undertaking of regular appraisals of markets and market prospects. Frost Sullivan. (2010). Maritime Industry: Strategic Insight into Current Issues and Future Outlook, from the World Wide Web: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/1197139/ Review of maritime transport Against the background of a global financial crisis and economic downturn, growth in seaborne trade continued, although at a slower rate. While demand fell, the supply of new vessels continue to grow as the result of vessel orders placed before the financial crisis. It leds to an oversupply of tonnage and a decline in vessel prices. Prices for scrap metal in 2009 remain very low and many vessel owners have preferred to hold on and lay off their ships, hoping for better times to come. As a consequence of falling demand and increased supply, freight rates have fallen from their 2008 highs. The great number of disturbing incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships particularly off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden have become an increasing concern not only for the maritime industry that is heavily affected by these incidents, but also for international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations. In the field of maritime and supply-chain security, efforts to implement and refine relevant legal instruments and standards are ongoing. Noteworthy environment related developments include IMOs continued commitment to making progress in a number of areas, including in relation to reducing emissions of greenhouses gases from international shipping and in its work towards the establishment of a relevant global regime. Assessing the costs of climate change impacts on ports and, more generally, supply chains, was seen as important. Understanding the implications for trade and development especially for developing countries needed to be enhanced and relevant studies should be carried out Climate change mitigation in maritime transport and the need to adapt to climate change impacts posed a particular challenge for geographically disadvantaged landlocked countries with significant population, especially for their already volatile trade and development prospects. In that context, further attention should be focused on the impact of potential mitigation measures and adaptation requirements for the trade and development prospects of landlocked developing countries, as well as LDCs [least developed countries]. In that context, financial and technical assistance, as well as capacity-building, were important. Having come through what many have described as the worst year in its history, the global maritime industry is looking towards better days. While the going remains challenging, there are positive signs that portend hope for the future. Freight rates are heading up on a strengthening global economy. The supply overhang of ships is less severe than earlier feared because of order cancellations and deferments, and slow steaming. The improved sentiment is trickling down to other sectors of the maritime industry. As we face the challenges in the year ahead, we see some encouraging signs of the world economy bottoming out and progress on a slow road to recovery. - Climate change is happening and its impacts are already being felt, in particular in the more vulnerable countries. Unchecked, climatic changes can reach tipping points resulting in disastrous and irreversible consequences for humanity. The wide-ranging impacts of climate change and their potential implications for development underscore the need for integrating climate considerations into development and transport planning and strategies. Thus, urgent, concerted and considered action is required at all levels to ensure effective control of GHG emissions and establish the requisite adaptive capacity, especially in developing countries. Like other economic sectors, maritime transport, which is vital to globalized trade, has a role to play in addressing this challenge. At the same time, access to cost-efficient and sustainable international transport services must be safeguarded and enhanced -especially for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. Against this background, and to contribute to the debate, deliberations at the meeting may help identify relevant policy actions that serve the purpose of climate change mitigation and adaptation in maritime transport without undermining transport efficiency and trade facilitation gains. One objective of the meeting is to gain a clearer vision of the format, scope and content of a potential new regime on GHG emissions from international shipping and help ascertain the economic and policy implications of various mitigation measures, including on trade competitiveness of developing countries. To this end, and with a view to providing substantive policy guidance in the context of UNFCCC conference in December 2009, discussions are expected to help, inter alia: (a) Assess impacts on/implications for transportation systems, in particular ports and ships; (b) Improve the understanding of required adaptation measures; (c) Explore the potential for synergies between transport and trade facilitation measures and climatepolicy, including in relation to technology; (d) Outline best practices in terms of mechanisms used to integrate climate change considerations into transportation policy, land use planning, as well as infrastructure investment decisions, and development strategies; and (e) Identify current climate change-driven cooperation mechanisms between maritime industry stakeholders and explore their potential expansion in developing countries. Maritime transport is a service rarely in demand for its own characteristics. As the demand for products increase, so the demand for transport facilities increases. Factors determining demand for maritime transport are: condition; price; competition; affordability; speed; quality; standards; comfort; reliability and most importantly safety and security. Marine transport encompasses all forms of transport by sea, intermodal links and inland ports but has certain fundamental differences from other modes of transport. Firstly it caters to a large degree for the freight market. Secondly, as it operates in an international environment, it is influenced by considerable competition and standards. Trends, developments and challenges to the Maritime Transport The international nature of maritime transport renders its vulnerable to the ever-changing world scene and this is a major challenge to the industry as tabulated below. 2.1 Globalization The freer movement of people, goods and information characterizes todays globalised world. It is a more interrelated world, whereby the actions in one part of the world have implications elsewhere. In tandem with the expansion of trade is the elevation of the importance of shipping as the major catalyst of global trade. The case in point is, mega shipping conglomerates and alliances, as well as global terminal operators exercise increasing power on global trade, the maritime transport sector and shipping matters at large. At the same time, there is concern that the forces of liberalization and competition sweeping through the maritime sector might compromise shipping standards. Challenges: be proactive in identifying trends and developments affecting maritime transport be comprehensive and inclusive in our approach to maritime matters be effective and efficient in responding to maritime trends, developments and incidents, within the framework of the IMO involve relevant government departments and stakeholders in the formulation and adoption of policy 2.2 Heightened maritime safety concerns Enhancing maritime safety through ensuring that each link in the chain of responsibility fully meets its obligations is a priority for the maritime community as a whole. An effective maritime administration is critical in ensuring an effective and efficient maintenance of maritime safety standards through proper co-ordination. Challenges: The challenge is to enhance technical, operational and safety management standards. A further challenge is to identify and evaluate factors influencing a safety culture and to turn them into practical and effective mechanisms for further developing a quality and safety culture throughout the maritime community. An existence of an effective and efficient SAMSA is critical in the enforcement of maritime safety standards. 2.3 Heightened maritime security concerns The unfortunate events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America changed the manner and approach in which matters of maritime security were handled. The collective approach by the IMO in developing and adopting maritime security policies and measures has meant that shipping will no longer be the same again. There are equally growing concerns that the new measures should not unduly affect the efficiency of shipping and port operations, more so in an interconnected world highly dependent on sea-borne trade. The entire maritime community is hard at work to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the ISPS Code and changes to SOLAS. Challenges: The challenge is to promote the effective implementation of the new security measures, to instill a security consciousness in ship and port facility operations and at the same time, ensure the right balance is struck with trade facilitation, and that sea borne trade will continue to be smooth and efficient. 2.4 Heightened environmental consciousness There is growing public intolerance to environmental pollution from shipping incidents as experienced from several accidents. There is also heightened concern over the impact of global shipping activities on the environment, giving impetus to efforts, such as ensuring the preservation of aquatic systems and not allowing the introduction of harmful substances from ships in the marine environment. Challenges: The challenge in line with the global emphasis on sustainable development, is to be proactive in identifying and addressing maritime and shipping activities that could have an adverse impact on the environment; and To develop effective responses to maritime incidents to mitigate the impact on the environment, should they occur. 2.5 Safety of people at sea In line with the IMOs fundamental principle to protect the lives of all those at sea, the advent of large passenger ships with capacities of several thousand persons, and the continuing loss of seafarers lives at sea have heightened concerns over the safety of human life at sea and the success of search and rescue operations in case of distress. Such concerns include the safe operation of ships and whether current response capabilities to deal with emergencies are adequate. Challenge: The challenge is to ensure all that systems and infrastructure related to ensuring the safety of life at sea are adequate, including the welfare of persons working at sea and in ports. We need an effective and efficient MRCC5 2.6 Shifting emphasis onto people Human performance in all sections of the maritime industry is a major cause of maritime incidents. Advances in technology affecting the human element offer new opportunities that we can harness to enhance the human element in safer shipping. Challenge: Is to increase emphasis on the human element in safer and more secure shipping, port operations and continuously improve measures to enhance human performance in the maritime industry. 2.7Technology as a major driving force for change in the maritime transport sector Technological developments particularly in communications and information provide better opportunities for knowledge management to increase transparency and accessibility to information. Care should however be taken with regard to possible negative consequences that technology could bring. Challenges: To ensure that when adopting technological developments, they enhance maritime safety, security efficiency and protection of the environment; Ensure the proper application of technology in information management and provide enhanced access to that information by the shipping industry and others.

Nothing in Common :: Personal Narrative Essays

Nothing in Common    After 19 years of marriage I decided it was time to try living on my own. It took another year and a half for me to actually do it. I had married my husband when I was barely out of high school and promptly gave birth to three sons in rapid succession. I won't go into the details of those 19 years. My husband was a good husband and an okay father. After about 10 years I realized that we were two completely different people with absolutely nothing in common except for our sons.    Moving out was the most devastating and liberating thing that I ever did. I first set myself up in a small above-garage apartment. I had no furniture except my bed and my computer. My first night there I sat in the empty living room listening to the sirens in downtown Lake Worth, a far cry from the peaceful cocks crowing in Jupiter Farms. The emotions running through me were a strange and horrible mix of elation, sorrow, and fear. What had I done?    After a few weeks I began to settle in. I had a full-time job with FPL, I saw my sons often, and I discovered the joy of solitude - something I hadn't known in a very long while with three boys and their friends always under foot. In the mornings I would have a cup of coffee on my balcony and then take a walk to the Intercoastal, which was only two blocks from my apartment. My chaotic soul started to slowly heal and slow down to a peaceful pace.    In the silence of that apartment I had plenty of opportunity to look hard at myself. I took advantage of the silence and finished writing the two books on healthcare and childcare in the late 1800's that I had barely begun a few years before. Those two books were published a year later. I renewed my love of poetry and spent hours reading the works of Pound, Rich, Atwood, and others. I decided to return to college.    I spent four months in my sanctuary over the garage. Then I went home. Everyone thought I would be the same, that life would be the same.